PDF Files

WGA Friend Joined: 2010-01-08 Posts: 275

I understand it's written in the guidelines that "caches that require the downloading, installing or running of data and/or executables may not be published."

They specifically mention executable files, but this doesn't mean that other types of files are prohibited, does it?

I've got an idea for a puzzle that would require you to download and print a PDF file and fold it multiple times similar to the Fold-In's made famous in MAD Magazine. Not the most complicated of things, but I think it could be fun nonetheless.

WGA Member Joined: 2006-12-23 Posts: 6012

seldom|seen has many puzzles that require you to follow a link or download something.

WGA Member Joined: 2007-11-26 Posts: 3259

That type of cache should be allowable. There are many caches that take you to links for documents, audio, or video files. You do (in my experience) need to put a disclaimer on the cache page that you have personally examined the file to ensure it contains no malicious content, and I'm absolutely certain every such cache out there with this disclaimer on it has been personally examined. Rolling Eyes

The prohibition applies to requiring cachers to install some sort of actual program executable on their machine.

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 6:12 pm

Although I'm not a reviewer, I can't see why there would be any problem with this. I'm thinking you could even include a graphic image on the main page and hyperlink it to the PDF with a note saying "For a full size actual copy ..."

Sounds interesting - Please post the cache ID back to this thread once it's published.

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:06 pm

doing a encrypted pdf file gives you tons of options on mystery caches,"its nice not having all your answers numbers"
here is one of my favorites GC1WCBC

and rcflyer2242 and I will be putting out more (here is one he put out for the kiddies GC2285Z.and a funny one if you could figure it out GC22N9W.
options are good Smile

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:29 pm

smashing ground wrote:

doing a encrypted pdf file gives you tons of options on mystery caches,"its nice not having all your answers numbers"
here is one of my favorites GC1WCBC

and rcflyer2242 and I will be putting out more (here is one he put out for the kiddies GC2285Z.and a funny one if you could figure it out GC22N9W.
options are good Smile

I noticed these types not too long ago and it's an interesting twist on the puzzle cache solve "method". What I also liked in your examples was that your using Google Docs to store these PDF files. Gotta love Google docs. Thanks for the great ideas and sharing them here!

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2010 5:20 pm

YEP GOOGLE DOCS ARE GOOD STUFF.
IF ANYBODY HAS ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS METHOD JUST THROW ME A EMAIL

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 11:05 am

PDF files are a great way to do a puzzle in a way that in not the norm by having to figure a math puzzle. By using the pdf there are many options that open as to the solve. Although I have done mine with google docs files, it would be up to the solver to download the file. These type of files are easy to set up and like to your cache page. I have step by step instructions that helped Smashing Ground set up his. If you would like it e-mail me and I will send it to you.

Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 11:51 pm

rcflyer2242 wrote:

PDF files are a great way to do a puzzle in a way that in not the norm by having to figure a math puzzle. By using the pdf there are many options that open as to the solve. Although I have done mine with google docs files, it would be up to the solver to download the file. These type of files are easy to set up and like to your cache page. I have step by step instructions that helped Smashing Ground set up his. If you would like it e-mail me and I will send it to you.

i think i covered all of this rcflyer2242 Rolling Eyes