Why So Many Micros?

[+yale-peabody]

Does anyone have the figures on the ratio of micros to regular caches. It seems that when we go out hunting so many great sites which could have supported a regular cache and a good-sized container, only have micros. Is it because too many cachers are in too much of a hurry to put something out?

[CoyoteRed]

Beats me.

 

We tend to skip micros now because so many are very lackluster. We used to see very creative hides, but now it's mostly thoughless hides in uninteresting locations.

 

It's too bad because I like micros. A thoughtful hide at an interesting location is a good cache no matter the size of the container. It's extremely disappointing the game is turning into something that only excites those that are chasing numbers.

 

The only thing you can do is place quality caches yourself.

[+Harry Dolphin]

Lessee... I just DNFed for the second time on a bison tube hanging in a dense forest near the edge of a swmp. And I wonder why I bothered... (Except that it is on my Ten- Mile List. It'd be easier to burn down the forest!)

On the other fin, I just put out my fourth micro... An evil Wal-mart cache and dash. Hee hee hee.

As it says on the video, if you do't like micros, you don't have to search for them...

[+luv2trvl]

I like Harry Dolphins post...if you don't like micros, don't hunt them. I like the quick and easy micros just to stay in the sport, but the real traditional caches are what I think it is all about. I drive a lot for work and it is nice to be in a new area and find a "Publix Enemy" or "Off your rocker" that I can grab in a few minutes just to say I was there. But my best finds are still the ones that require a hike or at least a nice walk in a park. That said, there are some really cool micros that take you to a great view or area.

[+BlackstoneVal]

Editted for brain damage.

Edited June 27, 2005 by BlackstoneVal

[+Joypa]

I love micros!

 

Just promoting my fabulous poem by that name.

[+Team GPSaxophone]

I've never found an over-abundance of micros when I've gotten away from the city. Maybe you're just looking in the wrong places.

[+Team Perks]

Seems to be mostly micros around me.

 

Oh, wait...That's cuz I'm in the midst of urban sprawl. Around here, it's either micros or nothing. I'll choose the micros, thanks.

[+Renegade Knight]

It's because it's a well known secrete you can go into about any photo shop and ask for film canisters and get dozens. Then what are you going to do? Hide them of course. Locally it also has to do with cost. They are cheap to replace and if you hide them here you will be replacing them.

[+DAS&SAS]

I'm suprised this keeps coming up... The friend that introduced me to caching has all but quit because his tried of the same boring ammo can under a few oddly placed sticks, or in the base of a hollowed out tree.

 

Regular size caches can be as boring as micros. I don't understand what all the complaining is about - I love to cache, no matter what the container. I love being outside instead of watching TV, and I love spending more time with my wife and son doing something that is relatively free. If we find a really fun hide, or a great spot because of caching, then whoo hoo! That's extra.

 

I know a couple of reasons more micros are popping up - cost and location. Some locations won't allow for a larger container, and it's a lot cheaper to hide a micro than it is a larger sized container.

 

I say, if you don't like what's out there, then hide caches you would want to find. Goto one of the local caching events and get to know what other cachers in your area like, let them know what you like. Maybe they will hide a few in your honor ... Just my two cents...

[Charles Iverson]

well they don't get mugged very easy

it just makes it harder to find in brush some blend in too good

Edited June 27, 2005 by Charles Iverson

[+sbell111]

... yawn ...

[+StarBrand]

Keeping on topic with the OP - Micros do have thier place but if the area can support a larger cache I much perfer those. Trading is an aspect of the activity that I enjoy. I recently spent a day driving to caches that I haven't found in a vain attempt to find one big enough for the new WJTB. All these were rural areas that could easily have supported a larger cache - heck I could have hidden a 55 gallon drum in some of these places.

 

Yes, micros are cheap but you can easily put together a nice regular cache for about $10. Hidden well and with some forethought they can last for years "in the wild"

 

If cost of "replacement" is a BIG concern then maybe we should all re-think the need to place a cache there at all???

[+briansnat]

I don't understand what all the complaining is about - I love to cache, no matter what the container.

 

Micros get a bad rap because they attract the lazy cache hiders and those who hide just to add another one to their count. Someone who goes through the trouble of finding a good, waterproof container and a decent logbook and stocking it with nice swag is more likely to also care enough to hide it someplace interesting.

 

The guy who tears a sheet out of a notebook (I've seen some that were too lazy to even cut a sheet with scissors) ahd stuffs it in a leaky film canister isoften just as careless about selecting a place to hide it.

 

Of course all micros are not lame and all traditional caches aren't the cat's pajamas, but from my own experience I'd say about 80-90 percent of the micros I've found were what I felt to be lame. With regular sized caches its more like 15-20 percent that I thought were lame.

[+Sonoran Privateers]

I'm suprised this keeps coming up... The friend that introduced me to caching has all but quit because his tried of the same boring ammo can under a few oddly placed sticks, or in the base of a hollowed out tree.

 

Regular size caches can be as boring as micros. I don't understand what all the complaining is about - I love to cache, no matter what the container. I love being outside instead of watching TV, and I love spending more time with my wife and son doing something that is relatively free. If we find a really fun hide, or a great spot because of caching, then whoo hoo! That's extra.

 

I know a couple of reasons more micros are popping up - cost and location. Some locations won't allow for a larger container, and it's a lot cheaper to hide a micro than it is a larger sized container.

 

I say, if you don't like what's out there, then hide caches you would want to find. Goto one of the local caching events and get to know what other cachers in your area like, let them know what you like. Maybe they will hide a few in your honor ... Just my two cents...

Variety is a beautiful thing.

 

Hunt ammo cans all the time: Get bored

Hunt virtuals all the time: Get bored

Hunt micros all the time: Get bored

 

Wake up in the morning and decided what you feel like hunting today because there's a cornucopia of different adventures ranging from urban micros to deep forest regular's to mountain-top virtuals to good puzzles: NEVER BORED.

 

What do you want to do today?

[+wandererrob]

[+sbell111]

... Locally it also has to do with cost. They are cheap to replace and if you hide them here you will be replacing them.

I'm not sure what you mean. Is there someone in your area removing caches? Is it just micros or is it all caches?

[+Renegade Knight]

... Locally it also has to do with cost.  They are cheap to replace and if you hide them here you will be replacing them.

I'm not sure what you mean. Is there someone in your area removing caches? Is it just micros or is it all caches?

They will be stolen. The only ones that get returned are the micro's. They keep the ammo cans.

[+geocacher_coza]

Micros get a bad rap because they attract the lazy cache hiders and those who hide just to add another one to their count. Someone who goes through the trouble of finding a good, waterproof container and a decent logbook and stocking it with nice swag is more likely to also care enough to hide it someplace interesting.

The guy who tears a sheet out of a notebook (I've seen some that were too lazy to even cut a sheet with scissors) ahd stuffs it in a leaky film canister isoften just as careless about selecting a place to hide it.

Of course all micros are not lame and all traditional caches aren't the cat's pajamas, but from my own experience I'd say about 80-90 percent of the micros I've found were what I felt to be lame. With regular sized caches its more like 15-20 percent that I thought were lame.

I think this quote above is a fair reflection of why there are so many micros.

Personally I do not like micro for all the reasons above. Too many Micros just makes it a numbers game (Please "policeman" Sonoran Privateers, don't bite my head off for writing this!)

It is just to easy to place an micro. Most traditional caches at least have some thought in them and reflect some sort of efford on the part of the cacher! Only if you need to improve on your numers you quickly go and stach a few micros.

[+sbell111]

They will be stolen. The only ones that get returned are the micro's. They keep the ammo cans.

bummer... and wierd.

[+sbell111]

I think this quote above is a fair reflection of why there are so many micros.

Personally I do not like micro for all the reasons above. Too many Micros just makes it a numbers game

It is just to easy to place an micro. ...

Only if you need to improve on your numers you quickly go and stach a few micros.

Okay, now tell me why there are sooo many crappy 'regular' sized caches. Same reason, right?

[+AtoZ]

Well I would concure with those that say variaty is the spice of life. If I do 5/5 all day then they get boring but throw in a 1/1 and it is a great day, LOL. It takes all kinds and yes micros are cheap and easy to place but when you get a 100 TNLNSL on an ammo can what is the point. Put what ever you like out and hunt what ever you want. But Yes it is more enjoyable to find an ammo can after a 5 mile hike then a film cannister.

cheers

[+geocacher_coza]

Okay, now tell me why there are sooo many crappy 'regular' sized caches. Same reason, right?

Maybe we should ask the approvers that question!

I think there should be a "clampdown" on "lame" "crappy" caches. This should include micro, "regular" etc---- ALL caches.

In South Africa we are actively trying to promote good "worthwhile" caches-- just check our threads on our forum section to see that we in South Africa are serious about “ONLY good caches”!

The forum members and therefore active members should keep the people in check that give cause to such "lame" caches --- ANY lame cache, not just the micros

[+Team Perks]

Maybe we should ask the approvers that question!

I think there should be a "clampdown" on "lame" "crappy" caches. This should include micro, "regular" etc---- ALL caches.

Funny, I don't see anything in the guidelines dictating that caches must meet a certain level of quality to be approved. (And how would the approvers know that, anyhow?)

 

I'm sure that would be a great idea, though, especially when my approver decides that he hates my favorite type of cache. Wow, wouldn't that be fun?

[+geocacher_coza]

I'm sure that would be a great idea, though, especially when my approver decides that he hates my favorite type of cache. Wow, wouldn't that be fun?

The typical "everybody hate what we do-syndrome" answer!

Why do we have approvers then?

(And how would the approvers know that, anyhow?)

For a start. What is the best? A cache placed in a park, with a good view, surrounded by nature and nice fresh air or a micro placed in a Wal-Mart car park full of exhaust fumes etc.! You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out, do you?

Edited June 28, 2005 by geocacher_coza

[+treasure_hunter]

I know why there are so many micros, have you ever seen someone put an Ammo Can on a Pay Phone?

[+sbell111]

The typical "everybody hate what we do-syndrome" answer!

Why do we have approvers then?

To try to ensure that new caches meet meet the site's guidelines.

(And how would the approvers know that, anyhow?)

For a start. What is the best? A cache placed in a park, with a good view, surrounded by nature and nice fresh air or a micro placed in a Wal-Mart car park full of exhaust fumes etc.! You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out, do you?

So basically, you are in favor of only your favorite caches being approved, huh? Certainly none of those dreaded urban micros should be approved. Those are all unacceptable.

 

BTW, how do you know whether that cache in the park is hidden under the dumpster, or in a dirty old shoe?

[+Team Perks]

(And how would the approvers know that, anyhow?)

For a start. What is the best? A cache placed in a park, with a good view, surrounded by nature and nice fresh air or a micro placed in a Wal-Mart car park full of exhaust fumes etc.! You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out, do you?

You still didn't answer how the approver would know if the cache was in a Wal-Mart parking lot or in a more redeeming location...unless the reviewer was to actually visit the cache him/herself. Convince me how that would be feasible.

 

And if it WAS in a parking lot, who's to say the cache is guaranteed to suck? There have been quite a few parking lot hides that were so creative I enjoyed them a LOT more than your average box tossed under a bush at a park.

[+geocacher_coza]

You still didn't answer how the approver would know if the cache was in a Wal-Mart parking lot or in a more redeeming location...

You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out, do you?

Spot the clue!

 

(And how would the approvers know that, anyhow?)

 

For a start. What is the best? A cache placed in a park, with a good view, surrounded by nature and nice fresh air or a micro placed in a Wal-Mart car park full of exhaust fumes etc.! You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out, do you? 

 

So basically, you are in favor of only your favorite caches being approved, huh? Certainly none of those dreaded urban micros should be approved. Those are all unacceptable.

Unless there are something wrong with my reading ability I do not think that is what I wrote

[+Team Perks]

You still didn't answer how the approver would know if the cache was in a Wal-Mart parking lot or in a more redeeming location...

You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out, do you?

Spot the clue!

Oooh, you're clever.

 

Now I will ask again: how does the approver know whether my hide is next to a neat mural or under a dumpster? How do they know if the building my cache is next to is a building of unique historical interest or a run-down restaurant? Even "rocket science" won't tell you that much.

Edited June 28, 2005 by Team Perks

[GeoFD]

Micros are just fine, I dont know how many ammo cans that I have found with junk trade items. 1 out of 5 cans might have something worth trading . You can do micros without Hiking 10 miles and trying to drag kids along with you .

[+sbell111]

For a start. What is the best? A cache placed in a park, with a good view, surrounded by nature and nice fresh air or a micro placed in a Wal-Mart car park full of exhaust fumes etc.! You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out, do you? 

So basically, you are in favor of only your favorite caches being approved, huh? Certainly none of those dreaded urban micros should be approved. Those are all unacceptable.

Unless there are something wrong with my reading ability I do not think that is what I wrote

I think that there may be something wrong, because you certainly inferred that only the caches that you think are worthy should be approved. Edited June 28, 2005 by sbell111

[+Scout353]

Ok what have these forums turned you all into? You sound Extreme Left Wings in a room with Extreme Right Wings!

 

We can't be fighting you know! There aren't enough geocachers for us to be fighting!

 

Now if people wanna put out micros lets let them. It's they're hobby too! There are alot of people who like both kinds of caches! Lets not ban ethier one. Micros can be fun too!

 

Scout353

[+halffast]

I log about 1 out of 10 micros I try to find.I still try and I am planning my first mico hide Its not the container its how much you like to hunt for something you may or may not find.

[Shoobie & the Sand Crabs]

Here we go again

[aragorn05]

Around my Area where I live (North Georgia, South Tennessee) There is alot of regular caches and micros! There are more micros, but still alot of Small and regular caches. I like Small caches cause they are between micro and regular, they make a nice fit in various locations.

[+Sonoran Privateers]

Ok what have these forums turned you all into? You sound Extreme Left Wings in a room with Extreme Right Wings!

 

We can't be fighting you know! There aren't enough geocachers for us to be fighting!

 

Now if people wanna put out micros lets let them. It's they're hobby too! There are alot of people who like both kinds of caches! Lets not ban ethier one. Micros can be fun too!

 

Scout353

Let not your heart be troubled. Bare in mind, only .00something-or-other percent of cachers frequent the forums. We, the bored, with not enough work to do, skulk around the forums, waiting for an opportunity to fling our opinion out there and vent our angst at the first thing that we disagree with.

 

The rest of the cachers, who have jobs, lives, and girl/boyfriends, aren't fighting about micros. They're just caching.

[+Markwell]

To answer the first question of the original poster...

 

Does anyone have the figures on the ratio of micros to regular caches.

 

You asked for stats...

 

These are the Chicago region stats for active caches at any given time, and their size.

 

 

July 1 2003

Regular - 352 - 58.09%

Micro - 177 - 29.21%

Not chosen - 31 - 5.12%

Other - 21 - 3.47%

Virtual - 21 - 3.47%

Large - 3 - 0.50%

Small - 1 - 0.17%

 

Jan 1 2004

Regular - 442 - 53.97%

Micro - 289 - 35.29%

Not chosen - 32 - 3.91%

Other - 26 - 3.17%

Virtual - 20 - 2.44%

Small - 6 - 0.73%

Large - 4 - 0.49%

 

July 1 2004

Regular - 505 - 49.46%

Micro - 403 - 39.47%

Not chosen - 47 - 4.60%

Other - 26 - 2.55%

Virtual - 20 - 1.96%

Small - 11 - 1.08%

Large - 9 - 0.88%

 

Jan 1 2005

Micro - 637 - 46.56%

Regular - 561 - 41.01%

Not chosen - 56 - 4.09%

Small - 51 - 3.73%

Other - 31 - 2.27%

Virtual - 22 - 1.61%

Large - 10 - 0.73%

 

July 1 2005

Micro - 738 - 45.11%

Regular - 639 - 39.06%

Small - 140 - 8.56%

Not chosen - 59 - 3.61%

Other - 30 - 1.83%

Virtual - 22 - 1.34%

Large - 8 - 0.49%

 

The only conclusion I'll draw from any of the stats is that IN OUR AREA sometime between July and December 2004, the number of active micro caches surpassed the number of regular sized caches. So it wasn't always so, but now it is.

 

The Chicago area is a little slice of urban caching - make whatever other assumptions and conclusions you wish.

[bman92]

In some areas there are more regular caches then micros. It may be where you live or hunt.

[+sbell111]

Nice breakdown, Markwell.

 

I think this shows something very important. If you live in the Chicago area and hate micros, you still have almost 900 caches to look for.

[+Fergus]

I would say that about 95% of the micro caches I found sucked. I do not think anyone can honestly say that about regular sized caches.

[+sbell111]

95%? Wow, that's a high percentage. If I agreed with that assessment, I would filter out micros and never search for another one. Then, I wouldn't be troubled by them any longer.

 

Since I do not agree, I'll keep looking for them.