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Just in case the thread gets lost, here is the link to the questions I mentioned above.
http://www.wi-geocaching.com/forums/Forum7/HTML/000057.htmlI can’t believe this thread is still going! But since it is…
It seems that there are some who think “holding classes” is the only way Geocaching can get introduced to others. You’ve got to be kidding me!!!!!! Geocaching is everywhere! There are news reports being done all the time, both on television and in the papers. The numbers of cachers is growing every day. While I’m sure there are many people out there who did get involved because of a class they took, they didn’t hear about that class while they were there. Someone told them about it first. Or they read a sign. Or they saw a poster. Whatever the case, they didn’t just walk into a building, pay a fee and say, “Hey, cool, a Geocaching class! Man am I glad I just paid a fee for this!”
I had been caching for several months before I heard of a “class” being held. And guess what, it was free! There were people there from all over. Natloh had it at a library and charged nothing. There was a powerpoint presentation, some literature, a few temps, TB’s, stories, and gee…did I say it was free?
Should we make a list of all those who paid for a class to introduce them to the sport? Now, let’s make a list of those who didn’t pay. Oops…I’m out of ink from the second list.
Point, STOP CHARGING to “help” people learn what you love!
Also…what’s the point of starting a new thread to ask the same questions that are being asked here?
quote:
Originally posted by Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu:
Just in case the thread gets lost, here is the link to the questions I mentioned above.
http://www.wi-geocaching.com/forums/Forum7/HTML/000057.htmlTopic: Classes listed as Events – a seed topic
Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu
Member
Posts: 537
From:Two Rivers, WI, US
Registered: May 2004
posted 03-07-2006 10:12 PM
Like I mentioned in the Event caches – topic over on “Announcements” I am NOT trying to be sarcastic when asking these questions. These are things I have genuine concern about.
1. If we (the WGA) decided that classes should NOT be held/listed as an event on GC.com, then how are we going to get the word out to cachers out there, when our membership in WGA is FAR less than the # of cachers in the state??2. Does anyone feel that the idea listing/posting classes ONLY on the WGA would be a Benefit of being a member & possibly be a reason more cachers to join??
Ok the 2nd question is almost too stupid to ask (LOL) since I am inquiring with people who are already members.
It’s not the WGA who are deciding these classes are not allowed on Groundspeak. Try as they may, the WGA is NOT Geocaching! There is a whole other Geo World out there. In fact, the WGA is the spawn of Groundspeak. Pay attention because some of us are tiring of repeating ourselves:
Groundspeak has set rules and regulations governing events. They have been lax as of late about some of these rules. They are now trying to correct that. Our little discussion is one of the things they are correcting. Case in point, charging for events. It’s not allowed to cover expenses paid by the event “host” So stop doing it!
Well MB I hate to differ with you BUT the Approvers CAN decide if they will no longer approve classes AS Events….that’s NOT up to GC.com. That is even if no one ever charges for them again or not!! I have seen some interesting things that Other state approvers have and have not approved in many other states. A class is a class an event is an event.
End of story on the charge issue already!!
No charge…deal with it and Buck up if you get stuck with the bill!!!
I still have the questions I posted in the “suggestion box”, which MB has so graciously placed on this thread now. These refer to membership in the WGA issues. Please refer to the originals in the “SB” to answer so poeple don’t have to sift thru this thread.
Thanks!
quote:
Originally posted by Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu:
Like I mentioned in the Event caches – topic over on “Announcements” I am NOT trying to be sarcastic when asking these questions. These are things I have genuine concern about.1. If we (the WGA) decided that classes should NOT be held/listed as an event on GC.com, then how are we going to get the word out to cachers out there, when our membership in WGA is FAR less than the # of cachers in the state??
2. Does anyone feel that the idea listing/posting classes ONLY on the WGA would be a Benefit of being a member & possibly be a reason more cachers to join??
I’ll keep my answers in the original thread.
#1 – The WGA doesnt make up the rules. We are not a governing body. Some of the WGA Board members are Geocaching.com Reviewers, and as such, we (I), might mention some important thing from time to time.
Sometimes spreading the word in our local forums can prevent future problems. Many time newer people, and experienced geocachers may not know about certain guidelines, or have forgotten. Sometimes a group announcement can save me archiving caches that don’t meet the criteria. I’m just trying to help here.
If a “class” meets the criteria for an event, then it can be listed. There is nothing to prevent you from charging money to attend. Geocaching.com doesnt allow caches that use the GC.com website as advertising for someone else’s profit. That’s where we need to be careful.
If you need to charge a few bucks to break even for hosting an event, then it would be wise to indicate that on the event page.
Example: If I post a “class” with a $50 fee, but only indicate on the cache page “geocachers will learn how to use their gps and find a cache” wouldn’t you question where the money is going? As an approver I probably couldn’t approve it.
Now if it said that your $50 fee includes a prime rib dinner, compass, a geocoin, and some travel bug tags, you would know where my money is going. You would be much more likely to sign up.
If you are charging a fee, explaining the need for a fee on the cache page could help speed up the approval process. As a participant I’d be more likely to sign up if I knew why a fee was charged.
#2 – I don’t think that posting events only on the WGA site would draw in more members. It does however give some the opportunity to post an event that might not meet the GC.com guidelines, thus wouldn’t be listed on the GC.com website.
(I see pcfrog and I were typing at the same time. I think he hit the nail on the head with his post above this one)
[This message has been edited by GrouseTales (edited 03-08-2006).]
quote:
Originally posted by GrouseTales:
#1 – The WGA doesnt make up the rules. We are not a governing body….If you need to charge a few bucks to break even for hosting an event, then it would be wise to indicate that on the event page.
If you are charging a fee, explaining the need for a fee on the cache page could help speed up the approval process.
#2 – I don’t think that posting events only on the WGA site would draw in more members. It does however give some the opportunity to post an event that might not meet the GC.com guidelines.
Excellent points GT!! Thanks for answering!! We did mention on the cache page that a small fee will help with the cost of the room. Use of the room is a cost to the facility, therefore $$ received are not a profit.
Can’t say I agree OR disagree with the listing of classes being on the WGA only becasue I don’t really KNOW and that’s why I asked. What’s important to one may not be that important to others.
I do understand the WGA does not govern over listings and the Reviewers do make decisions/suggestions, but they can influence where stuff SHOULD go.
The questions I posed are of those darn “What if” statements. And like I said… I don’t have an answer, so I come to all of you and ask them. I’m NOT going to argue either way, because it’s a personal oppinion for each and everyone who chooses to answer. MAYBE it will give more insight on what People feel is important in a website and maybe it will bring in more membership???? Maybe NOT Dunno!!!
This is WHY I split off and sent the questions over to the Suggestion Box, because it feels like the subject has turned in another direction. I didn’t want to cause any grief. Now I think no matter what I would have done, I would have Ticked SOMEONE off somewhere!!
Thanks to all for your feedback – positive and negative. It’s what creates ideas and stimulates imagination and conversation!
[This message has been edited by Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu (edited 03-08-2006).]
Just happened on this topic and had to share my thoughts, I feel that events should be free and I do not have a problem donating to a tip jar at a restaurant event. My upcoming event is free to attend and I will not be having a donation jar to cover my expenses of renting the park shelter, etc. I feel that it is my turn to pay back other cachers that have helped me and given me a fun hobby with their cache hides. Having ten caches hidden myself I understand the costs of setting them up and maintaining them.
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Originally posted by grcarlson:
My upcoming event is free to attend and I will not be having a donation jar to cover my expenses of renting the park shelter, etc.Be carefull…I’ll be hoppin’ behind ya trying to shove $$$ in your pockets!! LOL
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