Congrats, You're Jeremy Irish today

2.1k · October 14, 2014

Okay, with all the changes we all comment we'd like to be able to pick what got worked on.

So today I'm waving a magic wand and you get to be Jeremy for one post, that can ONLY cover ONE item to be changed.

With your new power over the GS Dev team; what is the ONE thing you want them to change?

Keep it clear, concise and plausible, so not overhauling the entire PQ format (unless you can get that into ONE paragraph or image).

1.4k · October 14, 2014

Bring back virtual caches, with strict guidelines that they must highlight something of scenic, historic or cultural significance. There must be an educational component - like earthcaches without the geology.

Virtuals are my favourite cache type, equal to earthcaches, because they are almost always in a place worth visiting. Waymarks aren't any sort of replacement for too many reasons to list here. I wasn't around when Virtuals went away, so I don't fully understand the problems that caused their demise. However, there must be some way to phrase guidelines to stop whatever abuse was happening.

We (or at least I) want more virtuals!

2k · October 14, 2014

Bring back webcam caches or at least at the minimum, allow folks who have virtuals or webcams that exist to do basic maintenance on them, like transferring ownership, re-enabling them, moving the coordinates slightly.

Have a special locationless cache day so everyone who wants that icon can get it.

Have a committee to look into the plausibility of having challenge caches have their own icon.

Take my private jet and swedish bikini interns and go to each state, province and western European country to cache in. There are other cool places but I figure that is a good start.

2.8k · October 14, 2014

Simple, get rid of puzzle caches right after I get rid of lab caches.

2.1k · October 14, 2014

I'm going to go with validated email accounts, for the app and for the website. Every year on the date you joined you'd get an email that congratulated you on whatever anniversary it was and ask you to update and validate your information.

October 14, 2014

Move the oft maligned and so called "powertrails" and "geoart" to a new GS listing site "powercaching.com"; and then provide it the same priorty and attention as Wherigo while providing the community group/category officer interface/hierarchy of Waymarking and the same resources as both...

2.8k · October 14, 2014

Move the oft maligned and so called "powertrails" and "geoart" to a new GS listing site "powercaching.com"; and then provide it the same priorty and attention as Wherigo while providing the community group/category officer interface/hierarchy of Waymarking and the same resources as both...

You're fired.

2.3k · October 14, 2014

I'm going to go with validated email accounts, for the app and for the website. Every year on the date you joined you'd get an email that congratulated you on whatever anniversary it was and ask you to update and validate your information.

^ ^ ^

This, or at least some way to validate the email accounts of all users.

I don't care one way or the other about collecting icons, virtual caches,webcam caches or lab caches, but I do care about all the (mostly but not all) new cachers who can't be contacted when they (innocently or otherwise) screw up. Geocachers have to have a way to contact other members when things don't go right.

--Larry

2.7k · October 14, 2014

Give challenge caches their own icon and require that their d/t rating reflect the actual cache location and hide.

Require validated contact information from all members.

Increase the distance between caches to 5280 feet.

2.1k · October 14, 2014

Give challenge caches their own icon and require that their d/t rating reflect the actual cache location and hide.

Require validated contact information from all members.

Increase the distance between caches to 5280 feet.

How do you decide which caches to archive or do you just mean going forward?

7.4k · October 14, 2014

Bring back virtual caches, with strict guidelines that they must highlight something of scenic, historic or cultural significance. There must be an educational component - like earthcaches without the geology.

Virtuals are my favourite cache type, equal to earthcaches, because they are almost always in a place worth visiting. Waymarks aren't any sort of replacement for too many reasons to list here. I wasn't around when Virtuals went away, so I don't fully understand the problems that caused their demise. However, there must be some way to phrase guidelines to stop whatever abuse was happening.

We (or at least I) want more virtuals!

+1000

2.1k · October 14, 2014

Bring back virtual caches, with strict guidelines that they must highlight something of scenic, historic or cultural significance. There must be an educational component - like earthcaches without the geology.

Virtuals are my favourite cache type, equal to earthcaches, because they are almost always in a place worth visiting. Waymarks aren't any sort of replacement for too many reasons to list here. I wasn't around when Virtuals went away, so I don't fully understand the problems that caused their demise. However, there must be some way to phrase guidelines to stop whatever abuse was happening.

We (or at least I) want more virtuals!

+1000

Alright, what are your proposed guidelines for reviewers to use to go by?

1.3k · October 14, 2014

The return of locationless caches so we can go around town photographing yellow jeeps and flagpoles again to get credit for a cache.

Nah, seriously, my pet peeve, update the benchmarking database.

10.2k · October 14, 2014

Require email validation, and put some interactive educational tasks into the into app. Think I'm nuts? There are 11,000,000 accounts total since 2000, but 1,000,000 of them have been created in the last 3 months. That's almost all due to the intro app, which only came out in 2013.

2.1k · October 14, 2014

The return of locationless caches so we can go around town photographing yellow jeeps and flagpoles again to get credit for a cache.

Nah, seriously, my pet peeve, update the benchmarking database.

I'm not sure that is something GS can do, but heck it is always worth asking.

2.1k · October 14, 2014

Require email validation, and put some interactive educational tasks into the into app. Think I'm nuts? There are 11,000,000 accounts total since 2000, but 1,000,000 of them have been created in the last 3 months. That's almost all due to the intro app, which only came out in 2013.

Some kind of play anywhere Wherigo?

7.3k · October 14, 2014

Disable any listing where there's been no cache owner login or other site action for 3 years.

Give them 6 months to log on and enable before the is archived.

2.7k · October 14, 2014

Give challenge caches their own icon and require that their d/t rating reflect the actual cache location and hide.

Require validated contact information from all members.

Increase the distance between caches to 5280 feet.

How do you decide which caches to archive or do you just mean going forward?

That would have to be going forward.

I would also make plain text emails and messages a user-selectable option.

2k · October 15, 2014

Move the oft maligned and so called "powertrails" and "geoart" to a new GS listing site "powercaching.com"; and then provide it the same priorty and attention as Wherigo while providing the community group/category officer interface/hierarchy of Waymarking and the same resources as both...

Not all Geo-Art is a power trail you realize.

For example, in my area, Peace puzzles, WSGA, and Doctor Who, like this one

http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4PHAK_doctor-who-is-50-06-gallifreyan?guid=4326790d-d350-4447-891d-f3e4af40b231

Given all these Doctor Who caches required hiking a mountain and they were not 528 feet apart, definitely were not power trails by any stretch.

3.5k · October 15, 2014

One that hasn't already been mentioned...the ability to search cache names that 'contain' a specific word, rather than 'starts with' a specific word.

+1 for specific icons for Challenge caches

3.3k · October 15, 2014

I know the 5,280 foot proposal won't fly, but i'll fire a shot just in case. That would mean roughly one cache per square mile. *Perhaps* that's okay in the wilderness. However, a mid-sized metropolitan area is perhaps 10 miles by 10 miles in size. And that area would be served by 100 caches??? I realize that if you include suburbs you're at 20x20, or 400 caches. Not everyone has the time and money to travel. And one LPC can tie up a full square mile???

No.

Edited October 15, 2014 by wmpastor

1.4k · October 15, 2014

Bring back virtual caches, with strict guidelines that they must highlight something of scenic, historic or cultural significance. There must be an educational component - like earthcaches without the geology.

Virtuals are my favourite cache type, equal to earthcaches, because they are almost always in a place worth visiting. Waymarks aren't any sort of replacement for too many reasons to list here. I wasn't around when Virtuals went away, so I don't fully understand the problems that caused their demise. However, there must be some way to phrase guidelines to stop whatever abuse was happening.

We (or at least I) want more virtuals!

+1000

Alright, what are your proposed guidelines for reviewers to use to go by?

I have heavily plagiarized the Earthcache guidelines to get to a starting point, open for discussion:

1. Virtual Caches must highlight a feature of scenic, historic or cultural significance. The cache description must state which (one or more) of these features is highlighted. If the cache is to provide only a scenic feature, the description must state why a physical cache is not appropriate.

2. Historic or Cultural virtual caches must be educational. The decsription should explain, in non-technical terms, the significance of the site and what visitors to the site will experience. Any cultural requirements (for example appropriate clothing or footwear) should be clearly explained.

3. Virtual caches should be unique to the site. Multiple virtual caches at a given site would not be permitted unless they highlight significantly different features.

4. Virtual Caches must have approval from the Land Manager prior to submission (depending on local laws and customs). The name, title, and contact details of the person that authorized the Cache must be included in a Reviewer Note. Otherwise, information about the type of land, and the reasons why permission may not be required, must be included in a Reviewer Note.

5. A Virtual Cache can be a single site or multiple sites. You must have visited the site(s) recently to make current, first-hand observations. You must provide accurate coordinates for each site where visitors are to perform the logging tasks, and ensure these areas are accessible to the public. You are responsible for taking appropriate actions if conditions change regarding access, permission, or other concerns.

6a. Logging a Scenic Virtual Cache which has no cultural or historic component must require a visitor to make an observation which demonstrates that they have actually visited the site. A question which only serves to prove that someone has visited the site will be permitted for this type of Virtual cache only. The question need not relate directly to the scenic component and may relate to an object or other permanent feature at or very close to GZ.

6b. Logging an historic or a cultural Virtual cache requires visitors to undertake a site-specific task which provides a learning opportunity related to the topic. The logging tasks must have visitors using the information from the cache page along with their observations at the site to perform some type of analysis of their own. Logging task solutions will serve as the cache owner's proof that the cacher has visited the site. Questions which only serve to prove that someone visited the site, and do not relate to the site's significance, are not permitted. Visitors must be able to send their answers to logging tasks via the cache owner's profile. Auto-responders cannot be used to verify answers. The answers to the logging tasks must be placed in a Reviewer Note at the time of submission. All requests for photographs must be optional. All requests for visitors to include in their logs their own interpretation of some feature of the site (e.g. an abstract sculpture) must be optional.

7. The Cache text and logging tasks must be submitted in the local language. Additional languages are encouraged, but the local language must be listed first. You may be requested to provide text in a language understandable to your reviewer to assist with the reviewing process.

8. Respect Trademarks and Copyright and only use text, images or logos if you have permission. Caches with information that is copied from other sources, plagiarized, or used without proper attribution will not be published. Limited amounts of text may be quoted, but must be properly attributed.

9. Virtual Cache sites adhere to the principles of geocaching and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. In addition, use waypoints to ensure cachers take appropriate pathways and use established trails only. Damage to the site is unacceptable. Please be mindful of fragile ecosystems.

Edited October 15, 2014 by Gill & Tony

2.2k · October 15, 2014

Get rid of power trails. Nothing else even comes close for me. I'm too embarrassed to introduce anyone to geocaching now, because I'd have to explain the ugly geocaching maps. I just looked at a map of Albuquerque in preparation for a trip there, and I wanted to throw up.

2k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

3.3k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

You already did that on your own. The rest of us find it interesting.

3.3k · October 15, 2014

Broader search-the-cache-database capability in general.

2.7k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

I might get behind that idea. Time spent in the game is probably more indicative of player quality than find count.

2.8k · October 15, 2014

Create a professional geocacher league and start keeping indepth stats like other sports do.......Rookie cards.

1.1k · October 15, 2014

1) Add a nano size.

2) Add an attribute for a power trail that can be used to search for or not search for.

2k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

You already did that on your own. The rest of us find it interesting.

Good thing I'll never be Jeremy Irish for a day.

10.2k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

You already did that on your own. The rest of us find it interesting.

He's not that weird, I know at least 3 other people who do that. Of course one of them doesn't do this anymore, and does some zany newfangled bar code sticker thing.

October 15, 2014

Move the oft maligned and so called "powertrails" and "geoart" to a new GS listing site "powercaching.com"; and then provide it the same priorty and attention as Wherigo while providing the community group/category officer interface/hierarchy of Waymarking and the same resources as both...

You're fired.

Create a professional geocacher league and start keeping indepth stats like other sports do.......Rookie cards.

LOL. But you are missing the big picture Roman, what would powercaching.com be without stats and not just stats but "indepth powerstats", clans, leagues, teams, rankings, playoffs. Much like a co-op there would be a rebate system where for every 10 caches logged you get $.005 towards your "power" annual membership...how can you argue with that?

...rookie cards would just lose all credibility ...

1.3k · October 15, 2014

I would hire developers who listen to some of the suggestions made by the community. This is a community based hobby and yet whenever they roll out some new feature, it's almost always something no one was asking for or really wants. However, the things that people have been begging for for years (nano size, fixing trackable inventories, powertrail icons, etc) remain in the "we're discussing it" status until the end of time.

One that hasn't already been mentioned...the ability to search cache names that 'contain' a specific word, rather than 'starts with' a specific word.

I so agree with this.

2.7k · October 15, 2014

I would hire developers who listen to some of the suggestions made by the community. This is a community based hobby and yet whenever they roll out some new feature, it's almost always something no one was asking for or really wants. However, the things that people have been begging for for years (nano size, fixing trackable inventories, powertrail icons, etc) remain in the "we're discussing it" status until the end of time.

<snip>

WINNER!

4.4k · October 15, 2014

Shove all the containerless intangibles that don't fit the dictionary definition of "cache" off to another website, then forget about 'em.

Boxes in the woods baby, let's remember our roots.

3.3k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

I might get behind that idea. Time spent in the game is probably more indicative of player quality than find count.

Create a professional geocacher league and start keeping indepth stats like other sports do.......Rookie cards.

Show me someone that says it's not about the numbers and I'll show you someone that can't count.

We can debate the relevance of numbers, but some people want them. In fact, some get the other software so they can get even more statistical analysis. I haven't seen anyone try to throw their weight around based on number of finds. I think they'd be laughed at if they did.

Edited October 15, 2014 by wmpastor

2k · October 15, 2014

Get rid of power trails. Nothing else even comes close for me. I'm too embarrassed to introduce anyone to geocaching now, because I'd have to explain the ugly geocaching maps. I just looked at a map of Albuquerque in preparation for a trip there, and I wanted to throw up.

Used to be that power trails weren't allowed, and there was much whining and complaining about that, so the rules were loosened.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

2.8k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

I might get behind that idea. Time spent in the game is probably more indicative of player quality than find count.

Create a professional geocacher league and start keeping indepth stats like other sports do.......Rookie cards.

Show me someone that says it's not about the numbers and I'll show you someone that can't count.

We can debate the relevance of numbers, but some people want them. In fact, some get the other software so they can get even more statistical analysis. I haven't seen anyone try to throw their weight around based on number of finds. I think they'd be laughed at if they did.

How about variety of finds? Wouldn't a cacher that has found a wide variety of caches be More experienced than one that finds thousands of the same type?

3.3k · October 15, 2014

Hide find count.

I might get behind that idea. Time spent in the game is probably more indicative of player quality than find count.

Create a professional geocacher league and start keeping indepth stats like other sports do.......Rookie cards.

Show me someone that says it's not about the numbers and I'll show you someone that can't count.

We can debate the relevance of numbers, but some people want them. In fact, some get the other software so they can get even more statistical analysis. I haven't seen anyone try to throw their weight around based on number of finds. I think they'd be laughed at if they did.

How about variety of finds? Wouldn't a cacher that has found a wide variety of caches be More experienced than one that finds thousands of the same type?

Yes. All part of the numbers/statistics package of info that is part of the overall experience for many. Those that truly don't care about numbers can find caches and not log them. Then they don't have to be bothered with those pesky, meaningless numbers. :rolleyes:

2k · October 15, 2014

I would hire developers who listen to some of the suggestions made by the community.

I vote we make Crow-T-Robot Jeremy Irish for a day.

7.7k · October 15, 2014

Create a professional geocacher league and start keeping indepth stats like other sports do.......Rookie cards.

And we start by testing Roman! for performance enhancing drugs.

3.1k · October 15, 2014

Give challenge caches their own icon and require that their d/t rating reflect the actual cache location and hide.

Even non-challenge caches aren't required to have accurate D/T ratings (with the possible exception of T1's).

3.6k · October 15, 2014

Give challenge caches their own icon and require that their d/t rating reflect the actual cache location and hide.

Require validated contact information from all members.

Increase the distance between caches to 5280 feet.

This and Show on the full map when you corrected the coords to a puzzle, like put a glow around it so you know which you have solved and which you haven't.

And I noticed the change when you delete a photo it has a window that pops up asking you to give a reason for removing the photo. I still want that on when you delete someone's log so you don't have to send the cacher a separate email explaining.

October 15, 2014

I like Virtual Caches. Please bring them back!

15.3k · October 15, 2014

With your new power over the GS Dev team; what is the ONE thing you want them to change?

Migrate all the servers to Linux?

But refactoring the entire code base isn't very plausible, especially given the "Jeremy Irish for (only) a day" concept. So for something more plausible:

My chief suggestion is to require validated email addresses. To require validated email addresses... and to create a new type for challenge caches.

My two suggestions are to require validated email addresses and to create a new type for challenge caches. To require validated email addresses and to create a new type for challenge caches... and to create a user option for plain text email.

My three suggestions are to require validated email addresses, to create a new type for challenge caches, and to create a user option for plain text email. To require validated email addresses, to create a new type for challenge caches, and to create a user option for plain text email... and to add an attribute for numbers run trails.

My four suggestions are to require validated email addresses, to create a new type for challenge caches, to create a user option for plain text email, and to add an attribute for numbers run trails. To require validated email addresses, to create a new type for challenge caches, to create a user option for plain text email, and to add an attribute for numbers run trails... and to add a nano size.

Amongst my suggestions are... I'll come in again.

4.6k · October 15, 2014

I would hire developers who listen to some of the suggestions made by the community.

I vote we make Crow-T-Robot Jeremy Irish for a day.

The sentiment is good - but surely the developers just follow orders and the ears that need to be lent are higher up the tree?

3.3k · October 15, 2014

Create a professional geocacher league and start keeping indepth stats like other sports do.......Rookie cards.

And we start by testing Roman! for performance enhancing drugs.

There's already an admission of regular beer use, but that mostly enhances the user's *perception* of their performance.

10.2k · October 15, 2014

With your new power over the GS Dev team; what is the ONE thing you want them to change?
Migrate all the servers to Linux?

Interesting. Just a couple weeks ago in another thread, I said "surely the servers run on Linux and Apache". That is not the case?

6.1k · October 15, 2014

With your new power over the GS Dev team; what is the ONE thing you want them to change?
Migrate all the servers to Linux?

Interesting. Just a couple weeks ago in another thread, I said "surely the servers run on Linux and Apache". That is not the case?

No the geocaching.com frontend is running on Microsoft IIs: http://toolbar.netcraft.com/site_report/?url=www.geocaching.com

As are the forum servers: http://toolbar.netcraft.com/site_report/?url=forums.Groundspeak.com

the backend databases etc could be on Linux, but I would expect they'll stick to the one infrastructure and it will be Windows all round.

1.2k · October 15, 2014

If I was Jeremy for a day I would send cheech gang a lifetime platinum membership.

Congrats, You're Jeremy Irish today

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