BinaryBlues

As a result of this discussion and as a newbie interested in contributing, here's an idea for an addition to the Premium Membership: How about the option to upload a read-only PDF file of scanned paper logs onto the cache page available for viewing. There could be an additional option under the “Navigation” section for those. I suppose the CO would have to choose to do this after performing maintenance on the cache when it’s time to place a new log book inside. This sort of blends and archives a potential 10-year old paper log book (which would otherwise be destined for natural degradation over time or loss due to other factors such as being filled up and replaced by CO) and the online log (easy to read, automatically sorted chronologically, includes pictures, etc). Think of it this way. Today, if the CO removes a completed log book with all that history and juicy stories with a fresh one, those experiences are gone to any new visitors who might like to see it. Premium Member would have that additional benefit of checking out the archived paper log online for nostalgiic purposes.

Briansnat, I have to wonder if the digital age is just taking precedence over handwriting within paper logs. Rather than think this is a discouraging thing that people are choosing to share less and less over the years on the paper logs, perhaps people are more comfortable instead writing about it on the official forums here or in their online logs where the log where the log will never get muggled or saturated with rain/mud. Ten years ago, the internet was a totally different place. People are more comfortable here than with a piece of paper in front of them. People who post nothing on either place… you are right; it is a shame.

Cool idea. Counterpoint: on average, doesn't the person who is FTF generally get the best SWAG from the CO who initially hid it? If I hide a cache, I cant see the reason why I would not put something good in there as long as Im relatively confident it is in a muggle-free area. What Im saying is, the FTF should be getting the better treasure and therefore bragging rights. Post the treasure online and gloat that way.

I really appreciate the responses and the insight about this topic. L0ne R, that is truly an inspiring collection you’ve got there and I will check out the Moleskin knock-off. The logs that I have found so far were crumpled bits of paper and/or crammed into a tiny container thus leaving no room for anyone to share more than a quick name and date. I live near Milwaukee and there are some choice spots on the beaches and parks along Lake Michigan I have come to explore over my years living here that I can’t wait to place a cache for people to check out. I too believe that taking some pride in each cache placed in important. I wonder if the trouble with placing decent logs within hides is simply due to the fear of stuff being muggled. I’ll probably have to find some more remote caches to uncover any quality ones.

I think just about every hobby has a dollar amount attached to it. From bird-watching to knitting to video games, there is some upkeep necessary for all to continue interest in the activity. The SWAG found in caches, along with the thrill of the hunt and the actual discovery, should help fuel the “Reward system” that comes with a satisfying experience. So far, Ive spent only the money for a tablet that I use to hunt in addition to inconsequential swag placed in two micro containers. I have no qualms placing cedent swag in caches I find or hide and I certainly think that any gas money should not be factored into the game as an expense. Travelling to a cache is part of the hunt. If the drive is enjoyable, it is time well spent. if a cache is found/point earned at the end, well that’s the icing on the cake regardless of how much it costs.

I'm new to Geocaching and I don’t yet fully understand the concept of the paper logs within the caches. I’ve found a cache yesterday in which the paper log was really a series of crumpled 3-inch pages. I started to unfold them all, organize chronologically, and then refold them, but I gave up halfway through. Considering the maintenance required on the paper logs contained within each cache and the “real” logs we post onto the Geocaching website where we can also add a story to the log, what is the real purpose of the paper? What do cache owners do with the paper logs once they are filled? I’m considering added a cache of my own soon in a place that I find interesting and beautiful. Do I consider the paper log sort of like a trophy list or do Cache owners toss them anyway? Some insight would help me. Thanks.

I'm still really new, but the concept of finding first of all, something hidden and maybe even some treasures is very exciting to me. Of the two caches I've found so far, neither cache had anything inside other than a log close to needing maintenance. Part of the thrill is the possibility of finding something cool so in one cache I put a quarter (fit the theme of the clue and size of the cache). In the other, I was scrounging for something good, but all I had was a baby's toy. A small treasure to make up for shuffling a badly deteriorated log or cleaning out any trash keeps the game fresh, however it is understandable that no real-world value usually goes into the caches that have a higher volume of muggle traffic. If I were to plant a very remote cache, I would have no hesitation putting five bucks in there as a prize for the FTF. Consider that we are of a unique community of hobbyists that that already require a piece of somewhat expensive tech in order to participate. Factoring that, placing trash or foliage in a cache goes against the idea of the game.