+ChileHead Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I got an ad from Dick's Sporting Goods yesterday for GPSs. What were they thinking? Bury an object in the ground somewhere? Don't their ad writers have a clue? Nice that it's right below the ad for the metal detector as well, to give additional credence to the whole buried thing. Quote Link to comment
+buttaskotch Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I guess there's fact checking done in cirulars Quote Link to comment
Mr.Yuck Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I got an ad from Dick's Sporting Goods yesterday for GPSs. What were they thinking? Bury an object in the ground somewhere? Don't their ad writers have a clue? Nice that it's right below the ad for the metal detector as well, to give additional credence to the whole buried thing. Well, it's pretty easy to see there are 900,000 caches on the main page of Geocaching.com. Digging any deeper into it is apparently too difficult. Who the heck, when first hearing of the concept of finding containers with a GPS, assumes that they're buried? I certainly didn't. Quote Link to comment
+firemanjim903mfd Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I thought the same as you did . When I first stated reading it I thought good Dicks is spreading the word about geocaching , then the more I read I wish they wouldnt have even printed the add . Quote Link to comment
+The Leprechauns Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 My, what an aptly named store. Quote Link to comment
+Isonzo Karst Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 mmm, the search for buried treasure.................................................. Quote Link to comment
+TheAlabamaRambler Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Since 'research' never seems to get past the home page maybe Groundspeak should add a prominent line of bold text - "Geocaches listed here may not be buried!" Quote Link to comment
+Knight2000 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Bury has more than one definition and although I understand why some might be upset, consider that bury has more than one meaning and that many geocaches are "buried". Main Entry: bury Pronunciation: \ˈber-ē, ˈbe-rē also ˈbər-\ Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): bur·ied; bury·ing Etymology: Middle English burien, from Old English byrgan; akin to Old High German bergan to shelter, Russian berech' to spare Date: before 12th century 2 b : to cover from view <buried her face in her hands> Quote Link to comment
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Hey, what's wrong with that? It just goes in-line with: "But wait, there's more! Order in the next five minutes and we'll include........" (they have said that for two years); "Order now and we'll double your order............... a $xxx.xx value for only $x.xx (just pay separate s/h)"; "Guaranteed for life" (maybe, but the company closes next week); "As seen on TV" (does this really make it good?) My advice -- all who read such garbage should boycott them, regardless of the "value". (Kinda hardline, aren't I?) Quote Link to comment
+sbell111 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 My, what an aptly named store. Quote Link to comment
+Castle Mischief Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Apparently containers are optional too. such as a container, trinket or coin Makes it sound like we're just sticking random stuff in the ground and then looking for it. Lovely. Quote Link to comment
+rob3k Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Wow, laughably inaccurate. Groundspeak should contact them and offer to help them rewrite their standard geocaching text. Quote Link to comment
+ewarz Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 As uninformed as their ad might be, I dont think it's a big deal. Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Besides, nobody is going to learn about the sport through a $349.99 AD and just buy it without doing a google search on "Geocaching" first. It's not like they're gonna buy the GPS, stop off at a field on their way home and bury their loose pocket change... Quote Link to comment
+Castle Mischief Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 (edited) As uninformed as their ad might be, I don't think it's a big deal. Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Besides, nobody is going to learn about the sport through a $349.99 AD and just buy it without doing a google search on "Geocaching" first. It's not like they're gonna buy the GPS, stop off at a field on their way home and bury their loose pocket change... You'd think, but having seen some of the questions asked on these forums I think the listing guidelines aren't always the first stop on the road to caching education. I wonder if a reviewer could comment on many caches they reject that violated the very basic guidelines? (But I'm not exactly sharpening my pitchfork and lighting my torches either.) Edited December 3, 2009 by Castle Mischief Quote Link to comment
+wimseyguy Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I guess ad writers are just frustrated and unemployed journalists? Quote Link to comment
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I guess ad writers are just frustrated and unemployed journalists? Must be! Quote Link to comment
+KoosKoos Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 As uninformed as their ad might be, I dont think it's a big deal. Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Besides, nobody is going to learn about the sport through a $349.99 AD and just buy it without doing a google search on "Geocaching" first. It's not like they're gonna buy the GPS, stop off at a field on their way home and bury their loose pocket change... I don't think there's a huge risk in new hiders reading the ad and burying tupperware, but think of all of the park managers, rangers, etc. that might catch that ad and then remember later "Oh yeah, I've heard of that geocaching thing, they bury stuff". While no one is going to cite the ad as their source for restricting caching in their area, it seeps into that "general knowledge" that sure hurts sometimes. P.S. No "sky is falling" meant here...just a bummer that they let this sort of misinformation slip through. Quote Link to comment
+rob3k Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 As uninformed as their ad might be, I dont think it's a big deal. Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Besides, nobody is going to learn about the sport through a $349.99 AD and just buy it without doing a google search on "Geocaching" first. It's not like they're gonna buy the GPS, stop off at a field on their way home and bury their loose pocket change... I don't think there's a huge risk in new hiders reading the ad and burying tupperware, but think of all of the park managers, rangers, etc. that might catch that ad and then remember later "Oh yeah, I've heard of that geocaching thing, they bury stuff". While no one is going to cite the ad as their source for restricting caching in their area, it seeps into that "general knowledge" that sure hurts sometimes. P.S. No "sky is falling" meant here...just a bummer that they let this sort of misinformation slip through. I typed up nearly the exact same reply. Quote Link to comment
+flask Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 As uninformed as their ad might be, I dont think it's a big deal. Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Besides, nobody is going to learn about the sport through a $349.99 AD and just buy it without doing a google search on "Geocaching" first. It's not like they're gonna buy the GPS, stop off at a field on their way home and bury their loose pocket change... I don't think there's a huge risk in new hiders reading the ad and burying tupperware, but think of all of the park managers, rangers, etc. that might catch that ad and then remember later "Oh yeah, I've heard of that geocaching thing, they bury stuff". While no one is going to cite the ad as their source for restricting caching in their area, it seeps into that "general knowledge" that sure hurts sometimes. P.S. No "sky is falling" meant here...just a bummer that they let this sort of misinformation slip through. I typed up nearly the exact same reply. and i was on my way to composing almost exactly that same reply! Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 As uninformed as their ad might be, I don't think it's a big deal. Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Besides, nobody is going to learn about the sport through a $349.99 AD and just buy it without doing a google search on "Geocaching" first. It's not like they're gonna buy the GPS, stop off at a field on their way home and bury their loose pocket change... You'd think, but having seen some of the questions asked on these forums I think the listing guidelines aren't always the first stop on the road to caching education. I wonder if a reviewer could comment on many caches they reject that violated the very basic guidelines? Imagine a worst case percentage, then double it and you'd probably be ballpark. Quote Link to comment
+Nature Kids Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 They're trying to sell a metal detector too.....seems like they know exactly what they're implying. Its only a small white lie to get you to buy both!! Quote Link to comment
knowschad Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 They're trying to sell a metal detector too.....seems like they know exactly what they're implying. Its only a small white lie to get you to buy both!! Nawww... they're just grouping them as "treasure hunting" activities, I suspect. Quote Link to comment
+cycler48 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 They're trying to sell a metal detector too.....seems like they know exactly what they're implying. Its only a small white lie to get you to buy both!! That's how I look at it too. Quote Link to comment
+bouffantloup Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 While a metal detector isn't a traditional geocaching tool, I have certainly found many caches that would have been more quickly/easily found with a detector. I have found micros stashed on the forest floor, beside logs, stumps, rocks, etc. that have been "buried" by leaves or moss or other junk. Now I don't think I could ever justify bringing a metal detector along when geocaching, but the ad certainly doesn't offend me as it obviously has others. Just my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment
+TheAlabamaRambler Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Caches throughout history have often been buried, the thought of 'treasure hunting' and supply caches is related to 'buried treasure' in most folks minds; I don't think geocaching is going to replace that common perception... so just the mention that geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game is going to make folks think 'buried treasure'. Not much we can do about that besides assure landowners that Groundspeak's guidelines prohibit digging and hope that they can differentiate. Quote Link to comment
+Rustynails Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 As uninformed as their ad might be, I dont think it's a big deal. Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Besides, nobody is going to learn about the sport through a $349.99 AD and just buy it without doing a google search on "Geocaching" first. It's not like they're gonna buy the GPS, stop off at a field on their way home and bury their loose pocket change... It might turn people off if they think they have to dig holes. They won't bother to find out about geocaching. And for those that don't geocache, they will think we go around digging holes. Quote Link to comment
mtbikernate Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 They're trying to sell a metal detector too.....seems like they know exactly what they're implying. Its only a small white lie to get you to buy both!! I know that company. They acquired the retailer I used to work for (Galyan's), and because I was too highly-paid and knowledgeable, they forced me out. They'd rather hire minimum wage shelf stockers than someone who knows a thing or two about outdoor gear. Anyway, this sort of behavior is par for the course. You could raise a stink about it to them, but they won't care. The ad was a way for them to pitch two high tech (high margin) items. Win-win as far as they care. Quote Link to comment
+Lakebum Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I like the paintball marker at the bottom of the add. That would definitely add a new element to caching. Quote Link to comment
+blb9556 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 My, what an aptly named store. Hasn't Groundspeak made people remove things saying caches are buired before? I believe that happened in a local newspaper here in Columbus. Quote Link to comment
+ScottKaren Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 (edited) Good idea! Buy a metal detector to find platic containers in the woods. Or it might help you find those darn micros in the woods. Except the buffalo tubes are aluminum and since it is a non ferrous metal I don't think metal detectors are too good at finding aluminum. Maybe it could help you find a cache hidden in a parking lot light standard. Edited December 3, 2009 by ScottKaren Quote Link to comment
+Cpt.Blackbeard Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 They're trying to sell a metal detector too.....seems like they know exactly what they're implying. Its only a small white lie to get you to buy both!! I know that company. They acquired the retailer I used to work for (Galyan's), and because I was too highly-paid and knowledgeable, they forced me out. They'd rather hire minimum wage shelf stockers than someone who knows a thing or two about outdoor gear. Anyway, this sort of behavior is par for the course. You could raise a stink about it to them, but they won't care. The ad was a way for them to pitch two high tech (high margin) items. Win-win as far as they care. Made no sense to me. I loved Galyans, my first choice anytime I needed outdoor gear, but Dicks bought them out and closed the stores, and they don't even carry most of the gear Galyans had. Galyans had equipment for outdoorsmen, Dicks has Sporting goods, big Difference. Dicks will never get a Dime of my money, I buy from Gander Mountain and Cabellas now. Dicks is only in it for the money, no matter what it takes to get it. Quote Link to comment
+WRITE SHOP ROBERT Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I guess ad writers are just frustrated and unemployed journalists? no wonder they are unemployed. Quote Link to comment
+WRITE SHOP ROBERT Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 While a metal detector isn't a traditional geocaching tool, I have certainly found many caches that would have been more quickly/easily found with a detector. I have found micros stashed on the forest floor, beside logs, stumps, rocks, etc. that have been "buried" by leaves or moss or other junk. Now I don't think I could ever justify bringing a metal detector along when geocaching, but the ad certainly doesn't offend me as it obviously has others. Just my 2 cents. Did you read the part on the GPS add that says Cacges are buried? I think that's the issue here, not the metal detector Quote Link to comment
Clan Riffster Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 (edited) As uninformed as their ad might be, I dont think it's a big deal. I disagree. The issue here isn't whether or not cachers are going to start burying stuff all over the place. You are correct in your assertion that this is unlikely. The real issue here is perception and misinformation. I can tell you from my own struggles with a land manager, that there are folks out there, with the authority to impact where, when and how we play this game, who honestly believe that geocachers do bury stuff. The derived that misconception somewhere. If whatever that source was, had it been properly refuted, those same land managers might be responding to our caching requests with facts, as opposed to misconceptions. This type of misinformation should be addressed, every time it shows its head. Edit to add: KoosKoos, rob3k & flask beat me to the punch. Edited December 4, 2009 by Clan Riffster Quote Link to comment
+GeoGeeBee Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 Except the buffalo tubes are aluminum and since it is a non ferrous metal I don't think metal detectors are too good at finding aluminum. Oh, if only that were true! I used to have a metal detector, long before geocaching or GPS existed. Back when the pull-tabs on aluminum soda cans weren't made to stay attached to the can. I can't begin to guess how much time I wasted digging up thousands of aluminum pull-tabs. Metal detectors are quite good at finding aluminum. Since most people who use them are hoping to find coins, a detector that only found ferrous metals would be useless. Quote Link to comment
+sbell111 Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 Good idea! Buy a metal detector to find platic containers in the woods. ...While I believe taht Dicks is more concerned with actually selling stuff then helping us find caches, it should be noted that many (most?) plastic-containered caches hidden in the woods have some metal stuff inside them. Quote Link to comment
+Knight2000 Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I think everyone is running out of things to talk about. Quote Link to comment
+Six Little Spookies Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Good idea! Buy a metal detector to find platic containers in the woods. Or it might help you find those darn micros in the woods. Except the buffalo tubes are aluminum and since it is a non ferrous metal I don't think metal detectors are too good at finding aluminum. You would not believe how good they are at finding aluminum... I think everyone is running out of things to talk about. I think you're right. We've almost filled a page and no flame wars have erupted. Where's [deleted] when you need them? Quote Link to comment
+Minimike2 Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Emily Latella post : Never mind. Quote Link to comment
4wheelin_fool Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Cool! I'm going to bury a cache behind a local Dick's store tommorrow on their property, and then bring the circular inside to the manager for easy approval! Awesome! Quote Link to comment
+whistler & co. Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I doubt it will help, but I sent them an email through their website about the erroneous information. Here is a link if anyone wants to do the same: Dick's Complaints Department . Perhaps if enough people gripe about it, they will take notice. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I doubt it will help, but I sent them an email through their website about the erroneous information. Here is a link if anyone wants to do the same: Dick's Complaints Department . Perhaps if enough people gripe about it, they will take notice. I registered my complaint. Quote Link to comment
+Team Cotati Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 (edited) I registered a complaint too and followed it with a call to the 877....number as well. They were quite pleasant and professional. I am considering putting it in writing. Edited December 5, 2009 by Team Cotati Quote Link to comment
+WRITE SHOP ROBERT Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Sent them a note as well, with some links to the guidelines to forward to their Writers/Agency Quote Link to comment
+cerberus1 Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 CJ and I are both "discount point card" holders for Dick's. Like others, we frequent the store to keep ammo and lower-end firearms in stock. Otherwise it'd probably end up as another Sports Authority, with only clothes, ski items and school-sports supplies. E-mailed that we were sure that the Dick's chain never intended to promote ILLEGALLY buried caches and LITTERING, but "might" have had an ad man not doing proper research. Got a reply yesterday. They stated that "another person" e-mailed also and they'll "look into it." That's odd, there's a few here on this site alone who say they responded. Quote Link to comment
+Viajero Perdido Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Anyone that becomes interested due to their ad will end up here and will be able to clearly see the rules and how the hobby really works. Unless they bought one of those toy GPSs with all the coordinates preloaded. Then they'll never have to visit the website. Just grab a shovel and go. Quote Link to comment
+bittsen Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 CJ and I are both "discount point card" holders for Dick's. Like others, we frequent the store to keep ammo and lower-end firearms in stock. Otherwise it'd probably end up as another Sports Authority, with only clothes, ski items and school-sports supplies. E-mailed that we were sure that the Dick's chain never intended to promote ILLEGALLY buried caches and LITTERING, but "might" have had an ad man not doing proper research. Got a reply yesterday. They stated that "another person" e-mailed also and they'll "look into it." That's odd, there's a few here on this site alone who say they responded. Do you think a company would say "my bad, we made a mistake. We've had hundreds of complaints"? Trust me, they won't. They will use the same standard answer of "we will look into it". It's a common business practice to minimize the perception of being a bad business. Quote Link to comment
+Team Cotati Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 CJ and I are both "discount point card" holders for Dick's. Like others, we frequent the store to keep ammo and lower-end firearms in stock. Otherwise it'd probably end up as another Sports Authority, with only clothes, ski items and school-sports supplies. E-mailed that we were sure that the Dick's chain never intended to promote ILLEGALLY buried caches and LITTERING, but "might" have had an ad man not doing proper research. Got a reply yesterday. They stated that "another person" e-mailed also and they'll "look into it." That's odd, there's a few here on this site alone who say they responded. Don't know about the SA where you are but over this way they carry an inventory significantly larger and more diverse than you might imagine. Quote Link to comment
+NYPaddleCacher Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 CJ and I are both "discount point card" holders for Dick's. Like others, we frequent the store to keep ammo and lower-end firearms in stock. Otherwise it'd probably end up as another Sports Authority, with only clothes, ski items and school-sports supplies. E-mailed that we were sure that the Dick's chain never intended to promote ILLEGALLY buried caches and LITTERING, but "might" have had an ad man not doing proper research. Got a reply yesterday. They stated that "another person" e-mailed also and they'll "look into it." That's odd, there's a few here on this site alone who say they responded. Don't know about the SA where you are but over this way they carry an inventory significantly larger and more diverse than you might imagine. We don't have a Sports Authority nearby but we do have a Dick's store. It has, by far, the largest fishing department within 30 miles, and that includes the Cortland Line Factory store. Considering there is a 40 miles long lake that has three species of trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth and smallmouth bass (the smallmouth bass fishing has been featured on national weekend fishing shows at least a couple of times), as well as perch, pickerel, walleye, and northern pike. There used to be a really good flyfishing shop nearby but it had a fire and it's long gone. Dick's is about the only decent source for fishing (and hunting) supplies in the area. Quote Link to comment
+Team Cotati Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 I wonder if cerberus1 lives near that very same lake? What a coincidence that would be, eh? Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.