The Virtual Flap

I do not understand the current flap about virtuals.

Yes, the “purpose” of virtual caches is to visit a location.

The Groundspeak FAQ is clear:

Virtual caches - A cache is actually an existing landmark, such as a tombstone or statue. You have to answer a question from the landmark and let the “cache” owner know as proof that you were there.
emphasis mine

The guidelines for the hider are clear as well:

Virtual Caches

A virtual cache is an existing, permanent landmark of a unique nature. The seeker must answer a question from the landmark and verify to the cache owner that he was really there.
emphasis mine

One would have to dig further to get ambiguity:

Virtual Cache Logging Guidelines

Logging a virtual cache find requires compliance with the requirements stated by the poster, including answering the required questions by e-mail to the poster, providing original photos if so requested, etc. Answers to questions, hints or clues should not be placed in the logs, even if encrypted.

This passage perhaps could confuse someone who only saw this. But it is clear with the two passages above that the intent is to visit the cache location.

That folks purposely ignore the intentions because the header above them do not say rules is not surprising. The smiley find count is paramount to many. We have visited this issue numerous times here.

I am beyond telling others how to play the game. The smiley count is meaningless. I have seen some really “interesting” justification over the years for certain actions that I am uncomfortable with.

And for virtual fans, I cannot emphasize enough how great shutterspotting is. It makes virtual caching a challenge by standing it on its head.

Also blogged on this date . . .

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One Response to “The Virtual Flap”

  1. By Bob on Jan 17, 2007

    Well, it looks like there is agreement. Dave’s post mirrored what I wrote here.

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