Geocachers are not nice people?

38.2k · June 11, 2011

Geocaching is a sport that is totally dependent on the honesty and decency of the participants. Because of that I think it tends to draw a better sort of person.

Not that there aren't jerks who are geocachers, of course there are, but from my experience there is a far lower percentage of them in geocaching then in the general population.

I've met hundreds of geocachers over the years and I'd have to think long and hard to come up with the names of a few who are not nice people.

Edited June 11, 2011 by briansnat

2.4k · June 11, 2011

Takes all sorts to make a geocaching world, and we've found that most (in fact all, so far) of the cachers we've met in person have been great.

I'm wondering if this ex-geocacher in MacD's may not have left, but was, how shall we say - asked to leave? That may explain his attitude....

His experience, whatever it was, doesn't have to be ours! Cache on!!!

7k · June 11, 2011

It's so amazing for you to go to one, and have people COME UP TO YOU, asking if you were "Coldgears".

Nobody ever came up to me and ask if I am "Coldgears" This is discriminatory behavior and I will not stand for it!

ARE YOU NOW, OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN, COLDGEARS???

Thank you, I now feel strangely fulfilled

Better than feeling serisouly agigtated

7.9k · June 11, 2011

Jerks are everywhere.

Could it be possible the person you spoke to was actually the jerk that didn't get along in the crowd?

4.2k · June 11, 2011

So, I am at McDonald's today getting lunch. I have my Garmin around my neck when a guy comes up and asks if I geocache. I told the guy that I was brand new to it, and was enjoying it so far. And THAT set the guy off. He told me in 2 -3 minutes, that most geocachers are jerks - he said he used to be one himself - and way to competitive, with too many jerks who suck the life right out of all the fun. He then told me to get out before I get hooked.

Next he asked me if I had been to a big event with other cahcers. When I said that I had not, he said, "Good, if you keep it that way, you might still be able to enjoy it." And at that point his meal came and he said goodbye.

I can already tell from the forums, that to some degree, Geocaching is competitive, which I never would have guessed. But so far, I have been nothing but treated nicely - even as a total noob.

What would you say to what I just typed?

now

would have been a good come back from you :lol:

June 11, 2011

I've not met any Geocachers in the field as yet, the only ones I have "met" is here on Geocaching.com.

Most of the people here are a credit to the forums and there are a few......, well, Lets just say the jury is still out.

June 11, 2011

For what it's worth, I would agree that you just have to ignore the guy. Just because he had a bad experience doesn't mean you will.

One thing I will say is that large events could turn you off to geocaching. My wife and I went to our first mega event last year. While we had a great time meeting new people and talking geocaching with others, we found that actually geocaching during the event wasn't very much fun. Every cache you'd go to would have 15 people looking for it at the same time. It really took away the "thrill of the hunt." We also met a number of cachers who were obviously just interested in increasing their finds, as they'd push their way to the front of the group waiting to sign the log, sign it, and march off to the next cache. It got to the point where it really wasn't geocaching anymore, it was more like follow the leader.

But, that may be right up your alley, and that's totally cool. However, if you're not into making geocaching into a competitive activity, then I'd suggest just attending the mega events for the social aspect and not the hunt of the caches.

9.3k · June 11, 2011

...Geocaching is competitive...

Geocaching, in and of itself, is not competitive. However, there are competitive people in the world. Some of these geocache. So long as you choose not to incorporate competition into your caching, then it won't be competitive. Only you can decide. I don't like competition myself. Just not my thing. If a competitive cacher approaches me at an event and says "I bet I can get more FTFs than you this year", my likely response would be to the effect of, "Uh... Sure thing, dude!"

As for cachers in general, I've met a whole butt load over the years, and I consider every single one of them my friend. I suspect there is something unique about the social dynamic of the type of person who is drawn to this game, which weeds out most butt heads. Your meeting with that butt head, (who weeded himself out), sure does seem to lend validity to this thought.

Go to an event and I think you'll agree that the average geocacher is a pretty amazing person.

Oh... Almost forgot: Welcome to the addiction!

2.5k · June 11, 2011

Huh... I haven't met a geocacher in real life that I didn't like. Even one that I fought with a lot here in the forums.

1.2k · June 11, 2011

(IMO forums are an easy way to not be nice due to the anonymity but most here are nicer than many other forums on other sites).

The real issue is that these forums are heavily policed, no "bad words" at all, and even the slightest hint of trolling and you get banned. There have been a few that have came, got banned and then went. E.G. Ashinkes. It sucks because ashinkes was amazingly funny.

Ashnikes was great. I loved his threads, and random posts in other threads. Quality entertainment all around.

2.2k · June 11, 2011

Geocaching is a sport that is totally dependent on the honesty and decency of the participants. Because of that I think it tends to draw a better sort of person.

Not that there aren't jerks who are geocachers, of course there are, but from my experience there is a far lower percentage of them in geocaching then in the general population.

I've met hundreds of geocachers over the years and I'd have to think long and hard to come up with the names of a few who are not nice people.

This is almost exactly what I was going to say.

I think Geocaching seems to have a lower percentage of jerks than the general population. (I also think it has a higher percentage of "unique" people, but that's part of the fun!)

I've met hundreds of cachers over the years, and the number of people I would go out of my way to avoid could be counted on the fingers of one hand.

I also think the forums have an unfair reputation for being harsh. All too often someone will come in and, while they say they are wanting opinions on something, what they really mean is "I want you to agree with me and tell me I am right." Once they discover not everyone thinks the same way they do they feel "attacked" and sulk off muttering about how the forums are full of idiots.

I have developed a lot of friends through caching. I have had some great social experiences and a lot of great solo experiences. I haven't regretted taking up this hobby for a minute.

2.3k · June 11, 2011

I think jerk is subjective. We have all seen the people who get way too seriously involved in this hobby and micromanaging other people and how they play. All it would have taken is for someone to have a yucky encounter with someone who takes this way to seriously to determine there are jerks involved.

While I don't think it's the majority of people like that I do think the ones like that tend to be vocal and make things miserable for others.

19k · June 11, 2011

I think jerk is subjective.

Watch it, now.

:lol:

6.7k · June 11, 2011

I've been to over 100 events in 28 states, met many hundreds of geocachers and cached with many dozens. So far I have met only 2 geocachers I didn't like and thought were jerks!

And don't confuse the forums with the real world of geocaching. The vast majority of geocachers never come here.

3.1k · June 11, 2011

What would you say to what I just typed?

I'd say you should continue giving geocaching a try and determine for yourself whether or not you like it. It's only addictive if you enjoy it.

7.9k · June 11, 2011

When two jerks meet up, and start to get along just fine (they're both jerks after all)...are they still jerks?

Maybe we ARE all jerks? :lol:

3.4k · June 11, 2011

So, I am at McDonald's today getting lunch. I have my Garmin around my neck when a guy comes up and asks if I geocache. I told the guy that I was brand new to it, and was enjoying it so far. And THAT set the guy off. He told me in 2 -3 minutes, that most geocachers are jerks - he said he used to be one himself - and way to competitive, with too many jerks who suck the life right out of all the fun. He then told me to get out before I get hooked.

Next he asked me if I had been to a big event with other cahcers. When I said that I had not, he said, "Good, if you keep it that way, you might still be able to enjoy it." And at that point his meal came and he said goodbye.

I can already tell from the forums, that to some degree, Geocaching is competitive, which I never would have guessed. But so far, I have been nothing but treated nicely - even as a total noob.

What would you say to what I just typed?

I'd say he was right about one thing, he's a jerk.

I'm a member of the Geocachers of the Bay Area and we're a swell bunch. We participate in CITO events, volunteer for park work, have kid-friendly get-togethers and look out for caches which violate laws/ordinances. Most members are professionals and I genuinely find that reflects the character of the game - you will of course have some people in any group who "just don't get it" but by and large I rarely see that type - most are people out to have some fun and give back to the game.

I'd go so far as to suggest the person who approached you would be a difficult person no matter what activity they were involved in. There simply are abrasive people. Take note, avoid, move on.

9.2k · June 11, 2011

He then told me to get out before I get hooked.

Yep. Geocaching. Just one great big cult...

Once we get you, you don't get out!

1.5k · June 11, 2011

lol.... geocaching in McDonalds :blink: , and then hanging out in the forums :huh: !

You are not making very good choices.

:rolleyes:

June 11, 2011

lol.... geocaching in McDonalds , and then hanging out in the forums !

You are not making very good choices.

I don't understand this post. I was just having lunch, and happened to have my GPS around my neck. Maybe your humor is too dry for me?

1.7k · June 11, 2011

lol.... geocaching in McDonalds , and then hanging out in the forums !

You are not making very good choices.

I don't understand this post. I was just having lunch, and happened to have my GPS around my neck. Maybe your humor is too dry for me?

McDonalds caches typically imply a lame, micro-cache placement. Many forum regulars have waxed poetically over the years about just how lame these caches are. Thus, you are running the risk of being flamed on this board by the mere suggestion of a McDonalds caching experience.

At least that is how I interpreted the comment; I could, of course, be wrong.

June 11, 2011

lol.... geocaching in McDonalds , and then hanging out in the forums !

You are not making very good choices.

I don't understand this post. I was just having lunch, and happened to have my GPS around my neck. Maybe your humor is too dry for me?

McDonalds caches typically imply a lame, micro-cache placement. Many forum regulars have waxed poetically over the years about just how lame these caches are. Thus, you are running the risk of being flamed on this board by the mere suggestion of a McDonalds caching experience.

At least that is how I interpreted the comment; I could, of course, be wrong.

Being asked if you are a geocacher at a McDonalds is not the same thing as geocaching at a McDonalds.

1.5k · June 11, 2011

Yep...just my dry humor. :unsure:

You didn't do anything wrong at all. You just ran into a grumpy person. :mad:

That can happen anywhere. :lol: :mad: :lol:

Most geocachers are very nice people, and are quite willing to show you their style of geocaching. That style may or may not be your style.

I think of geocachers belonging to 3 different styles....and they may overlap.

Powercachers - this group likes to find lots of geocaches, and may not be concerned at the quality.

Green cachers - This group is more focused on healthy caching. They like the outdoors, and may participate in hiking, biking, watersports, and possibly 4 wheel drive geocaching.

Techy cachers - This group likes the electronic side of caching. They focus on the toys and the software skills, and are not too concerned with actually finding caches. They may focus on challenges, and puzzles.

1.7k · June 11, 2011

Yep...just my dry humor.

You didn't do anything wrong at all. You just ran into a grumpy person.

That can happen anywhere.

Most geocachers are very nice people, and are quite willing to show you their style of geocaching. That style may or may not be your style.

I think of geocachers belonging to 3 different styles....and they may overlap.

Powercachers - this group likes to find lots of geocaches, and may not be concerned at the quality.

Green cachers - This group is more focused on healthy caching. They like the outdoors, and may participate in hiking, biking, watersports, and possibly 4 wheel drive geocaching.

Techy cachers - This group likes the electronic side of caching. They focus on the toys and the software skills, and are not too concerned with actually finding caches. They may focus on challenges, and puzzles.

How about

All-around cacher - Likes to be taken to interesting locations, whether it be an urban structure you can park next to, or a beautiful view of nature after a 3 mile hike. This cacher does not discriminate, they will hunt any cache near them, but prefers to find creative ones or ones at good locations.

1.5k · June 11, 2011

Yep...just my dry humor.

You didn't do anything wrong at all. You just ran into a grumpy person.

That can happen anywhere.

Most geocachers are very nice people, and are quite willing to show you their style of geocaching. That style may or may not be your style.

I think of geocachers belonging to 3 different styles....and they may overlap.

Powercachers - this group likes to find lots of geocaches, and may not be concerned at the quality.

Green cachers - This group is more focused on healthy caching. They like the outdoors, and may participate in hiking, biking, watersports, and possibly 4 wheel drive geocaching.

Techy cachers - This group likes the electronic side of caching. They focus on the toys and the software skills, and are not too concerned with actually finding caches. They may focus on challenges, and puzzles.

How about

All-around cacher - Likes to be taken to interesting locations, whether it be an urban structure you can park next to, or a beautiful view of nature after a 3 mile hike. This cacher does not discriminate, they will hunt any cache near them, but prefers to find creative ones or ones at good locations.

Ah yes...the mythical Casual Geocacher. I don't think they actually exist.... :laughing:

8k · June 11, 2011

I think of geocachers belonging to 3 different styles....and they may overlap.

Powercachers - this group likes to find lots of geocaches, and may not be concerned at the quality.

Green cachers - This group is more focused on healthy caching. They like the outdoors, and may participate in hiking, biking, watersports, and possibly 4 wheel drive geocaching.

Techy cachers - This group likes the electronic side of caching. They focus on the toys and the software skills, and are not too concerned with actually finding caches. They may focus on challenges, and puzzles.

Weren't you in a movie that featured these three styles?

Edited June 11, 2011 by tozainamboku

5.3k · June 12, 2011

Well, I am not a nice person and I am a geocacher, so there is at least some evidence that the guy is correct. OTOH, the vast majority of other cachers I have met were nice people, so perhaps I am a statistical fluke. What a quandary.

June 12, 2011

Yep...just my dry humor.

You didn't do anything wrong at all. You just ran into a grumpy person.

That can happen anywhere.

Most geocachers are very nice people, and are quite willing to show you their style of geocaching. That style may or may not be your style.

I think of geocachers belonging to 3 different styles....and they may overlap.

Powercachers - this group likes to find lots of geocaches, and may not be concerned at the quality.

Green cachers - This group is more focused on healthy caching. They like the outdoors, and may participate in hiking, biking, watersports, and possibly 4 wheel drive geocaching.

Techy cachers - This group likes the electronic side of caching. They focus on the toys and the software skills, and are not too concerned with actually finding caches. They may focus on challenges, and puzzles.

How about

All-around cacher - Likes to be taken to interesting locations, whether it be an urban structure you can park next to, or a beautiful view of nature after a 3 mile hike. This cacher does not discriminate, they will hunt any cache near them, but prefers to find creative ones or ones at good locations.

This is my wife and I. we just want to be taken somewhere. If you take me somewhere lame, that's when I expect something beyond a container and a log. If I get neither... well, it happens rarley because I research before I hunt.

June 12, 2011

BTW, I am *HOPING* I can get my wife to join us. We could both use the 3 mile walks, if not more.

I will say this, I will not judge anybody I haven't met, but the only person I do know who caches is a buddy of mine from another state.... to call him "quirky" would be a huge understatement... but he is also one heckuva nice guy.

As far as the number of folks who don't use this site? Well, I believe that most don't, but without this site, I probably would not have even taken the first steps in this hobby. I tend to research things to death before making a commitment to anything.

Anyway, thank you all for your answers and your helpfulness.

Edited June 12, 2011 by PapaGPS

June 12, 2011

I agree with a previous poster. The biggest jerks you will meet will be on the forums. "keyboard warriors". They are brave online, but not so brave in real life.