eCache

6 Responses to “Competition & FTF”

1. By Frodo on Mar 4, 2007

   Bob,

   Some food for thought on the FTF angst that I think you might appreciate - the baseball fan that you are.

   Geocache is like playing baseball without an umpire. There is no watchdog to ensure everyone is on the same page and chaos occasionally ensues

   And upon further thought geocaching is like baseball with everyone having their own different rule book.

   If you look at it this way the numbers and claims are meaningless in comparison to anything else.

   My measure of caching is “did I have fun”. If I did it was a successful day. If I did not, well then I will try not to repeat whatever in that day contributed to it not being fun.

   Just food for thought - it helps me deal with the angst. Now I wish I had this perspective on the game a couple of years ago.

   Peace,

   Frodo

2. By Bob on Mar 4, 2007

   I am not certain the analogy works, but I will ponder it some more.

   Regarding Kit Fox’s question, there’s no recognition sought. I find caches for no recognition. That is why I can easily cache without signing a log. That is why I can easily state the game would have been better without online logging. If no one knows that you are doing it, the recognition aspect is moot.

   Anyhow, there’s no angst on my part . . . just trying to fortify my position. Folks will still proclaim their accomplishments despite what I think. Just look at the first few logs on these caches dated 3 and 4 March:

   • Heroes
   • Wholesale Multi
   • Sting
   • Smaug’s Lair
   • Spirit of Mirkwood

   Frankly, I tire of listing these.

   As I said the other day, the self congratulations is just uncomfortable for me. Uncomfortable, not full of angst.

3. By Frodo on Mar 4, 2007

   I think we are pretty much on the same wavelength on the FTF issue. I know a while back I was with a group and I found a cache first and someone in the group wanted the FTF ans was disappointed that I got it. I asked him if it meant a lot to him - he said yes - and I said that he could have it if he liked and handed him the log book before it was signed. I got a crazy look from him but he eagerly signed the book first. My reaction - whatever.

   I you care to see another variation of FTF bragging go to my cache Deep Though 011 and look at the FTF bookmark list that one of the cachers have linked my cache too.

   http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=7e669ea9-b877-4575-8e42-5e6ac418291a&log=y

   As for “angst” I was referring to the discussions you see on gc.com’s boards not you comments.

   As for my analogies - I will have to ponder to see if I can come up with something better that sums it all up in just a few words.

   Frodo

4. By Bob on Mar 4, 2007

   Ah yes, I am familiar with that list. And like I shared with you previously, he cannot be certain he was FTF on that cache. But who can blame him? It is what the natives recommend.

   The extension of the FTF bragging is cropping up elsewhere too. I hate to squelch enthusiasm, but I sense this too will catch on.

   What better way to celebrate our victory over the Eights then to place a cache of our own. I just happened to have a cache just waiting for such a moment. We decided the laundry piled up at home could wait a little longer but the new cache couldn’t.
   -from the cache We’re sooo proud of ourselves!!

5. By Frodo on Mar 4, 2007

   I wish there was someway to channel that enthusiasm elsewhere. The more caches I see 529 ft. from existing caches, the more I am agreeing with you.

6. By Bob on Mar 4, 2007

   Don’t say it like agreeing with me is troublesome. j/k

   Hey, converting folks one post at a time.