eCache

5 Responses to “Trending in the Wrong Direction”

1. By Bob on Jun 30, 2005

   Another trend I am noticing is that quite frequently I am the only one logged onto TC.com. That never used to be the case. Within the last week, the number of times I have been the only one on the site at the time is increasing. Several times each day that is the case.

   Not that this trend is related to the other, but it is interesting to note that while membership is growing, it seems as though activity is dwindling.

2. By Bob on Jun 30, 2005

   Well, I got the answer to Cache Lists answered when I PMd AK again today, quoting him from a thread on the site.

   He blasts John’s argument about average ratings stating he has excluded the archived caches. I had asked for a checkbox for archived caches to be added to the cache list pages. His reply was it wasn’t likely to be implemented.

   Sigh . . . maybe not all the tools are available to us to accomplish the mission.

3. By splicingdan on Jul 1, 2005

   I’ve see you mention the fact that you’re becoming disillusioned with TC.com because of the lack of high quality caches. Maybe a trip to SI will change that, maybe not. But, I can tell you that you yourself are only partially using the “tools” available to you.

   After finding my fifth Terracache, I realized that I was falling into the same pattern as everyone else regarding my logs - always trying to find something nice to say or just avoiding any negativity.

   I believe that a person’s log is the payback that I get for placing a cache. But more importantly, it’s a tool that conveys a request for an encore or a change of methods. If we constantly gloss-over our dislikes then nothing will ever change.

   Let’s take a look at Bluebird’s caches. First there was “Car Park Adventure”, it was a pile of crap. I let it be known and he subsequently archived it. Then, “BP Cache”. Nice park, poor execution. “US APC” and “Roadside Oddities” lead to a series of emails between us where I explained, in detail, the differences between a Geocache and a Terracache.

   His next effort was a much improved “Riverside View”. I realize that there’s still much more room for improvement, but it was improvement nontheless. My rating was a token of encouragement for him to continue along the same lines. I felt that if I offered more negativity that he probably would have abandoned the site.

   My point is this, I could have easily logged a “TNLNSL” for any of them and walked away. Instead, I took the initiative, based on my caching experiences to point out the issues.

   Bob, your log for “Riverside View” is vague and doesn’t convey to the owner your likes or dislikes. If you had issues with the location or the container (which I believe that you have stated somewhere), you should issue an edit.

   Let’s face it, as it stands right now in NY and NJ, it’s you, me, Kber, lostinjersey, and Bluebird. That’s it. If we don’t set the standards now, it will be impossible later. I urge you to use your experience and be a leader here.

4. By Bob on Jul 1, 2005

   If we constantly gloss-over our dislikes then nothing will ever change.
   your log for “Riverside View” is vague and doesn’t convey to the owner your likes or dislikes.

   While I agree that it is important to convey issues with caches, I disagree that my log is vague.

   I solved the puzzle in about 20 minutes. I confirmed the coordinates for I knew I was going to be in the area 10 days ago. Then I promptly forgot to load the correct coordinates into the GPS. I am not certain I would have been able to retrieve it anyhow as there was a carnival and many children between me and the cache.

   So, on my big day out today, I stopped by. Coordinates seem a bit soft. There is a lot of broken glass in the area. On my way to the cache, I found two of our finest state DOT workers asleep. One was sprawled out on a picnic table. Another was crashed in the truck. Good example there guys!

   EDIT:
   There are restrictions on when this cache can be sought. I believe it was 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM, but I did not write it down, so I may be off on the actual times.

   I pointed out that the puzzle wasn’t much of a challenge. I pointed out that this is a park likely to have children present. I mentioned the coordinates were soft. I mentioned there was broken glass about. I mentioned that there are time restrictions to the park, which were not mentioned on the cache page.

   For me, that is about all I am likely to point out. I could have been more direct. I did that, if you recall, with the DC virt and received all sorts of negative feedback and choice words tossed my way.

   I have rated but one cache ‘good’. The Larchmont cache I rated ‘average’, even though I documented the time and money to get there. The system is flawed. I voted the DC virt SBA. I went out and found it and kept my SBA rating. The MCE did not not move from 5.1. Nor did the 4.7 of the Delaware ferry cache which I had rated very bad or whatever is right above SBA.

   I have voiced my opinions. I have gotten a lot of feedback for doing so. While I am not one to be bullied, I realize that I am not going to lead my POV by being involved in ongoing battles. Note, I haven’t posted publicly over there in a while.

   One guy took me to task saying I was wrong to pursue a group definition. Then he promptly started his own thread asking for the same. Another prominent player tells me he is unwilling to rule anything out from being high quality. The rest basically take the stand that there will be crappy caches; TC.com is just another listing site. And that appears to be what it is with an interesting points system which does nothing to recognize high quality caches.

   Recognizing what it is leaves me less than excited. I have no problem with that kind of site; it is just that that isn’t what I was looking for. I already have a site with a gazillion cache listings and which I am pretty adept at identifying the crap from the rest. It isn’t worth my time to support another site that is doing the same.

5. By splicingdan on Jul 2, 2005

   Well, I’m not ready to give up on TC.com. I believe that by clearly stating my opinions and placing quality caches that, at the very least, my area will lead by example. If this means that there will be battles, so be it. I’ve wasted more than enough time hunting for junk. If people continue to place crappy caches then I will do my part and let them know.

   I have questions about the system also. But, until we have 100 caches in our 100 mile radius the numbers will be skewed and should, for the most part, be ignored.