Marko Ramius

The "Commercial Solicitation" is a touchy subject for sure and like all of the Guidelines, is subject to the interpretation of the local reviewers. In my short stint as a reviewer, I have seen caches that directly or indirectly promoted the most worthy of charitable causes (MADD, Heart Assn., AIDS Walk), but IMHO several of these caches crossed the line. I usually just ask the cache owner to tone it down a bit and remove the "solicitation" aspect of the listing. Similarly, I can see how one reviewer would view the Homer series as crossing the line. My personal view is that this series is right on the edge of the line for commercial solicitation, primarily because there is nothing special about any of the "hides" and there isn't much of anything else to the theme of the cache other than the "Home Depot" theme. I usually let go those types of caches that say something like, "This is a great place to get a burger..." so long as there is enough non-soliciting content to the theme of the cache. The Belly Timber series is an good example of that, where there are references to restaurants that Barbados Sam seems to like, but the primary purpose of the caches is to demonstrate some evil cammo and to incorporate pirate talk into the theme. So I guess the SoCal view of things from the perspective of a relatively new reviewer is that some passing reference to something commercial is probably OK so long as the primary theme of the cache is non-commercial in nature. And for all you "Homer" lovers out there, I guess you are sad to see them go. But from the perspective of a reviewer, these caches certainly weren't helping me much when it came time to explain to another cacher why their listing had to be toned down on the basis of "commercial solicitation."

So did James. Since there are four caches maybe they could split them 2 and 2. Also James has done the series so he knows where the missing caches are supposed to go. I could help Richard replace them too since I have done the series. Anyhow, thanks to James and Richard for contacting wiseguy to revive this fun series! Since my primary objective is to see that this series continues, I have no objection if Richard wants to take all four. I am willing to help, though. So if that means taking two of them or helping Richard to restablish the missing ones, I stand ready. Not to dampen the enthusiasm, but the preferred approach for most caches that have gone missing and have been archived is to replace them with an entirely new listing. I know the Sea-To-Sea Challenge series has been treated a little differently because of its historical value and the fact that there are 25-caches in a series. But generally speaking, caches that have been muggled and then archived should stay that way if the cache owner has left town or gone inactive. This frees up the location for a brand new cache placement. Since this series was such a hit, perhaps it would be better for its fans to re-create it rather than trying to resurrect it... Good idea Marko! Criss-Cross is still there so you could leave that one because it was fun to solve! Anyhow, I'd be willing to participate in a new extended series by placing a new "As the Cow Flies" cache somewhere with you other guys... Bummer. I am agreeing with the nostalgic group to "resurrect" it. It's only been archived a few days and only 'cause the owner did not realize other cachers would be interested in adopting it. I like the idea of adopting/"resurrecting" it 'cause it its originality qualities are retained and provides a sense of accomplishment for the original hider. To me it cheapens the caching experience to go back and re-find the same cache but with a new GC #. OK, back on topic! Nothing wrong with wiseguy asking for his caches to be unarchived and then he could adopt them off to whomever wants them. They could be left temporarily unavailable until the maintenance issues are resolved and then enabled by the new owner...

So did James. Since there are four caches maybe they could split them 2 and 2. Also James has done the series so he knows where the missing caches are supposed to go. I could help Richard replace them too since I have done the series. Anyhow, thanks to James and Richard for contacting wiseguy to revive this fun series! Since my primary objective is to see that this series continues, I have no objection if Richard wants to take all four. I am willing to help, though. So if that means taking two of them or helping Richard to restablish the missing ones, I stand ready. Not to dampen the enthusiasm, but the preferred approach for most caches that have gone missing and have been archived is to replace them with an entirely new listing. I know the Sea-To-Sea Challenge series has been treated a little differently because of its historical value and the fact that there are 25-caches in a series. But generally speaking, caches that have been muggled and then archived should stay that way if the cache owner has left town or gone inactive. This frees up the location for a brand new cache placement. Since this series was such a hit, perhaps it would be better for its fans to re-create it rather than trying to resurrect it...

Why is Marco Ramius in that picture with her? And what is he staring at, hasn't he ever seen a pen before? Give me a ping, Vasily. One ping only please!

Based on the information posted by Toby's Gang and several incidents with the MP at MCAS Miramar, several of the caches on the rim trail have been archived. I recognize that various maps show differing boundary lines, but the MPs of Miramar have confronted several cachers and insisted that they leave the rim trial because of the possibility of errant live fire rounds from their training exercises. This is a situation where any error should be on the side of caution, so I am asking that all caches on the rim trail that are farther north from A Cache Too Far? by T. R. Violin (GCR9RJ) be removed and no new caches placed on that trail. The northerly caches in Spring Canyon (down below the rim trail) are probably OK for now, but nothing past "DELIVERANCE" by the BBB by bradybunchboys (GCVKVB) should be placed. That pretty much closes the trails north of 52 to new cache placements, which is probably a good thing based on overall cache density considerations. Thank you for your understanding and for your contributions to geocaching. Marko Ramius Volunteer Cache Reviewer

It would appear that the game has been concluded with the team of Duncan! and Gobolts! completing the challenge and winning the prize. Any other competitors wishing to protest their victory, speak now or forever hold your peace. Protest period ends at noon tomorrow, Friday April 14, 2006. -MR Less than a week and they covered a lot of territory: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Dancing Men (FTF) Adrenaline Cache Peanuts Cache Red Rocks Two Crows Forbidden Forest/Anna's Birthday Cache Mississippi River Cache/Know Your Friends The Hunt For Red October Super-Secret Dan-oh Cache Letters To Santa Three Sisters - Scripps (FTF) Pirate's Treasure! Congrats!

Duncan!, Gobolts! and tigger's mango are running away with it. Anyone else seriously in the game?

The Game Is ON! Comrades/Enemies Geocoins