ArcherDragoon

Physical caches can be logged online as "Found" once the physical log has been signed. An exception is Challenge Caches, which may only be logged online after the log is signed and the challenge tasks have been met and documented to the cache owner as per instructions on the published listing. Other than documenting a Challenge Cache, physical caches cannot require geocachers to contact anyone. For physical caches all logging requirements beyond finding the cache and signing the log are considered additional logging requirements (ALRs) and must be optional. Cache finders can choose whether or not to attempt or accomplish such tasks. This is a guideline change that applies to all logs written since April 4, 2009. If you own an existing cache with mandatory additional logging requirements, we request that you: Review your own cache listing to see if the ALR can be made into a simple, optional task, or whether it must be removed altogether. Edit the text of your cache listing and, if necessary, contact a reviewer to change the cache type. Cease deleting logs based on ALRs. http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=309 Additionally... A challenge cache is a variation of a puzzle cache that enhances the geocaching experience. It will typically require the cacher to meet a reasonable and positive Geocaching-, Waymarking- or Wherigo-related qualification. If you are thinking of creating such a cache, please review the additional specifications in our Knowledge Book article.

Very good point made...if it is long, be sure to state that in the description. Most multi-caches I have experienced at 2 or 3 stages...and I guess (naively) I go into new ones expecting about the same...

Jeremy found [Traditional Cache] Board Walken Saturday, 25 August 2012Washington W W 1474.9 mi from your home location The coordinates were off a bit but the pirate crew prevailed on this one. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/log.aspx?LUID=cfb78216-a27c-4c08-a572-3e5cbbe78c10

IBTL

Maybe overly simplified...but my thoughts on First-to-Find is that it is a race and all the "glory" goes to how ever gets there first. It also depends on the community...if highly competitive, then it will be tough. I tired hard for my first...after that, I stopped...but I snag them once in a while...but not by trying...just pure luck. That being said, I don't log them as First-to-Finds...just as regular old finds... It has been pointed out many times...instant notifications don't arrive at the same time for everyone either.

Unless it is under a pile of rocks in the woods...

This one played out pretty much the way I expected it too based on the Reviewer Notes recently added to the pages. While mistakes do happen, I believe Reviewers do an excellent job of reviewing caches. Since they were published (these particular caches), I had full confidence that based on the info available to Reviewers, the caches could be published. Keep in mind, however, they are called "Reviewers" and "Publish" caches...and no longer "Approvers" who "Approve" caches. The status of the caches have been left completely in your hands...do what you feel is best.

30 seconds? Every time you log a DNF, the cache owner gets an email AND your log shows up on other cacher's GPSs. Although it may technically be correct to log a DNF if you only searched for 30 seconds, I would say logging it is a waste of everybody's time. You log a DNF on one of my caches...after only looking 30 seconds...I will say you have not wasted my time. I appreciate you looking (regardless of how long or short) and taking the time to at least let me and others know you gave it a shot. It at least offers me some info to reflect on and make a decision if the cache needs a check or not. Some can be found in under 30 seconds...and some cannot...but I appreciate all logs that are offered.

Same as Isonzo stated...I think I don't understand...but, also keep in mind it is 500 people...not 500 Geocaching Accounts...but each member of the team needs to "sign-in". So, a sign-in sheet is about the simplest way to show 500 people attended the event. (of course...I most likely over-simplified the situation...but...just offering my understanding as it where...worth no more than the paper it is printed on )

There...now that I have posted in this thread...I have vicariously found all the caches you all found... Man...do I have a lot of logging to do!!! Sorry...I just wanted a reason to use "Vicariously" in my post. Either way, it is your cache...but I would send an email as well. Give them some time (a week or so) to delete it themselves...

Actually the cache owners field is not free form. It is controlled by the system and *does* reflect the cache owners name. What is free form is the Cache Placed by field. The owners name has been changed when you adopted. Simply click on the A cache by on the listing and it will take you to the cache owner's profile. lol...semantics!!! Either way...what the OP "describes" about the "real life" adoption process is very similar to the geocache process...everthing is "assigned" to the new owner...but nothing changes until the new owner takes the correct actions. So...as the new owner, you can change anything you want on the cache page (and/or the actual cache) now that it is yours. Posts above have detailed how to do it and have pointed out the most common way of "crediting" the original owner of the cache...

Brayto is Out...for being an overachiever!!! The only reason to get a Premium Membership is for Off-Topic...all other items and abilities are just bonus!!! (PS...that mean I should get it in order to extend my premium membership...I am the 1%!!!)

I have had a couple of my puzzle caches found because some were trying to place caches...so, it goes both ways...

It really wasn't High Expectations as you put it...it is more about the difference in what you have experienced with a phone GPS versus a dedicated unit. Many phone GPS units do not update "continuously" as many dedicated units do (even between makes and model, dedicated units will behave differently). Phone units tend to have a bit of lag so you don't see that "swing" that you experienced with. So, yes, what you experienced is normal...a bit of a learning curve in how two very different pieces of technology react in the same situation.

That was exactly the reaction I was looking for...and...I react the same way when I hear it...it was very difficult to actually use the term **shudder**

Dang Muggles!!! (Sorry...had to do it...just had to...)

Have you seen the look on people's face that do not know how to use a GPS Unit...they clearly lack a skill. Thus, Muggle they will remain...course...I prefer Muggler...but whatever...

Consider yourself part of the "Cool Kids" 'cause others want your stuff and move on...unless you spent an extravagant amount of money on the cache; it isn't something to get worked up about (but it would be a great story to tell your grandkids about)

Just one example of an unfortunate usage: There are cachers who deduce from the fact that someone has viewed their cache several times, but has not visited it, that he/she might be an eligible candidate for having stolen a missing cache. Another is making public which persons are viewing certain caches many times or being contacted about a puzzle cache in an unsolicited manner. I also would not like that someone automatically deduces that I'm working on a puzzle cache and it is either difficult or I'm silly based on the amount of time that lapsed between my last view and the current time. I might watch a cache (by manually clicking at the cache page) just out of curiosity about other's log with no intent at all to search for that cache in the near future. Cezanne Keep in mind...puzzle cachers in an area are well known...and no, I don't spam those looking...I use it to see who looked and knowing what I know about an area (basically...who the puzzle solvers are and are not)...it lets me know if I made something overly difficult that I didn't mean to do.

You could...but I believe it resets the Audit Log each time you do that...

I have used it to help gauge how I should rate a puzzle cache. Based on the "known" puzzle solvers and how many times they have looked...and used a coordinate checker it will help me know how to adjust a rating and/or what types of hints are needed as questions come in from those looking. After 2 - 3 days, I then typically open up the cache by removing the PMO status.

75% of the statistics you see out there are made up...the other 1/2 are just plain wrong!!!

Some never respond. Are you waiting for a response before logging your find? Unless the cache page specifically says to wait, it's generally okay to just go ahead and log it. What he said!!! lol My experience has been to log the cache and send info at (roughly) the same time. If there is something else needed or clarification sought, the Earthcache owner will contact you. I have it on all my pages that go ahead and log the Earthcache and send me the answers I seek...If I see something that "alarms" me, I will get back to you. I try to follow-up each email with at least a thanks for visiting.

PMO caches at themselves don´t disturbs me. It is difficult to explain it. Well, I will try: I made a very nice (PMO) cache tour through a forest. Very beautiful nature. As I said, a colleague of me wants to make this cache tour too. But he is just BM, so he can´t see them on geocaching.com. What I want to embody is, that it is a pity that he can´t see this caches. But now I can understand why people make PMO caches. In my area aren´t so many PMO caches as in most of your areas. I think that americans and germans are different kind of cachers. That´s ok so. And I also accept why most of you make their caches PMO. Most of your arguments are now comprehensible for me. But some of my arguments I will keep. :-) Again, thank you all very much for your answers, opinions and critics. And a good secondary effect is, that I learned a little more english. :-) The "backdoor" method to log PMO caches is fully accepted by Groundspeak (there have been many threads in which Groundspeak has no intentions of ever changing that). In the meantime, you can offer to go with your friend while he explores the area. I have visited a number of caches more than once while friends llok for caches I have already found. Going once on your own is memorable...but you never know the new things you will experience until you go again with your friend.

Unfortunately the cache description is not commercial but the webpage Geocaching - Dortmund Airport uses a link to the cache and some TBs for a competition where you can win something. Here the airport uses Geocaching for commecial use. Thats in my opinion a violation of the guidelines. But I think Groundspeak is happy with this promotion. Obviously no one at Groundspeak speak german and understand the content of the page. Exactly that is the point I don't like. I'm working on a cache with documented facts about the noice and other problems of the airport. But I fear if I insert the link to the webpage of the airport opponents this will not be published because of "commercial use". -- Uwe. Sounds like you need to take that up with the Airport...and not with Groundspeak... Contests are held very often here in the US where caches are listed on Geocaching.com for people to find specific caches and get rewards...