Members Only Caches

[iam2smart]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

[+Mopar]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

So, if nobody pays, how does the site stay running so you can continue to geocache for free?

[+welch]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

 

I think you'll get more satisfaction from the owners of the MOCs local to you. Send them a nice email and ask if they might tell you why you've choosen to make them MOCs. Maybe even explain why you feel MOCs 'should be free or not at all'.

Arguing pro/con about MOCs with people who probably don't live anywhere near you isn't going to do much. But if you talk to your local people maybe they'll change their mind, or maybe you will, or maybe neither of you will but at least you'll know more about that persons reasoning.

[+mgbmusic]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

So, if nobody pays, how does the site stay running so you can continue to geocache for free?

 

I can see both sides of the issue. I am a premium member, but i remember the frustration of MO caches. There are other benefits to being a member, Pocket Queries being the most obvious. MO Caches seem a bit elitist, but in the end it helps pay for the development, improvement, and maintenance of this site, so I'm for membership. There really aren't all that many MO caches that I've run across around here - less than 10% I'd say, so I just ignored the fact that I couldn't search for them...

 

The hosting alone for this site - I don't even want to think about it...

 

--MGb

[+J10fly]

I have 2 caches I've put up.....1 is public and one is MOC. The main reason I did an MOC one is because it has coins come through it being a MOC limits the probability of it getting muggled. It may not be full proof but every but helps.

Just like Mopar said too, geocaching.com has to offer some sort of service that is a pay service in order to keep their site running. Sadly enough if it was only run on donations it probably would be hard to sustain how well the site is or even stay up.

 

Jayman11

[FlagFinder]

i just avoid them or hide my own i dont think you should pay unless you think its your best cache then its worth it.

[+Kit Fox]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

 

I think you should start by utilizing the search feature.

 

Subscription Only Caches--grrrrrrrrrr!

 

Member Only Caches, Should I or shouldn't I?

 

Caches for Premium members only

 

Members only caches

 

"members only" caches rant

 

And more since:

The First "no Members" Cache

 

Change Moc Suggestion, need only normal account to view

 

Northeast Premium Member Only Caches, What are your thoughts?

 

When To Hide A Premium Member Cache, What is the culture of Member Only cache

 

Members Only Cache Hides, Members Only Cache Hides

 

Members Only, Premium Member Cache

 

And from across the pond

Members Only Caches, Is there a point anymore ?

Edited January 5, 2007 by Kit Fox

[+TexasGringo]

I think that everyone should pay...after all, you are using this site...and this costs money to run and be updated (equipment, electric, employees...etc.). Do you believe that others should foot the bill for you?

[+TheAlabamaRambler]

I think that everyone should pay...after all, you are using this site...and this costs money to run and be updated (equipment, electric, employees...etc.). Do you believe that others should foot the bill for you?

 

I agree - 60 day free trial woth PQs and everything available, then pay or go away!

 

Lots of cachers are lucky that TPTB at the Frog Palace are nicer than I!

[+welch]

I think that everyone should pay...after all, you are using this site...and this costs money to run and be updated (equipment, electric, employees...etc.). Do you believe that others should foot the bill for you?

 

Given that most caches are set up for anyone that wants to vist, for free, I would say most of the time others are 'footing the bill' for you. There are not requirements saying you have hide caches, or how many, or when...

 

Besides getting everyone to pay could be a problem, its not like gc.com is the only website the lists cache locations. There are also litterally hundreds of personal and group sites realated to geocaching out there that could host hunt info if they really wanted. Sure they wouldn't have nearly as many neat easy to use frills, but if the idea is avoid paying for extras then a striped model is what you order. How can you force money from people to play something that is pretty much 'pay what you want to pay'?

[+Mule Ears]

There's a similar problem at a restaurant I like. They have a bowl of free mints by the cash register, but they charge money for a hamburger. It's not fair.

 

iam2smart: urnot.

[+TexasGringo]

***How can you force money from people to play something that is pretty much 'pay what you want to pay'?***

 

Just make every cache "Premium Members Only". That might also end some of the problems with Missing TB's, GeoCoins and rehiding caches properly.

[+Airmapper]

First of all I have no problem paying the site. The extra features are great and I feel their worth every penny. The issue to me is that you should pay for "Extra" features. The cache listings themselves should be in a way free to all, since they are placed and maintained by members, not Groundspeak. For the most part, PMOC is not that great of a feature anyway, and I'm pretty sure it would have little to no affect on people becoming Premium Members.

 

I'm not totally against restricting certain members from accessing the cache page either, you may want to keep less dedicated cachers, or non cachers browsing the site from seeing the coords and information. I just think we might could find some other way.

[+welch]

***How can you force money from people to play something that is pretty much 'pay what you want to pay'?***

 

Just make every cache "Premium Members Only". That might also end some of the problems with Missing TB's, GeoCoins and rehiding caches properly.

I think you missed my point... GEOCACHING IS BIGGER THAN ONE WEBSITE, ONE GROUP, OR ONE COMPANY

You can't just slap up a toll on one road to the city, and think that will collect money from everyone. If you get enough people going around the toll booth, then building the booth was a waste of money and could even cost the city money to run. To make it work you either to toll booth all the roads, or the best dang road ever that noone will ever question not paying it.

[+Alan2]

The idea that it's not fair that someone gets free basic service while I pay for special features I want makes about as much sense as complaining about my no cost Yahoo email account vs. people who buy additional Yahoo services.

 

It's nice that everyone is looking out for the owners of geocaching.com by offering a "better" business plan. However, since the owners are in business to make money, if they felt they could make more money by changing their strategy to either "everyone pays" or"everyone pays after 2 months" or, ????, they would.

[Trinity's Crew]

Some of the other links that Kit Fox provided might give you some insight as to why people elect to make their caches (M)embers (O)nly ©aches. One of the most practical reasons is that some areas are plagued by cache maggots, or pirates, or thieves, or whatever moniker you would like to give to those who steal caches for giggles. Making caches available to paying members only appears to slow down the carnage.

 

Also, many people list a cache as MOC for only a short while to give paying members a crack at FTF. It's not my cup of tea, but I certainly don't begrudge them for doing it.

 

Bottom line is that MOCs are there for paying members to use as they see fit. Don't sweat it. There are hundreds of thousands of free caches out there for you to find. But if they are really bugging you just pony up the 3 dollars for a 1 month membership and go nuts!

 

EDIT: Well if you want to make the copyright symbol just put () around an uppercase "C".

 

MODERATOR EDIT: For language.

Edited January 5, 2007 by Keystone

[+TexasGringo]

Just for the record...None of my caches are "Members Only"...they are for all.

[nonaeroterraqueous]

I used to feel the same as the OP... until I became a paying member. I still don't have any MO caches of my own, but it was nice to make the change-over and suddenly have a few more caches within easy reach. All free caches are more than you deserve. Seriously, what did you do to earn them? Just be happy for the free ones. If you really want the Members Only caches, then you'll just have to decide if it's worth the $30 a year.

[+pigpen4x4]

I suppose you think the roads are free too?

Hey, there are satalite TV signals coming into your yard. You should be able to use those free too?

PP

[+Renegade Knight]

What's that smell?

 

Oh. That explains it.

[+Renegade Knight]

... I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

 

Since I don't know you I really can't asnwer the question. There are cachers who get to see all the caches who don't deserve to see any of them. I'm sure vice versa happens as well. For your second topic try something that isn't a complaint. Save that for something a little less troll bait ish.

[+StarBrand]

It continues to amaze me that some people believe they "have to" go to every cache listed. And then they don't like some of them and are upset. Ignore the MOCs or become a Premium Member - those are the only two choices you have - short of talking the listing owners into changing the status.

[+Kit Fox]

Just for the record...None of my caches are "Members Only"...they are for all.

 

Three of your caches have a terrain rating of two stars, or higher. This in itself means that your caches are "exclusionary."

 

It continues to amaze me that some people believe they "have to" go to every cache listed. And then they don't like some of them and are upset. Ignore the MOCs or become a Premium Member - those are the only two choices you have - short of talking the listing owners into changing the status.

 

The ignore feature is a Premium Members benefit only.

[Digital_Cowboy]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

 

I think you should start by utilizing the search feature.

 

Subscription Only Caches--grrrrrrrrrr!

 

Member Only Caches, Should I or shouldn't I?

 

Caches for Premium members only

 

Members only caches

 

"members only" caches rant

 

And more since:

The First "no Members" Cache

 

Change Moc Suggestion, need only normal account to view

 

Northeast Premium Member Only Caches, What are your thoughts?

 

When To Hide A Premium Member Cache, What is the culture of Member Only cache

 

Members Only Cache Hides, Members Only Cache Hides

 

Members Only, Premium Member Cache

 

And from across the pond

Members Only Caches, Is there a point anymore ?

 

Kit Fox,

 

There is just one problem with one of the replies to the first thread you posted a link to.

 

That is that there are plenty of people out there who have scrimped and saved just to buy a bare-bones basic GPSr, because of being on a fixed income and $3.00 month or $30.00 a year could very well be a hardship for them. As there are plenty of people here in the States (and I'm sure elsewhere in the world) who on a daily basis have to make the hard decision on a daily basis whether or not to:

 

a) buy food

buy medicines

c) pay the rent/mortgage utilities

 

A good example would be either a low-income family or single parent family. And for either family as I said trying to come up with either the $3.00 a month or $30.00 a year could very well be a hardship.

 

And I can certainly understand the OP's position that members only caches can be a bone of contention for some cachers.

 

I can understand paying a premium membership fees for being able to do pocket queries or to setup caches on a given route, but to be able to find a cache in the area. I mean given how much some of the GPSr's cost. I can fully understand someone being upset at being asked to pay a fee on top of that initial layout, just to go out and find caches in their area.

 

Digital_Cowboy

[+sbell111]

I think that everyone should pay...after all, you are using this site...and this costs money to run and be updated (equipment, electric, employees...etc.). Do you believe that others should foot the bill for you?

I agree - 60 day free trial woth PQs and everything available, then pay or go away!

 

Lots of cachers are lucky that TPTB at the Frog Palace are nicer than I!

I guess that you missed this post by Jeremy:

As Jake.Hazelip and JamieZ indicated (as well as some others), traditional geocaching itself will never be a pay to play service. ...

 

Back to the issue at hand, I can see how MOCs could be irritating. However, it's not as if they are the only caches out there. I have yet to see an area that was overrun with MOCs. In your area, there is 200 caches within 4.6 miles of your '(Bye Bye, Miss) American Pine' cache. Less than twenty of these are MOCs.

 

To put this into perspective, when I first started caching, there were no MOC caches. However, there were only about three caches within thirty or forty miles of my home.

 

My advise is to ignore the MOCs and look for the other caches.

 

(I was surprised to find this post in the same thread as above. )

[vagabond]

Out of 200 caches around the Yukon area 22 are mocs, you've found 28 caches in a little over a year that leaves 150 caches unfound by you, at your rate you have over 5 years of caches to be found and I'm sure there will be a lot more caches placed by then that are non members only caches.

The site is free, but if you want more then you pay for it

 

edit to add guess I should learn to type faster

Edited January 5, 2007 by vagabond

[+emurock]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

I like the idea of the "Member's Only" caches and it helps to pay for website.

[+Kit Fox]

 

Kit Fox,

 

There is just one problem with one of the replies to the first thread you posted a link to.

 

That is that there are plenty of people out there who have scrimped and saved just to buy a bare-bones basic GPSr, because of being on a fixed income and $3.00 month or $30.00 a year could very well be a hardship for them. As there are plenty of people here in the States (and I'm sure elsewhere in the world) who on a daily basis have to make the hard decision on a daily basis whether or not to:

 

a) buy food

buy medicines

c) pay the rent/mortgage utilities

 

These threads are not an argument about promoting Socialism, or the "haves and have nots." This sport isn't about catering to the "entitlement generation." Any cacher that "barely makes it" from month to month, but is an active cacher (finding caches often) has to spend money to geocache. The cost for fuel, to drive from cache to cache is one example. Caching supplies such as batteries for the GPS is another example.

 

A good example would be either a low-income family or single parent family. And for either family as I said trying to come up with either the $3.00 a month or $30.00 a year could very well be a hardship.

 

And I can certainly understand the OP's position that members only caches can be a bone of contention for some cachers.

 

I can understand paying a premium membership fees for being able to do pocket queries or to setup caches on a given route, but to be able to find a cache in the area. I mean given how much some of the GPSr's cost. I can fully understand someone being upset at being asked to pay a fee on top of that initial layout, just to go out and find caches in their area.

 

Digital_Cowboy

 

Until all caches in any area are converted to PMOCs, the denial of fun is just not there. There are plenty of open caches for non paying members. Saving three dollars by recycling, or selling something you don't need is another way to become a Premium member for one month. Then they can find all the "elitest PMOCs" during that month.

 

There are lots of activities that I can't participate in due to high member dues (Private Hunting Clubs, Private Fishing Clubs) but I don't lose any sleep, nor due I resent anyone who can afford those premiums. I live within my means, and except what I have.

Edited January 5, 2007 by Kit Fox

[+sbell111]

 

Kit Fox,

 

There is just one problem with one of the replies to the first thread you posted a link to.

 

That is that there are plenty of people out there who have scrimped and saved just to buy a bare-bones basic GPSr, because of being on a fixed income and $3.00 month or $30.00 a year could very well be a hardship for them. As there are plenty of people here in the States (and I'm sure elsewhere in the world) who on a daily basis have to make the hard decision on a daily basis whether or not to:

 

a) buy food

buy medicines

c) pay the rent/mortgage utilities

 

These threads are not an argument about promoting Socialism, or the "haves and have nots." This sport isn't about catering to the "entitlement generation." Any cacher that "barely makes it" from month to month, but is an active cacher (finding caches often) has to spend money to geocache. The cost for fuel, to drive from cache to cache is one example. Caching supplies such as batteries for the GPS is another example.

I don't agree with this. I'm thinking of the example used in an early thread on this topic of a struggling college student. The GPSr is previously owned. It is powered by recharging the battery in the dorm. Transportation is handled via a bus/subway pass that would be necessary whether or not the individual was a geocacher.

 

For this person geocaching has no cost. However, the individual still does not have spare money to pay for a membership.

[+Kit Fox]

 

These threads are not an argument about promoting Socialism, or the "haves and have nots." This sport isn't about catering to the "entitlement generation." Any cacher that "barely makes it" from month to month, but is an active cacher (finding caches often) has to spend money to geocache. The cost for fuel, to drive from cache to cache is one example. Caching supplies such as batteries for the GPS is another example.

I don't agree with this. I'm thinking of the example used in an early thread on this topic of a struggling college student. The GPSr is previously owned. It is powered by recharging the battery in the dorm. Transportation is handled via a bus/subway pass that would be necessary whether or not the individual was a geocacher.

 

For this person geocaching has no cost. However, the individual still does not have spare money to pay for a membership.

 

So you're telling me that a college student can't rake someone's yard, collect recyclables, or perform some other odd job to earn $3.00?

 

I don't care if someone chooses not to be a premium member. What bothers me is when members complain that others shouldn't be able to hide premium caches.

[+sbell111]

So you're telling me that a college student can't rake someone's yard, collect recyclables, or perform some other odd job to earn $3.00?

 

I don't care if someone chooses not to be a premium member. What bothers me is when members complain that others shouldn't be able to hide premium caches.

Then my question to you is why do you argue one issue when your problem is with the other?

[+zoltig]

Pay or don't pay, the choice is entirely up to you. I personally think that $30.00 per year is a fantastic value for entertainment, plus I have no problems supporting the site to keep the upgrades coming. I have been a caching member since '02 and started being a Premium Member not long after. Since I started there have been plenty of upgrades and improvements done. Are those upgrades free to Geocaching to do. Nope. It costs money. Believe it or not, non paying members enjoy some of the benefits provided by Premium Members support. Do PM's get "perks"? YUP!

You can still still cache whether you are a PM or not.

BTW, I like the free mint and hamburger scenario!

Edited January 5, 2007 by zoltig

[+Kit Fox]

So you're telling me that a college student can't rake someone's yard, collect recyclables, or perform some other odd job to earn $3.00?

 

I don't care if someone chooses not to be a premium member. What bothers me is when members complain that others shouldn't be able to hide premium caches.

Then my question to you is why do you argue one issue when your problem is with the other?

 

In the case that you presented "the starving student," I can accept that as a reason not to be Premium member. For someone who caches all the time, but refuses to "pony up" $30.00, I consider them a bit "parasitic."

 

I debate these topics to defend those of us who like to hide PMOCs as a perk to other monetary supporters of this site. I have 81 active hides, 15 of them are currently PMOCs. If a cacher can't afford to pay for a premium membership, they can find my other 66 caches.

 

I will never buy into the Elitism argument, unless premium memberships costs rise to hundreds of dollars.

[+Confucius' Cat]

Well I just asked my daughter, who is in college and has no money....

 

She said she could get the $3/ month picking up quarters off the ground.

 

I don't buy the entitlement mentality either.

 

If you live in the U.S. and are not living on the street, $3 fo a membership is just a matter of choosing... a pack of cigarettes or GC, two pops or GC, a big mac or GC, skipping one big mac to pay for your hobby is not too much sacrifice (look the word up, I know we don't DO that here ). WTH you would probably get that much in ten minutes with a "will work for food" sign.

 

If you are too poor to pay $3 / month, you simply cannot afford to geocache. You need to get a less costly hobby.

 

I do not drive a Hummer because I CANNOT AFFORD IT. If everybody has a "right" to geocache for free then I have a "right" to drive a Hummer... and to own a yacht too.

 

Talk to Nancy, she'll make it all FAIR for you.

[+BlueDeuce]

surfing the web.

 

Hey cool, this looks interesting.

 

---

 

That's about all the justification I plan on providing.

[+Vinny & Sue Team]

Well I just asked my daughter, who is in college and has no money....

 

She said she could get the $3/ month picking up quarters off the ground.

 

I don't buy the entitlement mentality either.

 

If you live in the U.S. and are not living on the street, $3 fo a membership is just a matter of choosing... a pack of cigarettes or GC, two pops or GC, a big mac or GC, skipping one big mac to pay for your hobby is not too much sacrifice (look the word up, I know we don't DO that here ). WTH you would probably get that much in ten minutes with a "will work for food" sign.

 

If you are too poor to pay $3 / month, you simply cannot afford to geocache. You need to get a less costly hobby.

 

I do not drive a Hummer because I CANNOT AFFORD IT. If everybody has a "right" to geocache for free then I have a "right" to drive a Hummer... and to own a yacht too.

 

Talk to Nancy, she'll make it all FAIR for you.

I much agree with CC, and I must point out that no one is forcing any basic level member to upgrade their membership to Premium member status. Rather, that is only a matter of personal choice, and I feel that it is great that there are some Premium member-only caches available as perks to those members who actively help to support the gc.com website. Lastly, I much agree with CC and some other recent posters that some of the posters on the other side of the fence, particularly the OP, seem to have a MAJOR sense of entitlement. Wow!

[+Lemon Fresh Dog]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

 

I actually appreciate Members Only Caches. You are able to see them when you pay (so being new is not an issue).

 

Why do I like them?

 

1) They allow the owner to see an audit log of everyone that has viewed the cache

2) It serves as a "reward" to those that support the site economically

 

For the first reason, if some item is placed in the cache (such as a geocoin, etc), you can tell who was at the cache - or at least who was looking at it. It help a "little" with theft. More importantly, it prevents folks that are just getting into caching from going to a cache that they might not re-hide well, or may not treat as well.

There is no guarantee of course, but it does add a layer of protection and aims it towards a crowd that is a little more serious about the hobby. -- which NO disrepect to those that don't pay and are serious - it's a generalization.

 

The second point is sort of a "doing my part" thing. I think that the money I spend on FTF prizes etc should be for folks that support the site. As the cache owner, I think this is my right and you don't have to agree.

 

Normally, after a period as an MOC, I will place the cache into an open to all field.

 

I do not think it is a social issue. The amount to become a premium member is simply not restictive enough to create a "class" system as some would suggest.

 

Also - I hate micros - so I just don't look for them.

[+Mudfrog]

I don't buy the hardship cases that some have brought up here. Yes there are people who are down on their luck, have low paying jobs and have trouble making ends meet. But seriously, if you can't come up with $3, then you need to slow down with your geocaching and put more effort into getting your life back on track.

 

My opinion is that most who whine about this have no problem at all paying for premium membership, they just don't want to. Like alot of things in life, they want it given to them while someone else foots the bill. These people dont need to come on here and complain about not getting a benefit that the rest of us choose to pay for!

[+Harry Dolphin]

"You want fries with that?" "What? I have to pay for fries?" You gets what you pays for.

I think I've done ten PMOCs. The first was changed from regular to PMOC. The owner graciously allowed me to log it. I did two or three through the back door. Hey, it works. Two more in the planning stage. That's not a lot out of the thousand caches I;ve found. There aren't that many around here. If I weren't a paying member, I'd ignore them, the same way I ignore other types of caches.

Hey! Wait a minute! There are five kayaking caches nearby. I don't have a kayak. Obviously, geocaching should provide me with a kayak! Why should I have to pay for a kayak?

[+Confucius' Cat]

Hey! Wait a minute! There are five kayaking caches nearby. I don't have a kayak. Obviously, geocaching should provide me with a kayak! Why should I have to pay for a kayak?

Oddly enough, many of the "special equipment required" caches I've seen have some kind of note like "if you need the equipment, send me an e-mail" or something like that. There is a local scuba cache that I would perhaps like to find. I mentioned that i don't have a dive buddy and had two volunteers in minutes. And volunteering to scuba dive with someone you don't know could be endangering your life. (I still haven't gotten around to it, but I have no excuse).

 

Point: I doubt that many MOC caches are intended to prohibit anyone except perhaps a few internet savvy muggles that would pillage and plunder. I'll bet pertineer all MOC owners would gladly go with an impoverished member to hunt his cache if said cacher would email him with an appropriate sob-story.

[+mgbmusic]

I can understand paying a premium membership fees for being able to do pocket queries or to setup caches on a given route, but to be able to find a cache in the area. I mean given how much some of the GPSr's cost. I can fully understand someone being upset at being asked to pay a fee on top of that initial layout, just to go out and find caches in their area.

 

Digital_Cowboy

 

Yes, but it's close to the same thing as - going to a sporting event, or watching it on TV. It's the same experience, but enhanced. Similarly, if you attend a sporting event, you can see some of the things that TV's don't air such as - In between action entertainment, what's happeneing on the field where the action isn't centered (which is sometimes just as important as the action itself), no commercials (at least none that you're forced to watch dring timeouts, between innings, etc.).

 

I enjoy attending baseball games during the summer because there's nothing (to me) like going to a game at the ballpark. However, as much as I'd love to, I can't afford to get season tickets. Therefore, similar to the month-to-month option here, I pick a choose what games to go to watch the Cubs lose...er, I mean play...

 

--MGb

[+Bad_CRC]

members only caches are kind of silly.

 

But there's what, a half million non member caches in the world? just go to one of those or pay the 3 bucks.

 

I find it hard to believe 3 bucks for a month of caching (many hours) isn't a good deal by anyone's standards. 2 hours at the movies for 2 people is more expensive than 6 months of paid caching... how can anyone not find that to be justified?

[4wheelin_fool]

<sigh>

Edited January 6, 2007 by 4wheelin_fool

[+Alan2]

The idea that it's not fair that someone gets free basic service while I pay for special features I want makes about as much sense as complaining about my no cost Yahoo email account vs. people who buy additional Yahoo services.

 

It's nice that everyone is looking out for the owners of geocaching.com by offering a "better" business plan. However, since the owners are in business to make money, if they felt they could make more money by changing their strategy to either "everyone pays" or"everyone pays after 2 months" or, ????, they would.

Another reason for management to have "free" service is to increase the number of people viewing the web pages. Remember, there are advertisements on these pages. Just like "free" braodcast TV where the TV stations make their money from the advertisers, the more people watching, the higher the ad rates. Without the "free" members, geocaching would have to charge the advertisers less money.

[+sbell111]

In the case that you presented "the starving student," I can accept that as a reason not to be Premium member. For someone who caches all the time, but refuses to "pony up" $30.00, I consider them a bit "parasitic."

As has been mentioned 1000 times in these forums, there is more than one way to support geocaching. I refuse to call anyone 'parasitic' simply because they don't show their support in the same manner that I do.

I don't buy the hardship cases that some have brought up here. Yes there are people who are down on their luck, have low paying jobs and have trouble making ends meet. But seriously, if you can't come up with $3, then you need to slow down with your geocaching and put more effort into getting your life back on track. ...

Their lives may be 'on track', but their current budget may still not allow that money to be spent in that manner. It's a simple matter of priorities.

... I find it hard to believe 3 bucks for a month of caching (many hours) isn't a good deal by anyone's standards. 2 hours at the movies for 2 people is more expensive than 6 months of paid caching... how can anyone not find that to be justified?

Perhaps those people who can't afford a night out at the movies?

 

<snip>

Edited January 6, 2007 by sbell111

[+icefall5]

...Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all...

Aren't those both the same thing?

 

I really wouldn't mind paying for the site, if I was old enough to do so. I just don't like the idea of MOC's. I am not old enough yet to buy a premium membership, and my parents don't want to buy one for me even though I have the money to pay them back for it. I would like to see some of the MOC's, because there are a few near my house. But I don't have the option to view them, and I really don't think that's entirely fair.

 

This may have already been brought up, but I didn't read all the posts in this topic.

[+sbell111]

...Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all...

Aren't those both the same thing?

 

I really wouldn't mind paying for the site, if I was old enough to do so. I just don't like the idea of MOC's. I am not old enough yet to buy a premium membership, and my parents don't want to buy one for me even though I have the money to pay them back for it. I would like to see some of the MOC's, because there are a few near my house. But I don't have the option to view them, and I really don't think that's entirely fair.

 

This may have already been brought up, but I didn't read all the posts in this topic.

On the bright side, MOCs are pretty much the same as any other cache. Hopefully, there are still non-MOCs that are close enough to you.

[CoyoteRed]

I really don't appreciate the member's only caches. Geocaching.com was designed as a free website, and I don't like having to pay for the multiplying number of "Member's Only" caches. I think they should make them available to everyone, or they shouldn't be there at all. Even though I'm relatively new, I think I deserve to see all of the caches. What do you guys think?

 

"I am too smart."

 

I took a look at the caches centered around one of your caches. Most of the MOCs I saw are traditionals. If a properly typed MOC is a traditional you don't need to look at the cache page. You don't even need to look at the cache page to log it.

 

Consider them your own little puzzle to figure out how.

 

BTW, I'm with you on the concept of MOCs. I don't agree with them. IMHO, it's a dumb feature.

[+Mudfrog]

(sbell111 @ Jan 5 2007, 09:18am)

I don't buy the hardship cases that some have brought up here. Yes there are people who are down on their luck, have low paying jobs and have trouble making ends meet. But seriously, if you can't come up with $3, then you need to slow down with your geocaching and put more effort into getting your life back on track. ...

Their lives may be 'on track', but their current budget may still not allow that money to be spent in that manner. It's a simple matter of priorities.

 

Noooo, if they can't afford $3 then their lives are definitely not on track. Yes it is a matter of priorities. People need to take care of the more important things in life first. They need to forget about geocaching (and most likely, lots of other things too) for the time being and work to get themselves out of their current situation.

 

I still stick with my opinion that this is not the problem anyways. Most that don't become a paying member choose not to become a paying member. I'm sure there are a variety of reasons for this and it's no big deal. GC.com gets revenue from various sources, not just membership fees and it has said from the beginning that it wouldn't charge for the basics. What gets me is when someone comes in and demands additional benefits that alot of us willingly and gladly pay for!

[4wheelin_fool]

The vast majority of caches are non-member caches (well over 90% of the total). For the price of a gallon of gas there are also a few Members Only caches. I hardly feel that this is elitist - given the low cost and the small amount.