2 Questions

[apathos]

2 quick questions:

 

If you look for a cache, and do not find it, but you are convinced it was due to your error, not the owner's error is it common courtesy to log the DNF and say why, or would that usually be frowned upon? Feel free to post pertinenet links for the newb. Similarly, if you do only part of a multi-stage cache due to time constraints, do cache owners want to know that/have me log it as a DNF or something, or do you just log it when you do finish it?

 

Second, if you find a cache and it has some baubles, some nicer stuff, and also some team cards/team coins, or other items of significance not placed there by the owner, are they all fair game, or is it generally considered rude to take the items others have left?

 

2a., are there items that are 'better' to leave in caches then others? I'm not going to buy any coins/bugs yet, but barring any requests from the cache owner, what are some good things to leave?

 

2b., (sneaky way to get extra questions, huh?) Is it commonly expected that the items you take from a cache be somewhat similar in value/significance to the items you leave?

 

Thanks!

 

-apathos

[+StarBrand]

Simple - if you looked for it and did not find it - then log a DNF. All that means is that you looked and

 

"Did Not Find" - doesn't matter the reason (my opinion). Tradtional, multi or whatever - you started and didn't find. Log a DNF

 

Yes - you should always trade value for value or higher. If you take a $3 item - leave a $3 item.

 

No trade items are really "better" than others. Just trade value for value. Trade up or even. I often shop at dollar stores for trade items. Some people perfer homemade items. Everybody likes new in-package items vs old rusty ones.

Edited August 1, 2007 by StarBrand

[+Miragee]

As a cache owner, I want people to log all their DNFs and tell me what their experience was at the cache location. From their log, I can judge whether I need to Disable the cache and take care of it, or just wait to see if someone else will find it later.

 

When you find a cache, you can take any of the "Signature" items, but you should leave something in trade, even if you don't have a "Signature" item of your own. Usually items from the Dollar Store are what you will find in a cache, but occasionally you will find a trinket from someone's junk drawer that is very cool.

 

The motto is "Trade Up, or Trade Even."

 

Geocoins and Travel Bugs are not "Trade Items." You can take those to move along to another cache whether you have another "traveler" to leave in its place, or not.

[+TrailGators]

2 quick questions:

 

If you look for a cache, and do not find it, but you are convinced it was due to your error, not the owner's error is it common courtesy to log the DNF and say why, or would that usually be frowned upon? Feel free to post pertinenet links for the newb. Similarly, if you do only part of a multi-stage cache due to time constraints, do cache owners want to know that/have me log it as a DNF or something, or do you just log it when you do finish it?

 

Second, if you find a cache and it has some baubles, some nicer stuff, and also some team cards/team coins, or other items of significance not placed there by the owner, are they all fair game, or is it generally considered rude to take the items others have left?

 

2a., are there items that are 'better' to leave in caches then others? I'm not going to buy any coins/bugs yet, but barring any requests from the cache owner, what are some good things to leave?

 

2b., (sneaky way to get extra questions, huh?) Is it commonly expected that the items you take from a cache be somewhat similar in value/significance to the items you leave?

 

Thanks!

 

-apathos

I log those at a note. I had a cache recently that was surrounded by Poison Oak so I posted a note telling the owner that I called my search off. Some others do it differently. To each his own.

 

 

There are many threads on what to leave in caches. Generally, you should leave something that you would enjoy finding.

[+OEnavigators]

We usually follow three rules for logging a DNF:

 

1. If we couldn't locate the cache and suspect something may be wrong like the cache may have been muggled.

 

2. We couldn't find it due to our error and won't return for some time.

 

3. We couldn't find it for some reason which involves a really good story. We'll log those even if we plan to return the next day.

 

Following those rules you should log a DNF on the first cache you mentioned if you won't be back real soon and not on the multi because you're still working on it. I would mention that it took a couple (or however many) days to do.

 

TB's and geocoins aren't trade items even though some cachers treat them like they are. Just take one or leave one. When you trade swag always trade up or even. Signature items are left there for other cachers to trade for. We leave some and hope other cachers would want them. Unless they're placed in the baggie with the log book. Then we leave them just in case or read the log to see what the cacher who left it intended.

 

I hope that helps. We're still hammering out some of this stuff ourselves.

[+tozainamboku]

1. You log a DNF if you did not find the cache and want to write about it in the log. What it means to not find is up to you (unlike what it means to find a cache, which plenty of people in this forum are willing to tell you ). Some people only post a DNF when they have given up looking for the cache and are convinced it must be missing. Other people record every attempt. Most cache owners like to hear about people looking for their cache whether or not they found it.

 

2. Mostly everything left in a cache is fair game for except the log book, a pen or pencil to sign the log book, a note explaining geocaching. Sometimes, the cache owner leaves a disposable camera for visitors to take pictures. This should be left in the cache (after taking you picture of course ). Sometimes people leave a signature item for the cache owner. Look to see if they left a note in the log book or in the online log. If not, then you can trade for it.

 

2a. New or unused items are preferable to used items like broken McToys and used golf balls. Food is never a good item. Animals can smell food and will try to open the cache to get at it. Heavily scented items should also be avoided. Of course explosives, weapons, drugs, pornography, and other "banned" items - as discussed in the cache placment guielines - should not be left in a cache. Items don't have to be valuable. Cheap items like you would find in a dollar store and freebies that some businesses give away make good swag.

 

2b. You should trade items that have a similar value to what you take. Unless you're a professional appraiser or the all time winner on "The Price is Right", you'll just have to use your own judgement as to what is fair. Travel Bug owners will tell you that Travel Bugs and Geocoins are not trade items. These items want to move from cache to cache, often with some goal. If you can help a bug or coin achive it's goal feel free to take it without leaving a trade. When leaving a bug or coin, don't take a trade item unless the cache is really full or if you leave another trade item as well.

[Luckless]

You log a DNF because...well...because you did not find it. I sometimes won't log a DNF if I intend to go back and try looking for it again. Often only when I've given up do I log a DNF.

 

For the most part whatever is left in the cache is up for grabs except the log book and pen. There are some things you can take, but you cannot keep them. These would be travel bugs (TBs) which have a dog tag with a number/letter code attatched or coins with a tracking number/letter code on them. You need to move these items along to another cache and record their movement on this website. There may be some other things in the cache the owner doesn't want you to take which are unique to the cache or some other things that people want moved from cache to cache. There should be a note on the cache page if an item is unique to the cache and should be left in the cache or in the case of items left in a cache there should be a note somewhere on the item indicating the owners intention. If a cache is a letterbox hybrid it may have a stamp and an inkpad in it. These are meant to be left in the cache.

[+briansnat]

If you look for a cache, and do not find it, but you are convinced it was due to your error, not the owner's error is it common courtesy to log the DNF and say why, or would that usually be frowned upon? Feel free to post pertinenet links for the newb. Similarly, if you do only part of a multi-stage cache due to time constraints, do cache owners want to know that/have me log it as a DNF or something, or do you just log it when you do finish it?

 

As a cache owner, I want to know if people are looking for my caches. A DNF simply means you didn't find it. I would hope if a searcher couldn't find my cache, for whatever reason, that he would log a DNF.

 

Same for multis, though some people prefer to log notes, rather than DNFs if they only partially completed a multi. Note or DNF, just log something.

[+badlands]

Not only is the on-line log, a way for the cache owner to know if there is a problem with the cache but the on-line log is MY record of MY activity. I choose to record all of my activity so that at a later day I can see where I cached. Recently I logged a DNF on a cache that had been archived - I hunted for it, I didn't find it, it was part of MY record of MY activity so I logged the DNF. If I cannot complete a multi because I choose to stop in the middle, I'll log a note, if I cannot complete the multi because of some external factor (muggled out at one of the stages), I'll likely log a DNF with an appropriate explination.

 

Rule of thumb: Log your activity

[+JDandDD]

Every time the DNF question comes up it gets a large variety of answers, and all of them are probably accurate. As a cache owner, I want to know that my cache may be missing. So, if a person gives an honest try at finding the cache and can't I want to know so that I can check on it and replace it.

 

But, also, I would like a note about difficulties they may have had in finding the cache. Some of mine are difficult to find and I don't really want to go out and check if its just a miss. A good note can help me evaluate that.

 

My own protocol for DNFs is, if I was able to give it a reall effort at finding the cache I will log a DNF with a note about my effort. However, if poison ivy, damage in the area of the cache, dangerous terrain (i.e. really wet or ic covered), etc. caused me not to give it an effort to find the cache I will write a note indicating that I did not try and the reasons. That will let the owner know I was in the area and other cachers issues that they may want to consider in deciding whether to do that cache at this time.

 

JD

[CoyoteRed]

If you look for a cache, and do not find it, but you are convinced it was due to your error, not the owner's error is it common courtesy to log the DNF and say why, or would that usually be frowned upon?

If you feel like logging anything, you can log a DNF if you searched and did not find the cache. Logging, if you choose to do so, is not only for the owner but for your fellow hobbyists, as well. Logging is a great way to interact with others and be part of the community, and life's little "oppsies" are great way to do so. I would encourage you to do so.

 

Second, if you find a cache and it has some baubles, some nicer stuff, and also some team cards/team coins, or other items of significance not placed there by the owner, are they all fair game, or is it generally considered rude to take the items others have left?

Trade items are generally fair game unless designed for a specific someone and that is rare.

 

2a., are there items that are 'better' to leave in caches then others? I'm not going to buy any coins/bugs yet, but barring any requests from the cache owner, what are some good things to leave?

Anything of interest to others. Sissy likes these little colorful plastic frogs, go figure. I like anything useful for hiking, outdoors, etc.

 

2b., (sneaky way to get extra questions, huh?) Is it commonly expected that the items you take from a cache be somewhat similar in value/significance to the items you leave?

Well, actually, it's the other way around. It'd expected for you to leave something of similar or better value of the item you take. You can take nothing, trash, or a cheap item and leave a nice new LED flashlight if you wish. ...but not the other way around.

 

Sissy has a create philosophy that I've put in my signature; leave the cache contents like you would have been happy to have found it or better.

[+Harry Dolphin]

It varies, depending on the situation. (It is obvious that many cachers do not log any DNFs. Their prerogative. Since readig the fora, I have become better about logging my DNFs. But it varies. Some cachers will never get a DNF from me, but they are few. Coords deliberately off? Nope. Horrible mispellings or hints (is it a tire or a tier?) Nope. Deliberately nasty hides? (Bison in the prickly evergreen in the manicured park.) Nope. (Note there is a big difference between a nasty hide and an evil hide!) Those are what I call the 'inflated ego' cache owners.

I started a seven stage multi involving ten miles, last month. Found three on the first endeavour. That's a work in progress. Not a DNF. DNF was when I got to the final, and found a likely hiding spot, but not the cache. CO and I exchanged photoss. It was smuggled, and replaced. That's a DNF. Same day: unable to find a micro, in what seemed an obvious hide. DNF. Awaiting replacement. But, if your coords are 78 feet away, in the middle of the road, and the cache is hidden in the manicured prickly evergreen, you ain't getting a DNF from me. As far as I'm concernd, you shouldn't be hiding caches in the first place!)

[Edited for fat fingers.]

Edited August 5, 2007 by Harry Dolphin

[+GPSTrucker]

I'm a newbie myself but I log every DNF even if I plan to return to look again. It seems to me that's good for both the cache owner and myself as I use the logs to track my own activities using GSAK. Unless I am sure it's been muggled you can bet I want to keep track of the DNFs so I can plan on going back and trying again.

 

I've been slowly collecting items to use as Swag. I just picked up a few items here at the truckstop ranging from 99 cents to about 3 bucks to toss into my Swag Bag. The other day I found something in a cache that I liked, a patch that I thought would look good on my hiking vest, but as I hadn't thought to bring my Swag Bag with me (wasn't planning on trading swag that time) I fished around in my pockets for something to leave in trade. I wound up leaving a 20 dollar cigar punch in trade for a 50 cent patch Well, that's trading up. It's ok though as I gave up cigars anyway.

[+Bushlight]

If i cant find it i place a dnf.As far as taking any swag.Very seldom do i take anything or leave anything.Mostly because i forgot my bag of stuff in the truck.

[+shmidly1909]

It is your choice! Take and leave equally!

[+thelanes]

2 quick questions:

 

If you look for a cache, and do not find it, but you are convinced it was due to your error, not the owner's error is it common courtesy to log the DNF and say why, or would that usually be frowned upon? Feel free to post pertinenet links for the newb. Similarly, if you do only part of a multi-stage cache due to time constraints, do cache owners want to know that/have me log it as a DNF or something, or do you just log it when you do finish it?

 

Second, if you find a cache and it has some baubles, some nicer stuff, and also some team cards/team coins, or other items of significance not placed there by the owner, are they all fair game, or is it generally considered rude to take the items others have left?

 

2a., are there items that are 'better' to leave in caches then others? I'm not going to buy any coins/bugs yet, but barring any requests from the cache owner, what are some good things to leave?

 

2b., (sneaky way to get extra questions, huh?) Is it commonly expected that the items you take from a cache be somewhat similar in value/significance to the items you leave?

 

Thanks!

 

-apathos

You can log the DNF and if you find the cache later, just edit the DNF log and change it to found it. That is what I do. by logging DNF's you will also have a list of the caches you didn't find so that you can go after them later.

As for swag in the cache. I have been known to simply move stuff from one cache to another if the first cache is very full of stuff. as for TB's, if i like the Tb, i take it with me to another cache. It also give me a chance to grab a photo of the TB for the owner.

[+TrailGators]

You can log the DNF and if you find the cache later, just edit the DNF log and change it to found it. That is what I do. by logging DNF's you will also have a list of the caches you didn't find so that you can go after them later.

That's what I do except I delete the old log and make a new log so the owner and people on the watchlist get an email notification. I include my complete history including my failed attempt(s) in my find log. One log makes it much easier and more fun to read in the future if I go back and read my old logs.

[+OEnavigators]

You can log the DNF and if you find the cache later, just edit the DNF log and change it to found it. That is what I do. by logging DNF's you will also have a list of the caches you didn't find so that you can go after them later.

That's what I do except I delete the old log and make a new log so the owner and people on the watchlist get an email notification. I include my complete history including my failed attempt(s) in my find log. One log makes it much easier and more fun to read in the future if I go back and read my old logs.

 

I had no idea you could even do that. It's a really good idea. I think we'll start doing that ourselves.