TXT or SMS Cache

[jimboeri]

I would like to create type of mystery cache, but the administrators do not think it is a good idea. I would like to know what other Geocachers think of the idea.

 

The cache would work like this:

The cache description would give an instruction to start the cache, e.g. text START GCAAAAAA to +642102394232 and provide starting co-ordinates. An automated system linked to the cell phone number would respond back with some co-ordinates (could be the same as the published cache, or should at least be close) and a question that can be answered at the position indicated. For example the the question may be "What is the colour of the postbox?"

 

The Geocacher then texts the answer back to the same number and receives via another text another set of co-ordinates and another clue. If at any time the geocacher feels they need more help, texting 'CLUE' or 'HINT' to the same number gives assistance, just as on the web site.

 

The final co-ordinates are to a physical cache with a logbook, pencil, goodies etc.

 

I have created everything necessary and tested the system and technology.

 

The administrators feel that this is the same as sending an email and having the co-ordinates returned to you. However having an email sent back to you is dependent on someone watching their computer and then sending the email. In my proposed system the response is completely automated, once you send your text the response comes back in around 10 secs. This is the same as a website like the geocaching web site, and infact is built on web technologies.

 

For those interested I have a pre-pay cell phone connected to my server via a serial cable. Open source software called Kannel (http://www.kannel.org) provides the SMS gateway and the rest is an Apache wbserver (http://www.apache.org) running python scripts (http://www.python.org) and a PostgresQL database (http://www.postgresql.org) storing all the co-ordinates and clues etc. All free software.

 

Would you please let me know if you think this is a great idea and that the administrators should change their mind, or also let me know if you agree with the administrators and think this is an inappropriate type of cache.

[Mr.Yuck]

I would like to create type of mystery cache, but the administrators do not think it is a good idea. I would like to know what other Geocachers think of the idea.

 

The cache would work like this:

The cache description would give an instruction to start the cache, e.g. text START GCAAAAAA to +642102394232 and provide starting co-ordinates. An automated system linked to the cell phone number would respond back with some co-ordinates (could be the same as the published cache, or should at least be close) and a question that can be answered at the position indicated. For example the the question may be "What is the colour of the postbox?"

 

The Geocacher then texts the answer back to the same number and receives via another text another set of co-ordinates and another clue. If at any time the geocacher feels they need more help, texting 'CLUE' or 'HINT' to the same number gives assistance, just as on the web site.

 

The final co-ordinates are to a physical cache with a logbook, pencil, goodies etc.

 

I have created everything necessary and tested the system and technology.

 

The administrators feel that this is the same as sending an email and having the co-ordinates returned to you. However having an email sent back to you is dependent on someone watching their computer and then sending the email. In my proposed system the response is completely automated, once you send your text the response comes back in around 10 secs. This is the same as a website like the geocaching web site, and infact is built on web technologies.

 

For those interested I have a pre-pay cell phone connected to my server via a serial cable. Open source software called Kannel (http://www.kannel.org) provides the SMS gateway and the rest is an Apache wbserver (http://www.apache.org) running python scripts (http://www.python.org) and a PostgresQL database (http://www.postgresql.org) storing all the co-ordinates and clues etc. All free software.

 

Would you please let me know if you think this is a great idea and that the administrators should change their mind, or also let me know if you agree with the administrators and think this is an inappropriate type of cache.

 

I think it's an excellent idea! I do not consider this (my opinion) the "same as sending an email and having the coordinates returned to you", which is definitely a no-no under the current guidelines.

 

What do you mean by "the administrators"? You mean just your reviewer, or have you gone through the appeals process with geocaching.com?

 

I'd say Terracaching.com would accept this cache no problem, but I see it's almost totally non-existent in your Country, looking at your geocaching finds.

[+Vinny & Sue Team]

I would like to create type of mystery cache, but the administrators do not think it is a good idea. I would like to know what other Geocachers think of the idea.

 

The cache would work like this:

The cache description would give an instruction to start the cache, e.g. text START GCAAAAAA to +642102394232 and provide starting co-ordinates. An automated system linked to the cell phone number would respond back with some co-ordinates (could be the same as the published cache, or should at least be close) and a question that can be answered at the position indicated. For example the the question may be "What is the colour of the postbox?"

 

The Geocacher then texts the answer back to the same number and receives via another text another set of co-ordinates and another clue. If at any time the geocacher feels they need more help, texting 'CLUE' or 'HINT' to the same number gives assistance, just as on the web site.

 

The final co-ordinates are to a physical cache with a logbook, pencil, goodies etc.

 

I have created everything necessary and tested the system and technology.

 

The administrators feel that this is the same as sending an email and having the co-ordinates returned to you. However having an email sent back to you is dependent on someone watching their computer and then sending the email. In my proposed system the response is completely automated, once you send your text the response comes back in around 10 secs. This is the same as a website like the geocaching web site, and infact is built on web technologies.

 

For those interested I have a pre-pay cell phone connected to my server via a serial cable. Open source software called Kannel (http://www.kannel.org) provides the SMS gateway and the rest is an Apache wbserver (http://www.apache.org) running python scripts (http://www.python.org) and a PostgresQL database (http://www.postgresql.org) storing all the co-ordinates and clues etc. All free software.

 

Would you please let me know if you think this is a great idea and that the administrators should change their mind, or also let me know if you agree with the administrators and think this is an inappropriate type of cache.

 

I think it's an excellent idea! I do not consider this (my opinion) the "same as sending an email and having the coordinates returned to you", which is definitely a no-no under the current guidelines.

 

What do you mean by "the administrators"? You mean just your reviewer, or have you gone through the appeals process with geocaching.com?

What he said... I agree 100% with the points above! I suggest that you contact Groundspeak!

[+CapeDoc]

Sounds good to me! Could end up in very creative, almost Wherigo like caches. (You are a detective on the case, where do to want to go? SMS Office or Crime scene. Reply SMS says "to get to crime scene walk to..(a set of coords). The murder weapon was a rock. the accused says there was a pile of 8 rocks. How many do you find? > SMS.........etc)

Think it would be taken places!

[+wigglesworth]

This requires the use of a mobile phone - why bring in additional technology requirements? Let's enjoy a great walk along a route specifically selected by the cache setter to a piece of tupperware!!

 

I agree with Groundspeak - for once lol!!

[CoyoteRed]

I think it's a good idea.

 

I do see it little different than emailing a message to a certain mailbox and getting an automated reply--lots different than waiting for someone to reply. Automated and non-automated makes a big difference.

 

I also see the concept interfering with the success of Wherigo. Why go with a standards based application where a lot more folks have access when you could go with a buggy proprietary scheme? I seem to recall a stink about not allowing podcaches for a while because you have to download something or off site hosting or something. Then shortly after that Wherigo popped up and could essentially replace podcaches. Don't know if podcaches are still prohibited, but I already own several ways to listen to an MP3 file in the field. It's pretty much an industry standard. I don't own any way to run a Wherigo cartridge. Was this coincidental timing or a company protecting an investment? Don't know.

 

The last thing I'm wondering is if the cache would be rated a 5 considering not everyone has the ability to text.

[+Kit Fox]

I found a similar cache called Autoteach & Red Lady Audio Cache that required you to call a number using a local payphone. I tried using my cell phone (pay phone was really nasty) but it didn't work.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Kit Fox

[+Proud Soccer Mom]

This requires the use of a mobile phone - why bring in additional technology requirements? Let's enjoy a great walk along a route specifically selected by the cache setter to a piece of tupperware!!

 

I agree with Groundspeak - for once lol!!

 

Many cell phones are incorporating GPS technology. For a number of people, who are increasing in numbers as the technology advances and becomes more affordable, this isn't an issue of adding more technology but uses more of the technology that you're already carrying.

 

Don't worry. Letterboxing will always be rustic.

 

- Elle

[CoyoteRed]

Many cell phones are incorporating GPS technology. For a number of people, who are increasing in numbers as the technology advances and becomes more affordable, this isn't an issue of adding more technology but uses more of the technology that you're already carrying.

Speaking of technology, I have a relative who recently got hearing aids and one of the options was blue-tooth for cell phones. You already have blue-tooth headphones and if your hair is long enough or your ear is otherwise hidden then passersby think you're talking to yourself. Nowadays, you look for the headset. With these hearing aids, which are tiny, you think they are talking to themselves because you can't see a headset on either ear.

 

In a few years the cellphones with be so small that you can wear them on your breast pocket. You just have to tap to answer...

 

Kind of sounds like a '80s scifi TV show.

[bogleman]

I found a multi a couple of years ago where a mobile phone was required. One of the stages had a phone number listed as the waypoint. Call the number and get the waypoint for the next stage, no phone - no waypoint. The owner had an extra phone line and when you called you received the voice message for the next step.

 

I personally don't like the text message part, is the message free - would I get charged some crazy text message fee???

[+Proud Soccer Mom]

I found a multi a couple of years ago where a mobile phone was required. One of the stages had a phone number listed as the waypoint. Call the number and get the waypoint for the next stage, no phone - no waypoint. The owner had an extra phone line and when you called you received the voice message for the next step.

 

I personally don't like the text message part, is the message free - would I get charged some crazy text message fee???

 

$8.99 for the first waypoint and $5.99 thereafter.

 

- Elle

[+Proud Soccer Mom]

duplicate.

Edited September 1, 2008 by HauntHunters

[Clan Riffster]

Whether or not it ever sees fruition, I think it's a really neat idea. You could make a LPC a difficulty 5, as specialized equipment is needed.

I personally don't like the text message part, is the message free - would I get charged some crazy text message fee???

I'm wondering if Groundspeak would consider it commercial solicitation, since most phone companies charge a fee to allow texting?

[+9Key]

There's a puzzle cache like this in my area. You send an email to an address listed on a phone pole and you get an instant reply with the coords to the final stage.

[+DavidMac]

Personally I don't do SMS messaging for various philosophical and economic reasons (I'm warning you, don't make me climb up on that soapbox! ), and I'd be concerned about the privacy implications of sending a text message to an unknown phone number (too many of those "send a text to this number and get a free! ringtone... when you agree to sign up for some useless monthly service for a fee" deals out there).

 

That being said, I think it's a novel and interesting idea. I'd like to see something like this incorporated into a cache.

[jimboeri]

Thanks for the replies received so far.

 

To answer some of the questions:

 

I have approached Groundspeak and been through the appeals process. I did this before registering a cache as the guidelines were quite clear that I should check on new ideas first.

 

Regarding commercial aspects. The texts will cost what ever the normal rate is for the geocachers texts. Where I live texts are quite cheap, many people will have free texts included in their mobile plan, or you can get hundreds of texts for about US$7.50. I will not receive any money out of this, in fact I will have to pay for the texts generated by the system.

 

It's not really any different to the fee you pay your ISP so that you can access the internet and thus the Geocaching web site.

 

And if the system is allowed to go forward and people like using it, I have no problem in releasing the scripts I developed if other techy types would like to do similar.

 

Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

 

Jim

Edited September 1, 2008 by jimboeri

[+9Key]

 

For those interested I have a pre-pay cell phone connected to my server via a serial cable. Open source software called Kannel (http://www.kannel.org) provides the SMS gateway and the rest is an Apache wbserver (http://www.apache.org) running python scripts (http://www.python.org) and a PostgresQL database (http://www.postgresql.org) storing all the co-ordinates and clues etc. All free software.

 

A quick Google search netted this service that is *much* simpler than your set up. 25 free texts a month, which is probably enough for a puzzle cache. http://www.mobilemarketing.net/AutoResponder.aspx

[Mr.Yuck]

 

For those interested I have a pre-pay cell phone connected to my server via a serial cable. Open source software called Kannel (http://www.kannel.org) provides the SMS gateway and the rest is an Apache wbserver (http://www.apache.org) running python scripts (http://www.python.org) and a PostgresQL database (http://www.postgresql.org) storing all the co-ordinates and clues etc. All free software.

 

A quick Google search netted this service that is *much* simpler than your set up. 25 free texts a month, which is probably enough for a puzzle cache. http://www.mobilemarketing.net/AutoResponder.aspx

 

I'm probably the only one who checked it out, but the OP is from New Zealand. Don't know if that matters for this service (probably).

[stryder717]

This requires the use of a mobile phone - why bring in additional technology requirements? Let's enjoy a great walk along a route specifically selected by the cache setter to a piece of tupperware!!

 

I agree with Groundspeak - for once lol!!

Who now days doesn't bring a cell phone with them anyways thats just stupid.

[+StumpWater]

I think it sounds quite cool! ... and would definitely try out a cache like this if there were one in my area.

 

C'mon, G-Speak, let him do it.

[GOF and Bacall]

Crap! Does this mean that I gotta learn how to text?

[Mr.Yuck]

Crap! Does this mean that I gotta learn how to text?

 

Yep. Doesn't your cell phone have one of those flip-out keyboards? I thought everyone's did.

[+Sioneva]

This requires the use of a mobile phone - why bring in additional technology requirements? Let's enjoy a great walk along a route specifically selected by the cache setter to a piece of tupperware!!

 

I agree with Groundspeak - for once lol!!

Who now days doesn't bring a cell phone with them anyways thats just stupid.

 

*raises hand* I don't own a cell phone at this point. Stupid or not.

 

I think it would be a cool cache, though!

[CoyoteRed]

A quick Google search netted this service that is *much* simpler than your set up. 25 free texts a month, which is probably enough for a puzzle cache. http://www.mobilemarketing.net/AutoResponder.aspx

From that website:

Our Trial Package is fully functional. The only restriction is that all outbound text messages will go to your cell phone, rather than the sender's. We even give you 25 free credits each month! You can even use our SMS Gateway or API if you are integrating text messaging into an existing application.

Otherwise it starts at $79 a month. Pricey, but probably means it will stay around for a while.

[+sTeamTraen]

To me there is quite a substantial difference between, on the one hand, a puzzle cache where you solve the puzzle, send a mail to "keyword@domain.com", get the reply, copy the coordinates to your GPSr, and set out for the hunt; and on the other, what the OP is proposing, where you send a text message which you have to format precisely, then decide whether the delay (while you wait in the rain) is because the server is slow or crashed, because you got a digit wrong, or because the pre-pay phone at the other end is out of credit. Once you're out on the hunt, the only piece of electronics that should be able to let you down is your GPSr.

[+OzzieSan]

 

I do see it little different than emailing a message to a certain mailbox and getting an automated reply--lots different than waiting for someone to reply. Automated and non-automated makes a big difference.

 

An email reply can be automated as well... I do it daily.

[+sduck]

A lot of people don't like to share their cell phone numbers with strangers. There are lots of personal security issues involved with this.

 

However, I think it'd be cool otherwise - hope it works out!

[+OzzieSan]

The more I think about it...

 

Everyone using this site has to have an email address. Does everyone have a cell phone? Would it be a terrain 5 for special equipment?

[+OzzieSan]

The administrators feel that this is the same as sending an email and having the co-ordinates returned to you. However having an email sent back to you is dependent on someone watching their computer and then sending the email. In my proposed system the response is completely automated, once you send your text the response comes back in around 10 secs. This is the same as a website like the geocaching web site, and infact is built on web technologies.

 

It is the same. An email response can be automated as well.

 

I can think of a couple wicked caches I'd like to do using an email query/response setup.

[+NYPaddleCacher]

This requires the use of a mobile phone - why bring in additional technology requirements? Let's enjoy a great walk along a route specifically selected by the cache setter to a piece of tupperware!!

 

I agree with Groundspeak - for once lol!!

Who now days doesn't bring a cell phone with them anyways thats just stupid.

 

I bring my cell phone (a Blackberry with all the cache listings for the waypoints in my GPS) but that doesn't mean I'm always going to have service. Although I live in a city with a population of over 30,000 I can drive 6 miles to my sister-n-laws place and I won't have cell phone service. Awhile back I was searching for a cache in a small town a bit further south that was in the town square. No cell phone service there either.

 

Rather that an SMS service I've considered doing a cached that used IVR (Interactive Voice Response). IVR is essentially one of those annoying voice enabled menus you get when calling customer service. Rather than pressing keys on a phone or texting a response you speak the responses in natural language. I've done a bit of development using IVR for a potential commodity exchange service for developing countries in Africa and it's fairly easy to implement and there are a couple of free sites that can be used to manage the questions/responses by dialing a single toll free number.

[Skippermark]

Who now days doesn't bring a cell phone with them anyways thats just stupid.

Getting off topic, but need to ask why it's stupid.

 

Perhaps some want to get out in the woods to relax and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and by leaving their cell phone at home, they won't be tempted to check to see who's calling if the phone rings or a message comes in.

 

As far as answering the OP's question, I think the idea is clever.

[+Gr8dad]

I think it is a great idea - will be good to have something different!

[+Proud Soccer Mom]

Who now days doesn't bring a cell phone with them anyways thats just stupid.

Getting off topic, but need to ask why it's stupid.

 

Perhaps some want to get out in the woods to relax and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and by leaving their cell phone at home, they won't be tempted to check to see who's calling if the phone rings or a message comes in.

 

As far as answering the OP's question, I think the idea is clever.

 

You can turn the ringer off cell phones and elect not to answer calls so the logic behind carrying one everywhere is security. You have 911 at your fingertips at all times for the sake of yourself and others.

 

- Elle

[+Prime Suspect]

A lot of people don't like to share their cell phone numbers with strangers. There are lots of personal security issues involved with this.

 

However, I think it'd be cool otherwise - hope it works out!

I think you've hit upon the reason it was turned down. You can't send anonymous text messages. So his scheme would be a violation not of the Guidelines, but of the Terms Of Use. What he's doing allows him to collect personal information on other users (phone numbers, in this case). That's a big No-No. I think they made the right decision. While the OP may not do anything malicious with the phone numbers, what about the next guy?

[+blb9556]

Hmm...

 

In the interest of file security, caches that require the downloading, installing or running of data and/or executables may not be published.

 

Caches that require a geocacher to visit another website will not be published if the finder must create an account with, or provide personal information to, the other website.

 

If you are placing a large number of caches to be published on the same date (for example, on the day of an event cache), please submit the cache pages for all of the caches at least ten days in advance of the release date. Leave a "note to reviewer" indicating that the cache is to be released on the date specified. This allows your reviewer adequate time to review the submissions or to arrange for help from another reviewer. (Note: Caches placed in connection with an event must be placed with the intention of leaving them in place after the event, temporary caches are not accepted.)

 

It depends what Groundspeak says about your idea. Keep in mind not everyone can text. On my plan it is 20 cents outgoing and 15 cents incoming. 35 cents to do a cache! Well maybe if its just once. How about you stock the cache with some dollar bills. So swag people can take is a dollar bill to pay back for ther charge if they don't already have unlimited texting.

[+ags]

As a fellow Kiwi, and a fellow geocacher in my local area, I'd better lend my support.

 

Firstly, I think it was right for the reviewer to reject the cache. They are only empowered to judge the cache against the existing guidelines. If it doesn't meet the existing guidelines, then it doesn't get approved.

 

This is a new (and novel) idea; I'll bet it doesn't meet the existing guidleines and it needs a decision higher up the tree.

 

Cellphones are a readily available technology, that most people have access to, or actually own and use. This isn't a special equipment required cache by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Compare this with the Wherigo caches that do require special equipment - only certain kinds of GPSr or Windows only PDA's. If we're talking about commercialisation, then should we ban Wherigo for being a closed source, vendor only solution? So that's, + 1 moderation points for using open source technology and openly discussing how it works.

 

Privacy issues with cellphone numbers are real. But if you feel that way, you don't have to do the cache. One of my nearest to find caches needs a kayak, but I don't have a kayak so I haven't done it. Have I demanded that the cache owner remove the cache because of that? No, I haven't.

 

In short, I say great idea. Send it up the tree for a higher decision.

[Motorcycle_Mama]

First of all, not everyone has a cell phone.

 

Not everyone who HAS a cell phone has texting.

 

Anything needed beyond a GPS unit would be specialized equipment.

 

But, IMHO, it's the privacy issue that should sink this idea.

 

And you might want to research the Wherigo caches. Wherigo is a Groundspeak project, so the commercial aspect is moot.

[+KoosKoos]

A lot of people don't like to share their cell phone numbers with strangers. There are lots of personal security issues involved with this.

 

However, I think it'd be cool otherwise - hope it works out!

I think you've hit upon the reason it was turned down. You can't send anonymous text messages. So his scheme would be a violation not of the Guidelines, but of the Terms Of Use. What he's doing allows him to collect personal information on other users (phone numbers, in this case). That's a big No-No. I think they made the right decision. While the OP may not do anything malicious with the phone numbers, what about the next guy?

 

Actually, I can send texts for free from a website by just providing my email address....granted, still not "anonymous", but my phone # would be safe.

 

Not sure if I like this idea for a cache or not, but the cost shouldn't be a factor. If you're worried about spending 35 cents to do a cache, then I hope you only walk or bike to any you travel to find.

 

I'd enjoy doing this one, but I can see the concern from Groundspeak's point of view about how to make sure all of the geocachers getting these phone numbers are as benevolent as you.

[+TotemLake]

This requires the use of a mobile phone - why bring in additional technology requirements? Let's enjoy a great walk along a route specifically selected by the cache setter to a piece of tupperware!!

 

I agree with Groundspeak - for once lol!!

I'm not sure I'm understanding this reasoning. You have GPS, if you're paperless, you have a PDA. Most have a cell phone... where's the extra technology? It's just another puzzle cache with an auto-responder.

 

I myself probably wouldn't chase this particular cache, but I see no reason not to be able to create it with exception it is a pre-paid cell phone responding the requests. That's going to require attention and is a point of failure for availability.

[+meark]

I don't like it, it would require me to send my number to someone i don't know and could quite easily go into a bank with lots of other numbers.

 

It requires a cellphone with text ability. Which is specialized equipment over a GPSr and a computer with internet.

 

Yes, while most people have one, the key word there is most. My parents don't have one, and don't need one. My cellphone is essentially my home phone, i don't answer it on the bus or when I'm at work. Who ever is calling can leave a voice mail. My friends are aware of this policy and don't have a problem with it.

[+Bear_Left]

I think NZ, like Australia, has pretty much 100% cellphone saturation and I'd be surprised if more than a tiny handful of them didn't have SMS capability.

 

However, I think the privacy aspect is the killer, as well some concern about the reliability of the webserver setup. If it could be off-site automated and anonymised, it might fly.

 

(BTW, in NZ the sender of an SMS pays for it, not the receiver. How much they pay is between them and their telecomm provider. Same as for voice calls, and cellphone numbers are in a completely different sequence, so you won't call one by accident, thinking it's a landline.)

[+Guinness70]

Personally I don't do SMS messaging for various philosophical and economic reasons (I'm warning you, don't make me climb up on that soapbox! ), and I'd be concerned about the privacy implications of sending a text message to an unknown phone number (too many of those "send a text to this number and get a free! ringtone... when you agree to sign up for some useless monthly service for a fee" deals out there).

-//-

im with you there : privacy + cost

 

how is one going to check which SMS cache is safe and which not?

wait for the first victim?

after 10 logs? how check they arent boogus accounts?

 

but as usual : I can choose which caches to do or disregard.

[+trainlove]

Who now days doesn't bring a cell phone with them anyways thats just stupid.

 

You buy me a cell phone and I'll bring it. There are millions of cachers that do not use cell phones. Perhaps an overexageration but likely to be something like 50%...

[+Guinness70]

-//-

You buy me a cell phone and I'll bring it. There are millions of cachers that do not use cell phones. Perhaps an overexageration but likely to be something like 50%...

not use yer cellphone as GPS ok

but cmon, who doesnt carry a cellphone or simular nowadays.

its one helluva a handy life line.

 

"no coverage out in the bush"... but yer not ALWAYS out in the bush.

[+Butterfly_lady]

Interesting ideas, so many creases about compatibility between systems, international cache travellers needing yet another tool, using something other than a GPSr for a cache hunt....

 

Has anyone here tried a Wherigo cache? That might give you the challenge and responses you are trying to get here, without resorting to another party.

[Clan Riffster]

You buy me a cell phone and I'll bring it.

I somehow managed to survive the first 35 years of my life without one. My boss bought me one about a decade ago, which is the only reason I have one today. When I'm in the woods or on my kayak, my phone is usually in the glovebox of my truck.

[+Thin Air Freak]

Basically I do not see too many problems with this type of cache. I for one do not, nor most likely will I ever, own a cell phone. I see them as an expensive electronic leash. My reason for Geocaching is to relax, and basically disregard the rat race we all live in. I only accept the use of an electronic device (GPSr) now because I don't care to use a compass and a map to find things like I did in Colorado when looking for old ghost towns. But that is my preference. Most people own and use cell phones when Geocaching, for various reasons. Some use the GPS technology most phones have now. Many, I've noticed lately, have used cell phones to call their buddies or friends to get the exact location to a cache they might be having a hard time finding. (doesn't seem anyone wants to search for them anymore). And most apparently cannot be out of touch from civilization for more than a few minutes. It basically comes down to the choice a specific Geocacher decides to make. Anyone can refuse to do any cache they chose, for whatever reason. I personally refuse to do some that involve extensive bushwacking due to my highly allergic reaction to poison ivy, and my wife's physical limitations. I also have refused to do some that are in my own opinion risky (I'm not sticking my hand that far into a tree hollow, or not climbing that far up the side of that wet slope, etc). If someone wants to call a number with their cell phone, and risk the consequences, then let them. We all take the same risk when we order something online and use a credit card to pay for it (since I'm assuming that all of us here do own and use a computer and the internet). If it turns out to be a bad idea, then slowly the general Geocaching populace will turn it's collective nose at it. Or, as so many other things in Geocaching has done over the years, it will evolve and develop into an acceptable means to hide and find. (when I started Geocaching the idea of a nano was considered obsurd, and tupperware was just starting to be accepted over the old 50 caliber ammo cans).

We humans hate change, but if it wasn't for our extreme ability to change, we would have gone the way of the dinosaurs.

[Clan Riffster]

I for one do not, nor most likely will I ever, own a cell phone. I see them as an expensive electronic leash. My reason for Geocaching is to relax, and basically disregard the rat race we all live in.

I love that thought!

[+m.austin]

I'm not sure I'm following this thread. I have several caches around my area that have hidden costs. One is on turnpike, so I have to pay a toll to get to it. No biggie - next time I take the turnpike I'm going to grab it. There are a lot of caches at the state lake. You need a park permit to enter. Again, no biggie - I generally plan to do several of these at a time because of the cost. So a fee to text? Should be a non-issue. As for privacy - I know cell phones are fairly new technology, but I've got a book full of phone numbers (along with home addresses) that my phone company sends to me every year. Granted, it's not my cell phone, but same concept. Plus I can Google people & find out personal information about them with a click of my mouse.

 

I would do this cache!

[+KBI]

You buy me a cell phone and I'll bring it.

I somehow managed to survive the first 35 years of my life without one. My boss bought me one about a decade ago, which is the only reason I have one today. When I'm in the woods or on my kayak, my phone is usually in the glovebox of my truck.

I'm with you on not wanting to be on anyone’s electronic leash during your free time. A cell phone, however, is an excellent safety device – especially when one is deep in the woods or out on the river.

 

There is an obvious way for you to maintain the capability to call a friend – or 911 – in a pinch without leaving yourself open to being disturbed by incoming calls. It’s the most important feature of any electronic device: the OFF button.

 

Instead of leaving your phone uselessly back in the truck, I would encourage you to instead switch off your phone and keep it with you when in the wilds. We don’t want anything horrible to stop you from entertaining us here in the forums!