Final Draft

[2oldfarts (the rockhounders)]

We think we have all bases covered with this draft of the rules for the contest. If you spot any errors or there is something that we missed, post away.

 

We will start the 'sign up' thread on the 1st and have any needed corrections posted in that thread.

 

*******

 

Prizes :

Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0

Winchester 10X25 binoculars - donate by Dragon Clan

Pentax K1000 used 35mm camera / used with a few small extras

Cordless phone - Uniden 2.4 GHz

 

Sign up period - 2/1/2007 to 3/1/2007

If you're not signed up, you can not log any benchmarks for the contest.

 

Contest to run for 3 months - 3/2 at sunrise to 6/3 11:59 PM

 

Target - any benchmark you have not found. Others may have found it, just not you.

 

Bonus points to be announced - spell "2oldfarts" using the 1st digit of the designation (they must be listed in the GC.com database) of benchmarks that you find. See pictures in next post for qualifying designations samples.

 

Scoring = 1 point per verified regular benchmark find plus any special finds that qualifies.

 

Special finds are...

 

Finding a DNF = 5 points - the last log must be a 'Did Not Find' logged before January 25, 2007. DNF means 'not found' by anyone or any agency. The listing will need to be in the GC.com database, so it can be logged for the contest.

 

Finding a Destroyed = 10 points - for this class it will need to be a 'Destroyed' on GC.com.

 

Finding a mis-logged benchmark = 15 points - any benchmark where the 'last' log is wrong (also on GC.com).

 

Logging requirements:

 

We will have a special thread for logging your recoveries.

 

Post a hot link (using the designated format) to your GC.com log in the proper thread here in the forums. If you need help, just ask.

 

Remember, you must be signed up before you can log any benchmarks for this contest.

 

The 2oldfarts will be the final judge on all logs, so beware the dreaded "PM from John".

 

John & Shirley

[2oldfarts (the rockhounders)]

These 2 pictures show screen shots from GSAK showing benchmarks in Coconino County, AZ. If you look at the designation of the benchmarks in the middle of the picture you will see that they all begin with the digit "2" in the 1st picture and the letter "O" in the 2nd picture. Any of the benchmarks that start with a 2 will qualify for the 1st benchmark needed to spell "2Oldfarts". As in the 1st picture any of the designations that start with the letter "O" in the second picture will qualify for the 2nd benchmark needed to spell "2Oldfarts".

 

 

 

This is one easy search with GSAK, just list the benchmarks in alphabetical order and see which benchmarks you want to hunt for in your efforts to spell "2Oldfarts"

 

Also, a quick search with GSAK will show all datasheets from the NGS that have a "Did Not Find" log in them. Just cross reference them with the GC.com database to be sure they are there and the last log is a DNF.

 

To search for DNFs and destroyed on GC.com you will need to do a general search for all benchmarks (try starting with your ZIP code) on this search page. Once the list comes up just scan down each page looking for the Blue face icon that indicates a DNF, or the broken disk that indicates a "Destroyed" log.

 

Hope these tips help.

 

John & Shirley

 

Edited to add link for the search page.

Edited January 29, 2007 by 2oldfarts (the rockhounders)

[Papa-Bear-NYC]

Just a clarification on the "DNF rule":

 

The DNF should be the most recent log prior to January 25, 2007 on the most recent NGS datasheet. This DNF log will not neccesarily be found in the listing found on GC.com (that being out of date). So the requirement that the station needs to be listed on GC.com wasn't meant to imply thet the DNF would be there, merely that the station is there.

 

Did I get that right?

 

 

Come on USPSQ get looking (and not finding) in my area!

[2oldfarts (the rockhounders)]

Just a clarification on the "DNF rule":

 

The DNF should be the most recent log prior to January 25, 2007 on the most recent NGS datasheet. This DNF log will not neccesarily be found in the listing found on GC.com (that being out of date). So the requirement that the station needs to be listed on GC.com wasn't meant to imply thet the DNF would be there, merely that the station is there.

 

Did I get that right?

 

 

Come on USPSQ get looking (and not finding) in my area!

 

Mostly Correct:

If you choose to use the latest NGS datasheet, you will need to post a link to the NGS datasheet so the scorekeeper doesn't need to do a search for the correct datasheet.

 

We will only be verifying with the GC.com database unless someone post the link in their contest log, to the latest NGS sheet.

 

John

[+Ernmark]

I like it !

 

Oh, are we ignoring intersection stations & concentrating on disks-only again?

[2oldfarts (the rockhounders)]

I like it !

 

Oh, are we ignoring intersection stations & concentrating on disks-only again?

 

You don't need to search for intersection stations if you do not want to, but we decided it would be okay to allow all benchmarks in the database.

 

We will need to list the criteria for a "good" picture in the rules.

 

John

[+Ernmark]

I like it !

 

Oh, are we ignoring intersection stations & concentrating on disks-only again?

 

You don't need to search for intersection stations if you do not want to, but we decided it would be okay to allow all benchmarks in the database.

 

We will need to list the criteria for a "good" picture in the rules.

 

John

 

...hmm - I'll have a better chance of gettin' that "O" !

[+Klemmer]

Works for me! I like that we can also use the NGS database, at least for DNF's.

 

Just to clarify your clarify: The NGS database may be be used only for the purpose of establishing a DNF? Or for all contest purposes? [The 2oldfarts / PapaBear post exchange seemed to focus on just the NGS DNF logs].

 

If it is that NGS is OK for all contest purposes, non-GC NGS marks would need to be logged elsewhere, as NGS will take a good while to appear, and can pictures yet be posted on NGS? So then, if yes, Waymarking and NGS, with a proper set of link(s)? [OK by me, IF it even ever happens].

Edited January 29, 2007 by Klemmer & TeddyBearMama

[2oldfarts (the rockhounders)]

Works for me! I like that we can also use the NGS database, at least for DNF's.

 

Just to clarify your clarify: The NGS database may be be used only for the purpose of establishing a DNF? Or for all contest purposes? [The 2oldfarts / PapaBear post exchange seemed to focus on just the NGS DNF logs].

 

If it is that NGS is OK for all contest purposes, non-GC NGS marks would need to be logged elsewhere, as NGS will take a good while to appear, and can pictures yet be posted on NGS? So then, if yes, Waymarking and NGS, with a proper set of link(s)? [OK by me, IF it even ever happens].

 

From the 'final draft' post #1 ----

"Bonus points to be announced - spell "2oldfarts" using the 1st digit of the designation (they must be listed in the GC.com database) of benchmarks that you find. See pictures in next post for qualifying designations samples."

 

Since we will be using the GC.com database for the logging of the finds and for verification purposes, the PID will need to be in the GC list. For the DNF, it can be on the NGS datasheet anytime prior to 1/25/2007, but the PID# does need to be listed on GC. The same applies for "Destroyed" marks. (hint: search for "presumed destroyed")

 

Hope this clears up the use of the NGS downloads.

 

John

[+Harry Dolphin]

Stop trying to confuse the alreeady confused dolphin!

1 point for any benchmark I have not found before, logged onto GC, or if not listed there, on NGS.

Okay got it.

Finding a DNF = 5 points. Last log was a DNF. Last log on GC? Or last log on NGS? Or both? Last log as in 'Found it" or "DNF"? Or does a note after the DNF interfere? (Unfortunately, most of the DNFs around here are either mine or holograph's. And I've only found one that he DNFed!)

Finding a destroyed = 10 pts. Must have been marked destroyed on GC. Got it.

Finding a mis-logged benchmark = 15 points - any benchmark where the 'last' log is wrong (also on GC.com). I asked a question on this earlier and did not get an answer. LY2640. (My 'F' benchmark!) A reference disk was logged on 2003. Is this considered to be a mis-logged benchmark? Or does it have to completely and utterly wrong? Does Zhanna's 'note' (also 2003) interfere (become the last log for this disk?)

[2oldfarts (the rockhounders)]

Stop trying to confuse the alreeady confused dolphin!

1 point for any benchmark I have not found before, logged onto GC, or if not listed there, on NGS.

Okay got it.

Finding a DNF = 5 points. Last log was a DNF. Last log on GC? Or last log on NGS? Or both? Last log as in 'Found it" or "DNF"? Or does a note after the DNF interfere? (Unfortunately, most of the DNFs around here are either mine or holograph's. And I've only found one that he DNFed!)

Finding a destroyed = 10 pts. Must have been marked destroyed on GC. Got it.

Finding a mis-logged benchmark = 15 points - any benchmark where the 'last' log is wrong (also on GC.com). I asked a question on this earlier and did not get an answer. LY2640. (My 'F' benchmark!) A reference disk was logged on 2003. Is this considered to be a mis-logged benchmark? Or does it have to completely and utterly wrong? Does Zhanna's 'note' (also 2003) interfere (become the last log for this disk?)

 

Scoring is 1 point for any benchmark listed on GC that you have not found.

 

5 points for finding a "Did Not Find". If you check the example given in the other thread, it shows a benchmark that was logged wrongly, then we found the correct disk next to the highway, and then someone else log the disk on top of the hill quite a ways from the highway. If the last log is a correction for the DNF, then it will not count. If the last log is a note that is also wrong, then it would could as finding a DNF. The criteria is that the correct benchmark has not been found (logged) since the DNF was logged.

 

LY2640 is a disk stamped "FORD 1959 1980", not "FORD Reference Mark 3". Seems that is still a wrong find and is error & no one has found the correct disk yet. Zhanna hasn't found the station disk - Yet!

 

Just to confuse the Dolphin we will allow the last log on the NGS datasheet to read "Presumed Destroyed" to count as a "destroyed" log in the same manner as a DNF for the last log on the NGS datasheet. In other words, if the last NGS log is "Presumed Destroyed" and the PID# is on GC AND No one else has logged it on GC, then we will consider it a valid candidate for finding a "Destroyed" benchmark.

 

John

[holograph]

(Unfortunately, most of the DNFs around here are either mine or holograph's. And I've only found one that he DNFed!)

 

Most of the time I never added a log entry if I couldn't find something but thought it might still be recoverable. Maybe I should hurry up and add about 20 or 30 DNF's so that Harry can rack up the bonus points. Hey, who said benchmark hunting couldn't be a team sport?

[+Klemmer]

OK, I'm clear on it now, I think....

Thanks, John.

 

I also wish I had logged a few more DNF's, Oh well, I guess that will teach me. I was too "cautious" in logging some DNF's, I think.

[+BuckBrooke]

I was just emailed by a Tribal cultural officer in Oregon, who sent me disk and monument pictures for a USC&GS State Survey disk. Luckily, the disk PC0182 was in the NGS database, and he confirmed that that was the correct station.

 

The interesting thing, particularly for anyone in that area who wants to log this for the contest, is that it's a Double Not-Found. There are 2 USGS Not-Found reports in 1984 and a USPSQD Not-Found report in 1990.

 

Double not founds might be worth more (a point or two) for the contest?

[+TheBeanTeam]

I was just emailed by a Tribal cultural officer in Oregon, who sent me disk and monument pictures for a USC&GS State Survey disk. Luckily, the disk PC0182 was in the NGS database, and he confirmed that that was the correct station.

 

The interesting thing, particularly for anyone in that area who wants to log this for the contest, is that it's a Double Not-Found. There are 2 USGS Not-Found reports in 1984 and a USPSQD Not-Found report in 1990.

 

Double not founds might be worth more (a point or two) for the contest?

 

HMMM..... this is nearby and just a mile from a friends house. I'll see if I can get out to it.

 

How do I sign up for the contest. I don't expect to do a lot but will have fun with what I can do.

[2oldfarts (the rockhounders)]

I was just emailed by a Tribal cultural officer in Oregon, who sent me disk and monument pictures for a USC&GS State Survey disk. Luckily, the disk PC0182 was in the NGS database, and he confirmed that that was the correct station.

 

The interesting thing, particularly for anyone in that area who wants to log this for the contest, is that it's a Double Not-Found. There are 2 USGS Not-Found reports in 1984 and a USPSQD Not-Found report in 1990.

 

Double not founds might be worth more (a point or two) for the contest?

 

HMMM..... this is nearby and just a mile from a friends house. I'll see if I can get out to it.

 

How do I sign up for the contest. I don't expect to do a lot but will have fun with what I can do.

 

Hi Bean Team,

 

If you plan on logging this benchmark for the contest, please wait for the start of the contest. "Contest to run for 3 months - 3/2 at sunrise to 6/3 11:59 PM"

 

John will set up a "Sign Up Here" thread tonight. After the "one month" sign up period, he will then set up the "Post Your Contest Logs Here" thread. Then is when you can go "Find" that double did not find and post it to that thread.

 

Most people just enter for the fun and camaraderie that develops with the contest. (This time we will just devote ourselves to watching you all and John's time will be focused on keeping the stats up to date.)

 

Shirley - the other oldfart

Edited January 31, 2007 by 2oldfarts (the rockhounders)