when to tell an owner their cache is kind of bad?

[+bookchild]

I recently found a cache that's a solid concept and kind of terrible execution. It's a suspended cache in a tree on fishing line--not the first of its kind, but an interesting choice for a suburban park. The problem is three-fold. First, the container is inappropriate (an eclipse mints container, very popular in these parts for urban micros, mixed success for staying dry depending on the location); while I've met a few dry tins, they've been shielded from the elements by their hide. The log (with protective baggie) is too big for the container and it took me a while to get the lid to close properly. Second, the camo is...no. It's covered in leaves taken from the tree it's hung in, it looks like, and they have been taped in place with scotch tape. I was ftf and I think half of them came off in my hands. Finally, it's suspended in the tree via the fishing line tossed over a branch, but the excess line to help raise and lower the cache is wound around a pair of screws drilled into the trunk. They were actually what I spotted right away to find it because they're so very out of place.

 

I liked the cache (and being ftf!) in concept, but the more I think about it the more it's just...bad. Maybe I have high expectations because there was clearly some thought in how it was placed and in the attempt to camoflage it. Anyway, is it worth contacting the owner to lay out my concerns? The reviewer? I would think putting screws in a tree is a big no-no (I.1.4 and I.1.5), even if bad containers aren't breaking any rules. Help?

[Keystone]

The lame container and camo earn a log like "not my favorite container of all time, but I still thank you for getting me out into the park today."

 

But, the screws in the tree earn a "needs archived" log.

 

Here is a recent example from my own personal experience. (Since the problem was detected by my player account, I skipped the "needs archived" log and simply switched my account login to deal with the issue.)

[+bookchild]

Thanks, Keystone. I was overthinking it. Overthinking is my strength. I'll post a NA and let the reviewers deal with it. It must be handy to be able to change accounts and disable it yourself, though!

[4wheelin_fool]

Yes, but often people do not take NA logs too well. It looks like their first hide was archived due to non maintenance, so they eventually relisted it with a new GC#.

[+Chief301]

We live in a world where the average college graduate can't change a tire or jump start a car, or start a campfire without gasoline. It stands to reason some of those folks with lots of book smarts and computer savvy, but zero knowledge of how things work in the real world, wouldn't be able to evaluate whether a container is appropriate for its environment or that scotch taping leaves to a container isn't going to last past the first good wind. Or that sticking screws in a tree isn't a good idea. 😳

 

Every new cacher should be issued a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook 😉

[+TrinIzzyCar]

I recently put out something similar to this I tied the line around a .branch. I would want someone to tell me ( hey your cache is kinda lame) but I'm different that way. I'm all for honest opinions

[+Sharks-N-Beans]

The lame container and camo earn a log like "not my favorite container of all time, but I still thank you for getting me out into the park today."

 

But, the screws in the tree earn a "needs archived" log.

 

Here is a recent example from my own personal experience. (Since the problem was detected by my player account, I skipped the "needs archived" log and simply switched my account login to deal with the issue.)

I have visions of this when I think of Keystone caching and finding mis-guided caches.

[+ChileHead]

I'd post a helpful note indicating that the container may not be weatherproof or long lasting.

 

I'd much rather see a lousy cache container with a wet soggy log in a park, than a pristine container with dry logbook in a parking lot.

[+BAMBOOZLE]

I would have added a dry log if needed, logged a find, praised the hide technique, and mentioned that for this type of placement a more water tight container might cut down on their maint. visits. Re camo, etc. they will learn as they continue to play the game.

[+The_Incredibles_]

I wouldn't say anything in your online log other than 'thanks for taking me to this park'. Obviously they're not too bright. The lameness of the camo will soon become apparent without you saying anything.

 

About the screws in the tree, I would just quietly email the reviewer. I've tried emailing people about their crappy caches in the past and never got a good response, even when the email was super polite and helpful, people still seem to get defensive and do nothing to fix their cache.

[+Manville Possum]

I'm a nut over my trackable collection, so I have a nasty cache coin that I dip and leave a "tftc" log.