How do you feel about a "Copy-Cache?"

8.4k · June 11, 2003

I have invited people to copy my caches (or TB's) for the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Cache Network, if they like the idea.

How would you feel if found out that your cache idea had been copied down to the exact text? Or if someone asked you?

Sngans

The greatest labor saving invention of today is tomorrow....

June 12, 2003

I didn't vote, I would think it was great if they copied it, but lazy to use the exact same text. No voting option covered that.

_________________________________________________________

If trees could scream, would we still cut them down?

Well, maybe if they screamed all the time, for no reason.

Click here for my Geocaching pictures and Here (newest)

20.7k · June 12, 2003

I agree with Martman. Also, I think its a good idea to dedicate the cache to the cache (or cacher) being copied.

1.7k · June 12, 2003

Yeah, I can't decide how to vote, either, but if there were an option for it I'd vote "I don't mind if they borrow my concept, though I'd like it if they'd at least talk to me about it first, and it'd be nice if it were at least in a different state. 'Borrowing' my text and images is copyright infringement and will not be tolerated."

38.2k · June 12, 2003

I'm with Martmann, I'd feel honored if someone copied one of my caches, but to copy the text verbatim? That's a bit much.

"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"

3k · June 12, 2003

Borrow/copy a method? It happens all the time; whenever a new idea or method is introduced to an area, one immediately sees a few "substantially similar" caches pop up in the same area.

"Copy a cache down to the exact text?"

Please, "Just say No."

June 12, 2003

I think most cache owners are flattered to have their ideas copied, provided you are in a different geographical area, and, MOST IMPORTANT, you obtain their permission first.

I came across a great idea for a cache on the opposite coast from where I live. You Sank My Battleship!

and I wrote the cache owner requesting permission to use the idea. Not only did he graciously allow me to use his cache as a template for my own, he coached me through some of the finer points, and even provided some server space for the links I put on my own copy.

Battleships in White Rock!

Kudos to brdad

June 12, 2003

My "Play it Safe" (Baltimore, MD) cache is very similar to "THE SAFE" located in southwest VA. I was sure to give credit to my inspiration. Imitation is the best form of flattery, but copying can get you into trouble..

June 12, 2003

With my last cache planted, I noticed a few weeks later a similarly texted cache and cache container showed up about 50 or so miles away. Not sure how I feel, happy that they liked the idea, but its nothing special, which I am sure is a mixture of the last 96 caches I found. I have also had a container taken, contents left in a grocery bag, just took the tupperware, which confused me more then anything. The cache text was nothing special but still surprised me on a simple traditional cache. The container is common in the Ottawa area but new to New Brunswick, a short ABS pipe painted camo colours. The cacher is new and I am really happy that there are now 64 caches from 43 in the area.

Car37 & Shnde

20.7k · June 12, 2003

I totally stole the the hide-the-ammo-box-under-a-pile-of-sticks method.

8.4k · June 12, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by sbell111:
I totally stole the the hide-the-ammo-box-under-a-pile-of-sticks method.

Duuuuuude! (or girl dude) That was MY idea!

Sngans

The greatest labor saving invention of today is tomorrow....

June 13, 2003

At last count I had four people who have asked me for permission to copy the theme of my BREEDER cache concept. Each time someone emails and asks if they can use it I feel like I've been complimented.

--- yrium ---

3k · June 14, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by sbell111:
I totally stole the the hide-the-ammo-box-under-a-pile-of-sticks method.

Was that the "Parallel Sticks" method or the "Higglety-Pigglety" method?

November 8, 2004

if you want to see some examples of copy-caching type in "do not find" in the keyword search box or go to GCK0AN where they will tel you that the text is blatantly stolenv from other caches like it, TERRORISTS :lol: I do not want to find those caches, or maybe I do just to annoy them

Edited November 8, 2004 by camo-crazed

2.3k · November 8, 2004

Flattery is the most sincere form of imitation.

November 8, 2004

At last count I had four people who have asked me for permission to copy the theme of my <A HREF="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=3691" TARGET=_blank>BREEDER</A> cache concept. Each time someone emails and asks if they can use it I feel like I've been complimented. --- yrium ---

Ha, Ha...I was one of those four and I again thank you! However, Spawner was lost during Flooding from Ivan and had to be archived.

Interestingly, a few other local caches have used the concept as well. See This Cache and This Cache.

Spawner is pretty much done doing its thing and has now been put into Retirement but it still may produce a cache if I find good reason to do so.

So your original idea has actually snowballed more than you may know!

Regards,

Salvelinus

2.5k · November 8, 2004

I wouldn't mind if they used my caches as a base to make their own somewhere, but I wouldn't want them to copy it word for word and exactly replicate the hiding spot. Show at least a little engenuity (sic) on your part.

1.9k · November 8, 2004

basicly i would feel honored if somebody liked my caches that much.

8.9k · November 8, 2004

basicly i would feel honored if somebody liked my caches that much.

Me too, but at least mention that you saw something like it at another cache. Better yet - wouldn't it be nice (not required, but nice) to contact the original cacher and ASK if you can copy him?

November 8, 2004

basicly i would feel honored if somebody liked my caches that much.

Same here. Word for word is fine too, but most of mine are puzzle caches, and the puzzle will lead them back to my cache.

7

3.5k · November 8, 2004

I had a cacher in the area contact me a while back to see if he could use some of my techniques to hide a cache about 45 miles north of me. I appreciated getting the email from him...of course after completing HIS cache I wish I had given him less inspiration! :anibad:

Yesterday I received an email from a cacher who was working on a travelbug and discovered I had already put together an idea that was almost identical to his. I also appreciated the heads-up that there would be another bug out there with a similar mission, similar bug page and identical name.

Bret

November 8, 2004

I have invited people to copy my caches (or TB's) for the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Cache Network, if they like the idea. How would you feel if found out that your cache idea had been copied down to the exact text? Or if someone asked you? Sngans <A HREF="http://www.texasgeocaching.com" TARGET=_blank><IMG SRC="http://www.texasgeocaching.com/images/texasgeocaching_sm.gif"> </A>The greatest labor saving invention of today is tomorrow....

in the scrapbook world, this is called CASE (copy and steal everything) It becomes particularly tricky in this hobby because the scrapbook pages are often submitted to magazines for publication. So sometimes work that is copied gets published, and that's not fair and getting close to copyright issues.

So the scrapbook ladies, if they are posting images of their work, will either say "work inspired by suzie q. scrapper, or complete CASE pg. 13 of Scrapbook Mag" and sometimes the ladies will say when posting their work, to ask for consideration if someone copies their work, to give honor where honor is due. Otherwise, people think the copied work is original. Unfortunately, people often come up with very similar ideas so there is always a shadow of doubt with true originality.

Now, for Caches. I completely understand if the hider is very original and is receiving accolades for his/her cache. somebody comes and copies it without asking, and that either a huge compliment or the copy-cacher is really taking advantage of somebody elses genius.

so. no advice, just wanted to type a huge long post for no particular reason.

November 8, 2004

My in a stump or under a log is being copied all over!

1.6k · November 8, 2004

I'd be a bit annoyed if it was word for word to be honest... and why the big bump?

MarcB

4.7k · November 8, 2004

sometimes a fine idea happens independently in two places. great.

sometimes one fine idea inspires another. also great. it is nice if the berson being inspires tips a hat where possible.

sometimes a fine concept can be re-used with good result in a new location.

i have been asked if i would mind if my idea was used, and i have asked if i might use parts of other people's ideas.

some caches are actually enhanced by being replicated exactly or near exactly all over.

and there are some caches that should not be replicated in another place, not even by the original hider. i'm not talking about caches that never should have been; i'm talking about things like what i will call for argument's sake "bob's cache".

bob's cache is one of the best caches i have ever been to. i am not giving details of any kind, but i will tell you that it's a bit of a puzzle. bob is thinking of making versions of it for two areas each about 80 miles away from the original. i think it's a bad idea.

why? because it is such a singular cache that i would really hate to have anyone look at it and say "oh, yeah. i saw one like it in x location".... i think that people ought to go visit the original, and that's that. i made a special trip to find it, and somehow it would have been cheapened if there had been one just like it near my home.

'course, there are always hiding methods or container ideas you hear about here in general terms and don't know to whom you should give credit. or alternately, you read a cache description and wonder what the trick is and while you're trying to figure out how a thing like that might be done, you come up with an idea of your own.

and THEN there's the times that you attempt to make a cache method APPEAR to be another method when it's not. i'd give an example, but you know how it is...

6.5k · November 9, 2004

I have mixed feelings. I have one hide/camo technique that has been cloned several times via contacts from the CCC thread. They are all on my watch list, and I get a warm fuzzy every time a log on one of them mentions the technique. :lol:

One hider wrote a theme based cache page, and all of the finders have kept with the genre in their logs. Now that's cool!

However there is another local player who has used this technique for some of his hides, albeit in a kinder gentler manner (he's a nicer person than me :lol: ).

While I like the flattery of the copy catting, it did bug me a bit because it may stem some of the challenge and surprise of finally finding my cache. :lol:

But there are now so many caches hidden around here that it doesn't really matter that much.

November 9, 2004

I copied an awesome, hard to find cache I found a hundred miles from home, but in the same state. When logging the original find I mentioned I would try one like it in my area.

I did place a similar hide, that I hoped was difficult, and mentioned in the write up that it was not my original idea, but copied from a cache I really enjoyed in the eastern part of the state. So the first guy to find it looked up my history of finds, figured out which cache I copied and deduced the "trick" of the hide from the original cache's logs.

He patted himself on the back for doing his research and using "deductive reasoning". I was a little ticked and changed the description for future cachers. It wasn't supposed to be a puzzle cache, just a tribute to a cool idea.

24.7k · November 9, 2004

Every cache ever done, including the first has builds upon all the caches that came before in part. Someone else, someplace else, at some other time has already done it, or done some aspect of it.

Since it's impossible to be 100% original I wouldn't sweat it one bit that an Idea you had escapes and is used by someone.

1.4k · November 10, 2004

I've done a few "copy caches". If I see an idea, especially when I'm traveling, I'll take the idea home with me and place a similar cache here. I don't see anything wrong with recycling a good idea. Copying the text is over the top though.

4.1k · November 10, 2004

If someone finds any of our caches and and wishes to copy them, they have our permission to do so.

John

1.9k · November 10, 2004

Since it's impossible to be 100% original I wouldn't sweat it one bit that an Idea you had escapes and is used by someone.

actually i think i did a 100% original one... one in which you need to feel braille to solve the coordinates... one where you had to listen to a cd with morse code on it to get your coords... definatly original in my book.

November 10, 2004

As General MacArthur once was quoted as saying, "It is much better to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission," I say copy it (there's no such thing as an original idea, or, God gave you eyes... plagerize!) and give the idea-provider credit in your listing. I certainly did with my Pocono Shotgun Start Event 2004!

November 10, 2004

I haven't read all the responces to this topic but here's my take anyway. If someone were to copy one of my cache ideas I would be flattered. I think it's fine as long as the copy isn't too close to the original. Not all cachers get the chance to travel like some and they wouldn't have the oppurtunity to do an original if no one copied great ideas. I have copied an idea myself and did contact the owner of the original and even went as far as to request a picture because I couldn't remember how all the pieces went together. The owner was hapy to do this and because of it others have had the chance to find a somewhat unique container. The idea is to have fun and spread the fun and the more interesting the cache the funner (is that a word?).

10.1k · November 11, 2004

I've done a few caches that were based on someone else's cache. Ekitt10's Aerial Surveillance, for one. And I loved it! I'm glad that it was here in Jersey!

I've see one that I would like to replicate (if I ever get over my frustration at approval taking two to three weeks, or an explanation thereof). If I do, I will contact the person's whose idea I am copying , and will credit him for the concept. Though it may not be original on his part, it was his cache that inspired me.

4.7k · November 11, 2004

Since it's impossible to be 100% original I wouldn't sweat it one bit that an Idea you had escapes and is used by someone.

actually i think i did a 100% original one... one in which you need to feel braille to solve the coordinates... one where you had to listen to a cd with morse code on it to get your coords... definatly original in my book.

nope. unusual, but not original. ther are no new ideas under the sun.

every time i think "that's never been done before", a little research proves me wrong. EVERY HONKIN' TIME.

there ARE, however, old ideas put together in new ways.

1.9k · November 11, 2004

Since it's impossible to be 100% original I wouldn't sweat it one bit that an Idea you had escapes and is used by someone.

actually i think i did a 100% original one... one in which you need to feel braille to solve the coordinates... one where you had to listen to a cd with morse code on it to get your coords... definatly original in my book.

nope. unusual, but not original. ther are no new ideas under the sun.

every time i think "that's never been done before", a little research proves me wrong. EVERY HONKIN' TIME.

there ARE, however, old ideas put together in new ways.

ok, show me where either of those have been done before... if you can ill step down off my soap box <_<

i must actually say i researched both and couldn't find any reference to either one.

anyway, i posted them here so that others could copy them... ALSO a cache thief stole my braille cache this week.

5.3k · November 11, 2004

Since it's impossible to be 100% original I wouldn't sweat it one bit that an Idea you had escapes and is used by someone.

actually i think i did a 100% original one... one in which you need to feel braille to solve the coordinates... one where you had to listen to a cd with morse code on it to get your coords... definatly original in my book.

nope. unusual, but not original. ther are no new ideas under the sun.

every time i think "that's never been done before", a little research proves me wrong. EVERY HONKIN' TIME.

there ARE, however, old ideas put together in new ways.

ok, show me where either of those have been done before... if you can ill step down off my soap box

i must actually say i researched both and couldn't find any reference to either one.

anyway, i posted them here so that others could copy them... ALSO a cache thief stole my braille cache this week.

In my list of finds there are 2 with morse code audio files and I DNF'ed a braille cache recently.

7.3k · November 11, 2004

Apparently the Florida Geocaching community is good with copycatting - first there was this cache by Overrover and now there are these THREE PAGES , 36 copycat caches in 9 states. Sometimes a hide is just GOOD. :unsure:

November 11, 2004

I recently had an extremely nice woman ask me if she could copy a technique I used in a Cumberland, MD cache in a cache in Florida. I was delighted. If the other cache was closer, I might have said no, but I felt honored to inspire a spin-off.

I don't think I have to worry about people copying my 2 puzzle caches. They were much harder to make than they are to solve.

8.9k · November 11, 2004

Heheh. Stunod found one of my morse code caches. :unsure: Placed it 10/12/2002

Edited November 11, 2004 by Markwell

How do you feel about a "Copy-Cache?"

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