+user13371 Posted August 15, 2010 Posted August 15, 2010 (edited) Every now and then someone posts a note of losing their GPS. Today was my turn: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=257465 Suggestion for website: Allow premium members to post "Lost GPS" items same way they post caches. The posting form need not be as involved as a regular cache listing, but should include a rough idea of where the device went missing (either a waypoint or along an optionally upload-able route) along with other description and contact info. THEN: Include the Lost GPS listings in EVERY search result and pocket query that overlaps the supposed lost area -- maybe with a little extra area around it. To make it immediately useful, lost GPS items should "go live" immediately, but local reviewers would be notified and have the option to archive them if folks were to abuse the feature (obviously fake listings, non-GPS items, etc). Edited August 15, 2010 by lee_rimar
+Mezgrman Posted August 15, 2010 Posted August 15, 2010 Hmmm... very interesting idea, let's see what the others think! It COULD be a good idea, but honestly, I think that Groundspeak won't implement a totally NEW feature like this too soon... but as I said, I like the idea!
+Lil Devil Posted August 15, 2010 Posted August 15, 2010 Great idea. If I'm a newbie and I can't afford to buy a GPS, all I need to do is look for a "lost GPS" listing, and viola! I have a free GPS! Thanks!
+Mezgrman Posted August 15, 2010 Posted August 15, 2010 Great idea. If I'm a newbie and I can't afford to buy a GPS, all I need to do is look for a "lost GPS" listing, and viola! I have a free GPS! Thanks! Oh, why the hell didn't I think of that? Yes, now I read your post I totally agree. Not such a great idea.
+user13371 Posted August 16, 2010 Author Posted August 16, 2010 (edited) Oddly enough, I think the majority of GC members are decent human beings. And if someone has lost a GPS, odds of getting it back improve if more folks are out looking for it -- even if some small number of those looking are NOT decent. Edited August 16, 2010 by lee_rimar
+WinnieThePoohNL Posted August 16, 2010 Posted August 16, 2010 If anything, you gave me a good idea to somehow mark my GPS with some contact details, 'cause if anyone finds it now (cacher or no) they would have no idea who's it might be if they are decent enough. I actually found a gift certificate while caching, on a picnic bench, and tried to leave my details with a restaurant a little further down the path but they didn't see any use in taking my phone number I think a lost & found page would only be used when someone either finds or loses something, I don't think people would go out looking for things on the lost page (unless they are not decent and trying to 'steal' the stuff). Odds are someone comes across the lost item before others have a chance to go looking for it after it's posted on the website. I think the best bet when you do lose something and you somehow can't go back to the location where you probably lost it is contacting the cache owner to see if they can go and have a look. p.s. I hope your GPS will be found & returned to you!
+user13371 Posted August 16, 2010 Author Posted August 16, 2010 (edited) If anything, you gave me a good idea to somehow mark my GPS with some contact details, 'cause if anyone finds it now (cacher or no) they would have no idea who's it might be if they are decent enoughMany GPS units let you set up "owner's info" to show up on the startup screen. I also wrote my name and phone number on the inside of the battery door. Edited August 16, 2010 by lee_rimar
+Lil Devil Posted August 16, 2010 Posted August 16, 2010 I've found 2 GPS units on the trail. One had the owner info on the startup screen as lee_rimar mentioned. I was able to call the owner and set up a meeting place to return his cache to him. On the other one, after putting fresh batteries in it, I discovered it did have a "home" waypoint in it that was just a couple of miles out of my way home. I stopped by, and when a lady answered the door, I held up the GPS and asked if it looked familiar. She said, "no, but it probably will to my husband." He came out and was very glad to see it again, as it was an expensive (at the time) Garmin unit that he only had a couple of weeks. He offered me a reward, and since he had a beer in his hand, I just asked if he had another one. We sat on the porch and drank our beers and talked about geocaching and I made another friend. We've even gone caching together a few times since then. Now if I could just get him to come to events.. and bring beer
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