Attaching something to someones TB

[+KinderKen]

I recently retrieved a TB that had a plasticized card with the previous holder's (not owner) user name attached to the TB. Is this an acceptable practice? I sure wouldn't want anybody to place anything on my TB without my permission.

Edited September 11, 2009 by KinderKen

[+NanCycle]

No, that's rude. Like putting bumper stickers on someone else's car.

I'd suggest emailing the TB owner and asking them if they'd like you to remove it.

[+BlueDeuce]

No, that's rude. Like putting bumper stickers on someone else's car.

I'd suggest emailing the TB owner and asking them if they'd like you to remove it.

 

Exactly.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

If it happens to be my TB, you can remove it without having to email me. I will not tell you what I think of the practice of adding stuff to anothers' TB (only because this is a family site)!!!!

[+Eartha]

Not acceptable without the owner's permission.

[+Smilin222]

I totally agree - and I love the analogy of the bumper sticker

 

I found one once that was in a small zip type bag that was beat to shreds and I thought I should replace the bag - but I e-mailed the owner before I even did that - I didn't know if maybe that was part of the "charm" of the TB and he said "you would do that for me? Thanks" I didn't think it was a big deal - I buy those bags by the hundreds and he seemed like I was doing him the biggest favor in the world

[+Knight2000]

I'm sick of seeing the TB's that have a note talking about this imaginary TB travel agent. Over 10k bugs moved or whatever. Get a life.

[+CanUK_TeamFitz]

Recently I had possession of a great TB - add $1 to the carribiner, when it gets to $10 take it out and donate to charity, then add $1 again.

 

Somehow it ended up in the UK where our lowest paper denomination is £5 ($8). It was a small carribiner - only room for paper notes so a waste of time being here -- not only that someone from Canada had added 2x where's george dollar bills.

 

I contacted the TB owner, offered to clean up the tattered infosheet with a new laminate and removed the wg bills placed them in another cache. I left the bug in a tourist hotspot and left a note that someone should take it back to the US or to Europe.

 

TB owner didn't seem too worried about the situ, but did thank me.

[+BlueDeuce]

Recently I had possession of a great TB - add $1 to the carribiner, when it gets to $10 take it out and donate to charity, then add $1 again.

 

Somehow it ended up in the UK where our lowest paper denomination is £5 ($8). It was a small carribiner - only room for paper notes so a waste of time being here -- not only that someone from Canada had added 2x where's george dollar bills.

 

I contacted the TB owner, offered to clean up the tattered infosheet with a new laminate and removed the wg bills placed them in another cache. I left the bug in a tourist hotspot and left a note that someone should take it back to the US or to Europe.

 

TB owner didn't seem too worried about the situ, but did thank me.

 

Thank you for taking care of the bug.

[+steve p]

.... removed the wg bills placed them in another cache. ...

What was wrong with leaving the Where's George bills for the eventual charity donation? WG bills are still legal currency with value.

[+CanUK_TeamFitz]

.... removed the wg bills placed them in another cache. ...

What was wrong with leaving the Where's George bills for the eventual charity donation? WG bills are still legal currency with value.

 

I know dat, but on the where's g site it said they're for Geocaching only in their descriptions.. and why not let them travel?

 

Guess I shoulda just dropped the TB off and ignored the mission completely like every one else was doing...

[+The Blorenges]

I recently retrieved a TB that had a plasticized card with the previous holder's (not owner) user name attached to the TB. Is this an acceptable practice? I sure wouldn't want anybody to place anything on my TB without my permission.

 

I'd never come across these sort of additions before... until last week when we picked up Jake, Mushu's bud TB.

 

It has two of these extra laminated tags attached to it - One says "Travel Bug Group Tours - premier escorted itinerary - 17,000 happy TBs have traveled over 21 million miles. Operated by "XXXX on the River, Niles, MI."

 

The second one is a pic of a sailing boat and on the reverese "XXXX - helping more than 2,100 TBs move over 2.58 million miles."

 

(Caching account names Xed out, to protect the guilty )

 

These are very neatly done laminated tags so I hesitate to cut them off myself and have emailed the TB owner to check whether he would like them to stay... or go. It does seem rather odd behaviour, though.

 

MrsB

[+Blueflashlight]

I was reading the previous post by The Blorenges and had one of those "Gee... that sounds familiar" moments. I opened my Cache bag... pulled out the TB's that have been patiently waiting the past week for me to move them on, and... would ya look at that? Right there, attached to a TB in my possession, is a tag from "XXXX on the River" Niles, MI. The numbers listed on this tag are different, though. 4900 happy TB's have traveled over 5 million miles.

I guess I will contact the TB owner and see if they want me to remove the tags.

[mickbritt]

I recently retrieved a TB that had a plasticized card with the previous holder's (not owner) user name attached to the TB. Is this an acceptable practice? I sure wouldn't want anybody to place anything on my TB without my permission.

Its mine your talking about, what it the name on the card? Ill send them a message.

[+RadishSpirit]

Hey, I got one of these stupid plastic things on a bug I found the other day.

I didn't understand what it meant until I read this thread.

Niles, MI <--- I recognized it immediately.

This guy probably doesn't mean any harm, but imagine if everyone who got a travel bug did that.

You would have dozens (or eventually hundreds) of little laminated sig tags attached to every bug!

Edited November 2, 2009 by RadishSpirit

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

Not just the one person that latter posts refer to, there are others that we have noted (in our short caching career).

 

Don't have a clue as to why they feel they must do this.

 

Actually I (half of us) have an idea, but won't go into it as it is WAY off-topic.

[+smstext]

we have three travel slugs which we are releasing in the new year, we havent attached anything to them so they can fit into virtually any cache, so we would be annoyed if someone attached something to them as it would destroy their chance really of some of the places they would fit without an attachment.

[+K9 Royale]

I just received two TBs that had extra laminated tags on them.

 

Here's info on the MaxB Niles on the River one http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=64...0f-8f2f5a2de473

 

I busted out two TBs today from the Detroit Prison cache http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...=y&decrypt= They had prison tags on them.

 

This prison cache is super cute and creative. I expect that both of these cachers add their tags because they take special care of the TBs that go though their caches. Make sure they're in good shape, have their mission statement cards, change out ziplock bags etc. (I don't know this for sure, but this is my guess) The tags are small and laminated with pictures. The prison one I think is especially cute.

 

I did email both of the TB owners describing the tags and asking if they wanted the extra tags removed. I got a response from both the TB owners to leave it as is with the tags, and thanks for the update on the TB.

 

In the cases of these TBs I think the extra tags added are cute and fine.

 

Though, I'm about to release my own TB on Saturday. It's a fancy dog collar and I asked people to put the collar on and take a picture of their pet. Now, if extra tags were put on my TB I would probably ask for them to be removed because it would take away from the look of my TB and I'm asking for it to be photographed.

 

So I can see why some TB owners would be irritated with extra tags added on some types of TBs. Generally speaking though, I don't see the harm in caring people taking care of the TBs that pass though, sprucing them up and adding a nice laminated tag.

 

I don't think there's anything wrong with asking the TB owner if they want the tags to remain or to be removed.

Edited November 6, 2009 by K9 Royale

[+Eartha]

The added tags are not even necessary really, because all of the care and fun they had with the TB is on the TB page for all to see. Also, the tags take up too much room in some caches.

[Andronicus]

My travel bug http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=2006022), I actualy invite people to add stuff; but under certain condintions. Ya, I would be cheesed off if someone added random stuff to it.

[Mr.Yuck]

Hey, I got one of these stupid plastic things on a bug I found the other day.

I didn't understand what it meant until I read this thread.

Niles, MI <--- I recognized it immediately.

This guy probably doesn't mean any harm, but imagine if everyone who got a travel bug did that.

You would have dozens (or eventually hundreds) of little laminated sig tags attached to every bug!

 

I live probably 500 miles from that guy, but I'll bet I've seen and/or handled a dozen of them. This particular individual has definitely come up in the past. He usually gets a little more support though. In this one case, I don't have a problem with it. The tags are very nice, he takes great care with the TB's and always logs them properly. He seems to travel quite a bit, and really does take them on "escorted tours". Just a nice guy who really enjoys the Travel Bug aspect of this game.

[+TripCyclone]

I'm sick of seeing the TB's that have a note talking about this imaginary TB travel agent. Over 10k bugs moved or whatever. Get a life.

 

It's not an imaginary TB travel agent. It's a guy who goes out of his way to make sure that every travel bug he finds is taken care of. Considering the number of TB's that get lost because people don't bother to keep up with them, misplace them, don't even log them, the service he is doing is a good service. He replaces damaged bags or tags, he tries his best to help each TB meet it's goal, or at least get closer to it. I've seen lots of travel bugs without goal cards (I have some myself). He isn't the only one I've seen that helps this by sprucing up the travel bug with a goal sheet and baggie. For some travel bugs, this can extend the life of them. If this guy get's a life, as you so eloquently put it, many TB's that he has probably helped fix up and save would have been long since lost. There are many TB's that get overlooked because they blend in with surrounding swag. On several occasions, the tiny tag (between 1"x1" and 2"x2"...not that big) that he attaches has helped me see a travel bug that I thought was merely swag.

 

Like someone else said, I've seen comments about him before, but this might be the first one where I've seen people who seem to be responding negatively to what is a very positive service for Travel Bugs. I'd be honored if one of my TB's got in his possession. I'll at least know that it will be taken care of. If more people were as considerate about travel bugs, we wouldn't see so many missing and unaccounted for. So what if he likes to place a little tag on there. Do you complain every time you see a signature item in a cache? He isn't hurting the TBs, it's not coming anywhere close to hindering the ability of the TBs to move, and he's not altering your travel bug. If you are that concerned about the small laminated tag, then attach a note to your next travel bug or post a note on your travel bug missions that says "I DON'T WANT A MAXB'S TAG ATTACHED TO MY TRAVEL BUG".

 

But to turn around and get upset with someone because their way of playing the game is to HELP travel bugs, to tell them to get a life.......I not so sure I want one of my travel bugs in YOUR possession.

 

EXTRA NOTE:

I've just been informed by a friend that this guy often is the one managing the TB tables at Mega-Events, like GW7. From what I saw in pictures, it was extensively organized and very well managed.

Edited November 12, 2009 by TripCyclone

[+n2froggie]

If he takes care of them and actually moves them on it shouldnt be a big deal. I have seen them on TBs even in my neck of the woods. It hasnt created a problem for me yet. He seems to enjoy moving TBs closer to their goals. Heck, wish he had some of mine instead they are MIA.

[+BlueDeuce]

I know many people who handle bugs properly and move them from cache to cache in a timely manner, taking photos, telling good stories. That does not give them permission to alter or add anything to someone else's bug.

 

Never add, alter or remove anything on a bug without getting owner permission first.

[+Rockin Roddy]

Peopel also own their caches and still, cachers leave cards saying "I was here" or "I found your cache". Should we be getting the pitchforks and torches out for those as well? These are nothing more than calling cards much like the ones in the caches, the cacher is NOT being rude or has sinister alterior motives and DOES take extra care to make sure the bug goes where it wants and safely.

 

Many of you don't know this, but this cacher team has made speical trips or taken time to set up a safe escort for TBs wanting to get to an area, they care about what they do and it shows. When they say "escorted tours" they mean just that. These cachers also happen to be the #1 TB movers in the world, the tags make mention of their moved TBs as well as the miles they have helped the TBs move.

 

If you ever see one of my TBs/coins and think you should ask me whether the tags should stay or go...don't bother, LEAVE the tags as is. This is a bit of history that is as much a part of the TB/coin as would a note on a cache page or bug page be. These cachers as well as another who does this (think farm animals) are my friends, I know them well. However, even if I didn't know them, I would still say leave them on my travelers. To each their own, but that's my thought for MY travelers.

 

As for the tags not fitting into caches, RARELY does this hamper one fitting, these tags are no bigger than 1.5"sq. However, they do put almost every coin/TB into baggies, they add state sheets and a laminated description sheet so the travelers stay as safe as possible...this can limit fitting. Funny, not many complained about these additions, but did about a miniscule tag?

 

As was pointed out, these cachers also work at most of the MEGA events, they organize and run the TB tables. They really are a caring group and would certainly understand if one didn't want their traveler pampered...just leave a note on the cache page...or ask for removal when someone gets all worried a traveler has a tag and reports it!

 

Flame on, I don't care. As I said, to each their own. Personally, having someone ask about a traveler that isn't theirs seems like that person has much too much time on their hands, or want to be the TB police...not being rude, just pointing out that this really has no bearing on whether you can move the bug or not, does it?

[+Rockin Roddy]

I know many people who handle bugs properly and move them from cache to cache in a timely manner, taking photos, telling good stories. That does not give them permission to alter or add anything to someone else's bug.

 

Never add, alter or remove anything on a bug without getting owner permission first.

 

The saying "you have no control over your traveler once you release it" comes to mind...

[+Rockin Roddy]

If he takes care of them and actually moves them on it shouldnt be a big deal. I have seen them on TBs even in my neck of the woods. It hasnt created a problem for me yet. He seems to enjoy moving TBs closer to their goals. Heck, wish he had some of mine instead they are MIA.

 

Actually, he's a she...and a he lol They're a married team. His job used to include traveling all over the USA and even other countries, they often made a special trip whenever they had a chance to move a TB to a desired location. Some of these TBs were hand delivered to their requested recipients even.

 

I am more than happy to knw that, when I release each and every traveler I own, they'll visit BOTH the farm animal referenced TB movers (who are also in the top 5 or 10...whatever the count is at the moment) AND MaxB on the River. Most times, after a visit to Niles, the traveler magically ends up far far away.

 

I know these two will be heading to Bahrain in the near future...anyone wanting/needing a traveler to head that way should contact them early as their suitcases usually fill up quite early!

[+BlueDeuce]

I know many people who handle bugs properly and move them from cache to cache in a timely manner, taking photos, telling good stories. That does not give them permission to alter or add anything to someone else's bug.

 

Never add, alter or remove anything on a bug without getting owner permission first.

 

The saying "you have no control over your traveler once you release it" comes to mind...

 

The heck I don't.

 

Excuse me for not idol-worshiping someone who manages to move my bug from one cache to another. I purchased the tag, added the traveler and set the mission for my bug. No where is there open permission to change anything about it.

 

 

edited:

Edited November 12, 2009 by BlueDeuce

[+Rockin Roddy]

I know many people who handle bugs properly and move them from cache to cache in a timely manner, taking photos, telling good stories. That does not give them permission to alter or add anything to someone else's bug.

 

Never add, alter or remove anything on a bug without getting owner permission first.

 

The saying "you have no control over your traveler once you release it" comes to mind...

 

The heck I don't.

 

Excuse me for not idol-worshiping someone who manages to move my bug from one cache to another. I purchased the tag, added the traveler and set the mission for my bug. No where is there open permission to change anything about it.

 

 

edited:

 

So, you're saying that you CAN control what someone a half a country does with your traveler? How, may I ask? The reality is, you truly don't have control of your TB once it is released, sorry. You may be able to ask for help, you may request nothing be added (and I encourage this if this is your wishes), but once it leaves you, it could be stolen, vandalized or dropped into a cache on a remote island where it lingers for years. As for "changing" anything...what changed? A tag was added to the chain of the TB tag or placed inside the baggie of the coin. I may be a bit biased here, but what is this hurting? Your pride because someone "took liberties" with your item? Not picking an argument, but it doesn't seem this small addition hurts much of anything.

 

I don't "idolize" anyone. I respect what they do, I enjoy their friendship...I don't idolize though.

Edited November 13, 2009 by Rockin Roddy

[+BlueDeuce]

 

So, you're saying that you CAN control what someone a half a country does with your traveler? How, may I ask? The reality is, you truly don't have control of your TB once it is released, sorry. You may be able to ask for help, you may request nothing be added (and I encourage this if this is your wishes), but once it leaves you, it could be stolen, vandalized or dropped into a cache on a remote island where it lingers for years. As for "changing" anything...what changed? A tag was added to the chain of the TB tag or placed inside the baggie of the coin. I may be a bit biased here, but what is this hurting? Your pride because someone "took liberties" with your item? Not picking an argument, but it doesn't seem this small addition hurts much of anything.

 

I don't "idolize" anyone. I respect what they do, I enjoy their friendship...I don't idolize though.

 

Claiming that I don't have control of the bug going lost still doesn't give you permission to add anything to my bug. It's my bug and your sig item doesn't belong on it. I paid for it, go buy your own.

 

Do you really think that just because you move someone's bug you can do whatever with it? No, no matter how you want to spin it you have no business messing with a bug you don't own.

 

Follow the mission the owner set down and leave your 'personal touch' out of it.

[+Rockin Roddy]

 

So, you're saying that you CAN control what someone a half a country does with your traveler? How, may I ask? The reality is, you truly don't have control of your TB once it is released, sorry. You may be able to ask for help, you may request nothing be added (and I encourage this if this is your wishes), but once it leaves you, it could be stolen, vandalized or dropped into a cache on a remote island where it lingers for years. As for "changing" anything...what changed? A tag was added to the chain of the TB tag or placed inside the baggie of the coin. I may be a bit biased here, but what is this hurting? Your pride because someone "took liberties" with your item? Not picking an argument, but it doesn't seem this small addition hurts much of anything.

 

I don't "idolize" anyone. I respect what they do, I enjoy their friendship...I don't idolize though.

 

Claiming that I don't have control of the bug going lost still doesn't give you permission to add anything to my bug. It's my bug and your sig item doesn't belong on it. I paid for it, go buy your own.

 

Do you really think that just because you move someone's bug you can do whatever with it? No, no matter how you want to spin it you have no business messing with a bug you don't own.

 

Follow the mission the owner set down and leave your 'personal touch' out of it.

 

When finding a cache, do you ask permission to leave a calling card? It's not swag, so why is someone littering in the cache? I see it the same way with the bugs. Again, other than personal pride, what is a tag hurting? Does it somehow detract from the bug's mission? Does it somehow "cheapen" the bug? Does it in any way hamper the bug's movement?

 

You park your car in the parking lot and go buy groceries. You come out and look, someone placed a flier on your windshield. Did this harm your car? Did it make you unable to continue on? Was it impossible to remove once you noticed it? Some might complain, some might take that flier and use it as was intended. Unlike the "bumper sticker" analogy, the flier is removable just like any tags are. No harm, no foul and life continues on.

 

As for the control issue, do you still believe you have control over your traveler once you release it? No matter how YOU want to spin it, unless you're willing to accept that people will do things you may not like with it once it's out in the world, you may wish to re-think releasing a traveler...or you may find yourself griping and moaning about stuff that really isn't all so bad. Truly, if a tag being placed on a traveler is the worst that happens, life is grand!!

 

BD, I am fairly certain I've seen you yourself tell others that they have relinquished control of their traveler once they release it? Am I wrong in this? Or are you now retreating from your earlier thoughts?

[+Eartha]

Please remember that a a cache and TB are two different things. A cache is meant to collect items for trade, and for its contents to always be fluctuating. Things move in and out. A TB is a game piece, meant to be moved according to its goal.

I wouldn't want someone removing my cache camo, or painting it flamingo pink. That would be more of an argument than what goes in an out of the cache. The cache is a container. The container shouldn't be altered by others. The TB owner should be asked if they want their bug altered. The TB owner can always ask the next finder to remove the tag if they don't want it on the TB.

[+Rockin Roddy]

Please remember that a a cache and TB are two different things. A cache is meant to collect items for trade, and for its contents to always be fluctuating. Things move in and out. A TB is a game piece, meant to be moved according to its goal.

I wouldn't want someone removing my cache camo, or painting it flamingo pink. That would be more of an argument than what goes in an out of the cache. The cache is a container. The container shouldn't be altered by others. The TB owner should be asked if they want their bug altered. The TB owner can always ask the next finder to remove the tag if they don't want it on the TB.

 

I agree that the optimal thing would be to ask before placing an object and, while I don't see harm adding a tag, I am not one who puts things on TBs. In fact, it's certain TB/coin owners who turned me off from moving TBs at all...too many people try to place restrictions on their items which take ALL the fun from even picking them up (I could tell stories, but when an owner emails every day or two asking if you dropped their item...you need to get a life or stop releasing items). I used to be in the top 20 TB movers before I quit grabbing them unless to gather them for my friends.

 

All I'm saying is that you're truly setting yourself up for high blood pressure if you set certain expectations on a traveler you release. Some insist the traveler not visit events...OK. Some want pictures or a story (and yes, I've seen logs deleted for not following these "wishes") and some wish people not even add the safety of a baggie. Realizing you lose control as soon as the items start traveling will make life and traveler owning much more enjoyable!

 

And you're right, it isn't the end of the world should an item be attached or added to the traveler, the item can always be removed if it really bothers the owner that much!

Edited November 13, 2009 by Rockin Roddy

[+BlueDeuce]

BD, I am fairly certain I've seen you yourself tell others that they have relinquished control of their traveler once they release it? Am I wrong in this? Or are you now retreating from your earlier thoughts?

 

I am quite certain I have never EVER told anyone they lose control of their bug once it is released. Just the opposite I assure you. Do I not tell people how to best contact other cachers who are holding their bug? Do I not rally against trade restrictions?

 

Granted the ability to manage a bug in the field has it's limitations and I agree that some people attempt too much control, but that still doesn't mean someone should be altering their bug without their permission.

 

Travel bugs rely on community support. We agree to care for their bug once it is released and that does not include playing another game with it.

Edited November 13, 2009 by BlueDeuce

[+Rockin Roddy]

BD, I am fairly certain I've seen you yourself tell others that they have relinquished control of their traveler once they release it? Am I wrong in this? Or are you now retreating from your earlier thoughts?

 

I am quite certain I have never EVER told anyone they lose control of their bug once it is released. Just the opposite I assure you. Do I not tell people how to best contact other cachers who are holding their bug? Do I not rally against trade restrictions?

 

Granted the ability to manage a bug in the field has it's limitations and I agree that some people attempt too much control, but that still doesn't mean someone should be altering their bug without their permission.

 

Travel bugs rely on community support. We agree to care for their bug once it is released and that does not include playing another game with it.

 

Until you or someone else can come up with a way to stop people from doing things with your bug you don't want them to do, we'll just have to agree to disagree. Like I said, I don't add things to traveler, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it either way either. I'll tell you one thing, railing in the forums against this action surely won't help...maybe if you're truly upset over this action, maybe you should consider a conversation with the people in question? I SERIOUSLY doubt they add their tags with malice intended. I seriously doubt they consider their actions to be a problem at all. In fact, unless someone or several someones converse about this with them, they may not even know it bothers people.

 

I could have sworn I saw you state many times somthing to the effect I stated, my apologies if I am mistaken. Maybe it's just us in the coin section that realize this? (you know I'm just funning with you BD, no hard feeling, my friend) btw...someone shouldn't run red lights, steal, drive while drunk or any slew of other things...but reality is, IT HAPPENS!!

 

This relying on community support...is this not exactly what these taggers do? They have got to be the most considerate movers I have ever met. Nothing you can say will sway me from this, I know the passion they have for moving travelers and making owners happy. Pictures...yep, nice posts...yep. Pampered...you bet.

[+BlueDeuce]

They are aware of my opinion and if they were causing more than just annoyance I would do something about it. Some people don't mind the tags, others do.

 

If someone comes here and asks me if people should add things to someone else's bug I'm going to say no. Holding that opinion doesn't make me an extremist about having total control over my bug.

[+Rockin Roddy]

They are aware of my opinion and if they were causing more than just annoyance I would do something about it. Some people don't mind the tags, others do.

 

If someone comes here and asks me if people should add things to someone else's bug I'm going to say no. Holding that opinion doesn't make me an extremist about having total control over my bug.

 

I never said you were an extremist, I did say this won't help the situation though. As you said, it is nothing more than an annoyance. And I'm sure you realize I'm not one who idolizes or worships those who tag.

 

I do know you are one who is helpful to travel owners, I applaud this.

[Mr.Yuck]

They are aware of my opinion and if they were causing more than just annoyance I would do something about it. Some people don't mind the tags, others do.

 

If someone comes here and asks me if people should add things to someone else's bug I'm going to say no. Holding that opinion doesn't make me an extremist about having total control over my bug.

 

I never said you were an extremist, I did say this won't help the situation though. As you said, it is nothing more than an annoyance. And I'm sure you realize I'm not one who idolizes or worships those who tag.

 

I do know you are one who is helpful to travel owners, I applaud this.

 

Well at least "that guy", got the support I said he wasn't getting earlier in the thread.

 

Naw, you both are allright. If someone asks here in the future if it's OK to attach things to other peoples TB's, BD will say no. I, like Roddy, support it in the case of this one account holder. I probably wouldn't support it in any other cases.

Edited November 14, 2009 by TheWhiteUrkel

[+Eartha]

I think it's great that people want to help TBs along, show them a good time, take them on tours, give them baths, etc.... Wonderful stuff. Cleaning them up, adding a bag (if they had one to begin with) adding a new tag (if they had one to begin with), goal sheet (if they had one to begin with) it's all good. But adding anything to the bug that alters its original appearance should have owner permission, it's common courtesy. I have heard more than one person say they were confused about who the real owner of the TB was, due to these tags.

An owner can always ask that it be removed further down the line.

[+Rockin Roddy]

I think it's great that people want to help TBs along, show them a good time, take them on tours, give them baths, etc.... Wonderful stuff. Cleaning them up, adding a bag (if they had one to begin with) adding a new tag (if they had one to begin with), goal sheet (if they had one to begin with) it's all good. But adding anything to the bug that alters its original appearance should have owner permission, it's common courtesy. I have heard more than one person say they were confused about who the real owner of the TB was, due to these tags.

An owner can always ask that it be removed further down the line.

 

You know I respect and admire your work, my friend, and you have good wisdom about the TB world....but I must say, if someone gets confused as to owner of the item from a TAG, they had better start reading up on how these travelers work. The owner is right on the item's page for all to see, you can't hardly miss it when logging the item. Confusion isn't a problem, surely? I mean, maybe a little confusion when they picked it up (AND the very first time they've seen a tag), but if it's tagged, the mission and TB sheet is included and simply a quick once over of that would set the person straight...and certainly all confusion disappears as soon as they log it.

 

I'll offer a bit more here about baggie, goal sheet etc. Most EVERY item I release or have gifted or awarded for release, have gone through Geopigs and MaxB, they simply get them first so they can get them ready to travel SAFER than if I merely released them without papers and baggies. Several of my coins have been reported missing their baggie and info/mission papers, and the coin is now traveling without protection as was originally given. Telling people to only replace IF the item had the baggie/papers is misleading since they don't know how these travelers started. There's two sides to that part of the argument (I know this doesn't cover tags on others' items, but it does for ALL my travelers).

 

And again, I agree it would be optimal for the taggers to ask first, but it just isn't such an issue that people need to start emailing owners every time they see a tag and it truly isn't such an issue I as an owner would find myself pacing the floors at night...IMHO. Like I said before, if this minor inconvenience causes a lot of angst for the owner, maybe they shouldn re-think be owners? Far worse can and does happen out in the traveler's world!!

[+Rockin Roddy]

Oh and, if it's OK to bathe them and such without checking the owners, how can you claim adding a tag is a problem? How do you know the item wasn't INTENTIONALLY released dirty? You may be altering the items appearace by simply doing what you think is the right thing...

[+BlueDeuce]

I think it's great that people want to help TBs along, show them a good time, take them on tours, give them baths, etc.... Wonderful stuff. Cleaning them up, adding a bag (if they had one to begin with) adding a new tag (if they had one to begin with), goal sheet (if they had one to begin with) it's all good. But adding anything to the bug that alters its original appearance should have owner permission, it's common courtesy. I have heard more than one person say they were confused about who the real owner of the TB was, due to these tags.

An owner can always ask that it be removed further down the line.

 

You know I respect and admire your work, my friend, and you have good wisdom about the TB world....but I must say, if someone gets confused as to owner of the item from a TAG, they had better start reading up on how these travelers work. The owner is right on the item's page for all to see, you can't hardly miss it when logging the item. Confusion isn't a problem, surely? I mean, maybe a little confusion when they picked it up (AND the very first time they've seen a tag), but if it's tagged, the mission and TB sheet is included and simply a quick once over of that would set the person straight...and certainly all confusion disappears as soon as they log it.

 

I'll offer a bit more here about baggie, goal sheet etc. Most EVERY item I release or have gifted or awarded for release, have gone through Geopigs and MaxB, they simply get them first so they can get them ready to travel SAFER than if I merely released them without papers and baggies. Several of my coins have been reported missing their baggie and info/mission papers, and the coin is now traveling without protection as was originally given. Telling people to only replace IF the item had the baggie/papers is misleading since they don't know how these travelers started. There's two sides to that part of the argument (I know this doesn't cover tags on others' items, but it does for ALL my travelers).

 

And again, I agree it would be optimal for the taggers to ask first, but it just isn't such an issue that people need to start emailing owners every time they see a tag and it truly isn't such an issue I as an owner would find myself pacing the floors at night...IMHO. Like I said before, if this minor inconvenience causes a lot of angst for the owner, maybe they shouldn re-think be owners? Far worse can and does happen out in the traveler's world!!

 

You assume that whatever you do that is done without owner consent isn't really a big deal.

You don't know the owner's preferences or expectations. Why don't you find out before monkeying with someone else's bug.

 

My bugs are designed to travel without a baggie or loose printed paper. If you found my bug in such a condition that you decided it needed to be in a bag, etc I would want that bug back so I could fix it. But you wouldn't bother to check with me, would you?

 

If you are 'fixing' so many bugs that you can't take the time to let the owner know what's going on, then I would have to wonder how many of those bugs really needed your special attention.

 

 

edit: clarification

Edited November 15, 2009 by BlueDeuce

[+Rockin Roddy]

I think it's great that people want to help TBs along, show them a good time, take them on tours, give them baths, etc.... Wonderful stuff. Cleaning them up, adding a bag (if they had one to begin with) adding a new tag (if they had one to begin with), goal sheet (if they had one to begin with) it's all good. But adding anything to the bug that alters its original appearance should have owner permission, it's common courtesy. I have heard more than one person say they were confused about who the real owner of the TB was, due to these tags.

An owner can always ask that it be removed further down the line.

 

You know I respect and admire your work, my friend, and you have good wisdom about the TB world....but I must say, if someone gets confused as to owner of the item from a TAG, they had better start reading up on how these travelers work. The owner is right on the item's page for all to see, you can't hardly miss it when logging the item. Confusion isn't a problem, surely? I mean, maybe a little confusion when they picked it up (AND the very first time they've seen a tag), but if it's tagged, the mission and TB sheet is included and simply a quick once over of that would set the person straight...and certainly all confusion disappears as soon as they log it.

 

I'll offer a bit more here about baggie, goal sheet etc. Most EVERY item I release or have gifted or awarded for release, have gone through Geopigs and MaxB, they simply get them first so they can get them ready to travel SAFER than if I merely released them without papers and baggies. Several of my coins have been reported missing their baggie and info/mission papers, and the coin is now traveling without protection as was originally given. Telling people to only replace IF the item had the baggie/papers is misleading since they don't know how these travelers started. There's two sides to that part of the argument (I know this doesn't cover tags on others' items, but it does for ALL my travelers).

 

And again, I agree it would be optimal for the taggers to ask first, but it just isn't such an issue that people need to start emailing owners every time they see a tag and it truly isn't such an issue I as an owner would find myself pacing the floors at night...IMHO. Like I said before, if this minor inconvenience causes a lot of angst for the owner, maybe they shouldn re-think be owners? Far worse can and does happen out in the traveler's world!!

 

You assume that whatever you do that is done without owner consent isn't really a big deal.

You don't know the owner's preferences or expectations. Why don't you find out before monkeying with someone else's bug.

 

My bugs are designed to travel without a baggie or loose printed paper. If you found my bug in such a condition that you decided it needed to be in a bag, etc I would want that bug back so I could fix it. But you wouldn't bother to check with me, would you?

 

If you are 'fixing' so many bugs that you can't take the time to let the owner know what's going on, then I would have to wonder how many of those bugs really needed your special attention.

 

 

edit: clarification

 

I'll assume, since I've stated it several times, that you realize you're preaching to the wrong person here and you should be contacting those who actually DO mess with the bugs. People who put out bugs with no protection whatsoever and then wonder how their bugs GET that protection shouldn't be complaining, they should be happy...but we know this isn't the case. If I DID see any traveler in need of a bag, you can bet I'm not about to ask the owner, either POST you don't want the additions in the description or deal with it! Your expectations that everyone will KNOW the wishes of the owner or they'll wish to check with the owner is faulty, we both know most people won't bother...even the non-taggers unfortunately. So, it seems YOU need to take steps to let people know...POST in description.

 

Oh, and pray that your trackable doesn't make it to a MEGA event where it will be required (in most cases) to be bagged and tagged so it can be placed in the proper bin and then sent in the direction it wants to go.

 

Some people sure do have HIGH expectations for their bugs when they have LOW ability to dictate their demands.

Edited November 15, 2009 by Rockin Roddy

[+The Blorenges]

I've been watching this convo bounce backwards and forwards with interest.

 

I'll assume, since I've stated it several times, that you realize you're preaching to the wrong person here and you should be contacting those who actually DO mess with the bugs. People who put out bugs with no protection whatsoever and then wonder how their bugs GET that protection shouldn't be complaining, they should be happy...but we know this isn't the case.

 

Many of my TBs are put out in the wild without any plastic bag or mission statement. These are the ones that don't have any particular mission. I am very happy for them to roam freely, unbagged. If they are made of hard plasic/metal/wood then they don't necessarily require a bag for protection.

 

...If I DID see any traveler in need of a bag, you can bet I'm not about to ask the owner, either POST you don't want the additions in the description or deal with it! Your expectations that everyone will KNOW the wishes of the owner or they'll wish to check with the owner is faulty, we both know most people won't bother...even the non-taggers unfortunately. So, it seems YOU need to take steps to let people know...POST in description.

 

Why should I need to post in my TB's description that I don't want to have it bagged or labelled? There's no requirement listed for releasing TBs which says that they must be bagged and labelled. There is simply the suggestion that if your TB has a specific mission then it's a good idea to include a label or piece of paper with it so that finders are immediately aware of its hopes and aspirations.

 

Oh, and pray that your trackable doesn't make it to a MEGA event where it will be required (in most cases) to be bagged and tagged so it can be placed in the proper bin and then sent in the direction it wants to go.

 

Some people sure do have HIGH expectations for their bugs when they have LOW ability to dictate their demands.

 

Yes, at events many TBs get bagged up neatly with mission statements or simple labels to help cachers choose appropriately but that's not the same thing as saying that therefor all TBs should be bagged and labelled at all times.

 

Now, back to the original point about the cachers who add their own extra little tags onto travelling TBs that pass through their hands: I agree that this is not a major defilement of the little travelling bug and it wouldn't bother me unduly if I found that one had been attached to one of mine... but, think for a minute about what happens if this idea of attaching 'extras' spreads... other newer cachers see the tags and think, "Cute idea! I can do that too" and start designing their own tags for TBs. More folks get to see them. The craze spreads...

 

Two or three years down the line our TBs will be struggling around the world dragging excess baggage with them.

 

MrsB

[+Rockin Roddy]

I've been watching this convo bounce backwards and forwards with interest.

 

I'll assume, since I've stated it several times, that you realize you're preaching to the wrong person here and you should be contacting those who actually DO mess with the bugs. People who put out bugs with no protection whatsoever and then wonder how their bugs GET that protection shouldn't be complaining, they should be happy...but we know this isn't the case.

 

Many of my TBs are put out in the wild without any plastic bag or mission statement. These are the ones that don't have any particular mission. I am very happy for them to roam freely, unbagged. If they are made of hard plasic/metal/wood then they don't necessarily require a bag for protection.

 

...If I DID see any traveler in need of a bag, you can bet I'm not about to ask the owner, either POST you don't want the additions in the description or deal with it! Your expectations that everyone will KNOW the wishes of the owner or they'll wish to check with the owner is faulty, we both know most people won't bother...even the non-taggers unfortunately. So, it seems YOU need to take steps to let people know...POST in description.

 

Why should I need to post in my TB's description that I don't want to have it bagged or labelled? There's no requirement listed for releasing TBs which says that they must be bagged and labelled. There is simply the suggestion that if your TB has a specific mission then it's a good idea to include a label or piece of paper with it so that finders are immediately aware of its hopes and aspirations.

 

Oh, and pray that your trackable doesn't make it to a MEGA event where it will be required (in most cases) to be bagged and tagged so it can be placed in the proper bin and then sent in the direction it wants to go.

 

Some people sure do have HIGH expectations for their bugs when they have LOW ability to dictate their demands.

 

Yes, at events many TBs get bagged up neatly with mission statements or simple labels to help cachers choose appropriately but that's not the same thing as saying that therefor all TBs should be bagged and labelled at all times.

 

Now, back to the original point about the cachers who add their own extra little tags onto travelling TBs that pass through their hands: I agree that this is not a major defilement of the little travelling bug and it wouldn't bother me unduly if I found that one had been attached to one of mine... but, think for a minute about what happens if this idea of attaching 'extras' spreads... other newer cachers see the tags and think, "Cute idea! I can do that too" and start designing their own tags for TBs. More folks get to see them. The craze spreads...

 

Two or three years down the line our TBs will be struggling around the world dragging excess baggage with them.

 

MrsB

 

YEP!! That would be great IMHO, I would see history being added as it reaches each individual person. Some might not appreciate this, but I certainly would.

[+BlueDeuce]

Your expectations that everyone will KNOW the wishes of the owner or they'll wish to check with the owner is faulty, we both know most people won't bother...even the non-taggers unfortunately. So, it seems YOU need to take steps to let people know...POST in description.

 

No, I expect people to realize they don't know what the owner wants and therefore don't alter, add or remove anything from a bug without checking first.

 

Oh, and pray that your trackable doesn't make it to a MEGA event where it will be required (in most cases) to be bagged and tagged so it can be placed in the proper bin and then sent in the direction it wants to go.

 

A bug of mine was recent taken to a Mega event, one guy picked it up and followed the attached instructions and 32 other people Discovered it. (That's why I pray it isn't taken to an event)

 

His Retrieve log "It's really a shame. There so many people on the event, but they just 'discover' the TB instead of taking it with them. This task is really not too difficult, so I hope I have helped to avoid some more these annoying logs."

Edited November 15, 2009 by BlueDeuce

[+Rockin Roddy]

Your expectations that everyone will KNOW the wishes of the owner or they'll wish to check with the owner is faulty, we both know most people won't bother...even the non-taggers unfortunately. So, it seems YOU need to take steps to let people know...POST in description.

 

No, I expect people to realize they don't know what the owner wants and therefore don't alter, add or remove anything from a bug without checking first.

 

Oh, and pray that your trackable doesn't make it to a MEGA event where it will be required (in most cases) to be bagged and tagged so it can be placed in the proper bin and then sent in the direction it wants to go.

 

A bug of mine was recent taken to a Mega event, one guy picked it up and followed the attached instructions and 32 other people Discovered it. (That's why I pray it isn't taken to an event)

 

His Retrieve log "It's really a shame. There so many people on the event, but they just 'discover' the TB instead of taking it with them. This task is really not too difficult, so I hope I have helped to avoid some more these annoying logs."

 

Yep, the very reason you should label your items if you're worried about how people will interact with it! 32 people couldn't care less what the owner thinks, one did...

 

But, if you're less concerned about HOW your traveler moves about and WHAT others may do with it, then there's really no need to bother to label or post your rules....because it won't matter to you and you'll not end up worried over a tag!

 

Myself, I only want my travelers to move about as safely as possible so they stay in circulation as long as possible...the messages I am trying to spread are what's important to me!

[+BlueDeuce]

But, if you're less concerned about HOW your traveler moves about and WHAT others may do with it, then there's really no need to bother to label or post your rules....because it won't matter to you and you'll not end up worried over a tag!

 

Perhaps we're talking about two different things here. I understand what can happen to my bug out in the big bad world. As for someone justifying that they can intentionally alter my bug by saying 'well the owner should have told me not to', that's baloney.

 

 

 

edit: changed is to that's

Edited November 15, 2009 by BlueDeuce

[+Rockin Roddy]

But, if you're less concerned about HOW your traveler moves about and WHAT others may do with it, then there's really no need to bother to label or post your rules....because it won't matter to you and you'll not end up worried over a tag!

 

Perhaps we're talking about two different things here. I understand what can happen to my bug out in the big bad world. As for someone justifying that they can intentionally alter my bug by saying 'well the owner should have told me not to', that's baloney.

 

 

 

edit: changed is to that's

 

Just as it's baloney to expect everyone to follow your wishes. Sorry, we can go in circles all day, you'll never sway me to believe two things:

 

1) attaching a tag is the end of the wold or makes the tagger a bad person.

 

2) You can control what anyone does as soon as you release an item to travel.

 

I'll not bother to post again since this is doing nothing but repeating what has already been said!

[+Eartha]

I'd like to add one more thought to this conversation.

, if it didn't have one, please. Don't even send it out with one, if it doesn't need it.

Think before you bag. CITO!

Edited November 16, 2009 by Eartha