What is the advantage of being a Premium Member?

[RoseLK]

My hubby and I are new to geocaching - less than 2 months - and have some questions that we can't seem to find an answer to.

 

What is the advantage of being a Premium member? Is it just being able to log more finds? There is an advanced traditional cache just down the road from our home. We went and found it. It was a magnetic key case with a log on a guardrail and it was no different from the Traditional ones that are 'free' when starting geocaching.

[+SgtSue]

While there are several perks to bring a premium member most would argue it's the pocket queries (PQ) that is the real bargain. A PQ will allow you to get a list from the Groundspeak database based solely on what you are interested in. Say you want to find caches in your hometown in another state. You only wish to find traditional caches that are 3.5 or less difficulty with a terrain of 3 or below. You submit a PQ and will receive a .gpx file with just the caches that fit those parameters. You then import that file into your GPS any of several ways. Also PQs are great for a trip as you can find caches along a route you set up. Again you can set the distance, terrain, and type as well as distance from the road you are traveling.

 

Of course there are other perks and I'm sure someone will post a link to the list the website has of all of them.

[Pup Patrol]

Help Center

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php

 

Premium Membership

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.book&id=5

 

If you are using one of GS's phone apps:

 

1.1. iPhone Geocaching® app: Premium vs. Basic Membership Features Chart

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=764

 

2.1. Android Geocaching® app: Premium vs. Basic Membership Features Chart

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=766

 

B.

[+niraD]

Different people value different premium benefits differently. For any of the premium benefits, there are probably some people that consider it one of the key benefits, and others who never use it.

 

Personally, I consider full access to the API (for my mobile app), full access to the site's new search function, bookmark lists, and Pocket Queries to be the key benefits. Favorites and improved statistics are pretty nice too. But I've never even used some of the other benefits.

[+cerberus1]

My hubby and I are new to geocaching - less than 2 months - and have some questions that we can't seem to find an answer to.

 

What is the advantage of being a Premium member? Is it just being able to log more finds? There is an advanced traditional cache just down the road from our home. We went and found it. It was a magnetic key case with a log on a guardrail and it was no different from the Traditional ones that are 'free' when starting geocaching.

Advanced ? If/when PM, wait until you see premium-member only pill bottle lamp post and guard rail caches the same.

I feel pmo caches would be the silliest reason to go PM.

 

Agree with others that PQs are the big attraction (though I personally have never used them).

[+cerberus1]

There is an advanced traditional cache just down the road from our home. We went and found it. It was a magnetic key case with a log on a guardrail and it was no different from the Traditional ones that are 'free' when starting geocaching.

Didn't log it?

[ohgood]

My hubby and I are new to geocaching - less than 2 months - and have some questions that we can't seem to find an answer to.

 

What is the advantage of being a Premium member? Is it just being able to log more finds? There is an advanced traditional cache just down the road from our home. We went and found it. It was a magnetic key case with a log on a guardrail and it was no different from the Traditional ones that are 'free' when starting geocaching.

 

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

 

the main thing is that you're restricted from seeing all the caches available with the OFFICIAL applications, but unofficial applications have more features and fewer hindrances.

 

for standalone gps usage, you're really going to want pocket queries, or some way of getting lots of caches (from your phone maybe it's easier) so that's the main plus for the subscription.

 

pay attention when you pay for it, if you do, as it's a sneaky reoccurring fee to subscribe.

[Pup Patrol]

GS's search functions are useless unless you are PM.

 

Bookmark lists/pq's...without them, it's very aggravating trying to get caches into a gps.

 

If you are happy using GS's phone apps, and not interested in searching for more caches and a variety of cache types, then PM is not necessary.

 

B.

Edited August 29, 2016 by Pup Patrol

[Pup Patrol]

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

 

I assume that someone using GS's forum will be using one of GS's phone apps.

 

From what I can see, a PM with one of the phone apps will allow the user to search for a variety of cache types.

 

 

If you are using one of GS's phone apps:

 

1.1. iPhone Geocaching® app: Premium vs. Basic Membership Features Chart

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=764

 

2.1. Android Geocaching® app: Premium vs. Basic Membership Features Chart

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=766

 

B.

[RuideAlmeida]

What is the advantage of being a Premium member?

 

I would suggest you ask any volunteer to give you a free monthly Premium Membership voucher, so you can judge by yourselves.

[+CarlfromOH]

<snip>. Also PQs are great for a trip as you can find caches along a route you set up. Again you can set the distance, terrain, and type as well as distance from the road you are traveling.

<snip>

 

Unfortunately, the Caches Along a Route feature does not work at this time. I had found this feature to be very nice ---- in the past.

 

CarlfromOH

[+CarlfromOH]

<snip>. Also PQs are great for a trip as you can find caches along a route you set up. Again you can set the distance, terrain, and type as well as distance from the road you are traveling.

<snip>

 

Unfortunately, the Caches Along a Route feature does not work at this time. I had found this feature to be very nice ---- in the past.

 

CarlfromOH

 

CORRECTION: It appears that I am unable to create any Q's. I keep getting a "Secure Connection Failed". I am using Firefox.

[+Mikos88]

it was no different from the Traditional ones that are 'free' when starting geocaching.

For you there's no difference in that cache, for a Cache Owner (CO) there is, because not everyone can find that cache, which gives more possibilities for the CO. A PM cache doesn't make it different than others.

[+SgtSue]

<snip>. Also PQs are great for a trip as you can find caches along a route you set up. Again you can set the distance, terrain, and type as well as distance from the road you are traveling. <snip>

Unfortunately, the Caches Along a Route feature does not work at this time. I had found this feature to be very nice ---- in the past.CarlfromOH

CORRECTION: It appears that I am unable to create any Q's. I keep getting a "Secure Connection Failed". I am using Firefox.

I was going to say I recently used it for our trip to GeoWoodstock. I love that feature.

[+Ben0w]

the main thing is that you're restricted from seeing all the caches available with the OFFICIAL applications, but unofficial applications have more features and fewer hindrances.

Just for the records: there is one "official" app issued by Groundspeak but there are several "official partner" apps from other programmers, which can be used legally with your geocaching account. Then there are some apps with no "official" Groundspeak approval, whose usage may violate your end user agreement with Groundspeak.

 

What is the advantage of being a Premium member?

There is more or less no advantage in cache quality. And you are allowed to log (offline + online) every cache you qualify for a find, as long as it's not deactivated or archived. Even when there is no direct "log the visit" button on the cache listing, PM caches technically can be logged by basic members rather easy, how that works depends on your app or web access method. Don't hesitate, you're allowed to!

[ohgood]

the main thing is that you're restricted from seeing all the caches available with the OFFICIAL applications, but unofficial applications have more features and fewer hindrances.

Just for the records: there is one "official" app issued by Groundspeak but there are several "official partner" apps from other programmers, which can be used legally with your geocaching account. Then there are some apps with no "official" Groundspeak approval, whose usage may violate your end user agreement with Groundspeak.

 

What is the advantage of being a Premium member?

There is more or less no advantage in cache quality. And you are allowed to log (offline + online) every cache you qualify for a find, as long as it's not deactivated or archived. Even when there is no direct "log the visit" button on the cache listing, PM caches technically can be logged by basic members rather easy, how that works depends on your app or web access method. Don't hesitate, you're allowed to!

 

i wasn't trying to confuse the eula of applications, just point out that the official application is extremely limited compared to the other applications.

[+GeoTrekker26]

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

That is not true, there is still a difference. PQs can be used for several things; just because you don't use them doesn't obviate their usefulness. Nor does it eliminate the fact they are included only in the premium membership.

 

It would be helpful if would try to answer the questions that new user have without always deflecting the conversation to the way you do things. It can add unnecessary confusion for the new user.

[+niraD]

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

That is not true, there is still a difference. PQs can be used for several things; just because you don't use them doesn't obviate their usefulness.

Yep. I do most of my geocaching with my phone, but I still use PQs much of the time. Edited September 2, 2016 by niraD

[+SgtSue]

I don't cache much with my phone but I have played around with it. Some of the apps, to include the official Groundspeak app, allow you to display just a PQ. Really good if you're looking for specific caches. i.e. Make a bookmark list of a group of caches then turn that into a PQ and display that PQ on the phone. So even the apps can benefit from premier memberships. I think people can find multiple different ways to use each feature. Well worth the annual $30 for the PQs alone then throw in caches along a route and bookmark list and life doesn't get much better, IMO.

 

Of course it does relate back to how you cache. These days I mostly cache on road trips. Other people may love to grab one wherever they find themselves that day.

[+thebruce0]

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

That is not true, there is still a difference. PQs can be used for several things; just because you don't use them doesn't obviate their usefulness.

Yep. I do most of my geocaching with my phone, but I still use PQs much of the time.

Ditto. All my caching with the phone, and I use PQs all the time. Much more flexible search options. And very useful for planning trips and managing data in GSAK and whatnot. PQs are more like a longer-term search feature than the advanced search where the strength is quick lookups and target finding (and user filtering!) and probably a few other things .

[+YooperSnowman]

In addition to the benefits of PM, my membership supports Groundspeak and the game of geocaching. There are real expenses associated with the technology (website, app) behind the game and I simply want support it. With any organization that I am a member of, I not only enjoy the benefits, but look how I can contribute back to the organization that I am supporting. I appreciate everyone's comments. Just my $.02.

[ohgood]

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

That is not true, there is still a difference. PQs can be used for several things; just because you don't use them doesn't obviate their usefulness. Nor does it eliminate the fact they are included only in the premium membership.

 

It would be helpful if would try to answer the questions that new user have without always deflecting the conversation to the way you do things. It can add unnecessary confusion for the new user.

 

Opinion noted, we all do it different ways. The way you prefer to do things is fine too, go on and tell him why you like it, without stifling mine. :-)

[+GeoTrekker26]

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

That is not true, there is still a difference. PQs can be used for several things; just because you don't use them doesn't obviate their usefulness. Nor does it eliminate the fact they are included only in the premium membership.

 

It would be helpful if would try to answer the questions that new user have without always deflecting the conversation to the way you do things. It can add unnecessary confusion for the new user.

 

Opinion noted, we all do it different ways. The way you prefer to do things is fine too, go on and tell him why you like it, without stifling mine. :-)

 

I didn't tell him that I like one thing or another because that isn't what he asked. He asked what are the differences with a premium membership. You said there is no difference with PQs. That is wrong and terribly misleading. And it a bias based on your continual pimping Android. There is nothing wrong with Android but it is NOT the answer to every question, especially the one the OP asked. If you can't stifle yourself to stay on topic and not mislead, you will be corrected when you provide incorrect information. Nuances that are obvious to you and I are confusing to a novice user and if raised, can add an unnecessary complication.

 

To summarize: PQs are a major benefit (for the time being) of a premium membership and are not available to a basic member.

[ohgood]

if you're using a phone, no difference , since your don't need pocket queries with the phone applications.

That is not true, there is still a difference. PQs can be used for several things; just because you don't use them doesn't obviate their usefulness. Nor does it eliminate the fact they are included only in the premium membership.

 

It would be helpful if would try to answer the questions that new user have without always deflecting the conversation to the way you do things. It can add unnecessary confusion for the new user.

 

Opinion noted, we all do it different ways. The way you prefer to do things is fine too, go on and tell him why you like it, without stifling mine. :-)

 

I didn't tell him that I like one thing or another because that isn't what he asked. He asked what are the differences with a premium membership. You said there is no difference with PQs. That is wrong and terribly misleading. And it a bias based on your continual pimping Android. There is nothing wrong with Android but it is NOT the answer to every question, especially the one the OP asked. If you can't stifle yourself to stay on topic and not mislead, you will be corrected when you provide incorrect information. Nuances that are obvious to you and I are confusing to a novice user and if raised, can add an unnecessary complication.

 

To summarize: PQs are a major benefit (for the time being) of a premium membership and are not available to a basic member.

 

And completely unneeded. Thanks again for the opinion.

[+cheech gang]

What was the question?

[+cheech gang]

Double post, probably because I was using the phone instead of the GPSr.

Edited September 3, 2016 by cheech gang

[+niraD]

To summarize: PQs are a major benefit (for the time being) of a premium membership and are not available to a basic member.

And completely unneeded. Thanks again for the opinion.

Nonsense.

 

PQs are extremely valuable, even to some of us who use smartphones for most of our geocaching.

[+Manville Possum]

PQ's were quite useless to me and I seldom ever used them before I had a smartphone. I ran a couple of PQ's of PMO caches in places that I may visit soon before my PM here expired.

 

The benefit I was getting from PM here was the perks on the Waymarking site.

[ohgood]

Double post, probably because I was using the phone instead of the GPSr.

 

Pocket queued ? ;-)