Mean Muggle! Cache HELD HOSTAGE! Up on EBay!

[RoadLessTaken]

Hi all ~ I'm new to the forum and new to geocaching. I'm looking forward to playing this adventurous and fun game!

While browsing ebay I came across an auction for a cache that a muggle removed from a newpaper stand in Dallas Tx because the news stand was taken out of service by it's owner. Looks like the news stand owner did the right thing by giving the cache to his son for him to try to locate the owner. Here's where the story goes sour ~ this guy posted the cache on ebay, then the original owner contacted the seller to inquire about it and the seller was less than sympathetic and is trying to sell the cache back to the owner or anyone who wants to put the cache back into play! The orig cache owner asked for at least the log book to be returned but the seller refused! HOW RUDE!

Looks like the seller needs some help in the "manners" & "friendliness" department (read all of the dialog and questions he posted on his page!) EBAY AUCTION # 110426790417 (SELLER ~ jettabean01)

 

Can anything can be done to remedy this situation? It's sad to see heartless people ~ what's the world coming too! My apologies to the orig cach owner for shedding any possible unwanted spotlight on the situation. I'll understand if my post is deleted but was hoping someone could help out here.

 

Happy caching

[GOF and Bacall]

It appears to be this cache. Thanks Y'all The owner has posted to the auction page so I'd say just leave it between the CO and the auction lister.

[RoadLessTaken]

It appears to be this cache. Thanks Y'all The owner has posted to the auction page so I'd say just leave it between the CO and the auction lister.

 

I figured best left to the CO and the seller but wanted to post the concern here. Looks like the seller gives out free tongue lashings so I'm not about to contact him. Has anyone seen this happen before? What a darn bummer tho ~ I don't understand people sometimes.

[GOF and Bacall]

Look back not too long ago there was a thread where someone listed a bunch of stolen TB tags on fleabay. A couple of cachers paid the ransom and got them back. Personally I'd say write 'em off and forget it. Acknowledging the listing and paying the thief only encourages such behavior.

[+Rockin Roddy]

Removed from a paper stand? It's likely a $1.29 hide-a-key. Easiest remedy is to buy another, throw it at something and see if it sticks!

[+keehotee]

Call the cops - it's stolen property.

As the hider must have ticked the box to say the hide had adequate permission in the first place it's been unlawfully removed......

[+cerberus1]

Though I don't like the way the situation came about, I sorta have to agree with Rockin Roddy...

 

These type of hides are similer to lpcs and phone booth caches, where cheap containers are used and rarely is permission asked for or given.

 

What part of "GEO" don't these people get ? Geo means "the Earth".

 

USED to be a GEOcache was placed off a trail, or in a nice park, where one could get back to nature. Walk up to that scenic overlook and enjoy the view.

 

Now we have 'em at newpaper stands. Sad.

[+wimseyguy]

Or perhaps that newspaper stand is in front of or across the street from something worthy? And the cache write up discusses that historical/worthy property.

 

Some places that are cache worthy lack large expanses of green.

[+TEAM HARTSOCK]

Or perhaps that newspaper stand is in front of or across the street from something worthy? And the cache write up discusses that historical/worthy property.

 

Some places that are cache worthy lack large expanses of green.

 

And some are in urban settings where people don't have access to great expanses of green. Plus, these types of caches offer up a different requirement. Stealth and the challenge of find something that is hidden in plain sight gives a whole different spin on caching.

[GOF and Bacall]

The thread has left the rails.

[+sbell111]

Though I don't like the way the situation came about, I sorta have to agree with Rockin Roddy...

 

These type of hides are similer to lpcs and phone booth caches, where cheap containers are used and rarely is permission asked for or given.

 

What part of "GEO" don't these people get ? Geo means "the Earth".

 

USED to be a GEOcache was placed off a trail, or in a nice park, where one could get back to nature. Walk up to that scenic overlook and enjoy the view.

 

Now we have 'em at newpaper stands. Sad.

Caches have been in urban environments (and newspaper boxes) long before you started playing the game, so I am confused as to what you mean by "Used to be...".

[RoadLessTaken]

Though I don't like the way the situation came about, I sorta have to agree with Rockin Roddy...

 

These type of hides are similer to lpcs and phone booth caches, where cheap containers are used and rarely is permission asked for or given.

 

What part of "GEO" don't these people get ? Geo means "the Earth".

 

USED to be a GEOcache was placed off a trail, or in a nice park, where one could get back to nature. Walk up to that scenic overlook and enjoy the view.

 

Now we have 'em at newpaper stands. Sad.

Caches have been in urban environments (and newspaper boxes) long before you started playing the game, so I am confused as to what you mean by "Used to be...".

 

Perhaps it's best for the orig CO to be able to respond to it's placement location reasons but I'd like to get back to what others think of the fact the cache is up for sale on Ebay. The cache has been archived so ~ game over. But, it would be nice to have to log returned. What would you do? I think if I were the newstand owner and the paperbox had to be removed from service and I found the cache with contact info, I'd likely contact the owner and send it back. After all, it's small (how much can that cost to mail) and I'd feel good about it. From the looks of the ebay seller, it appears he's not so courteous nor friendly

Really stinks that people can do this

[+bittsen]

My suggestion would be to have the cache owner "bid" on his cache and then offer to pick the cache up in person (with a possible police escort since the cache is his property to begin with).

 

And then report to Ebay that the seller is selling stolen items.

 

Just a suggestion, of course.

[+Rockin Roddy]

Though I don't like the way the situation came about, I sorta have to agree with Rockin Roddy...

 

These type of hides are similer to lpcs and phone booth caches, where cheap containers are used and rarely is permission asked for or given.

 

What part of "GEO" don't these people get ? Geo means "the Earth".

 

USED to be a GEOcache was placed off a trail, or in a nice park, where one could get back to nature. Walk up to that scenic overlook and enjoy the view.

 

Now we have 'em at newpaper stands. Sad.

Caches have been in urban environments (and newspaper boxes) long before you started playing the game, so I am confused as to what you mean by "Used to be...".

 

Perhaps it's best for the orig CO to be able to respond to it's placement location reasons but I'd like to get back to what others think of the fact the cache is up for sale on Ebay. The cache has been archived so ~ game over. But, it would be nice to have to log returned. What would you do? I think if I were the newstand owner and the paperbox had to be removed from service and I found the cache with contact info, I'd likely contact the owner and send it back. After all, it's small (how much can that cost to mail) and I'd feel good about it. From the looks of the ebay seller, it appears he's not so courteous nor friendly

Really stinks that people can do this

 

If you were the owner and you know you didn't give permission, what would you care? If it were me and I didn't know anything about caching, I'd throw it away (I am still assuming it's a hide-a-key, haven't bothered to look). Since it was obviously placed without permission, it's fair play regardless if some think the CO has rights to it!

 

If the CO had obtained permission, there'd be no discussion since there'd be no topic in the first place!

[Mr.Yuck]

Though I don't like the way the situation came about, I sorta have to agree with Rockin Roddy...

 

These type of hides are similer to lpcs and phone booth caches, where cheap containers are used and rarely is permission asked for or given.

 

What part of "GEO" don't these people get ? Geo means "the Earth".

 

USED to be a GEOcache was placed off a trail, or in a nice park, where one could get back to nature. Walk up to that scenic overlook and enjoy the view.

 

Now we have 'em at newpaper stands. Sad.

Caches have been in urban environments (and newspaper boxes) long before you started playing the game, so I am confused as to what you mean by "Used to be...".

 

Well, if he was from my area, in July 2004, he'd only have seen a handful of micros, and all in parks. But hey, I have something on topic here. What are we talking about here? These would be called newspaper BOXES where I come from:

 

When I hear newspaper STAND, I think of a wooden kiosk type thing on the street corner that can be locked up at night, complete with an attendant and cash register.

[+bflentje]

My suggestion would be to have the cache owner "bid" on his cache and then offer to pick the cache up in person (with a possible police escort since the cache is his property to begin with).

 

And then report to Ebay that the seller is selling stolen items.

 

Just a suggestion, of course.

 

Hmm.. they let you back on, heh?

[+Rockin Roddy]

My suggestion would be to have the cache owner "bid" on his cache and then offer to pick the cache up in person (with a possible police escort since the cache is his property to begin with).

 

And then report to Ebay that the seller is selling stolen items.

 

Just a suggestion, of course.

 

Hmm.. they let you back on, heh?

[+brokenoaks]

Hi all ~ I'm new to the forum and new to geocaching. I'm looking forward to playing this adventurous and fun game!

While browsing ebay I came across an auction for a cache that a muggle removed from a newpaper stand in Dallas Tx because the news stand was taken out of service by it's owner. Looks like the news stand owner did the right thing by giving the cache to his son for him to try to locate the owner. Here's where the story goes sour ~ this guy posted the cache on ebay, then the original owner contacted the seller to inquire about it and the seller was less than sympathetic and is trying to sell the cache back to the owner or anyone who wants to put the cache back into play! The orig cache owner asked for at least the log book to be returned but the seller refused! HOW RUDE!

Looks like the seller needs some help in the "manners" & "friendliness" department (read all of the dialog and questions he posted on his page!) EBAY AUCTION # 110426790417 (SELLER ~ jettabean01)

 

Can anything can be done to remedy this situation? It's sad to see heartless people ~ what's the world coming too! My apologies to the orig cach owner for shedding any possible unwanted spotlight on the situation. I'll understand if my post is deleted but was hoping someone could help out here.

 

Happy caching

 

Meanwhile Back to the OP

if the cache owner bids high enough the situation will be resolved

[knowschad]

Removed from a paper stand? It's likely a $1.29 hide-a-key. Easiest remedy is to buy another, throw it at something and see if it sticks!

 

 

Altoid tin, from appearances

[Mr.Yuck]

My suggestion would be to have the cache owner "bid" on his cache and then offer to pick the cache up in person (with a possible police escort since the cache is his property to begin with).

 

And then report to Ebay that the seller is selling stolen items.

 

Just a suggestion, of course.

 

Hmm.. they let you back on, heh?

 

Disappointed? I feel that admin brick coming any second now.

[+TEAM HARTSOCK]

Removed from a paper stand? It's likely a $1.29 hide-a-key. Easiest remedy is to buy another, throw it at something and see if it sticks!

 

 

Altoid tin, from appearances

 

And looks sold as well.

[GOF and Bacall]

Some of you have been arguing about this thing being stolen. Have you read the Ebay listing? Have you read the cache page? The paper box that it was on was removed from service. While I think the Ebayer is being a jerk about things and should have sent it to the owner I don't think he has done anything wrong otherwise.

[GOF and Bacall]

Removed from a paper stand? It's likely a $1.29 hide-a-key. Easiest remedy is to buy another, throw it at something and see if it sticks!

 

 

Altoid tin, from appearances

 

And looks sold as well.

 

A foolish thing by my opinion. The more these things are sold on ebay the more we will see them offered for sale on ebay.

 

That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld

You never get rid of the Dane.

Rudyard Kipling

[RoadLessTaken]

Removed from a paper stand? It's likely a $1.29 hide-a-key. Easiest remedy is to buy another, throw it at something and see if it sticks!

 

 

Altoid tin, from appearances

 

And looks sold as well.

 

A foolish thing by my opinion. The more these things are sold on ebay the more we will see them offered for sale on ebay.

 

That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld

You never get rid of the Dane.

Rudyard Kipling

 

yup ~ seems like it invites muggles to go as far as to steal caches and post on ebay for a ransom! SHAMEFUL! Ebay should be aware in that case so they can take action to remove such listings.

 

Anyway, looks like the seller brought his starting price down from $10 to Buy it Now of $2 ~ hopefully the cache will find it's way to CO if it wasn't the CO who bought it.

[RoadLessTaken]

Removed from a paper stand? It's likely a $1.29 hide-a-key. Easiest remedy is to buy another, throw it at something and see if it sticks!

 

 

Altoid tin, from appearances

 

And looks sold as well.

 

A foolish thing by my opinion. The more these things are sold on ebay the more we will see them offered for sale on ebay.

 

That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld

You never get rid of the Dane.

Rudyard Kipling

 

yup ~ seems like it invites muggles to go as far as to steal caches and post on ebay for a ransom! SHAMEFUL! Ebay should be aware in that case so they can take action to remove such listings.

 

Anyway, looks like the seller brought his starting price down from $10 to Buy it Now of $2 ~ hopefully the cache will find it's way to CO if it wasn't the CO who bought it.

[Clan Riffster]

So, someone hides a cache inside a piece of private property, with apparently no attempt to obtain permission from the property owner, (maybe they felt explicit permission was not needed?), and the property owner is being called a thief? How bizarre.

[GOF and Bacall]

So, someone hides a cache inside a piece of private property, with apparently no attempt to obtain permission from the property owner, (maybe they felt explicit permission was not needed?), and the property owner is being called a thief? How bizarre.

 

I did not call him a thief. I called him a jerk.

 

Edit to add that it isn't the property owner we are talking about. It is the son of the guy that carted off the paper boxes for the owner.

Edited August 26, 2009 by GOF & Bacall

[knowschad]

I didn't take the time to carefully read the entire eBay message thread, but isn't this just a kid that is trying to recoup the expense of sending it back to the owner?

[+TEAM HARTSOCK]

Guys take a step back a minute. As far as it being the original owner's property, no muggle is going to view it that way. They see something that someone else left somewhere.

 

Second, I don't agree that we should pay ransom either; but look at the situation. The cache has been missing for 2 years or whatever. It isn't like this guy went out and stole a cache to sell. He is simply trying to recover his loss in dealing with it. Basically, he sold it for the cost of listing the item, packaging and shipping. Yes, maybe the decent thing to do was to send it to the owner, but again, we are looking at it from a muggle's prespective.

 

And I will make sure that in the very least the log will be sent to the original owner, Blizzard.

[Clan Riffster]

I did not call him a thief. I called him a jerk.

Yeah, I know. I was referring to:

Call the cops - it's stolen property.

&

And then report to Ebay that the seller is selling stolen items.

[+Colonial Cats]

Though I don't like the way the situation came about, I sorta have to agree with Rockin Roddy...

 

These type of hides are similer to lpcs and phone booth caches, where cheap containers are used and rarely is permission asked for or given.

 

What part of "GEO" don't these people get ? Geo means "the Earth".

 

USED to be a GEOcache was placed off a trail, or in a nice park, where one could get back to nature. Walk up to that scenic overlook and enjoy the view.

 

Now we have 'em at newpaper stands. Sad.

I totally disagree. I enjoy the different types of caches and the different skills it takes to find them.

[+NYPaddleCacher]

Guys take a step back a minute. As far as it being the original owner's property, no muggle is going to view it that way. They see something that someone else left somewhere.

 

While it might be the case in this example, there are many small towns that have a local newpaper or weekly entertainment rag that use newspaper boxes. We're not always dealing with the New York Times here and thus the owner of the newspaper boxes may be approachable and explicit permission granted. In my town there is a local daily paper, a weekly entertainment paper, and a daily paper put out by the University. All of them have small offices one could walk into during opening hours and ask for permission. One could even offer to submit an article on Geocaching to the paper to be published in the paper to coincide with the placement of the cache.

 

A local geocacher that left the area had a series of four newpaper box caches that all had a simple puzzle. All of them said that "The cache is not at, but near the published coordinates". These came out just after I started caching and I figured out that they were probably in newpapers boxes so I went to do a brute force find on one "near" the one closest to my house. I figured, how many newspaper boxes could there be. It turned out that the published coordinates were smack dab in the middle of a womens dorm hall for the local University, probably not the best area for a man of my age to go sneaking about looking for a newspaper box. Once I did solve the puzzle it turned out that it was about 3 blocks away. A bit after I found it I noticed a string of DNFs and since I drove by it every day I stopped to check on it. In place of the rusty newspaper box where the cache was hidden was a freshly painted box. I often wondered after that if there was another freshly painted newspaper box somewhere in town with a hide-a-key stuck in it.

[GOF and Bacall]

I did not call him a thief. I called him a jerk.

Yeah, I know. I was referring to:

Call the cops - it's stolen property.

&

And then report to Ebay that the seller is selling stolen items.

I's just mak'n sure.

[+TEAM HARTSOCK]

Guys take a step back a minute. As far as it being the original owner's property, no muggle is going to view it that way. They see something that someone else left somewhere.

 

While it might be the case in this example, there are many small towns that have a local newpaper or weekly entertainment rag that use newspaper boxes. We're not always dealing with the New York Times here and thus the owner of the newspaper boxes may be approachable and explicit permission granted. In my town there is a local daily paper, a weekly entertainment paper, and a daily paper put out by the University. All of them have small offices one could walk into during opening hours and ask for permission. One could even offer to submit an article on Geocaching to the paper to be published in the paper to coincide with the placement of the cache.

 

A local geocacher that left the area had a series of four newpaper box caches that all had a simple puzzle. All of them said that "The cache is not at, but near the published coordinates". These came out just after I started caching and I figured out that they were probably in newpapers boxes so I went to do a brute force find on one "near" the one closest to my house. I figured, how many newspaper boxes could there be. It turned out that the published coordinates were smack dab in the middle of a womens dorm hall for the local University, probably not the best area for a man of my age to go sneaking about looking for a newspaper box. Once I did solve the puzzle it turned out that it was about 3 blocks away. A bit after I found it I noticed a string of DNFs and since I drove by it every day I stopped to check on it. In place of the rusty newspaper box where the cache was hidden was a freshly painted box. I often wondered after that if there was another freshly painted newspaper box somewhere in town with a hide-a-key stuck in it.

 

what i was meaning was that as we look at TBs n caches as our property, muggles just see something we left behind. in their eyes that sorta means we release it from ownership

[+WHO-DEY]

lets all bid it way up, and then not pay!!!!

[GOF and Bacall]

Guys take a step back a minute. As far as it being the original owner's property, no muggle is going to view it that way. They see something that someone else left somewhere.

 

While it might be the case in this example, there are many small towns that have a local newpaper or weekly entertainment rag that use newspaper boxes. We're not always dealing with the New York Times here and thus the owner of the newspaper boxes may be approachable and explicit permission granted. In my town there is a local daily paper, a weekly entertainment paper, and a daily paper put out by the University. All of them have small offices one could walk into during opening hours and ask for permission. One could even offer to submit an article on Geocaching to the paper to be published in the paper to coincide with the placement of the cache.

 

A local geocacher that left the area had a series of four newpaper box caches that all had a simple puzzle. All of them said that "The cache is not at, but near the published coordinates". These came out just after I started caching and I figured out that they were probably in newpapers boxes so I went to do a brute force find on one "near" the one closest to my house. I figured, how many newspaper boxes could there be. It turned out that the published coordinates were smack dab in the middle of a womens dorm hall for the local University, probably not the best area for a man of my age to go sneaking about looking for a newspaper box. Once I did solve the puzzle it turned out that it was about 3 blocks away. A bit after I found it I noticed a string of DNFs and since I drove by it every day I stopped to check on it. In place of the rusty newspaper box where the cache was hidden was a freshly painted box. I often wondered after that if there was another freshly painted newspaper box somewhere in town with a hide-a-key stuck in it.

 

what i was meaning was that as we look at TBs n caches as our property, muggles just see something we left behind. in their eyes that sorta means we release it from ownership

My father used to put it this way."Some people think that if they stand next to something long enough it suddenly becomes theirs." If I take your bike off the bike rack at the local park it is mine, right? After all you just left it behind someplace.

 

Edit to add that in this case it was on/in a paper box that was removed from service. It wasn't actually stolen.

Edited August 27, 2009 by GOF & Bacall

[+bittsen]

My father used to put it this way."Some people think that if they stand next to something long enough it suddenly becomes theirs." If I take your bike off the bike rack at the local park it is mine, right? After all you just left it behind someplace.

 

Edit to add that in this case it was on/in a paper box that was removed from service. It wasn't actually stolen.

 

Good quote by your father. It appears that it holds true based on a couple of the largest threads discussed as of late. Whether it's the person who owns/rents the land near a public space or a muggle finding and then attempting to sell a "found" geocache. Ownership doesn't transfer once someone places their eyes or hands on something.

 

Perhaps "stolen" is a strong word. I'm at a loss for what word describes someone "finding" something that they know doesn't belong to them and then trying to sell it to someone else. I know there has to be a word for that but it can't be "stolen", can it?

 

 

Edited to add that I am not implying anything in particular with any discussion of who really owns, or does not own, any part of land that has been discussed previously in these forums, recently, or in the past.

Edited August 28, 2009 by bittsen

[knowschad]

Edited to add that I am not implying anything in particular with any discussion of who really owns, or does not own, any part of land that has been discussed previously in these forums, recently, or in the past.

 

 

Of course you weren't!!! We are sure that any similarity between what you said and any recent threads, living or dead is purely coincidental. And we know that because of the above disclaimer.

[+bittsen]

Edited to add that I am not implying anything in particular with any discussion of who really owns, or does not own, any part of land that has been discussed previously in these forums, recently, or in the past.

 

 

Of course you weren't!!! We are sure that any similarity between what you said and any recent threads, living or dead is purely coincidental. And we know that because of the above disclaimer.

 

Hey now, no personal attacks, per GS forum guidelines.

[knowschad]

Edited to add that I am not implying anything in particular with any discussion of who really owns, or does not own, any part of land that has been discussed previously in these forums, recently, or in the past.

 

 

Of course you weren't!!! We are sure that any similarity between what you said and any recent threads, living or dead is purely coincidental. And we know that because of the above disclaimer.

 

Hey now, no personal attacks, per GS forum guidelines.

 

 

You see a personal attack? I don't see a personal attack.

[Motorcycle_Mama]

Please address the subject, not each other. Or don't post here. Thanks.

[+JRW004]

Sounds like this: "Hey, I found your lighter in my car. I'll run it over to your house for $1 and the price of gas."

 

Honestly, the buyer probably spent (wasted) more time and money on the listing than it would have cost just to get the OP's address and mail it to him with a note explaining the situation.

 

My 2 cents anyway.

[+dakin55]

I didn't take the time to carefully read the entire eBay message thread, but isn't this just a kid that is trying to recoup the expense of sending it back to the owner?

Sorry I couldn't continue to read the bashing thread I agree with knowschad here!

 

Read the listing

he was trying to help keep a cache in the game he was not trying to get rich but not willing to pay out of his pocket for someone's game guess it would of been easier for him to chuck it in the garbage. If I was him and did come to this forums and read this thread it would of been trash in a heart beat!!! Further more if I was continplating giving someone permission to place a cache and seen this thread I would also think twice about letting someone place it. This guy did start off by saying he didn't know about the game or how to get a piece back into the right hands, to me this was an honest guesture. Why should he pay for our game or was $1 or 2 to expensive for the use of newsstand for a couple years. Everyone is saying he should just spend his money to make sure this stays in the game ....so how many of you bid to do the same!!!!

[+TEAM HARTSOCK]

Okay, so I bought this...just contacted the owner for address to send him the log or the whole thing...whatever he wants. If he doesn't want the cache and just the log, I plan on incorporating the old cache into a new one that is themed along the lines of "Geocache held hostage" or some such thing.

 

The guy selling it was very nice and polite in email exchanges, but then the cache got here. The baby themed dvd that he said he would include along with the cache is actually a bootleg copy of that DVD. I honestly am thinking of reporting him for it. I only said I wanted that too just because I wanted to squeeze every last cent out of him that I could for it. The cache is here, with his log entry and the SD card he added with 4 pictures on it. What they are pictures of I don't have a clue....there aint no way I am sticking that in my computer to see what is on it. I have one of those picture frames that I'll try it with, but that takes walking upstairs and I am too lazy to do that now.

 

Now my main beef with the transaction is the fact that he states he was sending it Priority Mail and chaged the $4.95 for it. It came Media Mail. The guy just pocketed probably 2 to 3 bucks on the shipping there. What happened to him not wanting to make a buck???

 

I know some of you think this was foolish to pay for it and it will encourage others to do it; but I do think this case was different. But the main reason I bought it for $2 plus shipping was because it really bugged me to think this guy wouldn't even send a logbook back to the cache owner. I dunno. Just ticked me off and wanted to do something about it I guess. Whatever the reason, I just wanted to set the recorded straight that even though this was a different case, the guy was still somewhat shady in his dealings. NOW, OFF TO LEAVE EBAY FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[+bittsen]

Okay, so I bought this...just contacted the owner for address to send him the log or the whole thing...whatever he wants. If he doesn't want the cache and just the log, I plan on incorporating the old cache into a new one that is themed along the lines of "Geocache held hostage" or some such thing.

 

The guy selling it was very nice and polite in email exchanges, but then the cache got here. The baby themed dvd that he said he would include along with the cache is actually a bootleg copy of that DVD. I honestly am thinking of reporting him for it. I only said I wanted that too just because I wanted to squeeze every last cent out of him that I could for it. The cache is here, with his log entry and the SD card he added with 4 pictures on it. What they are pictures of I don't have a clue....there aint no way I am sticking that in my computer to see what is on it. I have one of those picture frames that I'll try it with, but that takes walking upstairs and I am too lazy to do that now.

 

Now my main beef with the transaction is the fact that he states he was sending it Priority Mail and chaged the $4.95 for it. It came Media Mail. The guy just pocketed probably 2 to 3 bucks on the shipping there. What happened to him not wanting to make a buck???

 

I know some of you think this was foolish to pay for it and it will encourage others to do it; but I do think this case was different. But the main reason I bought it for $2 plus shipping was because it really bugged me to think this guy wouldn't even send a logbook back to the cache owner. I dunno. Just ticked me off and wanted to do something about it I guess. Whatever the reason, I just wanted to set the recorded straight that even though this was a different case, the guy was still somewhat shady in his dealings. NOW, OFF TO LEAVE EBAY FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You did what you felt was the right thing. Though others may give you grief over that, I respect you for it.

 

But, I wouldn't want this to become a habit. If it becomes regular that geocaches get stolen and auctioned, I am sure Ebay will have an issue with it.

[+TEAM HARTSOCK]

Okay, so I bought this...just contacted the owner for address to send him the log or the whole thing...whatever he wants. If he doesn't want the cache and just the log, I plan on incorporating the old cache into a new one that is themed along the lines of "Geocache held hostage" or some such thing.

 

The guy selling it was very nice and polite in email exchanges, but then the cache got here. The baby themed dvd that he said he would include along with the cache is actually a bootleg copy of that DVD. I honestly am thinking of reporting him for it. I only said I wanted that too just because I wanted to squeeze every last cent out of him that I could for it. The cache is here, with his log entry and the SD card he added with 4 pictures on it. What they are pictures of I don't have a clue....there aint no way I am sticking that in my computer to see what is on it. I have one of those picture frames that I'll try it with, but that takes walking upstairs and I am too lazy to do that now.

 

Now my main beef with the transaction is the fact that he states he was sending it Priority Mail and chaged the $4.95 for it. It came Media Mail. The guy just pocketed probably 2 to 3 bucks on the shipping there. What happened to him not wanting to make a buck???

 

I know some of you think this was foolish to pay for it and it will encourage others to do it; but I do think this case was different. But the main reason I bought it for $2 plus shipping was because it really bugged me to think this guy wouldn't even send a logbook back to the cache owner. I dunno. Just ticked me off and wanted to do something about it I guess. Whatever the reason, I just wanted to set the recorded straight that even though this was a different case, the guy was still somewhat shady in his dealings. NOW, OFF TO LEAVE EBAY FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You did what you felt was the right thing. Though others may give you grief over that, I respect you for it.

 

But, I wouldn't want this to become a habit. If it becomes regular that geocaches get stolen and auctioned, I am sure Ebay will have an issue with it.

 

Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. Had this been a cache that had just gotten muggled and then shown up on ebay there would have been no action taken from me other than to report it. But as the story goes, this cache disappeared from when the newspaper machines were removed. This guy's father found it when he was (I am assuming) scrapping them for the metal or scavenging them for parts, whatever... The guy wasn't a cache theif, just not a nice guy in thinking of how to help someone in a little way. Log book would have barely cost the price of a stamp, but the guy couldn't see fit to do that. I think that and also the way he screwed me over with the shipping shows something there, but not necessarly a cache thief.

 

I don't deal with (cache) terrorists, but every now and then you have a situation where it's necessary to send in Bill Clinton.

[+Spunkmeyer]

I totally do not understand the anger in this thread. This guy isn't a thief or a terrorist. He's a muggle who doesn't understand the game at all. The hiding spot was removed legally and, as such, the cache was removed with it. His idea to "get it back into the game" using eBay was creative and in a positive spirit. Sure he could have logged in to the geocaching website and tried to "figure it out", but not wanting to invest that time (don't blame him, really), he decided to post in on eBay. There are insertion costs and shipping costs and he threw in an SD card that he had lying around - so alright he decided to ask a few bucks for it.

 

Come on folks, this is an altoids tin with a magnet and a couple pieces of stapled paper in a baggie. This isn't some elaborately carved faux-acorn or ingeniously camo'd piece. While I've seen some nice log books, I can't image the worst pack-rat caring about the fate of the log sheets. I'm sure they would have gotten wet and thrown away sooner or later anyway.

 

Would it have been cool if the guy had invested the time to login to gc.com and track down the owner - perhaps leaving it for him somewhere if not sending on his dime? Sure that would have been cool. But to turn him into a devil for not doing that is ridiculous. I can see why he turned a bit adversarial as he got attacked by several cachers.

 

This is not a high value item. And it was not "stolen". Purposefully stealing a cache or geocoins is something totally different.