Minnesota Geocaching on Slashdot

Joined: 2002-04-06 Posts: 1030 Location: Kenosha, WI

In case anyone hadn't noticed, there is an article on Slashdot about Geocaching being banned in several Twin Cities area parks. One of our very own is quoted in the article as well!

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 5:21 am

Unfortunately, after an hour of being interviewed, what showed up in the article was not what I had hoped for. Overall, I think it gives the impression that geocachers are kooks! At least he made it a point to mention that caches are not buried. This is the 4th. time I have been interviewed or filmed involving this sport, and this is by far the worst spin it has taken.I think I will have to be more selective in the future. For my self, I am sorry if I contributed to that image, especially the part where being a fanatic is mentioned!

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Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 5:59 am

Problem is you don't know which reporter has preconceived negative views on Geocaching before an interview.

I have given or been responsible for 3 interviews, and feel they are good for the sport. Keep up good work Jonathan.

[This message has been edited by Miata (edited 06-05-2003).]

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 7:44 pm

I don't think it was a bad article. It is useful in showing the fears that land managers have. Its been mentioned before and I see it in this article, they don't want an area trampled and torn up. I think it is a little unfounded. Take a look at Scarabadae... in Brookfield. I don't think any cache area has been as turned over as that place. Yet, there is no sign of such activity now. A path one year can be reclaimed by nature the next. This is where I tend to agree with the one year limit, sometimes mentioned, for the life of some caches. I'm intrigued with taking an area and trying new ideas by retiring old ones. It also has the advantage of giving hunters a new cache to search and can take hunters to other sections of an area.

Another thing I noticed in the article is the perception of who geocaches. While I too, am an often a solitary team, I like the impression that geocaching is a family activity. I think pictures conveying this can be used to sway opinion of the hobby more favorably. I particularly like the comment that parks should accommodate changing uses of them by people. All in all, some useful material for us to think about.

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Steve Bukosky
Waukesha

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2003 5:36 am

The same story has been forwarded to me from another source:
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/5992641.htm

My take on it was at first reactive. I felt that the sport was presented negatively and that may well have been the authors' intention. But as an afterthought, how much credence do I want to give to an article that champions the criminalization of a family activity that has less impact than trail bikes in the forrests or even skateboards in a parking lot?

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 10:00 am

quote:
Originally posted by Jonathan F. Gorton:
I am sorry if I contributed to that image, especially the part where being a fanatic is mentioned!

They used 'fanatic' with you.. my lead in was 'addictive' (end paragraph.. start new paragraph).. 'The Lil Otter'.. when I was in the Orlando FL newspaper.. They totally ignored my words about how safe it is for a single female to now travel.. thanks to other geocachers that guide me to beauitful city/country trails and parks.

A non-geocaching reporter can not ever grasp what is gained by the experiences.. the adventures..

I have not meandered into Minnie/ST Paul yet.. (prefer country caching) I knew last year that they were having conflicts with their parks etc upon placements.. real sad to see so many doors slamming in their faces.

~The Lil Otter