Do You Reconcile Online Logs With The Physical Log

[+sept1c_tank]

I know this subject comes up all the time, usually as an (slightly) off topic tangent in other topics. Here, I present it as a topic unto itself.

 

Do you reconcile the online logs of your owned caches with the physical logbook?

 

According to the Cache Listing Requirements/Guidelines:

 

The cache owner will assume all responsibility of their cache listings. 

 

The responsibility of your listing includes quality control of posts to the cache page. Delete any logs that appear to be bogus, counterfeit, off topic, or not within the stated requirements.

 

I do not, and will not do this. I cannot justify the effort (as little as it may be). This game/hobby is touted as having very few rules; it is supposed to be fun. I am not a cache policeman and I will not judge others who choose to participate in this hobby in their own ways.

 

The first time I have to delete someone’s log that is bogus, counterfeit or off topic, I will archive my caches.

[+Snoogans]

Do you reconcile the online logs of your owned caches with the physical logbook?

 

According to the Cache Listing Requirements/Guidelines:

 

The cache owner will assume all responsibility of their cache listings. 

 

The responsibility of your listing includes quality control of posts to the cache page. Delete any logs that appear to be bogus, counterfeit, off topic, or not within the stated requirements.

 

Ummmmm ooookay. When did THAT get in the guidelines? I don't ever remember seeing it, but then, I prolly haven't read them all in close to two years.

 

It's anal. This isn't terracaching.com. I don't do that and I WON'T do that.

 

The word appear as in: Delete any logs that appear to be bogus, counterfeit, off topic, is quite troubling to me. A legit log can appear bogus and get deleted. Then what? Anyone want to link the recent threads about this very subject? I don't have time to look them up.

 

I appear to be calling that phrase stupid and an empowerment for cache nazies. As in: "I don't like your log. NO SMILEY FOR YOU!" *delete*

Edited December 1, 2005 by Snoogans

[+OienLabs]

Agree with sept1c_tank. I put out a cache and provide a listing. What members of GC put in the logs is not for me to police.

 

Anything inappropriate must be between GC and author of the log.

 

Edit: Typos sneak in after submitting

Edited December 1, 2005 by baø

[+BlueDeuce]

I'll delete any log if I've taken personal offense to the cacher and am feeling petty and vindictive.

 

Otherwise I don't care enough to check. Besides, it sounds like work and I definately don't want to get involved with that.

[bogleman]

I have conducted maint. checks on all of my caches at one point or another. So far so good. I look at it this way, everyone plays the game the way THEY feel is appropriate. I am in it for the pure enjoyment it gives me. By placing my caches I hope I am providing pleasure and enjoyment to those looking for my cache. How others play is up to them - the only person I am competing with is me, myself and I. If you are getting bogus hits on your cache it is more than likely a run of the mill cache that nobody cares about - then its time for it to go.

[+Jamie Z]

I will likely delete a fraudulent log from a cache I own. That said, I've never done it. I had a Found It log on a multi where the person said they were unable to find the second half. I asked them to change it to a note. They did. If they hadn't, I would have deleted the log.

 

I don't do this religiously, but when I do maintenance checks, I scan through the logbook to see whose names are there. If I were to find that someone posted an online Find, but didn't sign the logbook, they would get an email from me asking for an explanation. If not good explanation could be given, I would delete the log.

 

For my easier caches, I don't make very much effort to check, but for my harder caches, I won't allow fraudulent finds.

 

Fraudulent logging is a practice I won't support.

 

Jamie

 

[edited: clarity]

Edited December 1, 2005 by Jamie Z

[Tahosa and Sons]

Interesting. I would probably only delete it if you claimed to find it and there was nothing in the log book. And I just had such a case but haven't gone to check out the log book and may not check on it until spring time and by then I probably wouldn't care if you laid claim but did nothing to substantiate the claim.

[+Kiamichi Muskrat]

On the flip side of this coin, I check logs for another reason.

Recently I archived a cache and brought the logbook home. When I read it, I noticed a cacher had written her name in the logbook but had not logged the cache online! I emailed her and she was glad to pick up the lost smiley. So you may actually be helping other cachers when you check logs. I do it always.

[+The Leprechauns]

I do exactly as Jamie just described. Since I hide my caches in places I enjoy visiting, it's no burden at all to hike back to them for maintenance checks. Sometimes it's fun to do that when another geocacher is visiting the area and needs a tour guide. And part of the fun for the owner is reading the physical log book. So, yes, I do keep track, but not zealously so, and more so on my difficult multicaches, puzzles and long hikes.

 

I've also never deleted a log. One time, there was one online find for a difficult multicache without a corresponding entry in the logbook. I wrote a polite e-mail to that geocacher. He replied with a perfectly good explanation of how he logs under a different name when signing the logbooks, and described his physical log entry to a "T", including the extra artwork he added. Then, he went on to write about how much he was enjoying finding my caches. This taught me to always be polite, and to not make assumptions or be too militant about this issue. Had I simply deleted the log without inquiry, there could have been bad feelings when none were necessary.

[+Airmapper]

I will delete a online log without a log entry, but I'm going to be 100% sure they were not there first. And if I can't find proof, it stays. And BTW I have deleted a log.

[+blackjack65]

On the flip side of this coin, I check logs for another reason.

Recently I archived a cache and brought the logbook home. When I read it, I noticed a cacher had written her name in the logbook but had not logged the cache online! I emailed her and she was glad to pick up the lost smiley. So you may actually be helping other cachers when you check logs. I do it always.

Recently, I visited a cache where a Travel Bug

that was listed as being there was not.

It turns out in the physical logbook,

there was an entry from someone stating that they had taken the Bug,

but their was no corresponding online log.

I sent messages to that GeoCacher, as well as posted notes in the

Cache and Travel Bug pages, so that both owners would know.

 

I am not sayiong that a Cache owners has to go out and review the physical

logbook just for that, but when they do go to the cache for maintenance,

taking the time to reconcile could help out not only the finders,

but Travel Bug and GeoCoin owners as well.

[CoyoteRed]

Yes, we reconcile the online logs to physcial cache logs.

 

As I see it, it's part of your responsibility as a cache owner little different than keeping your cache dry, free of trash, and available space in the logbook. It's little different than not leaving geo-litter behind or abandoning a cache.

 

Like Lep, when we find a discrepency we make an inquiry. To date IIRC we've not had to delete a log because of a bogus entry. I did have concerns recently of what was a legitimate log made by a group and then logged online by individuals of the group.

 

That's not to say we've not called folks on unearned finds. Each time the seeker modified or deleted their log.

 

On the other hand, logs detailing questionable or illegal activity will not get rewarded with a smilie. It's delete first and then email.

 

Spoilers get an email requesting a change first, then after a reasonable amount of time with no response, it's deleted.

 

While this is supposed to be a fun pastime, everyone has responsibilities: to themselves, to others, and to the hobby.

[+Renegade Knight]

Most of my logs are stolen so I never get the chance.

[+4leafclover]

I have yet to "reconcile" pysical logs with online logs.

 

I don't want to add "work" to soemthing I do for fun. It's really no skin oof my nose if soem one logs it who wasn't there. Their loss, not mine.

[+sept1c_tank]

I do read all my physical logs with great pleasure. And I try to sort out TB issues or any other problems that might affect the geocaching public. But that's where I draw the line in the sand.

 

Think of my caches as a public park, open to everyone. If you stray from the trail, or visit after hours, just please don't disturb anyone and thanks for coming.

[+OzGuff]

So do I delete geoofficer's logs or not?

 

Or maybe I should just log finds on all of seppo's caches...

Edited December 1, 2005 by OzGuff

[+Moose Mob]

So do I delete geoofficer's logs or not?

Your cache. Your call.

[+OzGuff]

I think I was being sarcastic. Or facetious. Or something.

 

(Moose Mob: That was a quick response!)

[+4leafclover]

So do I delete geoofficer's logs or not? 

Your cache. Your call.

agreed.

[+sept1c_tank]

...maybe I should just log finds on all of seppo's caches...

OK, and you can keep the one you've already logged, too.

[+Airmapper]

We should make some rules on this.

[+Jamie Z]

We should make some rules on this.

There are. You must have missed the first post in this thread where Sept1c quotes the cache listing guidelines.

 

The cache owner will assume all responsibility of their cache listings.

 

The responsibility of your listing includes quality control of posts to the cache page. Delete any logs that appear to be bogus, counterfeit, off topic, or not within the stated requirements.

 

It's part of the responsibility of a cache owner to keep some integrity within the logs.

 

Jamie

[+Mule Ears]

Best description for my approach to this would be "profiling." I do not routinely double-check online logs against the physical logbook. But if I were to see a very unlikely online log on one of my caches, I'd check it out. Heck, out of curiosity I've done a couple of times that on other folks' caches.

 

That said, I haven't seen any bogus logs yet. There generally are lots more logs in the logbook than online.

[+reveritt]

Heck, no!

 

I have never deleted an on-line log for any of my caches, and would only do so if the log was patently offensive, or included an obvious spoiler.

[+flask]

i don't reconcile everything. i see a problematic entry, i check it.

 

entries like "well, this is an interesting virtual cache" get deleted when there's a logbook to be signed.

 

entries like "found your cache. the logbook is missing and your bucket is rusty and has holes in it" get deleted when the container is a white plastic bucket.

 

entries like "found your cache, but the inside of the jar is wet" get deleted when the container is an altoids tin.

 

and YES, i do schlepp out there to look if i have to. usually the cacher in question will tell the truth when asked.

 

usually.

 

there is absolutely no need for me to check every entry that fits well the experience of finding the cache.

[+Moose Mob]

Typically, I am not worried about it. But as flask just brought to mind, I may take action if the logs said something like: "Drove by and took a picture oif the tree the arrow was pointing to"

[+SixDogTeam]

Do you reconcile the online logs of your owned caches with the physical logbook?

 

Yes, when it is brought to our attention by finders that online logs are not supported by the physical log. And this has happened. And , after investigation, and a lengthy and costly trial , we dealt with it in terms consistent with the guidelines and our requirements.

[+Westerner]

I would not delete an online log if the person didn't sign the logbook. I would just assume they were actually there not worry about it.

 

It makes me wonder if cache owners would write an online note for those cachers that signed in the actual logbook but did not go online for some reason.

[+flask]

Do you reconcile the online logs of your owned caches with the physical logbook?

 

Yes, when it is brought to our attention by finders that online logs are not supported by the physical log. And this has happened. And , after investigation, and a lengthy and costly trial , we dealt with it in terms consistent with the guidelines and our requirements.

giggle.

[Sadie]

I have started checking the DNF's against the physical log. I have discovered that in all occurances, the cacher posting the DNF did not sign the log book to indicate they were in the area. Sorry folks, but if you don't get anywhere near ground zero, it's not a DNF.

 

[elvis]Thank you very much[/elvis]

[+Team Perks]

I have yet to delete a log entry. Frankly, I just don't care enough to match the physical logs up against the online logs. As long as people are reporting on the condition of the cache if it needs help, I don't feel any particular need to be more scrutinous.

 

The way I figure it, if I posted a fraudulent find on someone's cache, the next few finders who came along would say "Hey, I don't see Team Perks' name in the log book!" The thought of further damage to my already smarmy reputation is enough to keep me honest, regardless of whether the owner is policing the logs. I would imagine most of us think similarly. To me, it isn't worth the effort to actively keep alert for the small minority who would be dishonest.

 

That's not to say I would never delete a log, but I've never yet run into the sutation where I felt it necessary.

[bogleman]

If it makes anyone feel any better I checked on 2 of my caches today. One was an ugly one that I pulled (rehid & relisted - pending) and the other is a long hike. No bogus logs were found even on the ugly one. I am so happy

[+clearpath]

I have never deleted a log. I don't have to because all of my caches are MO and only quality cachers visit my caches. <zzzzzipp> heat retardent full body suit on and ready for action ...

[+SixDogTeam]

I LOVE those MO caches. All mine are IN!

[+BlueDeuce]

I have never deleted a log. I don't have to because all of my caches are MO and only quality cachers visit my caches. <zzzzzipp> heat retardent full body suit on and ready for action ...

Dang, Now people know why I haven't logged any of your caches when I'm in Olathe.

 

I'll be back this Spring so ah don't be deleting nobody, ok?

[+Harry Dolphin]

One of my caches had a bit of a muggle problem. (Hopefully, that problem has been rectified.) Most of the finders are local. So, when someone from far away logged the cache, I took that as an opportunity to check the integrity of the cache as well. Interestingly, the cacher from Europe, who had logged all three caches in the area, had signed the log. I hope he enjoyed them.

As to deleting logs (which was not OPs question), I have deleted a few. The cache has a log book. Sign it, please. "I didn't like the people nearby, so I put the cache back without signing it" doesn't cut it, in my book.

[+wavector]

I went on vacation this summer and logged this cache on my return home. At the time I logged the cache the owner had already archived the cache saying that it was gone, my online claim seemed doubtful I am sure, especially coming after the archive date. The owner finally got a chance to search well and voila, there was the cache. The owner contacted me via the site after finding the cache and verifying my online log against the physical log. Nudecacher would like this cache in the summer, it is easier to search for it in the fall because everyone else is gone and wearing clothes doesn't make you seem suspicious !!

[+jackratt]

I do not reconcile the online and the physical logs. I enjoy reading the physical log books when I do some maintenance but who has the time to reconcile them?

 

Also I'd had log deleted and it really irked me. It was a locationless cache and I had a spot in mind. It took me several weeks before I was able to get to the place I thought of and when I finally logged the site the locationless had been archived because the owner was "tired" of locationlesses. I logged it anyway but it the owner wasn't tired enough to unceremoniously delete the log. I was surprised how upset I was (I’m over it now, but thanks for your concern), and I guess I figured if I did that someone just might trash my caches in revenge.

[+jackratt]

Double entry for some reason...

Edited December 2, 2005 by jackratt

[+Jeonlyep]

Speaking of deleting logs.... And Yes I signed the log book.

 

<Rant>

 

What about the guy that deleted my post because he didn't like what I said in my log? The cache is a 1/1 named Pony Express and it's hidden in a mail box (the only thing in the area that could have held a cache). What I said was "Great idea, But the pony express didn't use boxes like that did they?" He deleted the post with-out e-mailing me. So I reposted my find Encrypted so as not to give away a 1/1. Then he deleted it again. So I posted "found it thanks" and it never disappeared. I know I'm ranting here, but I would have gladly changed the post if I had been asked. And then I wouldn't have had a bad taste in my mouth about another cacher.

 

</Rant>

 

DAryl

Edited December 2, 2005 by Jeonlyep

[+clearpath]

What about the guy that deleted my post because he didn't like what I said in my log? The cache is a 1/1 named Pony Express and it's hidden in a mail box (the only thing in the area that could have held a cache). What I said was "Great idea, But the pony express didn't use boxes like that did they?" He deleted the post with-out e-mailing me. So I reposted my find Encrypted so as not to give away a 1/1. Then he deleted it again. So I posted "found it thanks" and it never disappeared. I know I'm ranting here, but I would have gladly changed the post if I had been asked. And then I wouldn't have had a bad taste in my mouth about another cacher.

 

Aaah, you got your wottle hand slapped ...

[+Sagefox]

Do you reconcile the online logs of your owned caches with the physical logbook?

Nope.

 

I read all on-line logs and if I see one that concerns me I will usually check the physical logbook. The concerns are very infrequent and I've never found one where the logbook was not signed.

 

I read the logbooks cover-to-cover when I retire the cache or replace a full logbook. Edit: But only for fun and not to reconcile.

Edited December 2, 2005 by Team Sagefox

[+Jeonlyep]

What about the guy that deleted my post because he didn't like what I said in my log? The cache is a 1/1 named Pony Express and it's hidden in a mail box (the only thing in the area that could have held a cache). What I said was "Great idea, But the pony express didn't use boxes like that did they?" He deleted the post with-out e-mailing me. So I reposted my find Encrypted so as not to give away a 1/1. Then he deleted it again. So I posted "found it thanks" and it never disappeared. I know I'm ranting here, but I would have gladly changed the post if I had been asked. And then I wouldn't have had a bad taste in my mouth about another cacher.

 

Aaah, you got your wottle hand slapped ...

I'm just saying it would have been nice to be given a reason, plus then I wouldn't have a dislike for a fellow cacher.... (dislike may be too strong of a word), but it wasn't wasn't a good first impression of him.

 

DAryl

[+SixDogTeam]

What about the guy that deleted my post because he didn't like what I said in my log? The cache is a 1/1 named Pony Express and it's hidden in a mail box (the only thing in the area that could have held a cache). What I said was "Great idea, But the pony express didn't use boxes like that did they?" He deleted the post with-out e-mailing me. So I reposted my find Encrypted so as not to give away a 1/1. Then he deleted it again. So I posted "found it thanks" and it never disappeared. I know I'm ranting here, but I would have gladly changed the post if I had been asked. And then I wouldn't have had a bad taste in my mouth about another cacher.

 

Aaah, you got your wottle hand slapped ...

I'm just saying it would have been nice to be given a reason, plus then I wouldn't have a dislike for a fellow cacher.... (dislike may be too strong of a word), but it wasn't wasn't a good first impression of him.

 

DAryl

But you KNOW the reason. You admitted that when you stated "so as not to give away a 1/1". Now why would you want to give away the location of a cache in your found log? Because you didn't like the location? By the way, it's a federal offense to put anything in a mail box that's not U.S. Mail...

[+clearpath]

I have never deleted a log.  I don't have to because all of my caches are MO and only quality cachers visit my caches.  <zzzzzipp> heat retardent full body suit on and ready for action ...

Dang, Now people know why I haven't logged any of your caches when I'm in Olathe.

 

I'll be back this Spring so ah don't be deleting nobody, ok?

Better hurry, my fingers are a twitching to hit the delete button ...

[+OzGuff]

Better hurry, my fingers are a twitching to hit the delete button ...

I have a "few" bogus log entries that need deleting. If I give you my password would you mind...

[+Miragee]

[+StarBrand]

Reconcile - no. But I have deleted a very small number of obviously bogus logs after not getting a satisfactory response to explain them. (found logs on 5 of my caches on same day that would take driving a 550+ mile circular course to complete [possible but not probable])

[+Jeonlyep]

But you KNOW the reason. You admitted that when you stated "so as not to give away a 1/1". Now why would you want to give away the location of a cache in your found log? Because you didn't like the location? By the way, it's a federal offense to put anything in a mail box that's not U.S. Mail...

I must have forgotten to place the sarcasm tag around that statement. I didn't think it was really a big deal to say what I logged. But I guess the cache owner did, that's why I encrypted the second log. But I guess that wasn't enough either. But still no reason given. So what ever...

 

DAryl

[+clearpath]

But you KNOW the reason. You admitted that when you stated "so as not to give away a 1/1". Now why would you want to give away the location of a cache in your found log? Because you didn't like the location? By the way, it's a federal offense to put anything in a mail box that's not U.S. Mail...

I must have forgotten to place the sarcasm tag around that statement. I didn't think it was really a big deal to say what I logged. But I guess the cache owner did, that's why I encrypted the second log. But I guess that wasn't enough either. But still no reason given. So what ever...

 

DAryl

Some people are just a tad on the touchy side ... I though the whole thing was kinda funny ...