Bad Feedback for Geocaching.com

[+The Jester]

Sports are played by athletes.

Sports are played by non-athletes also. Pick up basketball, sandlot baseball, touch/flag football to name a few. I'm a rock climber - you want to know how many "weekend warriors" are involved in that sport?

[+kwcahart]

And, OP, if you don't like it, you are welcome to go somewhere else.

[+solo63137]

Try opengeocacheging.come or whatever, then compare it with here.... I bet you like this better...

Edited December 25, 2010 by solo63137

[+t4e]

I look at it like this. Geocaching is a sport.

Heh. He said "sport". Let the 'it's a game!' flames begin!

 

heck if chess and golf classified as a sport geocaching can be too

[+dfx]

They most certainly do. Both of these games are all about "competition" (against the machine, so to speak) and trying to "win".

 

negative. solitaire is not a computer game, it's a real-world card game. depending on how you play, there can be nothing to win and nobody to defeat. it's still a game though.

[+solo63137]

Sport, Hobby, Game, Pass time, Obsession, etc... W.G.A.F., as long as you get to do and and your having fun.....

[+user13371]

solitaire is not a computer game, it's a real-world card game. depending on how you play, there can be nothing to win and nobody to defeat. it's still a game though.

Depending on when, where, and how you played, there could indeed be something to win and someone to defeat. Solitaire has a long history of play in casinos. Edited December 25, 2010 by Portland Cyclist

[+dfx]

Depending on when, where, and how you played, there could indeed be something to win and someone to defeat. Solitaire has a long history of play in casinos.

and depending on when, where, and how you play, there can also be something to win and someone to defeat in geocaching. it's up to each player what they make of it.

[Clan Riffster]

Seriously? We are arguing about geocaching being a game or a sport? If grubbing about in a Burger King shrub for a film can qualifies as a sport, for you, then this must be a sport, for you. If hiking three days through hostile environments, to find an ammo can on a crocodile nest qualifies as a game, to you,then it is a game,to you. Deciding for others if this is a game or a sport, and presenting your thoughts as absolutes, simply makes you look like a goober.

 

Can we get back on topic now?

[+SSO JOAT]

Can we get back on topic now?

 

Not a chance. So why even ask? Thread drift is usually irreversible unless superman shows up to spin the Earth backwards (oops, I went the wrong way).

 

Just because people participate in geocaching at different levels of comittment doesn't change what the root concept of the sport is. Some people have a once-a-year picnic baseball game. Baseball is still a sport, even is these non-athletic people are only playing one recreational "game" while bending most of the rules in the process.

[Keystone]

I am quite certain that the thread *will* get back on topic, and that future posts will be constructive, without any personal attacks against the OP or others.

[+JL_HSTRE]

This thread has not exactly put forward a positive image for new geocachers making first time posts on the forum seeking help. Even if the OP was rather negative in their post, a "go screw off" attitude does not seem to me to be the right response.

 

Everybody's got to start somewhere.

 

I am a Smartphone user (HTC Desire) running on Android.

 

The Geocaching concept should be simple and straight forward, so why on earth does geocaching.com have to make it so complicated. Every level of the learning, registration, payment and delivery process is complicated and fragmented.

 

If you're just starting with geocaching and are using a smartphone, rather than trying to understand PQs you are probably better off using an in-the-field app such as the official Groundspeak app or GeoHunter.

 

OK I can understand that geocaching.com must be evolving from geek origins, but with the explosion of portable "smart" devices, it has to simplify the processes to suit the less technically minded masses.

 

I was under the impression that smartphones tended to be mostly used by technically-minded people...

 

In fact, it's not that technical, it's just time-wasting. I don't have the time to crawl through endless web pages, tutorials, and irrelevant forum searches. All I want is to find the caches near point X, download in GPX, and set off on my travels.

 

Build a Pocket Query (PQ).

 

BTW some of those tutorials might answer your question. I'm pretty sure there's one on PQs.

 

Once I've done this I still don't get my caches, I have to wait for the once-a-day email. Why can't I have the caches now? I've just paid $30, so where is my value for money. There maybe another way, but for pete's sake, make it easy, not a pain in the a**.

 

PQs are emailed almost instantly. The once-a-day part is that you can only get the GPX file for the same PQ once per day.

 

And on the subject of the $30, why is it that I can make a $30 one-off payment for a year, but not a $10 one-off payment for 3 months. Its a cheap and very obvious trick to hope that those who only want to try out for 3 months may forget to cancel their recurring payment that is their only choice at registration.

 

Longer-term service plans being cheaper on a daily/monthly basis than shorter-term ones is a pretty widespread thing.

[+Too Tall John]

So, I'm curious about the subtitle of this thread:

 

"Is it open for attack from Google?"

 

Is Google into attacking sites now?

 

If so, what does that have to do with anything the OP said in the first post?

 

I believe the answers are "No, don't be silly" and "Nothing at all" but I suspect the OP won't be back with an answer, as they seemed to be trolling, and if not have been scared off by all the hostilities pointed in their direction.

 

As pointed out by the OP, it now costs either $10 or $30 to become a Premium Member, so I doubt they are one of those people who used to spring for $3 so they could have a Premium Member Sock Puppet, but then again, maybe that's why they were upset with the pricing strategy. . .

[knowschad]

So, I'm curious about the subtitle of this thread:

 

"Is it open for attack from Google?"

 

Is Google into attacking sites now?

Nope... what he meant was that geocaching.com would be susceptible to competition from Google (or Garmin ) if they don't simplify things for new users.

[+solo63137]

So, I'm curious about the subtitle of this thread:

 

"Is it open for attack from Google?"

 

Is Google into attacking sites now?

Nope... what he meant was that geocaching.com would be susceptible to competition from Google (or Garmin ) if they don't simplify things for new users.

 

Ahhh, Good point, I did not even think about it that way... I was thinking like network (D.O.S.) attack or something...

 

I know Garmin is dipping their toe in the business is Google doing anything directly related?

[+hukilaulau]

This thread has not exactly put forward a positive image for new geocachers making first time posts on the forum seeking help.

 

But that's not what the OP did. He made some sarcastic complaints and demands, and then disappeared. He didn't seek help at all. Frankly, I hope he shops his apps store and finds another game to play.

[Keystone]

I know Garmin is dipping their toe in the business is Google doing anything directly related?

I'm bound by a non-disclosure agreement regarding the details of Groundspeak's buyout of Google, but I am authorized to offer one sneak preview.

 

[+Chokecherry]

This thread has not exactly put forward a positive image for new geocachers making first time posts on the forum seeking help.

 

But that's not what the OP did. He made some sarcastic complaints and demands, and then disappeared. He didn't seek help at all. Frankly, I hope he shops his apps store and finds another game to play.

 

However, one must remember that other new people can read this thread as well. Not just him. And how does this look to all the other people reading?

[+solo63137]

This thread has not exactly put forward a positive image for new geocachers making first time posts on the forum seeking help.

 

But that's not what the OP did. He made some sarcastic complaints and demands, and then disappeared. He didn't seek help at all. Frankly, I hope he shops his apps store and finds another game to play.

 

Your looking at it wrong, Its like dealing with Terrorists and Extremists, its not them, its you...

 

YOU, need to embrace them and understand them, You have to be open and tolerant....

 

/Sarcasm

[+solo63137]

This thread has not exactly put forward a positive image for new geocachers making first time posts on the forum seeking help.

 

But that's not what the OP did. He made some sarcastic complaints and demands, and then disappeared. He didn't seek help at all. Frankly, I hope he shops his apps store and finds another game to play.

 

However, one must remember that other new people can read this thread as well. Not just him. And how does this look to all the other people reading?

 

Can't please everyone...

 

Maybe I mis read, but it looks like the OP just wanted to poop on things... There was no direct questions on how to do anything, he just vented....

 

Some folks vented back... You make a post like that, a lot of folks are not going to hold your hand and make you hot Coco with Extra lil marshmallows and tell you pretty stories... Maybe I give too much credit, but I'm member of a lot of forums for various hobbies and I think most new folks that come looking for help or just to read more about the subject matter would see it that way too; not turn and run...

 

I'm one of the newer folks here, but from what I have seen, if you come here looking for help and not just to rip stuff up these folks will generally go outta their way to help you out....

 

My hats off to everyone for making this place what it is and thank you for the help and advice you have all given me in the past (and future)...

[Clan Riffster]

However, one must remember that other new people can read this thread as well. Not just him. And how does this look to all the other people reading?

Perhaps they will see that there are folks in the forums who are not tolerant of entitlement junkies?

Hopefully, seeing that, they will set aside their entitlement before posting.

That would make this place a far more pleasant environment.

[knowschad]

This thread has not exactly put forward a positive image for new geocachers making first time posts on the forum seeking help.

 

But that's not what the OP did. He made some sarcastic complaints and demands, and then disappeared. He didn't seek help at all. Frankly, I hope he shops his apps store and finds another game to play.

 

Your looking at it wrong, Its like dealing with Terrorists and Extremists, its not them, its you...

 

YOU, need to embrace them and understand them, You have to be open and tolerant....

 

/Sarcasm

I think her point regarding the new users reading responses like that is an extremely valid one that did not deserve even a tiny bit of sarcasm. And to top if off by comparing a rant by a confused new user to a "Terrorists and Extremist" is over the top!

[knowschad]

However, one must remember that other new people can read this thread as well. Not just him. And how does this look to all the other people reading?

Perhaps they will see that there are folks in the forums who are not tolerant of entitlement junkies?

Hopefully, seeing that, they will set aside their entitlement before posting.

That would make this place a far more pleasant environment.

I see your point, but I seriously doubt that is what the average new user would take away from this thread. Much more likely that they would simply run & hide.

[+briansnat]

I'm one of the newer folks here, but from what I have seen, if you come here looking for help and not just to rip stuff up these folks will generally go outta their way to help you out....

 

I'm one of the old timers here and have seen the same thing.

[+Team Eccentric]

While the way OP started this thread was not probably the most politically correct, I will admit that the Geocaching site is not the most user friendly from a USER'S point of view. You know some user types, the drag and drop, spell it out for you, one line conversation type of person. There is nothing wrong with this type of person. There are a bunch of them and they all get along together great, use their technology, but don't really know HOW it works. It is good enough that it does work. There are others who are less just a user and more like to look under the hood, tweak their technology, build their own, etc. There is nothing wrong with this type of person, either, but they are different from a person who is just a technology user. And lots of types in between.

 

That being said, as a person who used to test usability on websites, this one is lacking in the ability to quickly search for what you are looking for, find out how to download multiple caches, definitions of what words and abbreviations mean, and all around navigation. Doesn't mean it is a bad site, just not as user friendly as a lot of sites. You DO have to put forth some effort to find what you want. It's not like Amazon where they want you to buy everything as easily as possible. In my mind, if you want to actually SEARCH for a geocache, you should probably be willing to put forth some effort figuring out how to find one on the website. Geocaching is not instant gratification, nor is the website. Kind of goes hand in hand, IMO.

 

And a sport is that which diverts, as in a person that does not look anything like his/her family members or has six fingers, diverting from the norm; or as in play, amusement, games which divert your attention. Just thought I'd mention that 'cause it was fun. (Yes, I am having sport with you all. )

[+t4e]

I know Garmin is dipping their toe in the business is Google doing anything directly related?

I'm bound by a non-disclosure agreement regarding the details of Groundspeak's buyout of Google, but I am authorized to offer one sneak preview.

 

 

i would much rather prefer FroGoogle

[+Jumpin' Jack Cache]

I know Garmin is dipping their toe in the business is Google doing anything directly related?

I'm bound by a non-disclosure agreement regarding the details of Groundspeak's buyout of Google, but I am authorized to offer one sneak preview.

 

 

i would much rather prefer FroGoogle

 

Sheesh, just plain Geogle.

[+Team Eccentric]

I know Garmin is dipping their toe in the business is Google doing anything directly related?

I'm bound by a non-disclosure agreement regarding the details of Groundspeak's buyout of Google, but I am authorized to offer one sneak preview.

 

 

i would much rather prefer FroGoogle

 

Sheesh, just plain Geogle.

I just thought the exact same thing, but it doesn't look as good without the whole color picture... Edited December 27, 2010 by Team Eccentric

[+lachupa]

Something about this reminds me of a conversation I had with a coworker yesterday. We were talking about the marathon I ran earlier this month and he said that he once mapped out a 10 mile route near his house and took off running. It took him an hour and a half and he was sore for a week. He concluded from this that he was just not meant to be a runner and never went running again.

 

Sure because building up mileage slowly over time is totally out of the question.

 

I fear for the future because all the under 30 set seem to have this attitude about things.

[+lil_cav_wings]

Something about this reminds me of a conversation I had with a coworker yesterday. We were talking about the marathon I ran earlier this month and he said that he once mapped out a 10 mile route near his house and took off running. It took him an hour and a half and he was sore for a week. He concluded from this that he was just not meant to be a runner and never went running again.

 

Sure because building up mileage slowly over time is totally out of the question.

 

I fear for the future because all the under 30 set seem to have this attitude about things.

 

I agree. Had he done his homework and studied up a little about long distance running, he'd probably have found a couple of good training programs, some information about selecting good shoes to limit pain, and recovery techniques that make long distance running not so painful the next day. Had he spent thirty or forty minutes just reading up (especially given how information is so readily available on the internet about pretty much anything), he might have been a lifelong runner today!

 

To the OP (who has only posted once, and probably will never come back):

It's the same with geocaching or any other hobby. When you spend a little time reading up and studying first, you develop a better understanding of what you're getting yourself into. Then you begin to appreciate it more. Take an hour or so and read the knowledge books. An hour isn't really that much to spare in the great scheme of things for what could be a great lifelong hobby. Then you'll see that the geocaching.com website isn't all that painful to use. Not to mention, smartphones aren't nearly as accurate or easy to use as a good GPSr, especially in the woods.

 

In the education lies the passion.

Edited December 29, 2010 by lil_cav_wings

[+Panther&Pine]

Nothing overly helpful to add but some days I feel like I'm one of the few that read everything on GC.com before caching (or buying a GPS), then finding a few caches and then finding the forums when the weather got cold.

 

I can see the frustration of folks who go hunting for caches without any research but I don't understand the logic.

I can also see some of the frustration of folks obout the website (but one of the many things I do for a living includes helping develop user interfaces for web apps),but over all it isn't that bad. There are some oddities (like the location of PQs and Caches along a route- but that might have been moved with the latest update- I haven't checked) but that is true of every webpage.