Importance of Description and Title to a cache?

[+TOGGuideToStuff]

Has anyone ever analyzed the importance of the description and title to the popularity of a cache?

 

I've hid a small amount of caches in the past, and have a few out now. I've always written a description based on the location. For example, I have a cache out that is in a historically relevant area, so I wrote the description with a quick "history" lesson. Ending with a "you are looking for..." I then titled it with something obscure (or funny), but relevant to the location. 

 

I've also been doing this long enough to have seen quite a few different descriptions and titles that just seem either too simple, or overly verbose. 

 

So, my question is mostly, how important is the description and title? Does a description or title entice you to find a cache, or do you just go for something that is close by.

 

J.

[+TheLimeCat]

I like proper nouns in cache titles (Vesper Peak, Gifford Lakes, Forks of Canyon Creek, The Hermit Tree, etc.) Even if the name is invented by the creator, I think these titles are easier to recall. If I'm ever asked about a cache I found in the past, I tend to forget the ones just called, "Stumped?, or "Mossy Tree", or "LPC #34". I think I do tend to pick out caches based on the title sometimes. I usually only read the description once I've decided I'm going there.

[+barefootjeff]

1 hour ago, TOGGuideToStuff said:

So, my question is mostly, how important is the description and title? Does a description or title entice you to find a cache, or do you just go for something that is close by.

 

The first thing I see when a new cache notification email arrives is its title, so yes it helps me decide whether it looks appealing enough to click on it and open the cache page. For my own hides, I go for a title that sets the theme of the cache, for example my recent series of island-themed caches located at The Entrance that I called Entrancing Isles.

 

Obviously for non-traditional caches the description is important for saying what task you need to perform. For traditionals, I like to see something reasonably concise that says what the attraction at GZ is and, for something that isn't a P&G, how best to get there. For higher terrain caches, I'd hope to see something about the terrain I'll have to negotiate so I can come prepared. For example, if the cache is in a tree I like to know beforehand how high up it is so I can decide whether I should be carting my telescopic ladder out there or if it's likely to be beyond my tree-climbing abilities.

 

It annoys me that the description is downplayed so much in the official app, with it relegated almost to the bottom of the screen as if it's an afterthought. For higher terrain caches in particular, the description is the only place the CO can place important information that searchers really ought to be aware of before they attempt it.

Edited November 1 by barefootjeff

[+cerberus1]

23 hours ago, TOGGuideToStuff said:

So, my question is mostly, how important is the description and title? Does a description or title entice you to find a cache, or do you just go for something that is close by.

 

I go by green on the map, so title doesn't mean much to me.  I'm looking for a good walk or long time out.   

Entering caches singly (and maybe look for a couple around it), I'm real careful about reading descriptions though. Pocket notebooks help.

We have one that's a play on words I guess, "FEW and far between".  A lengthy paddle-to multi on Francis E Walter dam.

By D/T, folks sorta know what they're in for, and our description is more for gear n other opportunities than finding an ammo can.

[+JL_HSTRE]

When the description is very brief it's usually a safe bet the cache and location are equally forgettable. 

[+edexter]

I find not just the title but the entire cache page can often be an indication of the overall quality of the cache.  If the CO has obviously spent time on the appearance and content of the cache page, it can be an indication of similar effort in placing and maintaining the cache.  The opposite is even more likely to be the case.  

edexter

[+Mudfrog]

The title of a cache does make a difference for me. I won't even look at a cache page that has a title that goes something like "Power Trail #38" or "Disney Character- Mickey". Some titles are somewhat vague and that's fine since they usually perk my interest enough to see what they might actually entail. A cache with a good description, maybe a brief summary of the area's history, not too long or detailed, is usually a cache that has more thought put into it and a cache I think I will enjoy finding. Caches with descriptions giving the impression of a potential challenge, maybe the container is hidden well or there's a more difficult terrain, always grab my attention as well.

 

Of course the title is the starting point, I still want to dig in for some of the other important stuff like container size and difficulty ratings. 

 

 

 

 

[+geodarts]

The time has long gone when I could think a cache was placed to take me to a special place or for a special reason — when I could use it to help plan a trip or discover a new trail.   
 

A title and a name — or perhaps a photo— is all there is to get my attention.

[+Sottiwotti]

If the title and the discription look low-effort, I'm probably only going to look for it when I happen to be close by. At GZ, I'm also inclined to not spend a lot of time to look for the cache. I'm not doing this hobby for the big numbers.

 

Like everything in life, a first impression is very important!