New! EarthCache Guideline Update

[+hzoi]

On 8/22/2019 at 2:07 AM, Natalie247 said:

I had a very disappointing experience due to the change of the rules....was on holiday getting caches around Europe's First. So after doing all of the geological naming of the rocks etc and maths calculations for volume and mass for the (originally published 2017 and updated last month with photo log) Earthcache requirements, the CO refused my find because my photo despite having my caching mascot in it did not have my name clearly visible and therefore my log was deleted...... if people start going down this route more - goodbye Earthcaches, might as well make it a virtual.

 

I wanted to follow up and let you know that your post did not go unnoticed.  The cache owner changed the photo requirement to bring it in line with the guidelines: a photo of you or a personal item suffices.  I think you are good to change your note to a find, and your caching partner is good to log again.

[+RN escape]

Can multiple pictures be required when Earthcache has multiple stops?   Like 3-5 sites? 

And what about 3-10 questions at each stop??   (Example - 1a, 1b, 1c.. 2a, 2b, 2c)..   One Earthcache may have 10-20 questions when done this way..  

[geoawareUSA9]

22 hours ago, RN escape said:

Can multiple pictures be required when Earthcache has multiple stops?   Like 3-5 sites? 

And what about 3-10 questions at each stop??   (Example - 1a, 1b, 1c.. 2a, 2b, 2c)..   One Earthcache may have 10-20 questions when done this way..  

 

This would appear to go against the more recent guidance from Groundspeak and the GSA, which is intended to encourage accessibility over complexity.

 

Would such an earthcache be allowed? Perhaps, if it otherwise followed the guidelines, but if I was reviewing such a submission, I'd be looking at whether all those tasks were related to the earthcache lesson and whether they were actually required to help cachers understand the unique feature that was the subject of the lesson.

 

The question you didn't ask, but that I'd be pointing out: would it get many visits with all those requirements? Probably not.

[+RN escape]

I guess I was wanting to know if a CO can demand these requirements...  of multiple pictures at 3-5 sites that are  anywhere from 1-10 miles apart and multiple questions, such as 10-17 actual questions,  hidden in 3-4 questions, such as 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, etc... 

CO has made statement that reviewer insists on this many questions...   As several EC's  in my area with these requirements, make it difficulty getting all caches within a radiance of my home...  Am I able to just answer a portion of her questions??  Or is she allowed to delete my log if I don't comply with her instructions...

BTW, I have updated my EC's with new recommendations...  Just added a choice of 2 or 3  answers if have over 3 questions..

Thanks

 

[Neos2]

On 6/4/2024 at 9:06 PM, RN escape said:

I guess I was wanting to know if a CO can demand these requirements...  of multiple pictures at 3-5 sites that are  anywhere from 1-10 miles apart and multiple questions, such as 10-17 actual questions,  hidden in 3-4 questions, such as 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, etc... 

CO has made statement that reviewer insists on this many questions... 

 

 

As geoawareUSA9 mentioned above, the new guidance suggests that newly made EarthCaches focus on the smaller number of questions AND EarthCaches that don't won't get as many visits, most likely. Having only 2 or 3 questions isn't a rule or even a guideline, yet, however. 
Are you friendly with the CO? Have you asked if they are aware of the new guidance from Groundspeak and the GSA?

We have been discussing this topic in New Suggestions for EarthCaches.

Edited June 7 by Neos2
add link