True Paperless Caching

[+user13371]

Sometimes I cache "on the spur of the moment," don't have a pen, and don't find one in the cache. When that happens, I'll take a snapshot of the cache's logbook or some other "proof of find" image and submit it with my log - careful not to include spoilers.

 

In a recent discussion of paperless caching methods, I mentioned I did this -- joked that it was "TRUE paperless caching" -- and a little light went on.

 

Would a cache based on this "True Paperless" idea be allowed? I'd kinda like to place a cache that doesn't contain any paper at all, just some swag. Logging could be done by submitting a proof of find image. It would be a real container and "real" cache to my way of thinking, but I'm not sure current guidelines would allow it.

 

- Traditional Caches at a bare minimum must a container and a logbook

- For all physical caches, there must be a logbook, scroll or other type of log for geocachers to record their visit

- Mandatory ALRs (requirements other than signing a logbook) are disallowed.

 

What do you think? The guidelines do suggest "some other type of log" might be allowable besides a book or scroll -- but I'm not sure how much latitude there is. And requiring a proof of find image is really an ALR.

 

Any way to make this workable?

[+Team Cotati]

Sometimes I cache "on the spur of the moment," don't have a pen, and don't find one in the cache. When that happens, I'll take a snapshot of the cache's logbook or some other "proof of find" image and submit it with my log - careful not to include spoilers.

 

In a recent discussion of paperless caching methods, I mentioned I did this -- joked that it was "TRUE paperless caching" -- and a little light went on.

 

Would a cache based on this "True Paperless" idea be allowed? I'd kinda like to place a cache that doesn't contain any paper at all, just some swag. Logging could be done by submitting a proof of find image. It would be a real container and "real" cache to my way of thinking, but I'm not sure current guidelines would allow it.

 

- Traditional Caches at a bare minimum must a container and a logbook

- For all physical caches, there must be a logbook, scroll or other type of log for geocachers to record their visit

- Mandatory ALRs (requirements other than signing a logbook) are disallowed.

 

What do you think? The guidelines do suggest "some other type of log" might be allowable besides a book or scroll -- but I'm not sure how much latitude there is. And requiring a proof of find image is really an ALR.

 

Any way to make this workable?

 

Yes there is. Persuade the decision makers at GS to modify the guidelines so that they clearly indicate that your proposal is officially sanctioned.

 

That's all there is to it.

[+Chrysalides]

Hmm.. think I missed the point - deleted

Edited November 12, 2009 by Chrysalides

[+bittsen]

I forgot a pen once. Signed it in mud.

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/log.aspx?LU...cc-b09e2fc31198

[+StarBrand]

I think it is fairly clear that you are expected to have some object to which signitures can be affixed within the cache.

[+Coyote's Girl]

I forgot a pen once. Signed it in mud.

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/log.aspx?LU...cc-b09e2fc31198

 

I've done that, too

Clinton's Library

[+flask]

mud. pikers.

 

sign it in blood.

[Keystone]

No, per the listing guidelines your cache would need to have a logbook or log sheet for people to sign. With a pen or pencil or blood or mud.

[+jellis]

I wouldn't make a habit of it. But I too had times my pen ran out of ink or forgot one after hiking for over a quarter of a mile. I always feel so guilty. But I also let the cache owner know what happened.

[+Wooden Cyclist]

Two of my caches have been signed in charcoal. The resourceful cacher used his lighter and a twig to make his writing instrument.

[+NYPaddleCacher]

I forgot a pen once. Signed it in mud.

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/log.aspx?LU...cc-b09e2fc31198

 

Me too. Fortunately the cache was right next to a pond. The next finder was kind enough to trace over my mud signature in pen.

[+Too Tall John]

Sometimes I cache "on the spur of the moment," don't have a pen, and don't find one in the cache. When that happens, I'll take a snapshot of the cache's logbook or some other "proof of find" image and submit it with my log - careful not to include spoilers.

 

In a recent discussion of paperless caching methods, I mentioned I did this -- joked that it was "TRUE paperless caching" -- and a little light went on.

 

Would a cache based on this "True Paperless" idea be allowed? I'd kinda like to place a cache that doesn't contain any paper at all, just some swag. Logging could be done by submitting a proof of find image. It would be a real container and "real" cache to my way of thinking, but I'm not sure current guidelines would allow it.

 

- Traditional Caches at a bare minimum must a container and a logbook

- For all physical caches, there must be a logbook, scroll or other type of log for geocachers to record their visit

- Mandatory ALRs (requirements other than signing a logbook) are disallowed.

 

What do you think? The guidelines do suggest "some other type of log" might be allowable besides a book or scroll -- but I'm not sure how much latitude there is. And requiring a proof of find image is really an ALR.

 

Any way to make this workable?

Sounds like a virtual cache with a swag box, to me...