Decoy non-caches... OK or not?

[+Sparrowhawk]

Hey all...

 

I have placed my first cache! People seem to like it a lot so far, which ain't bad for a first cache.

 

I've been messing with how I can improve it or add additional twists... and so I added a typical-looking little cache container to the site... it has a note inside that says "THIS AIN"T IT! Keep trying!" with smileys all over it.

 

I was trying for a bit of humor... but I want to know if that actually works... would that be both amusing and annoying - or just annoying?

 

What if I added a really nice hint to it as to where the real cache is as an award for finding the decoy... would that help or even be necessary, you think?

 

-Elana

 

-Elana (a.k.a. "sparrowhawk" and formerly a.k.a. "falcospav" here on this site.)

[Pantalaimon]

quote:

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Originally posted by Sparrowhawk:

I was trying for a bit of humor... but I want to know if that actually works... would that be both amusing and annoying - or just annoying?

---

 

I suppose it would depend on what kind of day I'm having... but I think that finding a decoy would be pretty amusing. Putting a clue in there would be pretty good too.

 

Overall, I say go for it.

 

Pan

 

Cachito ergo sum. I Geocache, therefore I am.

[+Caching In]

quote:

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What if I added a really nice hint to it as to where the real cache is as an award for finding the decoy... would that help or even be necessary, you think?

---

 

Wouldn't that be on it's way to becoming a "multi," or even an "offset-cache?"

 

I don't see a problem, 'cept maybe for the rug-rats who bolt away from their adults screaming in a bragging sort of way...I GOT IT!! I FOUND IT!!! I can see that being sad, in a very funny way.

 

Whether or not it is excepted in here, it just shows that you care about the forward progress of this game. Keep it up!

[+hoovman]

An offset puzzle cache that had one or two likely wrong answers, it'd be great to have a clue in a "nope, not it" cache, especially if the wrong answer puts you quite a ways away from the cache.

 

For example, if you somehow had an offset calculation based on "US State with largest land area", Texas would be a common wrong answer. A clue in the "not it" cache might be: "don't just think lower 48" to suggest the right answer (Alaska).

 

[+Newenglandah]

That would be great !!!! I would just note on the cache page that it wouldn't be a quick to do cache, so you can plan it and not try to do it when you have 45 mins to spear some day.

 

See you in the woods!

[+georgeandmary]

I've seen it a half doezen times and you just have to keep your sense of humor about you. If finding a fake cache in the obvious spot ruins your day then what would you do if you didn't find anything at all?

 

The one thing a decoy tells you is at least you're in the right area, and you're close. I just laugh, put it back and then find the real cache.

 

george

 

Pedal until your legs cramp up and then pedal some more.

[+Darkmoon]

I think that is a great idea...i would be doing the Homer Simpson DOHHHHHHHHHhh and then shrugging my head and going for the real cache...yes if someone doesn't have a sense of humor they might be in this for the wrong reasons !

Darkmoon

 

No, I am not lost...I am where I am suppose to be...At least I think so?

[+Criminal]

That would be great if it were a "virtual insult cache", finding the wrong container would result in additional written insults. (Whadda lookin here for knucklehead!) As long as the finders knew it was all in good fun it would rock.

[+Renegade Knight]

Good idea. I've seen 'fake cache clues' before. Things like URP's that were nothing and the like.

 

Wherever you go there you are.

[+Jamie Z]

I'm not sure if this has happened in other cases where people have done this, but I can imagine folks finding the decoy, not paying any attention to the note inside, and then logging a find.

 

I say this because there is a local cache that is a multi. The note inside clearly describes where the second part is... and it's a real neat find, but I'd estimate that 2/3 of the people who log the cache as a find never even looked at the note, let alone found the second part of the cache.

 

Jamie

[+Newenglandah]

Put the coods to the first cache and inside it have a bunch of different coods to a bunch of micro decoy micros with clues in them. and you ethier have to keep going back to the main as a starting point or try by each micros clues..

 

picture the cache site set up in a Y shape and have all the micros with the V of the Y

 

See you in the woods!

Natureboy1376

[+Sissy-n-CR]

It's cool.

 

As for going to the wrong coordinates, look here: SesquiTrivia. Get a wrong answer? Go find a tag that says something to the effect, "Wrong answer. Try again."

 

We had a ton of fun.

 

CR

 

[+malak]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sparrowhawk:

I've been messing with how I can improve it or add additional twists... and so I added a typical-looking little cache container to the site... it has a note inside that says "THIS AIN"T IT! Keep trying!" with smileys all over it.

---

 

Oh, Balls! (@#$%!)

 

This cache is well placed as a "revenge cache" and "consolation cache" by another cacher for a particularly ornery cache. The logbook says that while you have found that cache, you should keep on looking for the cache you set out to look for.

[+yrium]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sparrowhawk:

 

and so I added a typical-looking little cache container to the site... it has a note inside that says "THIS AIN"T IT! Keep trying!" with smileys all over it.

 

I was trying for a bit of humor... but I want to know if that actually works... would that be both amusing and annoying - or just annoying?

 

---

 

I've done the same thing for my 5/1.5 rated cache. I felt it was only fair to let them know that they were at least in the right area. My decoy cache was a peanut butter jar containing a single piece of paper saying.

 

Its rated 5/1.5 and this ain't it!

 

--- yrium ---

[umc]

I see no harm in a decoy cache. I've tried to create decoy cache hiding places near a cache or two. What I mean is I would pile a bunch of sticks and bark nearby in several spots so that the finder would walk up and say oh that has to be it but nothing would be undernieth. They don't usually give up at that point and say it was stolen but will keep searching. A just for fun thing if you will. I try not to make my caches so obvious so its kind of fun to set out a pile that looks like I did make it obvious and easy.

 

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So far so good, somewhat new owner of a second/new Garmin GPS V 20 plus finds so far with little to no problem. We'll see what happens when there are leaves on the trees again.

[Freelens]

I get upset when I can't find one that is actually there, a dummy cache might just disappear depending on my mood and if I have my lighter with me.

[+Genius Loci]

Just pay careful heed of Jamie's post, and make sure it's clearly labeled as a decoy.

 

I love it when hiders take the time to do something special like this, instead of just dumping their box in a handy hollow log or under the nearest thorn bush (BORING). I would much rather be upset because I couldn't find a clever, creative hide, than bored by yet another 'lame' regular. Easy Finds just don't satisfy me like they used to...

 

I had a dream that I went caching in a place where someone had dumped hundreds of empty ammo boxes and tupperware containers... and only one of them actually contained a cache. Now that would be a frustrating hunt - but what a fantastic, unique cache!