maxx borchovski

FWIW, I have a little Web app that converts between GC code and cache ID number (which is the numeric value of the cache page in creation order): It's here. Thanks for that link, given me an idea for a puzzle cache once the weather improves.

I like watching this kind of video, it is giving me ideas for my next hide. I do however make sure the cache video I'm watching is not for any of the caches I'm ever likely to visit. Also the videos are all labelled as spoilers, so you know what you are watching before you click play. Each cache page has a spoiler hint on it that could potentially spoil your experience, but you don't click on the decrypt button until you need to see the hint, same with the videos. Also some people play this game for the numbers and a time consuming puzzle container just slows them down, going forearmed with opening hints / instructions allows them to play their game just that little bit faster.

If I have the ability to rate every cache with a number based on my opinion, then as a conscientious cacher I would make an effort to rate it accordingly. But on what do I base my vote? The location? The container? The journey there? There are a lot of variables to consider and if we all prioritise these factors differently then how does the next reader interpret my vote? Also my perception of what makes a good cache is different from you. I like looking at architecture, both good and bad, so many urban caches would be voted up on my finds, yet if you were to visit expecting a good cache you might be disappointed by the magnetic nano on the road sign. So how to distinguish good caches? I read the logs, if there is a good cache the logs usually identify what makes it good. I think what we should be trying to do is educate cachers into making more informative log entries. I know mine could be better and as a noob I'm trying to refine my logging skills. If you would like to introduce a star rating system, then maybe use multiple voting categories, that way you could vote according to what aspect you liked. But I maintain that the system would still not provide accurate information as a lot of cahers still only post TFTC so can you trust their votes?

I've only got a couple of caches hidden so far and thought about adding the description and hints in a couple of different languages to attract more visitors. What languages do you think I should use, without having to add all of them. I was thinking German, French and Dutch. Any suggestions? Also, to the dual language speakers in the forum, how accurate is Google translate for this process?

DING Fruit flies in a V2

I'd contact the police. Chances are they do this or similar scams on a regular basis.

nope, Leika was the first to go into orbit.

One problem with open reviews is like the star rating is that anyone can click on any rating. Friends are asked to bump the score. Rivals may vote 1 to lower a rating. Bored reviewers will probably be random with their clicks after the cut n paste TFTC log. The beauty of favorite points are that they are a limited resource and most people will only use them when they perceive a cache deserves it. I currently have 2 unspent fave points, although I have been to some good caches recently, nothing stood out for me, so I will hang on to them until I find a cache worth spending the points on. Personally I think a star rating system is a very blunt tool and another statistic waiting to cause arguments.

Wow, that was a guess. So my question... What was the first animal ever sent into space? (Bonus points if you can tell me what type of transport took them there)

Mine goes way back to a name I used in a computer game, I made a lot of friends through the game community and the name stuck. I used it in different games, made more friends and as the name gets used so much online, when I get together with online friends in real life, it's weird when they use my real name so we all use the name Maxx, in fact only my family and work colleagues use my real name now. Even my wife says it sounds weird when she calls me by my real name.

Without the context of the thread it is hard to say who was right, but in reality if two people are arguing over something silly and two community members call them out on it, then fair enough. If you are doing something stupid then expect to be called stupid or have your actions labeled stupid. If they happen to be reviewers then so what, they have a right to express an opinion just like the rest of the community. As long as the opinion is expressed within the guidelines of the forum then I cannot see a problem.

Looks like fun, except my location is completely red, so nothing left to do

hawaii?

There is a cache near me that I have tried for a couple of times. I know exactly where the cache is supposed to be, what the container is (was) and took photos of the hide location. I recorded a DNF as I didn't find it. Once the CO replaces the container I'll make the long walk back to the cache to log it. I don't see the point in logging a found it when I didn't just because its a long walk or trip. One cache (luckily a few hundred yards from my home) took me 8 visits till I could post a found it. If I remember correctly the only photolog I submitted was one where I was 40+ miles from home and my pen broke (no spares) so took photo of log and the container in my hand and contacted the CO with explanation, who accepted my find. Logging a find when you didn't is only cheating yourself.

How about looking at the logs for the caches in the area you are visiting. Look for the prolific cachers who write good log entries and then contact them. Tell them that you are there on vacation and don't speak the language and are looking for a caching buddy and would they be interested? Perhaps a good way to meet new friends?

So with the impending weather chaos predicted with the snowstorms approaching from the Atlantic on Friday, who is still planning on going out cache hunting this weekend? Maybe post some photos of the snow from your caching expeditions.

Even with their logo it only dawned on me that is what HMV stood for a couple of years ago. It was a real Homer moment.

Not, they are still around. I am talking about those unknown cache challenges...ie find a cache in 51 states of USA. (I do know that GS shut down the other type of challenges which its a "virtual" type of caching and I am not talking about those) I see, well if the OP is going to claim that type of cache then I can see a problem. But if the OP is just doing normal caches then I don't see a problem, after all your statistics are only really important to yourself.

I'd do the above but keep the ring with me, just write the proposal as a simple puzzle and make sure she finds the cache. As she solves the puzzle whip out the ring and drop to one knee. Or simply write the proposal using a bit of poetic language, make sure she finds the cache and have the ring ready. The other idea I had was to find a location in or around the campsite and set up a cache, but find a location where you can hide a lot of people nearby, then invite all your caching friends and family to the engagement party. Hide the party at the cache location and once she finds the cache and you do the proposal, the party pops out from it's hiding places and you all celebrate together. Good luck though and let us know how you it went.

It's a game, if you choose to play your game with one account then that is great. I wouldn't worry about anyone's opinion on the matter. If we were to analyse team caching with a pedantic eye, then if two people are searching for a cache and one finds it, they should in reality quietly sign the log then rehide it without telling the other cacher. If they both claim the find, then one of them could be claimed to have 'cheated' as they didn't actually find the cache. But as team caching is accepted and there are no formal rules on how teams must conduct their activities, I say anything goes. Challenges are gone so that argument is invalid. Enjoy your caching is the first rule of this game, take from it what makes you happy and remember you cannot win this game, its all about the journey.

The two puzzle caches that I have solved / found didn't have any form of geochecker on the page. The first one was easy as I know the area very well and was happy to go there, confident in my solution. The second one I solved / found was harder as one of the clue objects no longer exists, so with 99% of the solution (the solution was missing one number from the west coords) and google maps I managed to pin down the cache location to one of ten possible solutions. My first mystery cache didn't have a geochecker on until a couple of people suggested it as one of the puzzles could be solved in different ways, so the checker helped clarify the solution and saved people potentially trespassing, despite the cache page stating that the final coords didn't lead to private land. I see the benefit of geochecker but can see why it wouldn't always reflect an accurate measure of solved to found logs.

when you do a search for caches in your area, the results table column 'Info' has an icon in for travel bug or geo coins etc (not the wrench)

roll up a lottery ticket?

If we can't get some cachers to write more than SL TFTC, would you really trust the rating they gave the cache, if they even bothered to rate it in the first place?

It's a little less paranoid over here in the UK. As to the litter picking, for us we are free to take it to the town waste management facility (dump). With the health and safety obsession over here, every tom, dick and harry have to wear hi-vis when close to roads, so it's not unusual to see people in that type of attire, not just public servants. Personally I've only really used a disguise on the most public of urban caches.