A day in the life of a Reviewer

[+The Strangler]

With all the talk of reviewers and the speculation surrounding the new reviewer, it got me thinking, as I am waiting for a cache to be published. What sort of things do reviewers do? How much of their lives are spent reviewing? From my experience of placing caches so far, there are a few obvious things that a reviewer does, but what happens behind the scenes? Also, are they all UK based? I would be interested to know and I am sure there are other cachers that may like to know too.

[+Lost in Space]

What sort of things do reviewers do?

 

Drink copious amounts of red wine, cider, beer, etc. (Some even smoke Hamlet cigars........)

 

Generally speaking though, they devote a lot of personal time to ensure that the rest of us have new caches to visit/find.

[+Michael]

An average day for a reviewer is educating land managers, writing emails to and from cachers, settling arguments between cachers, publishing caches, Working with me on local issues that have been sent to Groundspeak, keeping track of disabled caches and in general anything else that comes across their desk. Thats just the average day. On some days its all that and a lot more.

A reviewer can spend between 5 and 50 hours a week reviewing. Some even more than that. They average at least one hate mail a week and in spite of it all still manage to keep a good attitude about Geocaching and Geocachers. Some times they even get to go caching.

 

It varies by reviewer but thats a good example of a typical day in the life of a reviewer.

Edited August 3, 2008 by Michael

[+Croaghan]

On a work day I leave home at 7am so I get up at 5:30 and spend about 30mins checking the review queue, publishing any easy caches and writing notes for any that I have queries on. I also check my email for any replies to previous queries and try to publish them if I have time.

 

I get home about 7pm and after the kids are in bed I spend about 45mis to 1hr doing the same as the morning but also checking any "Needs Archived" and "Coordinates Changed" logs to see if they need actioned in any way. It's usually the evening when I also respond to any queries from cachers about caches they are concerned about or when they want to run ideas past me on new cache ideas they have or checking a location to see if anyone else has something planned for the area.

 

Once a month I also go through all the Temporarily Disabled caches in Ireland and post notes if they have been disabled for more than 4 weeks looking for an update from the owner. If I haven't had a response from an owner from the previous month I'll archive the cache. I also used to check out caches with a "Needs Maintenance" attribute but I don't get the time to do this any more.

 

On top of my reviewing I'm also an admin and moderator on the Geocaching Ireland forum but thankfully I'm one of three people doing that and they have more free time than me

 

I'm lucky in that Ireland is a lot less busy than the likes of the UK. I think Deci has probably published more in a couple of weeks than I do in a year so I get more time to spend on duties other than publication and still manage to have a family life and hold down a job. I hate to think how little free time he has had over the last few months.

 

As Michael says some reviewers do more than me, some do less. It all depends on personal circumstances and the amount of available time really.

[+Graculus]

An average day for a reviewer is educating land managers, writing emails to and from cachers, settling arguments between cachers, publishing caches, Working with me on local issues that have been sent to Groundspeak, keeping track of disabled caches and in general anything else that comes across their desk. Thats just the average day. On some days its all that and a lot more.

A reviewer can spend between 5 and 50 hours a week reviewing. Some even more than that. They average at least one hate mail a week and in spite of it all still manage to keep a good attitude about Geocaching and Geocachers. Some times they even get to go caching.

 

It varies by reviewer but thats a good example of a typical day in the life of a reviewer.

 

Hang on.. this is all news to me... when I got this job (which was about 6 hours ago) I don't recall anyone mentioning all this in the job description

 

Graculus

[+mongoose39uk]

An average day for a reviewer is educating land managers, writing emails to and from cachers, settling arguments between cachers, publishing caches, Working with me on local issues that have been sent to Groundspeak, keeping track of disabled caches and in general anything else that comes across their desk. Thats just the average day. On some days its all that and a lot more.

A reviewer can spend between 5 and 50 hours a week reviewing. Some even more than that. They average at least one hate mail a week and in spite of it all still manage to keep a good attitude about Geocaching and Geocachers. Some times they even get to go caching.

 

It varies by reviewer but thats a good example of a typical day in the life of a reviewer.

 

Hang on.. this is all news to me... when I got this job (which was about 6 hours ago) I don't recall anyone mentioning all this in the job description

 

Graculus

 

It's the sucker punch that gets em every time

 

Congratulations by the way Chris.

[+rutson]

This is a non-UK specific geocache point and as such, should be posted in the general "geocaching topics" forum

[+The Strangler]

An average day for a reviewer is educating land managers, writing emails to and from cachers, settling arguments between cachers, publishing caches, Working with me on local issues that have been sent to Groundspeak, keeping track of disabled caches and in general anything else that comes across their desk. Thats just the average day. On some days its all that and a lot more.

A reviewer can spend between 5 and 50 hours a week reviewing. Some even more than that. They average at least one hate mail a week and in spite of it all still manage to keep a good attitude about Geocaching and Geocachers. Some times they even get to go caching.

 

It varies by reviewer but thats a good example of a typical day in the life of a reviewer.

 

Very interesting. I did not realise the amount of personal time given to this sport. So far I have resisted the temptation to send hatemail.

[Deceangi]

From a UK point of view the Reviewers and now Moderator as well receive very little hate mail, in fact I can in over 2 years of being a Reviewer remember receiving a lot less than a handful of Hate emails/PM's. Mostly it's usually "thank you" we receive.

 

Things are slightly backed on the reviewing side of things as I've just spent a fantastic 4 days at the Mega Event [including making myself look a pratt ] I should have the queue cleared by tomorrow. Then hopefully go into Training Mode .

 

As for the amount of time put in, well this last few months have been unusual here in the UK so I'll not comment on that. But on a normal average day, 2-3 hours reviewing caches, answer emails, dealing with other issues [including the occasional one that Michael has flagged up] discussing things between the UK Reviewers/other Reviewer Community Members.

 

Each cache is checked to see it complies with the Guidelines, the Location is checked to insure it complies with Landowner Placement Agreements, any other location issues. UK specific issues [Dry Stone Walls]

 

What is not checked is Grammar and Spelling despite many requests off people to do so

 

The Rewards receiving the Thanks from the UK community and the many close friendships that get built up. [i've spent the last four days have people come up to me to specifically say "Thank You". It's the best reward in the world ]

[+fat bloke]

This is a non-UK specific geocache point and as such, should be posted in the general "geocaching topics" forum

You forgot to say gracky for that final impact

Is somthing bothering you?

[+fat bloke]

From a UK point of view the Reviewers and now Moderator as well receive very little hate mail, in fact I can in over 2 years of being a Reviewer remember receiving a lot less than a handful of Hate emails/PM's. Mostly it's usually "thank you" we receive.

 

Things are slightly backed on the reviewing side of things as I've just spent a fantastic 4 days at the Mega Event [including making myself look a pratt ] I should have the queue cleared by tomorrow. Then hopefully go into Training Mode .

 

As for the amount of time put in, well this last few months have been unusual here in the UK so I'll not comment on that. But on a normal average day, 2-3 hours reviewing caches, answer emails, dealing with other issues [including the occasional one that Michael has flagged up] discussing things between the UK Reviewers/other Reviewer Community Members.

 

Each cache is checked to see it complies with the Guidelines, the Location is checked to insure it complies with Landowner Placement Agreements, any other location issues. UK specific issues [Dry Stone Walls]

 

What is not checked is Grammar and Spelling despite many requests off people to do so

 

The Rewards receiving the Thanks from the UK community and the many close friendships that get built up. [i've spent the last four days have people come up to me to specifically say "Thank You". It's the best reward in the world ]

Well

I could not get near you when I was sober at the camping event, as you were always in deep conversation. but I would like to say "Thanks" and keep on doing the bizz

[dodgydaved]

An average day for a reviewer is educating land managers, writing emails to and from cachers, settling arguments between cachers, publishing caches, Working with me on local issues that have been sent to Groundspeak, keeping track of disabled caches and in general anything else that comes across their desk. Thats just the average day. On some days its all that and a lot more.

A reviewer can spend between 5 and 50 hours a week reviewing. Some even more than that. They average at least one hate mail a week and in spite of it all still manage to keep a good attitude about Geocaching and Geocachers. Some times they even get to go caching.

 

It varies by reviewer but thats a good example of a typical day in the life of a reviewer.

 

Hang on.. this is all news to me... when I got this job (which was about 6 hours ago) I don't recall anyone mentioning all this in the job description

 

Graculus

 

Oh Graccy ( ), they never told you the half/quarter of it

 

All the very best Kidder, kevlar kecks on I hope

 

Dave

[+The Hornet]

The Rewards receiving the Thanks from the UK community and the many close friendships that get built up. [i've spent the last four days have people come up to me to specifically say "Thank You". It's the best reward in the world ]

I would like to second that sentiment. All the many "thanks" I received over the past couple of days makes it all worthwhile. I don't know if we are privileged to have an unusually wonderful crowd of people here in the UK (I think we do but I'm biased!) but the reaction we've had both in the last few days and the previous few months since the "parting of the ways" makes me sure you're very special.

[+Lost in Space]

All the many "thanks" I received over the past couple of days makes it all worthwhile.

 

Would that be pints or bottles??

 

[+The Hornet]

All the many "thanks" I received over the past couple of days makes it all worthwhile.

 

Would that be pints or bottles??

 

Actually this time it meant people simply coming up to me to say thanks. Mind you, I've had my share of liquid thanks too and my new tankard is definitely the dog's doodahs

Edited August 4, 2008 by The Hornet

[+The Cache Hoppers]

Oh I am gonna have a sulk - I want to shorten the new reviewer's nick to Gracie! Graccy sounds really harsh and I am sure he's a real softie at heart. Or how about "darling" as in Grace Darling!?! I reckon the new mod could get away with that Has Graculus stated a preference anywhere?

[+Graculus]

Oh I am gonna have a sulk - I want to shorten the new reviewer's nick to Gracie! Graccy sounds really harsh and I am sure he's a real softie at heart. Or how about "darling" as in Grace Darling!?! I reckon the new mod could get away with that Has Graculus stated a preference anywhere?

 

Yes, I did state a preference. I'm sure I was loud enough, as I had a microphone and a PA system at the time and several hundred cachers must have heard me say it.....

 

It is Graculus, it will never be shortened. EVER

 

But just for the Cache Hoppers... you can call me Graculus

 

Graculus

[+rutson]

Think you should get your missus to delete one of those Chris

[+fat boy slow]

Oh I am gonna have a sulk - I want to shorten the new reviewer's nick to Gracie! Graccy sounds really harsh and I am sure he's a real softie at heart. Or how about "darling" as in Grace Darling!?! I reckon the new mod could get away with that Has Graculus stated a preference anywhere?

 

At the acceptance speech Chris did specifically state is was Graculus and not Gracky, Gracie or any other short version......

 

oops to slow ...

Edited August 4, 2008 by fat boy slow

[mandarin]

Think you should get your missus to delete one of those Chris

 

Now you see it... Now you don't.

 

<quack>

[+maxkim]

As stated... thanks again to the old and thanks to the new... MaxKim

[Izzy and the Lizard King]

It is Graculus, it will never be shortened.

Quite right too!

Noggin the Nog was never heard to call the green bird anything else. Nor were any of the other Nogs for that matter.

Let's have a bit of respect, please.

 

P

[+The Hornet]

Let's have a bit of respect, please.

Oi! Why does the new boy get all the respect?

 

I used to get my "dorum" chopped off all the time :(

[+Graculus]

You were always Lactodorum to me... I respected the origins of the name and the gravitas of the person bearing it

 

Graculus

[+The Cache Hoppers]

Yes, I did state a preference. I'm sure I was loud enough, as I had a microphone and a PA system at the time and several hundred cachers must have heard me say it.....

 

It is Graculus, it will never be shortened. EVER

 

But just for the Cache Hoppers... you can call me Graculus

 

Graculus

Ahhh well I wasn't in the room at your coronation - I was too busy yakking elsewhere

[+Lost in Space]

... I respected the origins of the name and the gravitas of the person bearing it..........

 

He showed you his gravitas?

 

You are surely honoured!!

 

[+riviouveur]

I feel that all the reviewers who have replied so far, have painted a rather depressing picture. Here in deepest France, things are so much more civilised.

 

I am generally woken at about 9am by my butler, who brings me tea, kedgeree, and news of any caches which may require publishing. I usually cogitate over these during a leisurely bath. At around 11am I seat myself in front of the computational device and peruse, and occasionally publish, the humble offerings of the caching community. Like Deceangi, I occasionally feel the inclination to correct some of the perfectly frightful spelling and grammar with which I am confronted, but I resist, knowing that these poor souls must learn to master the pluperfect tense themselves, for otherwise they will have nothing but contempt for it.

 

After a light luncheon I will have a short nap, after which I take up the most important task of the day: archiving caches which offend me. Imperfect spacing in the title, logs which indicate that the cache is attracting the wrong sort of person, and any use of the word "cool", all condemn a cache to a rapid demise.

 

This time-consuming yet vital work complete, I examine my electronic communication. Many and varied are the subjects under discussion, yet each receives a polite reply and a gentle exhortation to self-improvement, which my correspondents inform me is always most welcome.

 

After supper, I will sometimes take a virtual stroll through the magical land of the various worldwide discussions forums, to admire how the geocachers of many lands interact in peace and harmony.

 

Before retiring, I may telephone my bank to see if my bountiful reviewer's salary from Groundspeak has been deposited. Although no such payment has actually been forthcoming since I accepted this employment, I am confident that it is a simple clerical error or perhaps a delay in the rather frightful postal service.

[Izzy and the Lizard King]

I feel that all the reviewers who have replied so far, have painted a rather depressing picture. Here in deepest France, things are so much more civilised.

 

I am generally woken at about 9am by my butler, who brings me tea, kedgeree, and news of any caches which may require publishing. I usually cogitate over these during a leisurely bath. At around 11am I seat myself in front of the computational device and peruse, and occasionally publish, the humble offerings of the caching community. Like Deceangi, I occasionally feel the inclination to correct some of the perfectly frightful spelling and grammar with which I am confronted, but I resist, knowing that these poor souls must learn to master the pluperfect tense themselves, for otherwise they will have nothing but contempt for it.

 

After a light luncheon I will have a short nap, after which I take up the most important task of the day: archiving caches which offend me. Imperfect spacing in the title, logs which indicate that the cache is attracting the wrong sort of person, and any use of the word "cool", all condemn a cache to a rapid demise.

 

This time-consuming yet vital work complete, I examine my electronic communication. Many and varied are the subjects under discussion, yet each receives a polite reply and a gentle exhortation to self-improvement, which my correspondents inform me is always most welcome.

 

After supper, I will sometimes take a virtual stroll through the magical land of the various worldwide discussions forums, to admire how the geocachers of many lands interact in peace and harmony.

 

Before retiring, I may telephone my bank to see if my bountiful reviewer's salary from Groundspeak has been deposited. Although no such payment has actually been forthcoming since I accepted this employment, I am confident that it is a simple clerical error or perhaps a delay in the rather frightful postal service.

 

Now if you were in Britain...

 

You'd be prepared to do all that for free!

[+Graculus]

I feel that all the reviewers who have replied so far, have painted a rather depressing picture. Here in deepest France, things are so much more civilised.

 

I am generally woken at about 9am by my butler.....

 

Obviously I have a vacancy for a butler. Any applicants interested? It will of course be an unpaid position and you'll be doing it for the honour of working for a Reviewer...

 

Graculus

[+Bear and Ragged]

I feel that all the reviewers who have replied so far, have painted a rather depressing picture. Here in deepest France, things are so much more civilised.

 

I am generally woken at about 9am by my butler, who brings me tea, kedgeree, and news of any caches which may require publishing. I usually cogitate over these during a leisurely bath. At around 11am I seat myself in front of the computational device and peruse, and occasionally publish, the humble offerings of the caching community. Like Deceangi, I occasionally feel the inclination to correct some of the perfectly frightful spelling and grammar with which I am confronted, but I resist, knowing that these poor souls must learn to master the pluperfect tense themselves, for otherwise they will have nothing but contempt for it.

 

After a light luncheon I will have a short nap, after which I take up the most important task of the day: archiving caches which offend me. Imperfect spacing in the title, logs which indicate that the cache is attracting the wrong sort of person, and any use of the word "cool", all condemn a cache to a rapid demise.

 

This time-consuming yet vital work complete, I examine my electronic communication. Many and varied are the subjects under discussion, yet each receives a polite reply and a gentle exhortation to self-improvement, which my correspondents inform me is always most welcome.

 

After supper, I will sometimes take a virtual stroll through the magical land of the various worldwide discussions forums, to admire how the geocachers of many lands interact in peace and harmony.

 

Before retiring, I may telephone my bank to see if my bountiful reviewer's salary from Groundspeak has been deposited. Although no such payment has actually been forthcoming since I accepted this employment, I am confident that it is a simple clerical error or perhaps a delay in the rather frightful postal service.

 

Cool!

[Izzy and the Lizard King]

 

Obviously I have a vacancy for a butler. Any applicants interested? It will of course be an unpaid position and you'll be doing it for the honour of working for a Reviewer...

 

Graculus

 

What's happened?

 

Isn't the tea lady pulling her weight anymore?

 

P

[+fat bloke]

I feel that all the reviewers who have replied so far, have painted a rather depressing picture. Here in deepest France, things are so much more civilised.

 

I am generally woken at about 9am by my butler.....

 

Obviously I have a vacancy for a butler. Any applicants interested? It will of course be an unpaid position and you'll be doing it for the honour of working for a Reviewer...

 

Graculus

I was going to apply but the wife said I can butl , but my er , is Very bad

[+Lost in Space]

Magnifique!!

[+Michael]

Please remember when reading the comments of the man from France that they think Jerry Lewis is a genius too.

[+Lost in Space]

Please remember when reading the comments of the man from France that they think Jerry Lewis is a genius too.

 

And Norman Wisdom is a saint..........

[+Lost in Space]

Please remember when reading the comments of the man from France that they think Jerry Lewis is a genius too.

 

And Norman Wisdom is a saint..........

 

Sorry, that was an anglophile joke..........

[+Lost in Space]

Please remember when reading the comments of the man from France that they think Jerry Lewis is a genius too.

 

And Norman Wisdom is a saint..........

 

Sorry, that was an anglophile joke..........

[+Bear and Ragged]

Please remember when reading the comments of the man from France that they think Jerry Lewis is a genius too.

 

And Norman Wisdom is a saint..........

 

BUT they are!

 

(A genius and a Saint)

 

[+Michael]

All in all reviewing is a lot of fun and very rewarding. My only regret when I went to work for Groundspeak was that I would no longer have the time to review. You meet a lot of great people and a few interesting ones.