Pet Peeves as Cache Owners

September 16, 2011

I own over 170 geocaches in two states. For the most part, it's been an awesome experience. However, I've developed a couple of pet peeves in regards to my fellow cachers. Here they are. Feel free to either flame away or post your own cache-owner pet peeves.

- Cachers blatantly trading down on swag. I'd like to think that we ALL know it's about the find itself, not the goodies you get in the container, but that's clearly not the case. I had this one called "The World Bank," which was supposed to hold foreign currency only (plain as day on the cache description). It started out with a bunch of Korean Won, Afghan Afghani, Iraqi Denari, etc. I unfortunately had to archive it because the area was getting clear-cut. When I went to pull the cache, know what I found in it? Rocks. It was STUFFED with rocks . . . not even SHINY ones . . . with nary a foreign bill or coin around. Someone had obviously rationalized, "Well, I'm swapping something, so it's O.K." Because geocaching is secretive by nature, we like to think that all our fellow geocachers are somehow imbued with higher morals than the average bear. Not always the case. It's for this reason that I don't put swag in my caches, anymore.

- Cachers who merely post "TFTC" on their logs. I put these things out there because I get a kick out of reading the stories behind the finds, etc. Even if you're getting a bunch of caches in one location at a time, just briefly tell the story behind the find, then use copy/paste. I've even gotten "TFTC" on First to Finds! Incredibly maddening.

Your turn.

2.2k · September 16, 2011

1) unshiny rocks :laughing:

2) cut-and-paste logs. I'd rather have blanks.

10.2k · September 16, 2011

I own over 170 geocaches in two states. For the most part, it's been an awesome experience. However, I've developed a couple of pet peeves in regards to my fellow cachers. Here they are. Feel free to either flame away or post your own cache-owner pet peeves.

- Cachers blatantly trading down on swag. I'd like to think that we ALL know it's about the find itself, not the goodies you get in the container, but that's clearly not the case. I had this one called "The World Bank," which was supposed to hold foreign currency only (plain as day on the cache description). It started out with a bunch of Korean Won, Afghan Afghani, Iraqi Denari, etc. I unfortunately had to archive it because the area was getting clear-cut. When I went to pull the cache, know what I found in it? Rocks. It was STUFFED with rocks . . . not even SHINY ones . . . with nary a foreign bill or coin around. Someone had obviously rationalized, "Well, I'm swapping something, so it's O.K." Because geocaching is secretive by nature, we like to think that all our fellow geocachers are somehow imbued with higher morals than the average bear. Not always the case. It's for this reason that I don't put swag in my caches, anymore.

- Cachers who merely post "TFTC" on their logs. I put these things out there because I get a kick out of reading the stories behind the finds, etc. Even if you're getting a bunch of caches in one location at a time, just briefly tell the story behind the find, then use copy/paste. I've even gotten "TFTC" on First to Finds! Incredibly maddening.

Your turn.

My turn? I don't need one. I noticed "trading down" on about my 3rd cache find in 2003. It's a fact of life, and you're never going to change it.

"TFTC" logs? A new "smartphone log the caches from the field" phenomenon. My observations, from my local area, are that: 1) I can count the number of "TFTC" loggers who have hidden a cache on one hand. 2) I might need two hands, but not my toes, to count the number of "TFTC" loggers who have attended a Geocaching event. And 3) When I look at a "TFTC" log a year from now, the poster probably will not have found a cache, or logged into the website in 9 months. That gives me hope.

2k · September 16, 2011

I would rather have TFTC logs than blank ones. TFTC can mean a lot of things to me. There are a few bad apples in the area who pretend like you do not exist if they do not like you and say blank logs than acknowledge you exist. I cant do that myself in kind, it just seems mean...but those make me wonder if its worth it sometimes to deal with folks who are so mean spirited. I suppose any hobby will have such folks so I do not think drastic thoughts.

and we have a number of folks who sign TFTC and have many hides. I think its mainly folks who are doing their kid's accounts or folks who are just way behind and logging as fast as they can.

Edited September 16, 2011 by lamoracke

1.2k · September 16, 2011

I mostly only place swag free caches these days. Decent size lock -n locks with a nice logbook and pen and plenty of room for travel items. I have a disdain for litter, even if it is contained in a container {grin}.

September 16, 2011

Aww geez..I thought this thread was going to be unique in some way. <_<

TFTC. (Too flipping toasted to care.)

September 16, 2011

What is with these double posts???

Edited September 16, 2011 by FobesMan

September 16, 2011

bad form

Edited September 16, 2011 by FobesMan

September 16, 2011

I have a lot of Pet Peeves but my number one is not loggin bugs out of caches, whether they are being stolen or just because the user is new. The first trackbale I got was on my 4th cache find and when I took it, I made darn sure I knew what to do with it. Sure I had some hiccups along the way but at least the effort was there. It seems like most new cachers don't bother to figure out how the game works after hearing the cool human interest story on the 6 o'clock news...

Edited September 16, 2011 by FobesMan

2.5k · September 16, 2011

I have a cache that is titled "Bison Tube" and talks about Bison Tubes in the description. The actual hide is a plastic bison with a hole drilled in it to fit a preform. Recently someone "Replaced" it when they couldn't find it. I might have been ok with this if:

The cache was missing. It was in place when I checked.
They had used the type of container named in the title of the cache rather than the Airborne container that they did use.

So, that's my peeve: Drops on non-missing caches.

22k · September 16, 2011

Your turn.

Yep, Sucks donut? Hopefully the ones that do share, meaning logs and swag make up for the ones that don't.

September 16, 2011

My main pet peeve is people who don't close the container properly. Or in some cases, at all. Hello, soaking wet logbook!

September 16, 2011

I found a cache the other day that was filled with pinecones (non shiny pinecones!) I dumped out the pinecones and replaced with rocks. That is trading up isn't it?

September 16, 2011

"The cache looked like it could get wet, so we added a plastic bag around it" <_<

September 16, 2011

1) Blank logs/TFTC only logs/copy paste logs

2) Cache thieves

3) Cache thief stealing a cache and GZ getting torn up by cachers searching for it, and never logging a DNF

4) Cachers who blatently refuse to log DNF's in general, so that I may do an extra check on the cache if needed

2k · September 16, 2011

My biggest pet peeve is Tinker Bell. Well, she's not really a peeve. She's a 25lb Chihuahua. But she's pretty big.

September 16, 2011

Ants... I just hate it when they leave ants!

September 16, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

September 16, 2011

People who replace the cache container where they would have hidden it, not where the CO originally put it. I once found one that was about 40 feet away. It didn't gradually migrate there, as it was on one of the legs of a power line tower, and the legs were that far apart.

Edited September 16, 2011 by PokerLuck

2.6k · September 16, 2011

1. Improper use of NM and NA when it is a plain old DNF.

2. Compromising the cache location to muggles.

3. Wet log and contents due to " rain caching ".

4. TFTC and downtrading I mind but to a lesser degree.

I have no problem with a nice informative cut-paste log.

September 16, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

+1

September 16, 2011

My biggest pet peeve is Tinker Bell. Well, she's not really a peeve. She's a 25lb Chihuahua. But she's pretty big.

Hey, I have a 20something pound Chihuahua too. His name is Brutis and he is certainly a big boy. Sometimes a big pain, but not really a peeve either.

19k · September 16, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

+1

Wouldn't it be more appropriate to simply not claim a find on those caches, since they were so lame?

September 16, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

+1

+2

September 16, 2011

1. Improper use of NM and NA when it is a plain old DNF.

^ THIS ^

1.2k · September 16, 2011

Drops on non-missing caches.

Yes this is annoying, but hey you got a free container!

Blank logs

Stolen caches

Other than that I've had realitivly few issues

10.2k · September 16, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

+1

Wouldn't it be more appropriate to simply not claim a find on those caches, since they were so lame?

+1. Hey, lets have a +1 battle.

1.2k · September 16, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

Naw, a nice poem about trees or something like that is good to leave on those.

1.2k · September 16, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

+1

Wouldn't it be more appropriate to simply not claim a find on those caches, since they were so lame?

+1. Hey, lets have a +1 battle.

+1 (this one is up 3 to 2)

September 16, 2011

Mine is when people DON'T log a DNF or even write a note when they don't find my cache. How am I (as a responsible CO) and other cachers supposed to know that one of my hides might be gone unless it gets reported?

All of my hides are there for you to find. I don't want people walking away with a DNF. If something is wrong I will usually get out within a few days to check up on things.

1.8k · September 16, 2011

............I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

Trade even or up. And with a few caches (ie. the only structure in an acre of asphalt) logging "TFTC" is doing just that.

September 16, 2011

Wouldn't it be more appropriate to simply not claim a find on those caches, since they were so lame?

I don't believe so. I think the 'TFTC' log at the very least lets the cache owner know the cache is still there and in relatively decent shape.... especially if the cache hasn't been logged in a while.

I'll also log DNF's for the same reason (and I seem to be doing that a lot lately). CO's can't know there might be a problem if those DNF's don't start popping up.

6.1k · September 16, 2011

People who dump water in the cache. They only seem to do it on the Altoid tin hides, though.

Edited September 16, 2011 by 4wheelin_fool

September 16, 2011

1) people who damage the cache without any information to the owner

2) copy & paste logs ala on tour with xyz we found xyz caches, this was one of them. Great

2k · September 16, 2011

Mine is when people DON'T log a DNF or even write a note when they don't find my cache. How am I (as a responsible CO) and other cachers supposed to know that one of my hides might be gone unless it gets reported?

I've always made periodic maintenance runs on my caches, but DNFs are good for letting you know sooner.

4.1k · September 16, 2011

What irritates me the most is when we have gone to a bit of effort to do a really cool hide and the finders can not even replace the cache the same way it was hidden, or they don't bother to even rehide it.

John

Edited September 16, 2011 by 2oldfarts (the rockhounders)

September 17, 2011

I've left a 'TFTC' log a couple of times. It's pretty much my way of saying 'Thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location'. I mean really... there's just some caches were there is just not much to say other than 'thanks'.

+1

+2

Why not just log:"thanks for the magnetic hide on yet another guardrail in an unremarkable location? Then log TFTC

September 17, 2011

What irritates me the most is when we have gone to a bit of effort to do a really cool hide and the finders can not even replace the cache the same way it was hidden, or they don't bother to even rehide it.

John

+1 and to restart the +1 battle

+1

September 17, 2011

1. Blank log

2. Lone smiley face

3. Lone TFTC or the like TFTCTFTHTNSL etc etc

4. Lone cut n paste (cut and paste plus something written about the individual cache is okay)

5. Not logging DNF's (like to see these as a seeker too)

3.6k · September 17, 2011

Just give me a blank log. All I wanna know that you found my cache. Why I need to know what you are doing when u found it. There are people out there that just share too much information. :laughing:

3.6k · September 17, 2011

What irritates me the most is when we have gone to a bit of effort to do a really cool hide and the finders can not even replace the cache the same way it was hidden, or they don't bother to even rehide it.

John

That bug me the most as a CO, I was out checking one of my caches today and yep, it was where I didnt put it. :blink: It sure drive me nut since I replaced it once before.

September 17, 2011

My main pet peeve is people who don't close the container properly. Or in some cases, at all. Hello, soaking wet logbook!

I am with you here....I am not much a a swag trading cacher.

September 17, 2011

What irritates me the most is when we have gone to a bit of effort to do a really cool hide and the finders can not even replace the cache the same way it was hidden, or they don't bother to even rehide it.

John

That bug me the most as a CO, I was out checking one of my caches today and yep, it was where I didnt put it. It sure drive me nut since I replaced it once before.

DITTO

September 17, 2011

Just give me a blank log. All I wanna know that you found my cache. Why I need to know what you are doing when u found it. There are people out there that just share too much information.

I can't agree with this one.....but if I find your caches, I will leave a SL-TFTC...but that is more than some folks leave. I blame it on the smart phone folks...I will admit it is hard to type a real log from my android..so I don't try....I log later from my laptop in my hotel room.

September 17, 2011

I;ve just started to read these because I have a few pet peeves. Most were discussed but one that wasn't. Logs, multipage, partially filled out, especially if folded both sideways and up and down. Many caches refold them back to the original folds. I hope to find logs with the next blank spot for my signature staring at me. They don't need refolded to the original, leave it how you find it.

1.9k · September 17, 2011

1. copy paste logs

2. throw downs

3. "I hid it better"

4. cache maggots

14k · September 17, 2011

My biggest pet peeve is Tinker Bell. Well, she's not really a peeve. She's a 25lb Chihuahua. But she's pretty big.

I work with someone who actually *was* Tinker Bell. She worked at Disneyworld for awhile, flew down the zip line, and smiled a lot.

September 17, 2011

I do not take anything from the cache. For me I just enjoy getting out as I am retired. It keeps me somewhat on the move.

1.2k · September 17, 2011

My biggest pet peeve is Tinker Bell. Well, she's not really a peeve. She's a 25lb Chihuahua. But she's pretty big.

I work with someone who actually *was* Tinker Bell. She worked at Disneyworld for awhile, flew down the zip line, and smiled a lot.

cool!

September 17, 2011

I do not take anything from the cache. For me I just enjoy getting out as I am retired. It keeps me somewhat on the move.

Same here! I am 65 years old and retired I now hike for a lot of caches for good old exercise. I bike now and then as well. I do not take anything from caches except TB to pass on. And, I do pass them on. I feel guilty if I hang on to them too long.

Pet Peeves as Cache Owners

Recommended Posts

Join the conversation