+Bekandian Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I considered donning a fireproof suit for this one, but decided it's not that sort of post… Why do people obsess over getting an FTF (e.g. Driving 100s of miles in the pouring rain at 3 in the morning just to get FTF)??? Note: I'm in no way suggesting people shouldn't, don't have the right to or anything of the sort. I'm just puzzled on the hysteria of finding a piece of Tupperware first? Most convincing answer wins an advance warning on our next cache (only kidding) Quote Link to comment
+Silver-Fox Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I considered donning a fireproof suit for this one, but decided it's not that sort of post… Why do people obsess over getting an FTF (e.g. Driving 100s of miles in the pouring rain at 3 in the morning just to get FTF)??? Note: I'm in no way suggesting people shouldn't, don't have the right to or anything of the sort. I'm just puzzled on the hysteria of finding a piece of Tupperware first? Most convincing answer wins an advance warning on our next cache (only kidding) Any one know who was FTF on Longdean Hyde Quote Link to comment
+Bekandian Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 We did. It was the nearest cache we hadn't found from where we were at the time. Plus it had been out for 3 days and just happened to find it before anyone else. We don't ever go out to get an FTF, which is why we are curious about what drives other people who specifically go out to get FTFs Quote Link to comment
+walkergeoff and wife Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I must admit I am not one who goes for FTFs - although I can see the attraction. I did get quite a thrill on the only FTF I have got. My view is - if it fits my caching opportunities, I will go for it, but I will not make the special effort that some make. But if that is their thing - well geocaching is large enough to cater for different approaches - that is what makes it such a great sport! Quote Link to comment
Ben Pid Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I would say the reason is to experience it first before anyone else, makes it feel more unique I guess. Also think its to get first dabs at the goodies! Quote Link to comment
+Bekandian Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 I would say the reason is to experience it first before anyone else, makes it feel more unique I guess. Also think its to get first dabs at the goodies! Good point, 1 point to Pid Quote Link to comment
+Kryten Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 It can be nice to find a cache as the originator intended, shrubbery intact etc. Following the wildebeast trail to a well visited box can sometime be a little less than challenging. Quote Link to comment
+Paul & Ros Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Everyone looks at Geocaching in their own way and gets their own enjoyment out of it. Some people enjoy the competition of being the first to find a new cache, especially a puzzle cache that requires some effort to solve. Perhaps a cacher has exhausted all their local caches and eagerly awaits anything new in their area. Perhaps the cache setter has left something nice for the first to find. Perhaps the cacher just likes to see those virgin cache stats mount up I'm sure there are lots of reasons. We've had a few FTF and they always seem a bit special, exploring new frontiers and all that. No clues in other peoples logs, no cachers track to follow, no damp log book and mouldy contents. Everything nice and new just as the setter left it. Quote Link to comment
+woZere Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 We did a ftf today, on our patch and with a tb there that we wanted to pick up on our anniversary, we would not chase after ftf but Yellow / White jeeps now thats another thing altogether. Same disease different symptoms and totally baffling to muggles Quote Link to comment
+Firth of Forth Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 .....because amongst geocachers there is a higher than average preponderance of obsessive personailty types. Quote Link to comment
+Morton Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Why do people obsess over getting an FTF (e.g. Driving 100s of miles in the pouring rain at 3 in the morning just to get FTF)??? If you're thinking of the same story as I am, the newly-placed cache had been stocked with a special travel bug (a white jeep or something). So if you wanted to log the TB, you (probably) had to be FTF. Special TBs do add an entertaining extra dimension to the game and by definition there aren't very many of them, so I'm not surprised people go to extraordinary lengths to grab them when they can. As for regular FTFs - it's just natural human competition I think. You get to "know" the people in your area and some people enjoy racing against each other. Others don't, obviously. Personally I'm not interested in FTFs on regular caches. But on a complicated puzzle which requires real effort to solve, I do think it adds to the fun if you're trying to crack it before anyone else. I don't think I've ever actually succeeded in that though! Quote Link to comment
+Firth of Forth Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) Personally I'm not interested in FTFs on regular caches. But on a complicated puzzle which requires real effort to solve, I do think it adds to the fun if you're trying to crack it before anyone else. I don't think I've ever actually succeeded in that though! And Morton's adventures on 3 consecutive nights at a certain central Edinburgh cache are worth a read! Edited February 14, 2006 by Firth of Forth Quote Link to comment
+Bekandian Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 .....because amongst geocachers there is a higher than average preponderance of obsessive personailty types. LOL I do like that I can also see wanting to solve a particular puzzle cache first, there have been occations when we've sat up till the wee hours solving a puzzle else it would drive us mad not knowing the solution!! (Not just in caching either!) Quote Link to comment
+steviep Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Why do people obsess over getting an FTF (e.g. Driving 100s of miles in the pouring rain at 3 in the morning just to get FTF)??? I wish I knew the answer to that one, or at least the cure? Quote Link to comment
+Stuey Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 By hook or by crook, I'll be first in that book! Quote Link to comment
+The Northumbrian Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 When I first started there were only about 15 caches spread between Durham , Northumberland and Cumberland, so you got in first, hoping Gaz , Moss Trooper or Jason W hadn't yet spotted them. and we had quite a bit friendly competition. then it got to be about 25 hidden within 60 miles of home and a few more cachers came along and you had to be up with the birds, or do a night shift. it has always been a bit of a thrill to get a FTF. all part of the fun. Nige Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I might be tempted to go and find a new cache that is only a few miles from home, but I'm not concerned if I'm beaten to it, I could have been the first to find and log on a cache at the Manchester Triple event but I just let it be and carried on chatting with the cachers in the McD's, In fact I forgot to actually do the thing! But then again it was nothing brilliant just a Motorway Mayhem cache with little in the way of beauty to look at (Sorry Harold, I know you are trying your best) Quote Link to comment
+Skate and Jane Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) When I first started it seemed like the next stage to attempt after just actually finding a cache. Then you get competitive with your new mates. But for me now I wont chase them as sometimes mistakes are made in setting them and you read posts of people wandering around for ages in vain. I prefer to let other people find any potential problems. Saying all that I had a FTF yesterday (with 2 mates) Edited February 14, 2006 by Skate and Jane Quote Link to comment
+Kitty Hawk Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Just popped out to get a FTF and this whole thread appeared. Sometimes the fun leaves geocaching, you do a run of average caches, you get drawn down by the constant bickering on the forum, or you just get a bit bored so you need a little extra motivation to overcome the malaise. FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. So there you go. Obsessed about stats - yes. If you say that caching is enjoyable, then, to me FTF is just slightly more enjoyable. I was second to find the FTF with one of the 1st White Jeeps at 3am in the driving rain cache. I arrived 30 mins after Mollinis Crew - they'd driven from Cornwall, me from Southampton. I met more cachers on the walk back to the car. That one was special though, it had had some build up on the forums. Quote Link to comment
+Kitty Hawk Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 <snip But for me now I wont chase them as sometimes mistakes are made in setting them and you read posts of people wandering around for ages in vain. I prefer to let other people find any potential problems. <snip> Yeah, had that three times last year Quote Link to comment
+wildlifewriter Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Why do people obsess over getting an FTF (e.g. Driving 100s of miles in the pouring rain at 3 in the morning just to get FTF)??? Note: I'm in no way suggesting people shouldn't, don't have the right to or anything of the sort. I'm just puzzled on the hysteria of finding a piece of Tupperware first? Why do you assume that such people are obsessed, or even hysterical? I've been on FTF-missions in the early morning, and no hysteria was evident. (There was a lot of yawning in the passengers' seats, though.) On the telly at this very moment, there are people sliding down a concrete chute on tea-trays, at 75 m.p.h. Now THAT'S obsessional... -Wlw Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches Quote Link to comment
+Kitty Hawk Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches I just knew it was madness to "unignore" your post. One day you'll have something positive to say instead of constantly rubbishing what everyone else thinks is a good thing. We all know and accept how it works and respect the work that went into creating it. Quote Link to comment
+Happy Humphrey Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 It's all a bit slower and more relaxed here on the Isle of Man. Caches sit around for days before the FTF, even when they contain both a White Jeep and a Moun10Bike Geocoin! (CACHE ADVERTISING DELETED - TPTB). HH Quote Link to comment
+CrazyL200 Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches Don't the stats count the first one to log a cache, rather than look for the words or letters FTF. Quote Link to comment
+Morton Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches I just knew it was madness to "unignore" your post. One day you'll have something positive to say instead of constantly rubbishing what everyone else thinks is a good thing. We all know and accept how it works and respect the work that went into creating it. Er... well I don't know the history behind that comment, but I *didn't* know how the "virgin cache" calculation worked and I'd assumed it was just broken right now. Now I've been pointed in the right direction, I can see why it has to work that way and it all makes a lot more sense. It may be time to review my claim that I'm not interested in ordinary FTFs Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches I just knew it was madness to "unignore" your post. One day you'll have something positive to say instead of constantly rubbishing what everyone else thinks is a good thing. We all know and accept how it works and respect the work that went into creating it. I was just stating a fact, if you are not happy with that then that is not my fault. Quote Link to comment
+Nellies Knackers Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 My profile shows 2 FTF's but only 1 is a real one,as Moote says it was logged on the same day as the genuine FTF(admittedly I logged it first online). But I can't see whats 'rubbishing' about pointing out how the stats work. Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches Don't the stats count the first one to log a cache, rather than look for the words or letters FTF. No the G:UK stats just look at the first date it was found, and then everyone who found on that date gets counted as a FTF stat. Quote Link to comment
+third-degree-witch Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I was keen on FTF as a newbie,nowadays i couldnt give a toss Quote Link to comment
team tisri Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I personally don't see why people go to great lengths to be FTF but then I was once late for work because I took a (slight) detour to grab a Jeep, and paid a second visit to the same cache in 24 hours to grab a geocoin I hadn't seen before. If there's something unusual in the cache it's safe to assume the FTF will take it, and the sport can cope with everyone's own preferences regarding how they play it. Quote Link to comment
+Alice Band Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) I nearly got arrested on my one and only FTF. The xxxx inexperienced cacher who's only found one cache himself placed it in the wall of a city Nursery. Luckely I was able to blag my way out of it We have a local FTF hound who only goes for FTF's - I think he's got 80 of them under his belt. And another logs them at 5am on his way to work. Its rare to get a FTF unless its listed at a certain time of the day. I've given up on them now, as I cant see me ever getting another Edited February 14, 2006 by Alice Band Quote Link to comment
Deego Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches Is this closer ? Cachetools for moote Quote Link to comment
+Belplasca Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) I simply don't have the time these days to go out caching as much as I would like, so going for FTF is my way of regulating my caching trips. But, cynically knowing how the GCUK stats have to work, I don't really worry when, like today, someone beats me to it. I had to go to work this morning, they didn't. Good luck to them! Having said that, I suspect that I got a taste for FTFs when my first cache was a FTF, and I even have one FTF in America! Oh, and GCUK has me at nearly 50% caches found on the first day of finding... [] [] [] [] [] Bob Aldridge Edited February 14, 2006 by Belplasca Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 (edited) FTF does that, especially when you look at the G:UK stats. I saw, ages ago that you needed about 50 to be in the top 50 - I had 6. I decided that it was one stat that I could try to achieve a good league table position. Of course, you need more than 50 these days to be in the top 50. As far as I see it the G:UK stats are less than perfect, I think that anyone who finds a cache on the same day as an FTF also gets FTF on G:UK. For instance I know that I have only ever had 3 FTF's but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches Is this closer ? Cachetools for moote Well 2 that were not first to find are in there, and 1 that I was FTF on is missing, I think that the issue here is that it is not easy to extract this data from GC.com as there is no FTF flag within their database. This makes it harder to write a SQL query that will pull back accurate data. I will create a SQL database on the works Sun server and import a load of data I have exported from GSAK, and see what I can come up with. If I feel I can get the answer, I will pass the SQL to your good self to try on the G:UK data. Edited February 14, 2006 by Moote Quote Link to comment
+Bekandian Posted February 14, 2006 Author Share Posted February 14, 2006 Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts on this, as we now have better understanding on peoples motivations for getting an FTF Now where did I put that luge?? Quote Link to comment
+John Stead Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 At risk of being a bore, I will say that my first FTF was also my first find and I did go 100 miles from home. But then it was the nearest to home at the time and may well be I was the nearest to it, there only being 37 caches in the UK at the time. Then for the next three I had to go to Nige's delightful part of the country. Now I am very hard pushed to have a real FTF anywhere near home. Quote Link to comment
+Sensei TSKC Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Why do people obsess over getting an FTF (e.g. Driving 100s of miles in the pouring rain at 3 in the morning just to get FTF)??? Because they can! Quote Link to comment
+Hillhappy1 Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Do you remember setting your first cache! That sense of anticipation, waiting just waiting for someone to log it. Hoping you hadn't cocked up. Waiting for the remarks, the feedback, all of that. That's how i feel every time i get a FTF. Obsession no, but just a great feeling. I can't get too used to it can i ? I live within Snerdbe's hunting zone. Quote Link to comment
+The Bongtwashes Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Not being a great one for doing FTFs ( ), I just like getting them because it's finding something that no-one else has found, and finding as the cache setter intended. (Even if it is in a black plastic bin liner, under a POS). Somehow being first is an extra incentive. For example, I was unable to try to find Longdean Hyde yesterday, but today I didn't go (slightly) out of my way to find it because it had been found, but I knew it would still be there at the weekend. I suppose a lot of it is that it's a case of using the facilities of premium membership for what they appear to be there for. Still, it's not about the numbers. Quote Link to comment
nobby.nobbs Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 because it's a laugh! is a bit of fun to beat everyone to a new cache. i'll only bother if it's close and looks good. all to find on first day called ftf for stats. well does it really matter. hello, last time i looked it was only a hobby, a bit of fun. not really something to concern yourself with. Quote Link to comment
+Beds Clangers Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 QUESTION :- Why would I get up at 04:30 a.m, drive 150 miles, poke around a churchyard looking for obsure graves, fiddle with my PDA, swear at Fugawi (always thought that should be "were the F are we"!!), drive up and down a road looking for an obscure footpath sign, trudge through the mud into a wood, swear at the sky to get a GPS lock, walk round and round in circles, go back to the churchyard to check the dates, kick the van for getting the dates wrong, go back to a different wood, walk round and round again, swear at the cache placer for being so devious, swear at myself for being in the middle of a wood at 06:30 a.m and now sure I've got the dates from the graves wrong, stand in the open waiting for GPS lock, walk slowly in circles to calibrate the compass, walk round and round again, go back to the tree I first looked at, check GPS Sonar to see if it is a micro, swear at the placer again, get down on my hands and knees, pray, and YES!!! a tubberware box and a nice blank log book. Trudge back to van, go home, try to explain to wife why I'm covered in scratches and mud!!! ANSWER :- AGE & SEX!!! Well at my age what other chance would I get to "Defile a Virgin" Nick Quote Link to comment
+The Bolas Heathens Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 (edited) We love going for FTF - the thrill of the chase and the adulation when you find an empty logbook is well worth the effort. It's not that often we get one as we're about 1/2 hour or more drive from where most of the new caches seem to come out round here but we've struck lucky a few times when the other two FTF regulars round here have been at work or out and not able to see a new FTF has come out. We keep on trying though as it's great fun! As with everything, different people play the sport in different ways - this is one way we get great enjoyment out of caching but we appreciate it's not for everyone. Edited February 15, 2006 by The Bolas Heathens Quote Link to comment
+Alibags Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 <snip> but on G:UK it says This cacher has defiled 24 virgin caches Does it? How tasteless. I thought we had consigned that particular expression to the geodustbin? Quote Link to comment
+The Golem Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 To be honest I've never really given much thought to why I like to be FTF....If a new cache appears nearby and I've got the time I'll go and bag it there and then. I've managed to get about half or dozen or so that way and I must admit I get this sort of warm, fuzzy feeling... Quote Link to comment
+kewfriend Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 <<<<<<<<<<<<< deeply sad obsessive compulsive <<<<<<<<<<<<< anally retentive - typical male but I cant help it .... so I sit hunched over my PC waiting for the next new local cache to be declared ... agggghhhhhhhh HELP ME SOMEONE Quote Link to comment
+scaw Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 To be honest I've never really given much thought to why I like to be FTF....If a new cache appears nearby and I've got the time I'll go and bag it there and then. I've managed to get about half or dozen or so that way and I must admit I get this sort of warm, fuzzy feeling... I am sure everyone in our area knows your gonna beat us all to the ftf golem think we wait for you to bag it then we know its safe to go Quote Link to comment
+Mr'D Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 I like being FTF simply because it gives me the chance to be the first to get feedback to the cache placer. It is a bit nail-biting waiting for that first log isn't it? However, I would not go toooooo far out my way to log one Jon Quote Link to comment
+Belplasca Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 (edited) <<<<<<<<<<<<< deeply sad obsessive compulsive <<<<<<<<<<<<< anally retentive - typical male but I cant help it .... so I sit hunched over my PC waiting for the next new local cache to be declared ... agggghhhhhhhh HELP ME SOMEONE There, there, Kewfriend. Just lie back and have a nice cup of tea. And leave the FTFs for me! Bob Aldridge Edited February 16, 2006 by Belplasca Quote Link to comment
+chipstix Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 And Morton's adventures on 3 consecutive nights at a certain central Edinburgh cache are worth a read! ROFL! Quote Link to comment
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