FTF Hogs

[+Renegade Knight]

Do you think there is such a thing as a FTF Hog. ...

No. I think there are FTF hounds. There is no rule that says anybody else has to let them get the FTF and most of them like the competition.

 

You could say there are FTF hounds, FTF slobs, and FTF apathetics. Those who work hard to get FTF, Those who are too lazy to do the work but want one anyway, and those who could care less. I've done well as an apathetic and have more than a few. Every now and then I put on the hound hat.

[+fourmacs]

If you want to know what all of the fuss is about with FTF you have got to go out and try for one!

 

After dinner you log on to your e-mail to check for new messages and after you have been reading awhile, 'ding'... new message, a new cache pops up within 5 miles. As you are uploading the info to your GPS a second one pops up. By now the blood is pumping and your heart is racing while you are trying to get your shoes on and load fresh batteries in your flashlight. You jump in your cachemobile, completely ignoring that the gas light is on and race down the street (well within the speed limit and obeying all of the traffic laws!) As you are driving you enter the coordinates in your GPS on the dash and pray that you don't hit any red lights or get behind a slow moving vehicle. As you turn onto the final stretch you see a car ahead of you that looks familier. No way! Geojerry7 is right ahead of me and I can't get around him. We both slide to a stop in front of the cache location and race off to where we beleive the find is at. After a bit you come up with it and share the FTF! Then off to the next one that maybe he doesn't know about yet!

That is what the FTF race is all about! It's not just a smiley at this point, it's more about seeing who shows up and if you can get there first. Get out there and expirience the rush and enjoy meeting and talking to others who enjoy what we do. If you want to get a FTF you have to really want it! If you just want the smiley stay home and get it tomorrow, but don't complain about those who choose not to watch the next episode of LOST. Some of us stay on the beach, others want to know what is lurking behind the black cloud that is in the trees!

Keep it clean, safe and have a lot of fun!

 

Fourmacs.

[+sTeamTraen]

As you are driving you enter the coordinates in your GPS on the dash and pray that you don't hit any red lights other vehicle while thus distracted or get behind a slow moving vehicle pulled over for driving without due care and attention.

 

Fixed.

[+Mredria]

I hate competition, so I don't go for FTFs. I think that should be your policy if you're not interested in fighting other people for something.

 

On the other hand, seeing the same 3 names with a billionteenth finds getting most of the FTFs in the area is probably intimidating to a new cacher who is interested in trying to get FTFs.

 

The solution to that is not politely asking everyone to stay home. It's getting more people to do events and inviting noobs TO events(and you noobs. Go to events) so they can meet people, talk about tips and tricks, and learn that the people who get FTFs aren't magicians.

[+team moxiepup]

I hate competition, so I don't go for FTFs. I think that should be your policy if you're not interested in fighting other people for something.

 

On the other hand, seeing the same 3 names with a billionteenth finds getting most of the FTFs in the area is probably intimidating to a new cacher who is interested in trying to get FTFs.

 

The solution to that is not politely asking everyone to stay home. It's getting more people to do events and inviting noobs TO events(and you noobs. Go to events) so they can meet people, talk about tips and tricks, and learn that the people who get FTFs aren't magicians.

 

Our very first FTF was made right out from under the nose of a locally well known FTF hound.

 

When we arrived at ground zero, there didn't seem to be anyone around. I had just mentioned to Ppup that this was either really good (we got here first) or really bad (the cache has already been found and the FTF cacher is gone). Just as I said this, out from behind a tree appeared an apparition wearing one of those head lamps with the two lights on the side, like the character "Harry Tuttle" from the move "Brazil".

 

He looked like a big bug!

Once we got over the startle, introductions were made and come to find out, he was one of the big time legendary FTF hounds. He had looked for a little while, but his batteries in his gps bit the dust. While he had a lot of gear on him, fortunately for us, he had forgotten to pack fresh batteries. We offered him some replacements, but he courteously declined, saying he lived only a few minutes drive away. It was a difficulty three micro, in the dark, but we made the find and were just walking out of the woods when the Pro came back. It was a sweet moment! He was a great sport and congratulated us, and we've been friends ever since.

 

We only go for FTFs once in a while, as the mood strikes us. We have over 1400 finds, and only 14 FTFs, so that's about one FTF per hundred finds. While we don't make the runs often, I doubt it would be as interesting if we thought no one else was trying. Somehow, victory wouldn't be as sweet.

[+Konnarock Kid & Marge]

From reading these posts, I am beginning to realise how intrinsically unfair the current system of FTF really is.

 

Up and until now, I had totally overlooked the fact that some Geocachers were being denied the opportunity to "claim" a FTF due to the bothersome and trivial details of other Geocachers having visited the cache before them. Clearly, in this enlightened age of entitlement, the current system of first-past-the-post represents a scandalous and unacceptable practice. I have a proposal.

 

For those owners who wish to more fairly distribute the FTF honours, we should implement a randomised award system. The owner could, for example, specify the bounds that are to be considered as being "first" with that number being stored in a database for later use. For example, the owner could specify first to be between 5 and 15. Remember, it's a secret that not even the owner knows.

 

Up until the designated "first" log is received, the cache page would show "A First To Find is still available on this cache". Once the designated log entry is made (12, for example), a nice shiny star gets added to the log, trumpets will sound, a choir of angels will descend from the heavens, and a post congratulating the finders will be made in their regional forum. Naturally, the cache page will be amended to show "No first to find is available on this cache" so as to not waste the time for future visitors.

 

The advantage to this system is that it will more fairly distribute FTF honours amongst the community, whilst not discriminating against anyone that plays the game for the strange and odd practice of visiting geocaches.

 

Discuss.

 

Ahh a joke post... must be....

 

Because if it isn't:

 

Fairly distribute.... WTH! Is 'poohstickz' a the geonick of Hillary Clinton?

 

Now, FTF isn't my drug of choice, but I enjoy a hit of FTF now and then.....

 

That said if you want an FTF get up EARLIER and stay out LATER. Get all the connectivity gadgets that pump the coords straight to your cerebral cortex and get out there and GET SOME for yourself.

 

Anyone that whines about not getting FTF isn't doin' it right. Who the heck wants to be handed FTF?

 

 

Where did you get the smashed/elongaged pennies? Are they for real or did you photoshop them?

As to FTFs, those who find them are geocaching pioneers (for that cache) others are just following the wagon tracks! I've done both. OINK!

Edited March 20, 2009 by Konnarock Kid & Marge

[+fourmacs]

I am starting to agree with all of you. I have been in touch with the fine folks at Groundspeak and in accordance with the current administration and policies being considered by our government new FTF rules will take effect immediatly that should help make this a fair game and a better experience for all!

 

#1 - All FTFs are to be compiled into a database and all existing FTF references in current post are to be deleted.

#2 - FTFs will be given a new designation with a special smiley for the post.

#3 - All FTFs are to be evenly distributed throughout the geocaching society, as new cachers come in it is the responsibility of the seasoned cachers to gather up FTFs to be given to the new cachers.

#4 - After all cachers have a FTF smiley, you may submit a request for additional FTFs which will be given after review by a special commitee if you are found worthy. Multiple request could result in a special investigation with the possibility of restrictions placed on the individual cacher and known associates.

#5 - Anyone not adhearing to the new policies will have their username locked, their GPS removed and all owned travel bugs or coins taken from them and distributed among the less fortunate cachers who choose to do other things with their time.

 

Thank you for your time and cooperation!

Edited March 20, 2009 by fourmacs

[+Scubasonic]

I am starting to agree with all of you. I have been in touch with the fine folks at Groundspeak and in accordance with the current administration and policies being considered by our government new FTF rules will take effect immediatly that should help make this a fair game and a better experience for all!

 

#1 - All FTFs are to be compiled into a database and all existing FTF references in current post are to be deleted.

#2 - FTFs will be given a new designation with a special smiley for the post.

#3 - All FTFs are to be evenly distributed throughout the geocaching society, as new cachers come in it is the responsibility of the seasoned cachers to gather up FTFs to be given to the new cachers.

#4 - After all cachers have a FTF smiley, you may submit a request for additional FTFs which will be given after review by a special commitee if you are found worthy. Multiple request could result in a special investigation with the possibility of restrictions placed on the individual cacher and known associates.

#5 - Anyone not adhearing to the new policies will have their username locked, their GPS removed and all owned travel bugs or coins taken from them and distributed among the less fortunate cachers who choose to do other things with their time.

 

Thank you for your time and cooperation!

 

HOLY CRAP !!!

 

Scubasonic

[+va griz]

But there are others out there (and I know a few around here that get under my skin) that basically sit on their computer and wait like vultures. Then when one pops up, off they go in a hurry.

 

That was quoted. But seriously, I do think it would be a little more fair if some of the people that get FTF would stay home for a while and just let the other people get once in a while. Especially if the person who usually gets FTF has hundreds of finds on their profile, and 15 or more of them are FTF. The people who want to get just one once in a while have to basically sit at the computer and wait for a cache that they can get FTF on or at least have a chance atwhenever they want to get it. It is very annoying especially when work doesn't allow them at work. But all in all, I am not saying thatr everyone should give FTF to the person with only 20 or so finds. I believe that they should be able to get some, but that they should wait until they have about 50 or more finds so that they know how to cache. Those are my remarks. Think on them please. Hey, thanks and have a great day. gwf

 

In the name of fairness, I propose Groundspeak institutes a new method of publishing caches. After a cacher logs his/her 49th find, the cordinates to the next almost published cache will be emailed to them. If the cache is in the wrong state, we'll use money from the stimulus package to fly them to the correct place. After they find the cache, their FTF opportunities will be limited to times when no cacher in the world has 49 finds. I'm not sure how it will work if the next cache avaiable is in the wrong country, we may have to get the UN involved as well.

 

Or we could just say that whoever got there first after it was published is a fair system

[the3gmen]

I used to care about being first to find. I even grabbed a couple. I became disillusioned when I received the "just published" email, rushed out of the house and found the cache withing 15 minutes of getting the email only to find that one of the regulars had found it 5 hours ago.

 

I have mellowed a bit over the last couple of years and rushing to do things is one of the aspects of life that I have managed to do without.

 

As many others have mentioned the idea of caching is to have fun and rushing to find a cache takes part of the fun away from me. The same thought applies to finding tons of caches in a day. I can't imagine having fun while trying to grab 20 or more caches in a day.

[+Singletree Expedition]

I became disillusioned when I received the "just published" email, rushed out of the house and found the cache withing 15 minutes of getting the email only to find that one of the regulars had found it 5 hours ago.

I can see how that could be frustrating. While it is likely that the FTF'r had an advantage, keep in mind that there is a time difference between publish and notification. At times, the difference is significant. We've been first a few times... always after publish, but sometimes before the notification.

[+Woodstramp]

I don't "get" any whining about folks hogging FTF's. I've managed to get a paltry few in the year I've cached and all I can say is it was fun to "snatch victory" from the local FTF experts.

 

I like to read the logs of some local cachers who are FTF hounds. They are buds until a fresh cache pops up.

 

Then....

 

the air thickens....

 

lightning crackles.....

 

motors race....

 

spike strips deployed.....

 

sword edges checked......

 

IT'S THE QUICKENING!

 

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

 

It's fun to participate and/or read the aftermath.

[+va griz]

I don't "get" any whining about folks hogging FTF's. I've managed to get a paltry few in the year I've cached and all I can say is it was fun to "snatch victory" from the local FTF experts.

 

I like to read the logs of some local cachers who are FTF hounds. They are buds until a fresh cache pops up.

 

Then....

 

the air thickens....

 

lightning crackles.....

 

motors race....

 

spike strips deployed.....

 

sword edges checked......

 

IT'S THE QUICKENING!

 

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

 

It's fun to participate and/or read the aftermath.

 

In defense of FTF hounds, or at least our local ones, it doesn't seem at all like that to me. I've meet different folks at GZ several times and it's never been anything but friendly. I remember one FTF log where the finder said he and another cacher waited around a while to see if I showed up. (it was close to my house but I was out of town) Doesn't sound very cut-throat to me. I guess it could get nasty in a cache dense area, but around here it's a very good natured race.

[+team_goobie]

I don't "get" any whining about folks hogging FTF's. I've managed to get a paltry few in the year I've cached and all I can say is it was fun to "snatch victory" from the local FTF experts.

 

I like to read the logs of some local cachers who are FTF hounds. They are buds until a fresh cache pops up.

 

(big snip)

 

IT'S THE QUICKENING!

 

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

 

It's fun to participate and/or read the aftermath.

 

Oh so right! But in a nice kind of way. Really!

 

It's even better to stick around the cache and see the fun. I planted one very close to my workplace and got to see the comings and goings - that was a blast. Finally met some people too and put names to faces. Wouldn't have missed it for anything.

[+fullhseluvr1982]

Rats! I had about an hour or so to look for it, and after avoiding some muggles and basically crawling around on my hands and knees for a while along WITH my 6yr old daughter we couldn't come up with the cache.

I think either the buildings are interfering with the signal or the coordinates are a bit off because where it's telling me to go just simply ISN'T possible - nor stroller accessible!

 

I'll have to return without my daughter to look for bit more, we had to leave empty-handed tohave time to make dinner and get to her karate graduation tonight.

 

Oh well...sneaky one I guess.

 

EDIT - ARGH! Thanks Mike...I'll make another attempt in the coming days. FTF to the daughter huh, after incorrect coords posted? It's a conspiracy I tell ya! I was framed! - I'll get back to it soon.

 

This cacher wrote about ME! FTFing my father's cache (which I had NO idea where it was placed and had the incorrect coords. I found the thing walking back to the car.)

[+Snoogans]

 

Where did you get the smashed/elongaged pennies? Are they for real or did you photoshop them?

 

 

I designed and own the penny dies.

[vagabond]

Yeah after you get a first to find you shouldn't be able to log another one until everyone

in the area has logged one, yep that sounds like a good idea.

 

Terrible idea. Not nearly socialist enough!

 

There should be a balance check on GC.com that does not allow ANY SINGLE cacher world wide to log more than 1 FTF more than any other cacher in the world.

 

Except maybe for premium members?

 

Jan

 

 

No just the platinum members

[+NYPaddleCacher]

If you want to know what all of the fuss is about with FTF you have got to go out and try for one!

 

After dinner you log on to your e-mail to check for new messages and after you have been reading awhile, 'ding'... new message, a new cache pops up within 5 miles. As you are uploading the info to your GPS a second one pops up. By now the blood is pumping and your heart is racing while you are trying to get your shoes on and load fresh batteries in your flashlight. You jump in your cachemobile, completely ignoring that the gas light is on and race down the street (well within the speed limit and obeying all of the traffic laws!) As you are driving you enter the coordinates in your GPS on the dash and pray that you don't hit any red lights or get behind a slow moving vehicle. As you turn onto the final stretch you see a car ahead of you that looks familier. No way! Geojerry7 is right ahead of me and I can't get around him. We both slide to a stop in front of the cache location and race off to where we beleive the find is at. After a bit you come up with it and share the FTF! Then off to the next one that maybe he doesn't know about yet!

 

 

That's a completely different world from where i live. While on a business trip I noticed a new cache was placed near home on the morning I was heading back. It was pretty close to the route I was taking home but after about six hours on the road I didn't bother with it as I drove with 1/4 mile of it about 25 miles from home. It was located just off Interstate 81, yet the FTF on it didn't happen until almost 5 days after it was placed.

 

Although occasionally someone will go after a FTF at night after a newly published cache in the early evening and I even went after a cach once that was a five minute walk from my office about 10 minutes after it was published and was second to find, but t's not uncommon for a lot of caches to be out for 2-3 days or more before a FTF. I'd say most of the cachers in my area are FTF apathetic.

[+Isonzo Karst]

What NYPaddleCacher said, nobody really bothering to be a FTF hog around here. And if they were, more power to the extra effort they're making.

 

I have 10 FTF in about the last 5 months. None of them found the day of publication, 3 of them found 8 full days after publication, 3 of them 6 days after publication.

 

I was FTF on Bill's River Cache, three MONTHS after it was published. I thought I'd get another FTF on a paddle cache that day, but couldn't handle the high winds. It went 5 months to the first find. None of those caches were park and grabs, but none of them were killer terrain either.

[+dacjohns]

I have become a FTF Hound but almost by accident. I would wait for the weekly Groundspeak emails, see a new cache, check out the cache page and find out it was already found. Then one day I was looking around and saw a little icon that said "NEW". I checked out a cache and found out it was close to me and hadn't been found, then I found 5 more. WOW. Now this was in the middle of the week, my day off came and off we went. Logged about 6 FTFs just ahead of some other cachers. I was hooked.

 

So I am a FTF Hound but since I am limited slightly on which days I can geocache I don't get upset if someone else gets there before me. It's the nature of the game. There is an undiscovered cache that looks like it has a problem with the coordinates. There are probably about 4 of us watching it for the corrected coordinates. If I find it first, fine. If someone else finds it first that's OK also.

 

I had to travel about 50 miles to the cache I was FTF today and found it just before someone else that lives much closer to the cache than I.

[+aandm]

FTF feels good to get but for us its sort of accidental when we get them. If I am online, and If I have my email open, and IF I get a notification of a nearby cache that has just been published... and we have nothing else on we head out - usually to find we have been beaten to it.

 

We usually like to get FTFS on caches that have some work involved or a puzzle to solve but on one occasion, a really good multi had a number of dedicated local cachers all keen on FTF, and we all arrived at GZ of the final at about the same time, only to find the location crawling with muggles ! Some patience and stealth saved the day, and the cache owner credited all of us with FTF, It was great fun.

 

So its just another part of the game, we dont take it (FTF) too seriously and when we do get one its just a extra bit of icing on the cake.

 

Andrew and Maryan.

[+EARTHQUAKE5683]

We live on a small island as a result we have limited number of caches available, and also a smaller number of cachers than in most places I would assume. Local term for FTF hogs, are cacheheads....we've been accused a few times but laugh and go on. Part of this game is that everyone plays it different, I don't always agree with what they do or the way they do it....which means I don't have to care what they think of me for rushing to be FTF!

However, we do have cachers who put out new caches and say in order to log FTF you have to be a newb, or have no FTF's...what makes me laugh is those ones sit there for a week or more (which is almost unheard of here) with out being even attempted...so my thought is post your cache and let the rest of race!

[+Lve2fsh]

I probably shouldn't stir the pot but.

 

I had always heard about geo caching being a little cliquish but had never experienced it myself. However a friend got into FTF and it became apparent then. Three or four cachers who personally know the publisher seem to be the ones who are FTF at most of the local caches. Doesn't bother me but sure gets to her.

[+Mudfrog]

I probably shouldn't stir the pot but.

 

I had always heard about geo caching being a little cliquish but had never experienced it myself. However a friend got into FTF and it became apparent then. Three or four cachers who personally know the publisher seem to be the ones who are FTF at most of the local caches. Doesn't bother me but sure gets to her.

 

While it's possible, i doubt that the publisher (i'm taking it you mean reviewer) is helping anyone get ftfs ahead of others. The three or four cachers you're talking about probably have notifications set up to come in when a cache is published, watch their email like hawks, and maybe even have those notifications sent to their cellphones. On top of that, they are probably ready to go at a moments notice and take off for a cache no matter when the publishing takes place.

[+BBI Dragon]

deleted odd double posting

Edited March 22, 2009 by BBI Dragon

[+BBI Dragon]

Do you think there is such a thing as a FTF Hog.

 

IMO the problem with asking this question here in the forum is that you'll not likely hear much from the silent majority. This is a safe environment to get the answers you might be looking to reinforce when asking this type of question.

 

IMO the problem with a game with only "guidelines" on how it is played is that it is open to a broad interpretation on what is "fair" and how to participate.

 

FTF Hounds/Hogs are in the vast minority, at one very end of the Geocaching spectrum. The vast majority of cachers fall somewhere in the middle. At best, Geocaching has "guidelines" for placement of a cache. There are few guidelines, let along rules for hunting. As long is this is a game without any real guidelines/rules on how to hunt, there are going to be disagreements between the broad interpretation of what is "fair."

 

Opinions are not facts, nor truths, they are not right nor wrong. Opinions are perspectives. This post is an opinion.

[+fizzymagic]

Opinions are not facts, nor truths, they are not right nor wrong. Opinions are perspectives. This post is an opinion.

Yep.

 

My opinion is that people who so badly need FTFs to boost their self-image that they cannot leave one for a newbie are pathetic.

 

My opinion is that the whole FTF game-within-a-game does more harm than good for geocaching.

 

And my opinion is that it doesn't really matter anyway.

[+VFISHNOLJETHRO]

I am one of a handful of cachers in my area that thrive on being FTF.. just last night 7 new caches posted... i went out and found 3 but had to return to home base for more info. then returned for a 2nd attempt and found a family of cachers was right behind me, or infront of me on a few... we had fun tring to figure out what the other was going to go for...

it made for an interesting night since i had locked myself out of my RUNNING car down in a wash with no one to be found.. i knew they would be here sooner or later since i was FTF...

so a little compitition can be a good thing.

[+Scubasonic]

I am one of a handful of cachers in my area that thrive on being FTF.. a little compitition can be a good thing.

 

VFISH1992,

 

I think that you hit the nail on the head, I love the competition, and everyone has the same chances for that FTF. So if you want GO FOR IT, if not stop your wining.

 

Scubasonic

[+cacheinaflash]

Do you think there is such a thing as a FTF Hog. in our area there are several that go right after them (I'm included) if the opportunity presents itself. I know a lot of None FTFers get mad saying that all the new caches are FTF Hogged by just a few people. One cacher went so far as to post on his bio page that people that target FTFs on a regular basis are practicing "Poor Sportsmanship" and should do something better with their time, such as Volunteer for Community services.

 

Just thought I would see what some of you thought about the subject. Thanks in advance for your response.

 

Scubasonic

 

I don't see why it matters who's FTF. Am I missing something? I sort of think the people who complain about the "FTF Hogs" are the ones exhibiting poor sportsmanship. I'm just happy to find what I can, I don't care who got there first! Or am I doing this all wrong?

[+cacheinaflash]

Do you think there is such a thing as a FTF Hog. in our area there are several that go right after them (I'm included) if the opportunity presents itself. I know a lot of None FTFers get mad saying that all the new caches are FTF Hogged by just a few people. One cacher went so far as to post on his bio page that people that target FTFs on a regular basis are practicing "Poor Sportsmanship" and should do something better with their time, such as Volunteer for Community services.

 

Just thought I would see what some of you thought about the subject. Thanks in advance for your response.

 

Scubasonic

 

I don't see why it matters who's FTF. Am I missing something? I sort of think the people who complain about the "FTF Hogs" are the ones exhibiting poor sportsmanship. I'm just happy to find what I can, I don't care who got there first! Or am I doing this all wrong?

[+geojerry7]

#1 - All FTFs are to be compiled into a database and all existing FTF references in current post are to be deleted.

#2 - FTFs will be given a new designation with a special smiley for the post.

#3 - All FTFs are to be evenly distributed throughout the geocaching society, as new cachers come in it is the responsibility of the seasoned cachers to gather up FTFs to be given to the new cachers.

#4 - After all cachers have a FTF smiley, you may submit a request for additional FTFs which will be given after review by a special commitee if you are found worthy. Multiple request could result in a special investigation with the possibility of restrictions placed on the individual cacher and known associates.

#5 - Anyone not adhearing to the new policies will have their username locked, their GPS removed and all owned travel bugs or coins taken from them and distributed among the less fortunate cachers who choose to do other things with their time.

 

Thank you for your time and cooperation!

___________________________________________________________

 

Right...

Edited March 24, 2009 by geojerry7

[+Wooden Cyclist]

"Terrible idea. Not nearly socialist enough!

 

There should be a balance check on GC.com that does not allow ANY SINGLE cacher world wide to log more than 1 FTF more than any other cacher in the world. "

 

 

It could be worse Jan.

 

Maybe anyone who has "excessive" FTF totals would get taxed and their FTF wealth would get redistributed to the less fortunate geocachers.

Edited March 24, 2009 by Wooden Cyclist

[+PlantAKiss]

Hi Scubaham...fellow VA cacher.

 

For another unique fairness option, the hider specified there was a 15th to find prize in the cache. Of course this depended on the previous 14 finders to leave that one in the cache, which they graciously did.

 

haha! That was me. I own 5 caches and I offered 15th to Find prizes in 3 or 4 of those. Since the vast majority of cachers are nice and honest folk, everyone has honored my request as I knew they would.

 

When I first started caching, I thought I'd get some FTFs. Wasn't long before I realized that would be next to impossible for me. I have 1.5 FTFs and they were accidental.

 

My personal opinion is...if you have a whole bunch of FTFs...why not lay back a bit and allow some others to have the fun of a blank log? I think this is just my upbringing...I was taught not to be greedy. So even if I COULD go out caching at 3 a.m. or leave work in the middle of the day and knew I would be the FTFer...I would choose not to do so EVERY time. Like...don't take the biggest cookie every time, just because you can.

 

And so, it was in honor of the pokey cachers like me who can't be the first every time that I have done the 15th to Find. It's just added a little fun to those on the trail behind the FTFer. I have a few other things up my sleeve for the LTFers (later to find).

[+geojerry7]

If you want to know what all of the fuss is about with FTF you have got to go out and try for one!

 

After dinner you log on to your e-mail to check for new messages and after you have been reading awhile, 'ding'... new message, a new cache pops up within 5 miles. As you are uploading the info to your GPS a second one pops up. By now the blood is pumping and your heart is racing while you are trying to get your shoes on and load fresh batteries in your flashlight. You jump in your cachemobile, completely ignoring that the gas light is on and race down the street (well within the speed limit and obeying all of the traffic laws!) As you are driving you enter the coordinates in your GPS on the dash and pray that you don't hit any red lights or get behind a slow moving vehicle. As you turn onto the final stretch you see a car ahead of you that looks familier. No way! Geojerry7 is right ahead of me and I can't get around him. We both slide to a stop in front of the cache location and race off to where we beleive the find is at. After a bit you come up with it and share the FTF! Then off to the next one that maybe he doesn't know about yet!

That is what the FTF race is all about! It's not just a smiley at this point, it's more about seeing who shows up and if you can get there first. Get out there and expirience the rush and enjoy meeting and talking to others who enjoy what we do. If you want to get a FTF you have to really want it! If you just want the smiley stay home and get it tomorrow, but don't complain about those who choose not to watch the next episode of LOST. Some of us stay on the beach, others want to know what is lurking behind the black cloud that is in the trees!

Keep it clean, safe and have a lot of fun!

 

Fourmacs.

 

Wasn't that the one where you threw my flashlight off the bridge and then pushed me down the embankment?

[+JanniCash]

I am one of a handful of cachers in my area that thrive on being FTF.. a little compitition can be a good thing.

 

VFISH1992,

 

I think that you hit the nail on the head, I love the competition, and everyone has the same chances for that FTF. So if you want GO FOR IT, if not stop your wining.

 

Scubasonic

 

Precisely what I was thinking all along.

 

What if there are some locals, who have a competition about FTF's going? Who is it to tell the top FTF-dog to "stay down" so that some half-retarded cacher-kid can get its own "real FTF" and meanwhile, his competition goes ahead and takes the lead?

 

That's just not right. So keep at it, ignore those super moms and FTF as hard as you can!

 

Jan

[+Scubasonic]

#1 - All FTFs are to be compiled into a database and all existing FTF references in current post are to be deleted.

#2 - FTFs will be given a new designation with a special smiley for the post.

#3 - All FTFs are to be evenly distributed throughout the geocaching society, as new cachers come in it is the responsibility of the seasoned cachers to gather up FTFs to be given to the new cachers.

#4 - After all cachers have a FTF smiley, you may submit a request for additional FTFs which will be given after review by a special commitee if you are found worthy. Multiple request could result in a special investigation with the possibility of restrictions placed on the individual cacher and known associates.

#5 - Anyone not adhearing to the new policies will have their username locked, their GPS removed and all owned travel bugs or coins taken from them and distributed among the less fortunate cachers who choose to do other things with their time.

 

Thank you for your time and cooperation!

___________________________________________________________

 

Right...

 

I have an idea, how about this when the new cache is published whoever gets there 1st claims the FTF, end of story. Hey glad to see you here Geojerry Shhh I won't tell anyone that you are one of the biggest FTF hounds out there. Your secret is safe with me.

 

Scubasonic

[+bflentje]

I've noticed that the only ones that complain about FTF hogs are those that wish to be FTF hogs but for some reason, can't figure it out. I mean, if you aspire to be FTF, why on earth would you complain about someone else being better'n you? Times are changing and I am scared for our future.

[+geojerry7]

#1 - All FTFs are to be compiled into a database and all existing FTF references in current post are to be deleted.

#2 - FTFs will be given a new designation with a special smiley for the post.

#3 - All FTFs are to be evenly distributed throughout the geocaching society, as new cachers come in it is the responsibility of the seasoned cachers to gather up FTFs to be given to the new cachers.

#4 - After all cachers have a FTF smiley, you may submit a request for additional FTFs which will be given after review by a special commitee if you are found worthy. Multiple request could result in a special investigation with the possibility of restrictions placed on the individual cacher and known associates.

#5 - Anyone not adhearing to the new policies will have their username locked, their GPS removed and all owned travel bugs or coins taken from them and distributed among the less fortunate cachers who choose to do other things with their time.

 

Thank you for your time and cooperation!

___________________________________________________________

 

Right...

 

I have an idea, how about this when the new cache is published whoever gets there 1st claims the FTF, end of story. Hey glad to see you here Geojerry Shhh I won't tell anyone that you are one of the biggest FTF hounds out there. Your secret is safe with me.

 

Scubasonic

 

[+two finders keepers]

Ok I go after FTF too. Not all of them. Ok a lot of them, got one last night. If I want to get my a** up and go after a cache at 9:30pm is that a bad thing. Ok so your can't go because your working or watching TV. Everyone can go get it, you just have to do so. If I'm at work I can not just leave to go get a cache. So I'm not going to get mad at the casher that can. I missed one at 8:33am But someone need to be frist. If your mad because your 12yr old don't have a FTF help them get one, drop what your doing and go.

[+Scubasonic]

Ok I go after FTF too. Not all of them. Ok a lot of them, got one last night. If I want to get my a** up and go after a cache at 9:30pm is that a bad thing. Ok so your can't go because your working or watching TV. Everyone can go get it, you just have to do so. If I'm at work I can not just leave to go get a cache. So I'm not going to get mad at the casher that can. I missed one at 8:33am But someone need to be frist. If your mad because your 12yr old don't have a FTF help them get one, drop what your doing and go.

 

HHMMMMMM 8:30 am OH yah that was me that got that one.

 

SS

[+The finch farmers]

Precisely what I was thinking all along.

 

What if there are some locals, who have a competition about FTF's going? Who is it to tell the top FTF-dog to "stay down" so that some half-retarded cacher-kid can get its own "real FTF" and meanwhile, his competition goes ahead and takes the lead?

 

That's just not right. So keep at it, ignore those super moms and FTF as hard as you can!

 

Jan

 

WOW!

83.95% HOG

Edited March 25, 2009 by The finch farmers

[+Scubasonic]

I've noticed that the only ones that complain about FTF hogs are those that wish to be FTF hogs but for some reason, can't figure it out.

 

EXACTLY Give that cacher a Cigar!!!!

 

Scubasonic

[+mtn-man]

... half-retarded cacher-kid ...

I pretty much cannot imagine a worse choice of words for you there. Stunningly bad.

 

I'll remind you:

The forum guidelines for posting are important and should be read and accepted before you choose to participate. Groundspeak and the global geocaching community encourage contributors who are courteous, polite and respectful. We discourage those who choose to behave in a disrespectful and/or irresponsible manner. Groundspeak, its staff and volunteer moderators will take appropriate steps to ensure discussions adhere to these guidelines.

[+The finch farmers]

... half-retarded cacher-kid ...

I pretty much cannot imagine a worse choice of words for you there. Stunningly bad.

 

I'll remind you:

The forum guidelines for posting are important and should be read and accepted before you choose to participate. Groundspeak and the global geocaching community encourage contributors who are courteous, polite and respectful. We discourage those who choose to behave in a disrespectful and/or irresponsible manner. Groundspeak, its staff and volunteer moderators will take appropriate steps to ensure discussions adhere to these guidelines.

 

Thanks mtn-man!

 

Back to the topic at hand. I am 83.95% HOG

[+fizzymagic]

What if there are some locals, who have a competition about FTF's going? Who is it to tell the top FTF-dog to "stay down" so that some half-retarded cacher-kid can get its own "real FTF" and meanwhile, his competition goes ahead and takes the lead?

 

That's just not right. So keep at it, ignore those super moms and FTF as hard as you can!

Wow. Oh, wow.

 

If being first to find a pill bottle under a lamp-post skirt is that important, then.....

 

Oh, wow.

[+Scubasonic]

What if there are some locals, who have a competition about FTF's going? Who is it to tell the top FTF-dog to "stay down" so that some half-retarded cacher-kid can get its own "real FTF" and meanwhile, his competition goes ahead and takes the lead?

 

That's just not right. So keep at it, ignore those super moms and FTF as hard as you can!

Wow. Oh, wow.

 

If being first to find a pill bottle under a lamp-post skirt is that important, then.....

 

Oh, wow.

 

Hey fizzy not all FTFs are LPC

 

Scubasonic

[+jsemanajr]

FTF's are a part of the whole caching experience. I didn't even know they existed until a new cache published near my home and I looked for it for an hour. (It was a micro in a field.) I think I had only 30 finds under my belt at that point needless to say my wife called and we had a dinner date. After our dinner date we met up with some of our friends and went out for coffee. As the conversations progressed we started talking about the cache. The men-folk went to find it and were successful in under 10 seconds from exiting the cache-mobile.

 

As we opened the log I saw that a certain Doctor had signed it about 2 minutes after I had left earlier in the day.

 

Why did this guy put the time on there, I thought? Was this to tease or taunt me? I thought, if I ever meet this guy I would sure like to punch him.

 

I let that experience fester for about a week and then I learned about insta-notifies. I got my first FTF about three days after that and the rest is history.

 

BTW the Doctor, turns out was a woman. No...I didn't punch her. But I'm sure I gave her a taste of her own medicine a few times.

 

Smileys are Smileys whether you are the FTF or 10,000th to Find. Have fun.

 

Remember, some of us vultures have iPhones so we don't have to sit in front of our computers and wait.

We could be at the store, across town or even visiting family in another town and the sound of the email goes off...ding... let me see . . . . . . . . . . . . opp gotta go..........

[+Scubasonic]

Remember, some of us vultures have iPhones so we don't have to sit in front of our computers and wait.

We could be at the store, across town or even visiting family in another town and the sound of the email goes off...ding... let me see . . . . . . . . . . . . opp gotta go..........

 

Or Blackberry's

 

Scubasonic

[+The finch farmers]

Sorry I have to sign out. Cell phone went off. New cache published. Must run.

 

Will bump up from 83.95% HOG to 84.13% HOG.

 

Up, Up and away!