GRANDMASTER CACHE

Hi all, I'm leaning towards returning the Legend and keeping the Sportrak Pro. Reasons are a better antenna, more memory and no "click stick" to break. Also, it floats - which might come in handy one day. But... Is the MapSend Streets and Destinations USA as detailed as the Mapsource I've got loaded on the Legend? That might be important, because my guilty feelings about spending more $$ on the GPSV deluxe might keep me from getting a "second unit" and just sticking with the one more "portable" unit. If that's the case, then good detail is important. Grandmaster Cache

What I mean is I have Mapsource and am allowed to unlock one region on the eTrex Legend. That has been done, and is irreversible! The region I have unlocked is Region 1, which covers the Western U.S. So as far as the detail map goes, the Legend has been "upgraded" to include that. If I return it, that's my loss. I am uncomfortable with "selling" anything online (I'm sure many folks have no problem with it) but that's a lot of dollars to risk. I'm just totally unfamiliar with how the Sportrak "navigates" when geocaching. For instance, the Garmin shows where I'm heading, and where I should be heading when I'm close to the cache site. I will have to read read read the Sportrak manual and I will decide based on that and what you folks have to say, since I trust ya! I must say the Sportrak definitely has the better antenna and has been shown to be more "precise," I'm just not sure how the detail maps compare with Garmins. As ya know, that's mighty important trying to log a "cleverly hidden" cache! I must say, I'm liking the Sportrak map and how it pans without having to go in and specify it to. It also pans quicker and does not need to refresh the screen every time you move the cursor off - the whole map "slides" left/right/up/down nicely. And I like the absence of the click-stick, which has me scared (if it can break, I'm usually right in line to do so! ). It's neat to check it out!! Grandmaster Cache

That's very interesting to know - between the two (Legend and Sportrak Pro), go with the Sportrak. Thanks. I know opinions can be split, so I appreciate the responses! I was thinking of that - just bringing back the whole Legend package (I have all the packaging) and it's maybe one-month old. Sell it privately? That's a possibility, because while I can get all my money back from REI (actually, put back on my credit card!! ) I could sell it privately for the same amount and someone could get it with the unlock for Region one installed already. But again, I think someone might be better off buying the Sportrak package for about the same amount, as it has the CD included. I don't want anybody to not get a good deal, and I think the Sportrak would be better for them than the Legend, as my Legend only has Region 1 unlocked. I'm going to check the Sportrak out right now and see how the graphics/resolution are. Thanks so far!! Grandmaster Cache

Hi all, I'm really confused. Here's the situation. We have an eTrex Legend. It's "new" enough to where we can return/upgrade to a GarminV at REI if we wanted to... I had no desire to, since we had an unlock code for the western region, and thus we have the "detail" for the Legend. Everything is going smoothly. Then yesterday my wife saw me drooling over the "great deal" at Costco: An entire Magellan Sportrak Pro package (car adapter, Mapsend Streets and Destinations, case). I wasn't necessarily drooling because I desired it, just that it was a GPS and any geocacher should appreciate a GPS display in Costco! Anyway, this unit can't be much "better" than my Legend with the Western region detail; I'd say pretty much the same. Still, I like the "physical layout" of this Magellan and it's LACK of the "click stick" which I've read problems about with the eTrex lines. I don't want a unit to "go bad" a few months out of warranty, and the Magellan doesn't have a click stick that might break/stick. So, today my wife comes in with the Sportrak Pro and says "Merry Christmas." Bless her heart, huh? I'm kind of in "shock" at this point, because I was thinking if I "upgraded" it should be to a GPSV, myself. I mentioned this, and she's encouraging me to "do what I want." Wow. I do like the idea of the more "hiking oriented" handhelds (eTrex Legend, and Magellan Sportrak Pro). My friends have the GPSV, and they seem more appropriate for a car. I guess I like the "ruggedness" of the handhelds. Confusing? Me too! So, what to do? Faced with the "choice" of an additional unit, do I: 1. Keep the Sportrak Pro and upgrade the eTrex Legend to a GPSV? Then I'd have what seems to be the best: The real defined accuracy and "lock" of the Sortrak and the autorouting of the GPSV. 2. Return the Magellan and put that money towards a GPSV. Then I'd have the Legend and GPSV - One great for the truck, and another to use when on the trail (we'd also have two units to geocache with, an added bonus!! 3. Return the Magellan and upgrade the eTrex Legend to a GPSV. Then I'd have just the "car" GPS, and I really like the idea of a more "trail-oriented" GPS. BTW, the GPSV I'd be getting would be the new deluxe one, with an unlock for the whole US. It kinda blows, because I've got the Legend with the $$unlock code already in it for Region 1, and I'd basically be "giving" that to REI. What would some of your experiences be to help me make a decision? I haven't even opened the Sportrak package, but it seems to be a great "ergonomical" hiking unit without the possiblity of a "click stick" breaking. I understand the need to be "careful" when swapping batteries, and I doubt I'd ever use the "belt-clip" so it's weakness in that area doesn't bother me. The Magellan seems to offer a better "lock" under cover and be more accurate (great for geocaching) and the GPSVdeluxe would be great for turn-by-turn autorouting. I'm sorry to be rambling, but I'm confused. Please don't anybody think I'm a millionaire - far from it. So the $$ is making me feel guilty. Do I just return the Magellan and stick with the Legend and hope that stupid "click stick" doesn't fail? I hope not to sound like a greedy pig, as I've got three kids and wasn't planning on anything "big" to receive. But my wife is saying, "Go with what makes you happy, this one time!" You know, "Just DO it." She's happy to see me geocaching and the whole family loves the sport. Maybe I just "return" the Legend to REI and keep the Magellan unit? Hmmm... Hadn't thought of that. But I'd hate to go with the Sportrak and give up my Legend if the Legend is better. I'm so confused and I want to make a SMART decision even though I've been given a green light to "be happy!!" Any thoughts? And please, spare the "I don't have the concentration to read past two lines" responses. This post is intended for those that might have the time to read what I admit is rambling, and offer some friendly advice that might help me make a decision the whole family will be happy with!! Thanks so much!!! Grandmaster Cache

The game is not currently available to purchase online. It says it's available at most software vendors. Methinks me shall poketh me head in at a computer-geek store this weekendeth. That looks totally awesome - I really like the different modes - like free-exploring. Thanks for the insight to what looks like a great game. We love 4-wheeling, and one of the scenes is Area 51. I shall have to "explore" it for authenticity - we've explored that for real many times. Grandmaster Cache

Yes, the book is GPS Made Easy, published by The Mountaineers Books. It is in its third edition, and the author is Lawrence Letham. Don't be fooled by the title; the book covers: How GPS works.Features of all common receivers. Practical examples of GPS use in the outdoors. Use with maps and in rough terrain. Clear language and illustrations that demystify GPS. A couple of email addys for the publisher are: mbooks@mountaineers.org www.mountaineersbooks.org There's also a video (I believe made by Garmin) available at REI as well. If you're near an REI store, they should have the book in stock as well. Grandmaster Cache

Hiya again... Hey Kar, can you write out that code, so I can have just the name for a "click on" link? I'm getting the whole URL, and I forget what to put before and after the URL. For now, I just posted the addy. Thanks! Grandmaster Cache

That's the link! Thanks! p.s. Cachew nut, don't worry about paragraphs if ya don't make it past the first 1 and a half [sic] sentences. Also, thanks Rxprt88 for the positive referral!! That's good stuff, and important to pass along. A lot of folks don't live near enough to a tangible retail outlet, so an online source is their best bet. I'll go post the link now! Thanks again!! Grandmaster Cache

Hi!! Agreed about the yellow eTrex. Using the info from this site, you can have a blast. I was going to get that one, and got "talked into" the necessity for base-maps and detail maps, etc. etc. I only wanted the unit for geocaching, and the yellow one would have been fine. We went with the Legend, because it had the $50 rebate and I had some software for it already. I'd say, plan on the eTrex, and then see if you can afford to take advantage of the rebates. I'm assuming the Magellan unit works real good for geocaching, too, and there was just some scuttle about those being had for $99. If I'd have known sooner I would have picked one up (live near Fry's) so my wife could "dial in" as well. Whatever you do, don't "put off" getting a unit, because the hunt is fabulous! Also, if you do a lot of road-trips and travel, you might want to really consider sacrificing a bit to get something with base maps. Spend a night online seeing the different features and figure out if you can get away with the minimum. ENJOY!! Grandmaster Cache

Hi all, I've got some folks from another hobby asking me the "best place" to get a GPS. These are folks that have no problem supporting a hobby they participate in, and I recalled once seeing some solicitation to "buy and support" for the hobby, and I think it was Groundspeak. I'm not sure. While the cost of UBB isn't that spectacular, it's still nice to offer support to those that manage it - and keep the service free. One day this hobby will be big enough to substantiate "members-only" cache-sites, and other independant geocaching ventures. Hopefully this site will remain strong - which is why I think some support is fair enough. While I'm not in a position to throw dollars this way, I can recommend some folks to get their GPS units here, and wanted a link to do so. I used to have the UBB code to make a snazzy title to click on and take the user to a website, but lost it in my jungle. If that sales-site does indeed support Groundspeak, does someone mind pasting a link here, so I can copy/paste on our board? These are fellow marine-reef hobbyists, and an outdoors hobby is good to have in addition to our indoor tanks. I've had more than a few people ask my recommendation, and I don't mind explaining to 'em that it would be cool if they supported this forum. I'm trusting that the customer service is worthy of recommending, but if the link does not specifically support THIS forum, then I don't want it - I'd recommend REI at that point. These folks are all over the states (and world) and ya'll know that online orders are most convenient for many. I personally like REI because they are local, and I like to "fix a problem" in one afternoon. Not everybody is as fortunate, so.... A link please? I emailed Jeremy, but no response... Maybe it doesn't support grounspeak? If not, somebody let me know... Prices are cheaper elsewhere, but it would be cool to support this forum. Something I can paste right into a few forums and say, "click on this to buy your unit..." My internet guru doesn't have the link, so we can't "doctor it up" to just have a "click on the name link" yet. I can have that done if I just get the URL addy. Thanks! Grandmaster Cache

To me, the portrait is quite clear. Driven companies model successful companies. The most successful companies allow their employees flex - you don't hear them whining about their employees "email time." Email wastes less time. Without email, employees have to spend more time walking to and fro, reaching their gossip destinations. This in turn results in excessive breaks. Excessive breaks result in more coffee/soda consumption than necessary. Following suit, additional bathroom trips are needed. For some, the coffee inspires a sit-down trip. Now, can we please have the charts on this amount of "time abuse?" Ok, let's chain everyone to their desk, take away their computers and make them type everything by hand and spend money on telephone calls. You hire someone with the complete expectation that they are not your slave but a human being that is most productive if permitted to produce results within the work day and not "per minute, per hour." The "20 minute breakdown" argument falls apart, anyway, since the successful, larger IT companies here pay by salary and that salary is in exchange for productivity. I'd like to see a portfolio comparison between the more "relaxed" companies and those that run around playing hall monitor. Who cares about "20 minutes of waste" if your company is blasting the profits of any worldwide competition? Grandmaster Cache

Hi Puffin, If you move the pointer real close to the icon, and just wait a second or two, it should pop up an address - depending on the detail of the map you have loaded. I'm not sure if the info you've loaded (street address) pops up because it is associated with that waypoint icon or not... Just a thought to try. P.S. Happy St. Nicks!! (My mom's from Holland, and there's nothing like the Droste chocolate letters that come when we leave our wooden shoes near the fireplace on the 5th!!) It was real cool growing up, because St. Nickolaus Day tied with Easter as our second favorite holiday! Well, back to the old grind!! Genie aan het werk!! Grandmaster Cache

Egads, I feel dumb... I was trying to find out what "Spider Tracks" are, when I finally (one day later) find out that "Spider Tracks" is a geocacher! DOH! Anyway, we picked up this Spider Track #136, which is a geocaching "souveneir token." It says, "Token may be traded, placed in future cache, or kept as a collectible." A search turned up nothing fruitful, other than one single post mentioning a cache "Spidertracks" place in Vernal, Utah... and for some reason the "U.K." popped up. Needless to say, we know what a travel bug is, and in fact are fostering the Blackjack Monterey Diver until we go to the coast. These "tokens" are really clever and it appears that they are "SWB" designed? It is an octagon, laminated token and I'd be interested in obtaining some for our team. Anybody with a clue as to SWB? Maybe I should check out the local copy shop to see if they offer any neat-shaped laminates. Anyway, another thing: How are these tracked? There are three "milestones" on the front of this, but it's already laminated. How would this be updated? Also, are these popular? We've only run across this one, but it would be totally cool if more folks had these, because it would be neat to build a collection by swapping out token for token, ya know? Maybe this has been covered redundantly, so don't feel a need to respond if you're toll has been taken on the subject. I did search, as I explained - but am still lost. If these interest you, care to share? Incidentally, this Spider Track was found at the Ocean View cache. Thanks! Grandmaster Cache

Hmm, does that mean I can toss a letter with a stamp on it out the window of my car, and then laugh at the officer? Just kidding! Hey, here's another interesting tidbit: Webster's Universal Encyclopedic also defines litter as "an untidy accumulation of objects" (pg 1072). So make sure you put dividers in those ammo boxes, and wash everything up real nice! As funny as this may be, some environmentalists could/would actually fight this to the hilt. And I'll bet many liberal judges would give 'em a win. Seriously though, it lends itself to the hobby that we take something beneficial away from the discussion, and that would be to ensure that caches are not poorly packaged, and that we do maintain them. Some caches aren't, and those that are placed improperly only serve to hurt the sport. Grandmaster Cache

quote: Do you agree with Grandmaster Cache and some land managers that geocaches are nothing more than litter? Ouch! Assuming a person hasn't read the thread, they might actually think this is the way I feel. Whether the misleading was intentional or not, that is not the way I feel. So you wouldn't be agreeing with me, on that one. The issue was presented (by me) that some people could make a case that leaving a cache is littering. For example, you go about busting the chops of Yosemite rangers for removing a cache, they can darn well nab ya for littering. If "littering" fines didn't hold up so well, we might all say we were "just storing that empty coke can on the roadside till we came back next time." The Lagniappe cache was indeed littering - the lid didn't fit (wasn't even on), there was a water bottle that didn't fit lying next to it, and the contents were only a tip from being spilled all over the brush. (We of course tied it up using a whistle lanyard - feeling quite McGiverish, thank you! and it was recently put into a larger container and sealed properly). Other caches are inarguable cases of "littering" according to the technical aspect of the law - which is the point I was making. So please don't anybody think Mr. Snat is stating that I, moi, GC thinks the sport of geocaching is the sport of littering, as I'm sure he will gladly re-clarify for ya, if needed. Oh, and by the way, abandoned cars get towed. And many owners would indisputedly argue hotly that they did not intend for that car to be towed, because indeed they had not abandoned it. So we'd have to define "abandoned." Or, we could put a penny in a coke can, make sure we throw it in the bushes, not just out the window, and say we're "posting the coordinates for a geocache." Wouldn't hold up, would it? Me and my buddy were just discussing this the other night. Technically, leaving your private property on land that you don't own, without consent from the owner - certainly isn't legal IF the owner wanted to make a stink about it. That was my point, as Brian will surely remind everyone. So, what would they "fine" you for? Littering? Technically, that's exactly what an extremist environmentalist would argue. So, you'd be agreeing with them not me. I'm just as guilty as the next person as "littering," and I'm surely not standing in judgment of myself. Now that I've cleared up my unintentionally marred namesake to this participation, allow me to participate with an answer: No, I do not feel it is littering, but I have no doubt that I would lose in a court of law - technically speaking, of course. Grandmaster Cache

Hi ApK, I do think that's the problem - not knowing what the term means. It is too "insider-ish" for a first-time poster. I wondered about the term for awhile, but then figured out the meaning due to its association with linking previously covered topics. I think clarification of the term is arguably a good point. I never think referencing a well-covered topic is a bad thing; a correct answer is a good answer. Funny you should mention troll... I've always remembered the tale of the billy-goats going over the bridge, and the troll wanting to eat them. So I've always associated a troll as evil - otherwise that might have confused me, too, since trolls from the '80s are great little dolls with fantastically coloured hair that make great keychains and pencil toppers. Hey, look just above - billy goats. That's not capitalized, after Billy. Maybe that helps with the Markwell/markwell spelling hearings? Grandmaster Cache

Here's an example: We spent a ton of time "searching" when our Legend popped up with some "warning" message when we were loading up Mapsource. Well, type in "Legend Warning" for a search and you pull up every legend thread imaginable! Type in Warning and you pull up a thread where people are cautioning one another about stumbling into one of my novela-length posts! Needless to say, we eventually found the answer, but the response time in the GPS/software forum would arguably have netted a faster answer. Searches can be real frustrating. I've always given back by sharing answers when I've got them, so I don't want to feel too "imposing" when I'm new and I've got questions. Grandmaster Cache

A happy employee is a productive employee. I couldn't care less what my employees were doing "in their cubicle" as long as their reports were finalized and in my box when needed. How hard is that concept? I don't care if they're smoking, playing solitaire, gossiping - or what, as long as they get the job done. Heck, some people spend more time daydreaming than others do surfing the web. What, I should hire "thought police" to squeeze out the inevitable? Some places may need babysitters, but these are not usually companies in which employees do have a computer with access to the internet. But I'm not hiring anybody to sit in front of the computer and be productive that can't actually do so. If I've done my job hiring the right person for the job, I don't need to pay someone to constantly remind me "I hired the right person, and they don't goof off." A wasteful employee makes their presence known loud and clear without the need to hire Columbo to stalk them as they progress throughout their work day. Grandmaster Cache

Hi ApK, No, I wouldn't have minded at all if I was markwelled on my first post (as long as it was more than just a giggly person saying "you've been markwelled" with an air of mystery). Like I said, how many people explain what "markwelling" is to a newbie even as they claim their victim of repetition? Or should a person review each and every online forum to research the "secret lingo" as well? Fair enough on the other issues. We can agree to disagree. I like to think of online forums as more interactive, and I don't think of it as "repeating myself" unless it's to the same set of ears, ya know? I also like forums where people aren't "offending" anyone if they ask a question without first spending hours perusing past threads. Hey, they want an answer fast, and I understand that's why they posted an online question. If they wanted to do a research paper on the topic, there's better "resources" than looking for their answer on a would-be "discussion" board. Remember, just as Seinfeld's audiences are "new members," the person asking the "same question" is a new member. I think the win/win solution to the situation would be to explain what "markwelling" is to a new member as we send 'em off to their newfound wealth of information. Now, how do I explain what I boldtype? Well, addressing the age old issue of the written internet being "emotionless" I just bold type for emphasis on a particular word or phrase. I suppose it can be as hard to figure out as why/when/where people choose to use their emoticons, or just as easy. Sometimes I just do it at random to peak some folks' curiosity in an otherwise boring, redundant post. Grandmaster Cache

There's NOTHING WRONG with markwelling a thread. But if you have a desire to be helpful, and not just impress yourself with your own cleverness and show others in the treehouse that your were "FTSW" (first to show wit, in case you're not privy to that term, yet ) you'd not only markwell a thread, but then explain what "markwelling" is to a new hobbyist. There seems to be a RTBS (rush to be seclusive) for some of you. Have you enough friends, and not RFM (room for more)? A hobbyist will take an answer even if he has to research it. But not everybody is MI (markwell informed). I know some of you enjoy this hobby for the riddles and "encryptions," but heck, let a newcomer at least COB (come on board) before you indulge him with your IA (insider's advanatage). There, now take away the "explanations in parens" and this would have made no sense, correct? Well, that's how many of you appear to first timers. And if YOU don't care, or you think it's stupid... then maybe you're giving the same impression with your own greek lesson. Hopefully that was brief enough for those of you who shudder when you walk by a bookstore. Amazing how some people can be rude and sarcastic, yet complain and get nasty if I respond in like fashion. If the best you can do is comment on how lengthy my posts are, that subject has already been markwelled - and you are serving little purpose other than to be redundant yourself. As long as my 10-year old can read my threads, and not get overwhelmed, I'll safely assume not everyone is GCC (Grandmaster Cache challenged). Of course, you can always just scroll right on past without commenting on the obvious - your own ability to recognize a lengthy post. BTW, ApK: You said: quote: Continue the analogy: How engaging is it to sit around telling the same jokes over and over again? Hopefully I can use this to illustrate my point: If the established members are sitting around telling the same jokes "over and over again" to each other, I can understand your analogy - it would make sense that you are intrigued. But if it's a new member, it's new news. Ya know? As for an analogy, Seinfeld tells the "same jokes over and over" but in different cities (read, different audiences). Do you think forums should be so impersonable that people should first engage in your suggested "research" before asking a question? That's sad. Really sad. People join and remain at interactive forums where people aren't "too bothered" to answer a question. Nowhere is it written that it is "offending" to ask a question that has already been asked. I'm glad my first post (a question about a laptop cable) was answered politely by someone. I've been "politely" answering the same questions for years on marine forums. I enjoy the hobby, and enjoy giving back. If I'm irritated to answer a question, I don't answer - I'm hardly offended if someone asks a realtime question that has been answered repetitively. They want an answer, and if folks wanted to "research" something they'd look in an encyclopedia. These are interactive FORUMS not encyclopedic reference halls. Again, it's really cool to reference something, but it's just as nice to say a few kind words to a newcomer first and explain any tricky words you are boasting your knowledge of. Grandmaster Cache

Hey, who can't spare a couple hours for good company! I hope Nightracker can make it, and that guy with three sons in the Boy Scouts (forget his name, he's new, too), and Marky - and everyone else in the area! I'm going to try to drum up something special for the potluck, and will be checking back shortly before for a headcount (I don't want to make too much or too little!) If there are any adventurous NIGHT TIME geocachers who don't have a life Saturday and Sunday night after the kids are asleep I hope ya show up. There are caches teeming in these hills, but it's probably not the safest place for me to go with just my daughter - and my friends flake too often because they're not "in" to this as much. Tricia, is that awesome comvan gonna be there?!?! (wiping drool off keyboard) I like to think our 'Burb is decked out, but if I'm a nut, you're a bushel! LOL That thing is awesome, and it would be so neat to see. Well, I'll check back in a few! Grandmaster Cache

See, that's my problem... I don't know those fancy-dancy snazzy words, so I have to pound the subject matter to death with repetitious, simple words. hehehe... You're right though, a quick "scan" of one of my novellas usually reveals the point being made without having to make an investment of a full read. Grandmaster Cache

That's probably the greatest way to show someone geocaching if you think they'd "love it if they saw it, but don't understand it if you just 'explain' it." I've got a lot of family members that "just don't have the time." Oh, they're up for a bike ride, drive, etc. How neat to have a few caches in advance to say, "Excuse me while I go get a treasure..." I know I've got a kid brother (well, younger, anyway!) that would like to do this... I know when I was first "introduced" I didn't have the "time" because I wanted to do other things with my weekend. Well, late one night, with nothing better to do, two friends (each with a GPSV) kidnapped me from my family and took me out. Any need to go further? Hooked. Addicted. It worked for me! Thanks for the hint - I'll try it! Grandmaster Cache

Hi all, Usually, if a forum has enough members, and it continually building, there is a sort of "passing of the torch." Example... Member A explains to Member B. Now there are two members. Member C joins and asks the same quesion. Now, Member B can answer, and so on and so on. This way, the same question might be asked repetitively, but it's a different person answering it, so it's really no bother to them. They're just giving back to the community that helped them. Of course, if Member B is wrong in his "answer," then Member A might join in and offer some steering in the right direction. I've been on marine boards since '98. Trust me, ya'll haven't seen repetitive questions, yet. Still, there's always a "new group" that has learned, and wants to share. Hey, links are great. But current discussion is good too. Sometimes people think links are out of date, or maybe they just want a warm fuzzy person to respond real time. We have a section called the Archives. When a really good, detailed and helpful thread has run its course, we archive it into the appropriate section. And by the number of hits, people do read the archives. I, too, think it's really helpful to not link most threads, and there does seem a zeal to do that here. Maybe it is the eagerness to show the "insider knowledge" of "that term." But check this out: A "newbie" might not know what "markwelled" means. Maybe he thinks that's some sort of sarcastic "wink and a nod" amongst members. I'll bet some do. Like, "Oh, we've been down that road before.... and it's been....MARKWELLED. It's great to have a clicky term for your links, but explain that to a person. It's easy to see a newbie, check their post count. For an experienced forum person, finding information is a snap. Sometimes, we just want that real quick answer to a question, "Hey, my laptop doesn't have serial ports...." If the answer is "That's been markwelled" that's not too helpful. Of course, if the person knows that if they drag their mouse over the "term" and it gives them a link, that's great! But I can guarantee you the ignorance of my mom, who kinda likes the concept of geocaching. But she has never been on a forum. Many people haven't; geocaching is the first reason for them to "join" an online community. Hopefully there's enough folks here to kind of keep a "rotation of answer duty" going on. I know I asked a question, and I now know the answer (about the laptop issue). "What kind of laptop doesn't have serial ports?" is not a helpful response. Now that I know the answer, and have researched it myself, I can answer that question, and even give a bit of insight on why a particular brand is better/more compatible. Seeing as ya'll were nice enough to answer me without just saying "It's been brought up before..." I'm eager to help with my turn in answering that "repetitive" question. It sure seems like there's enough folks here (and growing) to provide answers to newbies. Heck, with the average number of posts here, I'd say most folks haven't answered the same question too many times. I don't know how many times I've answered the "same question," but it never bothers me, and if I don't have the time, someone else usually does, and doesn't mind. It would seem there's enough members here where nobody's shoulders should be weighed down too heavily. Again, links are great stuff. But so is a "personal touch" especially to somebody new to your forum. Remember, ya'll want the sport to grow, and Groundspeak (in my opinion) is the greatest place for that growth to multiply. "linking" skills are great, but "personal" skills are even better. I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer too many questions, but I'm getting there. Seeing as this is my #2 hobby, I'm sure it'll be no time before I'm well qualified to provide at least basic answers to repetitive questions. And, in keeping with my style, I'll try to give a personal answer even if I do have a great link to post. Again, links are great tools that can often seem like a "brush off" if a board full of members chooses to do little other than "markwell" everything under the moon. But a markwell in addition to a brief dialogue, even if it's just to tell the person, "Hey, this has been so well discussed, and the answer is still so current, that you should click on the markwell link to take you to a really thorough discussion we had on that very topic." That's a good markwell, and is not perceived as anything different. Well, I'm not known for being brief if I give myself 5 minutes to type a response! LOL I could be wrong, and the "participating" membership here might be really low - which would explain the exasperation over the "same repeat questions." But if those who ask the question stick around, they should be cool about it and see if they can't help someone else out in turn. I understand (believe me, I see it!) that some folks are just takers - they only want their questions answered, and don't give the time to contribute to helping anyone else. But those folks should be few in number compared to those who really appreciate this forum and wish to help others. I know, I know... Ya'll are thinking, "God help the newbie that asks GC a question - they're gonna get a book!!! LOL Well, if I didn't care - I wouldn't partake. Cheers! Grandmaster Cache

Although we can't go huntin' for it, that's a super treasure hunt, with awesome prizes. What a great adventure that will be! Cool setup, how fun that will be!! Grandmaster Cache