Spoiler Pics?

[+saxdiva and mr. vibes]

Okay... just an etiquitte question here:

 

I have a micro that I put a fair bit of work into assembling. It's a park-and-grab, but I wanted to camoflage the container well enough to make it fun. The idea itself isn't original, but I haven't yet run into one of these around here yet, so I thought I'd give it a try. I put a good hint into the cache description, and because of that I didn't think it was necessary to add a spoiler pic to the cache page.

 

Well, one of the cache's finders has put one on their own webpage, and although my first reaction is to be a bit bummed about that, I want to make sure it's not just me being a whiny spoilsport before I e-mail them and ask them to remove it. Am I overreacting on this one?

 

BTW, If anyone wants to see what I'm talking about, just check my newest cache--just be aware that it TOTALLY kills the hunt if you're a SoCal local.

 

Thanks,

Leanne

[+briansnat]

I think its pretty cheesy to do that. I'd ask them politely to remove it and if they refused, I'd delete the log.

 

Since this really isn't a gettin started issue, I'm moving it to the general forum.

[Monkey Toes]

For information and spoiler images on this cache (and others), visit the Allen Family Cachers website at: www.allenpix.com/geocaching/

Can you edit his post to take that line out? If not, you should aks him to remove it if it bothers you. I see no problem with him posting his own pictures on his personal website, but advertising a spoiler goes a little too far.

[+Team Tigger International]

Well I went and had a look at this cache , and the cache log . Since they didnt post the picture on the cache page there is relatively no harm done here . Only people that really want to have a look at the "spoiler" pictures will go to the trouble to find it. They also clearly state over and over that the pictures are a "spoiler" .

With all that and the fact that one has to go to there personal website to have a look , and you have to click around a bit to find the pictures .

I personally think I would let it go . But that is just me. Its your cache , and your call .

 

Star

[+The Jester]

I agree with the Tiger, it takes a bit of work to find the picture so I wouldn't be upset. I do want to say that's about the best one of those I've seen - good job!

[+Confucius' Cat]

kinda strange that they do that on their web site, but considering how much trouble you gotta go through to actually view the spoiler pix (and the multiple warnings), IMHO it's no big deal.

 

I would think quite differntly if it was a puzzle cache or a 4+ star cache that was deliberately placed to be tough and they posted spoilers for it.

 

Interesting to see that they have not HIDDEN any yet. Wonder if they will post pix of theirs...?

[+briansnat]

Interesting to see that they have not HIDDEN any yet. Wonder if they will post pix of theirs...?

 

I wonder how they feel if it was THEIR cache. They certainly aren't going to win the most popular award at local events with a website like that one.

[+sbell111]

I think you should ask them to remove the name of their website from the log. I don't really have a problem with the site, but they shouldn't advertise on your page that they have spoiler pics for your cache available.

 

I realize that some would go further than I suggest, but I'm going to take the middle ground on this one.

[+DanOCan]

I guess maybe this is just some gimmick to generate hits to their website or something, but it seems kind of weird to me. Oh well, DanOCan's Rule #1 is "Play the game your own way, within the rules.", so...

 

I guess they are just new to the game and enthusiastic. I think I'd let it go since the pictures would be very difficult to stumble across by accident.

[+JDandDD]

I wouldn't worry about spoiler pictures in general. If I don't want to look at a picture before going out I don't. I think, however, that a spoiler picture should be labelled as such and then I can choose to look or not.

 

In terms of the other cacher's personal web page, you could ask them to remove it but I doubt you could force it. Its their web site and there doesn't seem to be any legal issues that they are violating so they can post a picture they took on their site if they want.

 

JDandDD

[+tozainamboku]

They appear to be newbies that just got their GPS for Christmas. They put the link on nearly all of their logs. I think they have decided to take pictures of each cache they find and post these on their website. They realize that you shouldn't put spoilers directly on the cache page. I'm sure there are many others that do the same, but just link to their personal galleries from their profile. It seems strange to put this link in every log.

 

I would send them email and ask them to change their log if you are uncomfortable with that. Be aware, once one person finds a uniquely camo'ed cache, the word will get out.

[+kklems]

The information was blocked so someone would have to click at it to see it.

 

On another note what a AWESOME website they have spoilers or not. Im jealous.

[+sbell111]

I also liked their site. I wish I had documented all my finds and hides.

 

BTW, your cache is really nice. It reminds me of one a container that I make. You should post it to the Cool Containers thread, after its been out a while.

[johndmann]

I document my finds and hides on my personal website. I don't see the harm in them doing that at all. BUT, I don't think they should post the link in their Found Logs... Maybe a link in their profile, sure. The point of having the pictures of your finds/hides is not to share them with everyone else - it's for your own personal use/enjoyment/memory lane. If someone wanted to check out their site, then they should be allowed to by going to their profile and clicking on it there. I make sure to only include log photos that do not show the area surrounding the hide. But that's just me. I don't want to spoil the game for anyone else. I took the time to find it, they can too lol.

 

Speaking of which... I need to update my personal site's logbook! lol I got lazy over the last few days.

[+briansnat]

I also liked their site. I wish I had documented all my finds and hides.

 

 

Its one thing to have a website documenting your finds. Its another to link to it in your log and say "Hey everyone, look here if you want to see a spoiler for this cache". I know if I was the kind of person who liked to create devious caches with uniquely camoed containers, I would not appreciate this.

[+fishingdude720]

just let it go, I mean it is not on the first five logs page, and how many people ctually lokok that far. Well it is your choice, do what yo want

[+tands]

My take is this: If they had encrypted a statement in their log that said 'The cache is inside a fake papaya in the fruit bowl under the fake orange and banana,' I would delete the log and ask them to relog it without the complete spoiler even though it was encrypted.

 

Since their link included in the log that basically says the same thing but with a visual spoiler I would delete it and ask that they relog.

 

And as long as they had the link in their profiles stating that they had spoilers for all their found caches at their website I would delete their logs, over and over, sending them messages saying 'If you insist on linking to spoilers for our caches, you can't log them.'

 

I would be nice, but I would not give in on this. These folks seem pretty proud of their website and ability to create interesting photographic accounts of their activities. But it's more difficult to make a website interesting without posting 'spoiler porn.' And there are countless neat things to document with pictures while caching besides the hide and container. I hope they choose to rise to the challenge.

 

- T of TandS

[+BBWolf+3Pigs]

Since their link included in the log that basically says the same thing but with a visual spoiler I would delete it and ask that they relog.

 

I agree (mostly). I would send an email requesting them to delete and relog - this would seem a little more civil. If they didn't, then I would delete it myself.

 

Yes, it takes some effort to get to the photos, but if I had a very difficult hide (which I do), I wouldn't want *any* pictures of it out there! The purpose of the hide is the cleverness, and I want people to be challenged. Why give the lazy folks a hand.

[+sbell111]

I also liked their site. I wish I had documented all my finds and hides.

 

Its one thing to have a website documenting your finds. Its another to link to it in your log and say "Hey everyone, look here if you want to see a spoiler for this cache". I know if I was the kind of person who liked to create devious caches with uniquely camoed containers, I would not appreciate this.

I think you may have missed my earlier post:

I think you should ask them to remove the name of their website from the log. I don't really have a problem with the site, but they shouldn't advertise on your page that they have spoiler pics for your cache available.

[+Isonzo Karst]

I'd email them a link to this thread. And, tands, I like the phrase "spoiler porn" a lot.

[+sbell111]

I found that expression to be somewhat excessive and counterproductive, but that's just me.

[+tozainamboku]

I noticed that they have found one TB and have the same link on their log on the TB page. Since I live in So. Cal. I won't look at their site, so I don't know if they posted a picture that shows the TB tracking number.

Edited February 6, 2006 by tozainamboku

[+TeamVilla5]

Slow down, everyone... they've only found 18 caches and just started in January. No, it's not great etiquette to put the link on all their logs, but they may not know that... and a simple, polite email should do the trick if that's the case. And they may not KNOW how they'd feel if it were their cache; they may simply not have thought about it, or they may not mind... when they actually hide one, that is! Don't just assume they are trying to publicize their website or have other devious agendas. Also, unless the link in their log takes you directly to that specific spoiler pic, I wouldn't worry too much about it; as someone pointed out earlier, it would take a lot of work just to hunt down your spoiler pic.

 

Happy Caching!

Lori V.

TeamVilla5

Edited February 6, 2006 by TeamVilla5

[+M-T-P]

I'd just leave well enough alone. The pic is on their own personal site, and it is perfectly justified in being there. On the other hand, if you don't like a URL posted on your log pages, delete it - just don't be surprised if YOU make the first page of their website for complaining.

[+tozainamboku]

Here's another one. This cacher posts unencrypted hints for their previous find in the log of the next cache they find. Makes it kind of hard for the owner to delete the spoiler.

[+AllenFamilyCachers]

Hi all... first off, I feel I should introduce myself. My name is Erik and I'm "the dad" of AllenFamilyCachers.

 

I feel like I owe some people (especially saxdiva and mr. vibes) an apology. I didn't mean to cause such a uproar with my family's geocaching website. However, I can't help but feel a little bit special that my site has caused such a commosion (whether good or bad) amongst the geo-community. What can I say... I like attention.

 

Now, in my defense, it was only meant to help people who were stuck with a cache. Being new to this, I have been stuck many times and wished I could have just a piece of the puzzle. I even took into account the fact that some people WOULD NOT want to see all of the spoiler images. That's why I post warnings all over my site before you click a spoiler. I gave my disclosure about it "giving away" the cache (over and over again actually) and if someone clicked on it, they took responsibility for what they were clicking. I never thought this would be a problem. However, I feel that it has caused some unrest amongst you all.

 

Now, to address some of the things I read:

 

[Confuse-A-Cat]

Interesting to see that they have not HIDDEN any yet. Wonder if they will post pix of theirs...?

We haven't hidden any yet because we are brand new. I have containers made (starting at 2.5 stars) but haven't found the perfect place yet. As for posting pics... yeah, we will most likely be doing that. But after reading how much it bothers peopel to do this, we may have to reconsider posting the actual container.

 

[briansnat]

I wonder how they feel if it was THEIR cache. They certainly aren't going to win the most popular award at local events with a website like that one.

Perosnally, I'd be flattered. And I think we'd be very popular at events (if we attended)... people seem to like us.

 

[DanOCan]

I guess maybe this is just some gimmick to generate hits to their website or something, but it seems kind of weird to me.

Couldn't be farther from the truth. I actually do this strictly for fun. I've been a web designer for 10+ years now and just enjoy making websites. As a designer, one needs to practice in order to be good at what you do... this is how I practice.

 

[kklems]

On another note what a AWESOME website they have spoilers or not. Im jealous.

THANKS! I take pride in what I do... even if it's just for fun and no one would really see it. I didn't think this would be seen by many people, but I'm starting to get an idea of just how many cachers are out there. So, I'm glad that you like the site.

 

[sbell111]

I also liked their site. I wish I had documented all my finds and hides.

THANKS AGAIN! Need any graphic work done?

 

[tands]

I would be nice, but I would not give in on this. These folks seem pretty proud of their website and ability to create interesting photographic accounts of their activities. But it's more difficult to make a website interesting without posting 'spoiler porn.' And there are countless neat things to document with pictures while caching besides the hide and container. I hope they choose to rise to the challenge.

Uh... what challenge? BTW, should I hide the "spoiler porn" from my kids? I mean, my oldest is only 13!!!

 

[tozainamboku]

I noticed that they have found one TB and have the same link on their log on the TB page. Since I live in So. Cal. I won't look at their site, so I don't know if they posted a picture that shows the TB tracking number.

Yeah, it's called Moose Crossing. No photos of this one yet (ironic since we all know I love to take photos), but there will be when I get a chance to take some photos of him around wildlife. I also want to get him out of Newbury Park. I was thinking San Diego or Santa Barbara since I'm there alot and they are both travel towns. Figured maybe someone caching on vacation would pick him up and take him back to their home (hopefully to another state!)

 

[TeamVilla5]

Slow down, everyone... they've only found 18 caches and just started in January. No, it's not great etiquette to put the link on all their logs, but they may not know that... and a simple, polite email should do the trick if that's the case. And they may not KNOW how they'd feel if it were their cache; they may simply not have thought about it, or they may not mind... when they actually hide one, that is! Don't just assume they are trying to publicize their website or have other devious agendas. Also, unless the link in their log takes you directly to that specific spoiler pic, I wouldn't worry too much about it; as someone pointed out earlier, it would take a lot of work just to hunt down your spoiler pic.

YEAH! Leave me alone However, I did not know it was bad form to put a link in each log. I'm sorry. BTW, thanks for taking the initiative to send me that "polite email" and let me know about this thread. Everyone else here just liked to point the finger (middle one maybe???) at me and call me the bad man. Now that I know there is a problem, I can fix it.

 

OK, one that note, here is what I'm gonna do...

 

First, I'm going to apologize (again!) to saxdiva and mr. vibes. Sorry for spoiling your chache. I didn't mean to. BTW, the metal container doesn't come out of your main container. It's either glued (which would make sense) or sap has glued it in there. It's tough to get the top off to sign the log. That took longer than the find.

 

Second, I'm going to go an delete the website link in each of my logs (pause for applause to die down) and just have the link in my profile.

 

Third, I'm going to take some of the true spoiler images off of the site. These are the ones showing the actual container. See how easy I am to work with?!?!

 

Then I'm going to shoot myself. Just kidding. I'm sorry again people... please forgive me for my visually pleasing website

Edited February 6, 2006 by AllenFamilyCachers

[+briansnat]

Erik,

I don't doubt your intentions were anything but good. You have to realize however that some geocachers put a lot of work into making a uniquely camoflaged container or creating a difficult hide. If they want people to receive hints and spoilers it should be up to them.

 

My issue was not with your website, but the "come look" aspect of your logs. I'm glad that you saw fit to remove the references to it in the logs.

 

And welcome to the sport. I think you already know how addicting it can be.

[+sbell111]

The forums are so boring when everybody gets all reasonable-like.

[+AllenFamilyCachers]

OK, just finished editing the logs... there should no longer be any information pointing towards the website other than in my profile.

[+Thrak]

My personal opinion is that people who post spoilers on the cache page suck.

 

I'd be pretty unhappy to have the link in the log on my cache page and I'd mail the person explaining how I felt and ask them to remove the reference from their log. I don't care what they put on THEIR web page but I wouldn't want it on MY cache page.

 

After sending a polite request with my reasons I'd wait a bit to see if they responded and complied. After that waiting period, if they haven't responded/complied, I'd delete the find and mail them my reason for doing so.

[+sbell111]

OK, just finished editing the logs... there should no longer be any information pointing towards the website other than in my profile.

Welcome to the game and thanks for making that small change.

 

Have fun.

[+AllenFamilyCachers]

OK, also just took the true "spoiler images" off the site. Now it only shows what's around you when you get to the coordinates listed on the page... hopefully this new approach won't hurt anyone's feelings now. If so, let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Edited February 6, 2006 by AllenFamilyCachers

[+saxdiva and mr. vibes]

Hi there...

 

BTW, thanks for taking the initiative to send me that "polite email" and let me know about this thread. Everyone else here just liked to point the finger (middle one maybe???) at me and call me the bad man. Now that I know there is a problem, I can fix it.

 

I understand what you're getting at, and the only reason I didn't e-mail you myself is that I'm also fairly new at all this and I didn't know whether it was really an issue, or if I was just being weird about it, so I wanted to get a few other opinions, first. Sounds like the jury is definitely out on this one, so I had pretty much figured last night that I'd let well enough alone.

 

First, I'm going to apologize (again!) to saxdiva and mr. vibes. Sorry for spoiling your chache. I didn't mean to.

 

No worries, but thanks all the same for editing those posts. I think I look at it as something akin to websites that post the solutions for puzzle caches (and that's probably not a great analogy, but it's the closest I can come to explaining it). I haven't seen a single DNF on this cache, so I don't think it's any harder than I rated it, and I'd like other finders to be able to enjoy the challenge, too.

 

BTW, the metal container doesn't come out of your main container. It's either glued (which would make sense) or sap has glued it in there. It's tough to get the top off to sign the log. That took longer than the find.

 

The metal container *IS* glued in... the top is threaded and should be the only part that unscrews. Thanks for the heads-up, though... I'm going to run the cache-hounds out there this afternoon and take along some steel wool, just in case the threads have started to oxidize on me.

 

Third, I'm going to take some of the true spoiler images off of the site. These are the ones showing the actual container. See how easy I am to work with?!?

Then I'm going to shoot myself. Just kidding. I'm sorry again people... please forgive me for my visually pleasing website

 

Naw... don't shoot yourself. I'm working on getting official permission to place a series of caches at the State University I teach at, and I'm gonna need some people to go find them. They'll mostly be caches of this general type (with a couple of ammo cans mixed in for TBs and trades), and I'm having a lot of fun designing the containers, so I hope you'll have a look once they're out there.

 

Cheers, and welcome to geocaching!

-Leanne

 

P.S. BTW, forgot to compliment you on the website... nice design!

[+Beffums]

quote: The metal container *IS* glued in... the top is threaded and should be the only part that unscrews. Thanks for the heads-up, though... I'm going to run the cache-hounds out there this afternoon and take along some steel wool, just in case the threads have started to oxidize on me.

 

just a thought - it's amazing how much a little piece of waxed tooth floss will do for keeping threads sealed and non-oxidized.

Edited February 6, 2006 by Beffums

[+tands]

Sorry to sound so critical. I just re-read that post and the term in question is kinda harsh. Sorry, didn't mean it that way. I think your son is ok, PG-13 and all.

 

- T of TandS

Edited February 7, 2006 by tands

[+denali7]

Here's another one. This cacher posts unencrypted hints for their previous find in the log of the next cache they find. Makes it kind of hard for the owner to delete the spoiler.

 

just when i though i'd seen it all tonight...

[+ghazkull]

On another note what a AWESOME website they have spoilers or not. Im jealous.

 

THANKS! I take pride in what I do... even if it's just for fun and no one would really see it. I didn't think this would be seen by many people, but I'm starting to get an idea of just how many cachers are out there. So, I'm glad that you like the site.

 

This is off topic.

I don't know what others think, but i personally don't like pages that open another window when you 'enter the site'.

Using tabbed browsing, I have to close the window again, open it in another tab, and close the original tab.

The page also doesn't look quite right with FF. Don't have Opera on this machine, so can't say if it looks better with that browser.

Well, just some minor things, apart from that, nice page =)

[+tands]

Awesome Website!!!

 

I agree! Very Nice, Allen Family Cachers!

 

- T of TandS

[+AllenFamilyCachers]

The page also doesn't look quite right with FF. Don't have Opera on this machine, so can't say if it looks better with that browser.

Yeah, unfortunately some versions of FireFox add pixels to their pages. The page uses graphics to build the whole page... unfortunately, FF doesn't know how to keep all of the pixels together (aligned to the top) when faced with an IFRAME tag. So, I just deal with it the way it is...

 

As far as the launch window... this keeps the child window (new window) constrained to a certain size. I used to have the parent window (launch window) close after clicking, but with the creation of pop-up blockers, if the child was blocked, the parent closed as well and now you have to start all over again. So, there are pros/cons to every piece of software.

 

Thanks for the input.