Why are geocachers so nice?

[+eagleapex]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

Edited May 23, 2007 by eagleapex

[+Sequoia_2]

I have found the same thing. Maybe it is just that people who have a love of the outdoors and adventure are just truly nicer people all around. And if you love the outdoors you will take time to care for it. And caring for one thing leads to caring for everything else around you.....I am sure there may be curmudgeons in the midst but they must keep a low profile. Then again, there was SOMEONE who was actually HUNTING down caches here in Louisiana just to DESTROY them. Kinda sad, must of had too many DNF's and couldn't take it anymore.

Edited May 23, 2007 by Sequoia_2

[+Vinny & Sue Team]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

To be totally blunt and totally honest, the only reason that you have not yet met a cranky or curmudgeonly cacher is because you have not yet met me.

[+Knight2000]

You are new to the forums i suspect. Spend a week watching threads and you may just change your mind. (Unfortunately.)

 

Dont get me wrong. Lots and lots of nice people. But one bad apple spoils the bunch.

[+nicolo]

I have found the same thing. Maybe it is just that people who have a love of the outdoors and adventure are just truly nicer people all around. And if you love the outdoors you will take time to care for it. And caring for one thing leads to caring for everything else around you.....I am sure there may be curmudgeons in the midst but they must keep a low profile. Then again, there was SOMEONE who was actually HUNTING down caches here in Louisiana just to DESTROY them. Kinda sad, must of had too many DNF's and couldn't take it anymore.

Hey, you beat me to that line, dadgum you to hell!!!

 

 

 

[+TrailGators]

I have found the same thing. Maybe it is just that people who have a love of the outdoors and adventure are just truly nicer people all around. And if you love the outdoors you will take time to care for it. And caring for one thing leads to caring for everything else around you.....

I have had the same experience. I have met tons of very nice people since I've been doing this!

[+Vinny & Sue Team]

You are new to the forums i suspect. Spend a week watching threads and you may just change your mind. (Unfortunately.)

 

Dont get me wrong. Lots and lots of nice people. But one bad apple spoils the bunch.

She is talking about me! I cannot help it -- my bad behavior is due to bad genes! I am a victim of bad genes!

 

[+Team Crime Scene]

O.K. As a freshman cacher I have also experienced the friendships of great people. I find it kind of like a "secret society" when you meet up with people who have the same interests you tend to enjoy the comapny and stories of the more seasoned veterans. maybe I can relate it to that bondage party. Oh wait that's another thread...

[+Team GeoBlast]

O.K. As a freshman cacher I have also experienced the friendships of great people. I find it kind of like a "secret society" when you meet up with people who have the same interests you tend to enjoy the comapny and stories of the more seasoned veterans. maybe I can relate it to that bondage party. Oh wait that's another thread...

 

Wow, now that was random.

[+Team GeoBlast]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

 

Consider the nature of the game. It's something that is very hard to be overtly serious or unhappy doing. Now consider how hard it is to explain to somebody. Part of the camaraderie you are experiencing is relief of not having to try to make someone understand why you like doing it. In person, I have never met someone who geocaches that I didn't immediately like.

[+Team GeoBlast]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

 

The internet is a hotbed of curmudgeoness.

Edited May 23, 2007 by Team GeoBlast

[+Renegade Knight]

Give it time.

[+StarBrand]

Face it - most of us are just a bunch of folks with geek tendancies. We just don't know how to be mean.

 

 

 

got picked last in Gym Class once too often.......

[+briansnat]

I think a sport that depends on the honesty and good will of others tends to attract a better type of person.

 

With hundreds of thousands of participants, there are bound to be some meanies, jerks and shady types involved, but overall I'm willing to bet that the percentage is far less than in the general population.

[+Airmapper]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

I have noticed the same thing, except for that one person at any given event that gets on my nerves. If I don't spot the dork I start to worry it's me.

[+TreeSqueezers]

I think it's because it takes a certain amount of effort to do. Anything that takes effort naturally thins out the not so interested people. Then, all that's left are the ones who care about geocaching. You've probably been lucky enough to meet some of them.

[+ironman114]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

 

I have met a cacher who was a Curmudgeon.

 

She was a Curmudgeonlygal.

 

She used to post here often. Now she stays away. She grew tired of other cachers sending emails berating her honest appraisal of caches.

 

She has broken free of the bonds of this obsession and is no longer Curmudgeonly.

[vtmtnman]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

 

I have met a cacher who was a Curmudgeon.

 

She was a Curmudgeonlygal.

 

She used to post here often. Now she stays away. She grew tired of other cachers sending emails berating her honest appraisal of caches.

 

She has broken free of the bonds of this obsession and is no longer Curmudgeonly.

Actually she posts pretty regular in Hiking and backpacking section.If we're referring to the same girl.

[vtmtnman]

You are new to the forums i suspect. Spend a week watching threads and you may just change your mind. (Unfortunately.)

 

Dont get me wrong. Lots and lots of nice people. But one bad apple spoils the bunch.

Yeeeeah,although knight 2000 already summed it up,ummm,new to the forums huh.You'll have that bright eyed wonder and high spirt broken with a few threads.Just like me.

[vtmtnman]

I think a sport that depends on the honesty and good will of others tends to attract a better type of person.

 

With hundreds of thousands of participants, there are bound to be some meanies, jerks and shady types involved, but overall I'm willing to bet that the percentage is far less than in the general population.

And yet again again briansnat makes a great point.

[+T F T C]

Because we're SOOOO humble.

[+CoMotion]

I came to Korea without knowing a soul and now I have several Korean geocaching friends and a couple of American Army acquaintences. I guess it's the shared interest. We have something to talk about immediately that all of us find interesting. But, there's also those cachers who hold onto your travel bugs for a year or more at a time (I have several sitting in people's houses). Even worse, those scoundrels, whoever they are, who are stealing geocoins. So, there is a small element in our midst that murks up the water.

[+eagletrek]

From one eagle to another.......... we curmudgeons are out here!!!!!! Stop by Central Texas and I'll introduce myself.

[+Harry Dolphin]

I take exception to the use of the word 'curmudgeon'! I pride myself on being curmudgeonly!!

That being said, there is a camaraderie amongst most geocachers. There are a few that I dislike intensely. There are a few that I do not care for, and would not want as friends. As Brian said, the fellowship amongst geocachers is far higher than amongst the general population. We are geocachers!

[+angevine]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

To be totally blunt and totally honest, the only reason that you have not yet met a cranky or curmudgeonly cacher is because you have not yet met me.

[+angevine]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

To be totally blunt and totally honest, the only reason that you have not yet met a cranky or curmudgeonly cacher is because you have not yet met me.

 

Vinny beat me to it! (No, I don't mean that I was going to say that Vinny is a curmudgeon!) My husband Paul NotThePainter was looking over my shoulder just now and said, "Oh, they haven't met *me*!"

 

Of course, I happen to know that both Vinny and Paul are nice people ....

 

-- Jeannette

Edited May 24, 2007 by angevine

[+Sioneva]

I put the GEO in curmudgeon.

 

So there.

[nonaeroterraqueous]

I put the GEO in curmudgeon.

 

So there.

 

I'm glad you did. The word "curmudn" was just too awkward.

[+Team LaLonde]

Here's a curmudgeonly cacher: CLICK HERE

 

Seriously - I've said this before, but caching is like camping. How many times have you run into nasty, mean people in a camp ground? It's a social activity!

[+cache_test_dummies]

All this nicey-nice talk is makin' me grouchy. I like geocachin' as much as the next fella, but why don't you try stayin' home and doin' some yard work for a change? Would it kill ya to cut that grass or pull up a few weeds?

 

Bah. What's the use? I gotta go take a nap. Then maybe I'll go yell at the neighborhood kids for makin' all that dang noise and runnin' their bikes all over my lawn.

 

[+eagleapex]

I take exception to the use of the word 'curmudgeon'! I pride myself on being curmudgeonly!!

I used that long word instead of something more explicit. It's fun to type too. Here's to the gentleman curmudgeon! Here Here!

[nonaeroterraqueous]

Here's a curmudgeonly cacher: CLICK HERE

 

Seriously - I've said this before, but caching is like camping. How many times have you run into nasty, mean people in a camp ground? It's a social activity!

 

I've encountered quite a number of selfish inconsiderate people at campgrounds.

 

And I've never considered camping a social activity. For that matter, I've never considered geocaching a social activity, either, though sometimes social activity can be a bit of a by-catch.

[+TrailGators]

Here's a curmudgeonly cacher: CLICK HERE

 

Seriously - I've said this before, but caching is like camping. How many times have you run into nasty, mean people in a camp ground? It's a social activity!

 

I've encountered quite a number of selfish inconsiderate people at campgrounds.

That's why I prefer hotel camping.

[nonaeroterraqueous]

I've encountered quite a number of selfish inconsiderate people at campgrounds.

That's why I prefer hotel camping.

 

Is that how you got that San Jacinto virtual published? Ya' know, some of us don't need a tram .

 

 

More on topic, I've met geocachers of all kinds. Though they tend not to include the basest of people, they do otherwise seem to be a broad selection. It seems only a matter of time and experience before one runs into a curmudgeonly sort.

[Iwuzere]

People are naturally lovely and friendly when they're happy, and geocaching makes us happy.

 

People are usually only horrid to each other under stress - when someone's nasty I just accept that they're having a bad day and I'm thankful that I'm not. That's my outlook

 

(and as someone already said, anyone genuinely fulltime miserable is unlikely to bother with a hobby like this)

[+sTeamTraen]

To go out geocaching more than 3 or 4 times, you have to be able to not take yourself too seriously. My third-ever hunt was a DNF and I went back the next day to look for it. I could have said "aww, shove it". If you can still have fun while "failing", you're probably going to be a reasonably nice person.

 

Geocachers are generally easier to provide food for than the average cross-section of people. I've organised plenty of group meals in my time and the ones for geocachers are always the least stressed. People turn up, eat, drink the amount of wine which is on the table, pay their share of the bill, and leave without complaining. If you've ever organised a group meal for any other collection of people, you'll know where I'm coming from here.

[+TrailGators]

I've encountered quite a number of selfish inconsiderate people at campgrounds.

That's why I prefer hotel camping.

Is that how you got that San Jacinto virtual published? Ya' know, some of us don't need a tram .

Hey, we rode the tram because it was fun!

[+Stunod]

I think a sport that depends on the honesty and good will of others tends to attract a better type of person.

 

With hundreds of thousands of participants, there are bound to be some meanies, jerks and shady types involved, but overall I'm willing to bet that the percentage is far less than in the general population.

 

I'll agree completely with this (right on, Brian).

 

MOST of the people I have met (in person and "virtually") thru this sport have been great people. There are a few cranky, arrogant and/or generally unhappy people out there, but they are few and far between.

 

Oh...and then there's this guy:

[+TrailGators]

I think a sport that depends on the honesty and good will of others tends to attract a better type of person.

 

With hundreds of thousands of participants, there are bound to be some meanies, jerks and shady types involved, but overall I'm willing to bet that the percentage is far less than in the general population.

 

I'll agree completely with this (right on, Brian).

 

MOST of the people I have met (in person and "virtually") thru this sport have been great people. There are a few cranky, arrogant and/or generally unhappy people out there, but they are few and far between.

 

Oh...and then there's this guy:

 

[+Fish Below The Ice]

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

I suggest that you start a thread with either of the following topics and watch how nice and friendly everybody is:

 

1. I love Walmart lamp-post caches.

2. I hate Walmart lamp-post caches.

 

dave.. slightly tired of the topic

[+mamid]

let's see...

 

we're not competing against each other, only ourselves. FTFs are more luck than skill.

even the most experienced player can have a dnf that a newbie finds five minutes later.

and besides, who doesn't like the outdoors?

[+BlueDeuce]

and besides, who doesn't like the outdoors?

 

Well there was this girl I used to date, she was quite the princess.

Edited May 24, 2007 by BlueDeuce

[+chuckwagon101]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Oh! You talkin' bout events and random meetings, well.........sure!

 

If you want to see the thin veneer come unglued....be two inches closer to a FTF than the other guy!

 

GrrrrrALLLLPPH!!

[+eagleapex]

I suggest that you start a thread with either of the following topics and watch how nice and friendly everybody is:

 

1. I love Walmart lamp-post caches.

2. I hate Walmart lamp-post caches.

 

dave.. slightly tired of the topic

 

I can see your point. It's a whole quality vs. quantity debate there.

 

The consensus seems that, much like in the rest of the internet, people can be nasty online and then not so nasty in person. The thing with Geocaching is that it connects an online community with real world places and face time.

 

So be nice to your fellow cacher, because you may have to face them down at a FTF attempt or chat them up at a dinner event.

[+Shop99er]

So, have I just not cached long enough? Everyone I have met at events and random meetings have been super nice, either that or polite.

 

Now, geocaching is available to anyone that can overcome the barriers to entry:

1. Internet access
   
2. a GPSr
   
3. And in most cases, a car
   

Seeing as it's available to anyone, including the natural curmudgeons in any population, why are there not more curmudgeons out there looking like weirdos wandering around parks littering while they search and destroy caches?

 

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

 

Meditate on this.

 

I have met a cacher who was a Curmudgeon.

 

She was a Curmudgeonlygal.

 

She used to post here often. Now she stays away. She grew tired of other cachers sending emails berating her honest appraisal of caches.

 

She has broken free of the bonds of this obsession and is no longer Curmudgeonly.

Actually she posts pretty regular in Hiking and backpacking section.If we're referring to the same girl.

 

Yup, it's the same girl. She used to be real active in these parts, until about a year or so ago. She also used to come to our events, but didn't attend the last three.

 

Anyway--OT, we have a real fuss-pot in this neck of the woods. There aren't too many folks that I know that have much to do with him. If you want to learn how to be a PITA, he can give lessons....

[+2inthecache]

Hello, I agree the cachers we have met sofar have been very nice. I wonder though about the forum on those carrying guns. Is that really needed? I have met hunters with high powered rifels and talked for a while, with no reservations. but the thought of someone carrying a handgun I find scarry. Is it really that dangerous down there? or are these people cowards? I really do not mean to offend. But I have walked many miles and spent many many nights camping @ conoeing in northern Ont. Have once been chased by a bear, followed another time. Yet still go unarmed. I assume then they carry for protection from people. Just a thought but learning Karate or something might be a better idea. although you can't just go buy a black belt in Karate but maybe something to do on rainy non caching days. anyway just a thought. maybe come to Canada to cache where if you do meet someone out there in the bush with a gun he is a hunter and not just simply nervous with out his hand held courage.

[+fox-and-the-hound]

I have a theory about about why cachers are so nice which we've discussed at length quite a few times. We noticed a pattern rather quickly. 1) Cachers (who stick around for any amount of time anyway) are required to be humble (this varies, but even "skilled" cachers are sometimes left eating crow when they're stumped on a newbie's clever 1star difficulty cache ) because almost all of us started caching long after someone else. 2) Cachers are required to be giving of themselves and outgoing. Placing a cache is every bit as fun as finding caches, but the reward is just a thanks. A small, but very valuable reward for the sometimes ridiculous amount of energy required to place a fun cache. 3) Cachers practice CITO. How many people do you see on a regular basis just picking up trash and putting it where it belongs on a regular basis? It takes a special breed of do-gooders to give so much of their time and energy into making the world a nicer place for everyone else even though few if any will ever know of their efforts.

 

People who meet these requirements just seem to be your above-average humanoids. Hard to go wrong hanging out with a bunch of these folks.

[vtmtnman]

Do curmudgeons stay of the internet? Do curmudgeons not like leaving their houses? Do curmudgeons not know technology? (Can I use curmudgeons one more time?)

 

Or even better, does geocaching make you a nicer person? That's a sunny thought.

I suggest that you start a thread with either of the following topics and watch how nice and friendly everybody is:

 

1. I love Walmart lamp-post caches.

2. I hate Walmart lamp-post caches.

 

dave.. slightly tired of the topic

DITTO.

 

Also try-

Film canisters-Bar none the best containers.

I want to hide a woods micro.

The first caches WEREN'T scenic view caches

I multi log events-Doesn't everyone?

Is geocaching a game or is it a tour guide?

[+TrailGators]

So be nice to your fellow cacher, because you may have to face them down at a FTF attempt or chat them up at a dinner event.

I think if you could read people's thoughts at events, maybe people would be more like they are in these threads. Luckily we can't do that so events are "nice." My opinion is that just because some people are really honest with their thoughts in these threads; it doesn't mean that they aren't "nice." I actually like knowing what people really think because it helps me learn and understand things better. Hopefully, when I meet the the folks I've been very honest with (and admittedly maybe too honest), we can forget about our differences, shake hands and have a beer together.

[Mushtang]

So be nice to your fellow cacher, because you may have to face them down at a FTF attempt or chat them up at a dinner event.

I think if you could read people's thoughts at events, maybe people would be more like they are in these threads. Luckily we can't do that so events are "nice." My opinion is that just because some people are really honest with their thoughts in these threads; it doesn't mean that they aren't "nice." I actually like knowing what people really think because it helps me learn and understand things better. Hopefully, when I meet the the folks I've been very honest with (and admittedly maybe too honest), we can forget about our differences, shake hands and have a beer together.

Huh? Beer? Yes, let's shake hands and have a beer.