This topic contains 4 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by 
kbraband 20 years, 3 months ago.
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a forum heading for threads directing questions to the Wisconsin approvers? Since both the approvers are active WGA board members, it would be a convienient way to communicate general questions to them and also provide a history of questions and answers that might be useful to all Wisconsin geocachers. It’s also easier to post here than to search for an e-mail address, and it would prevent any wondering which approver to e-mail, as either can respond as they are available.
Seems like a good idea.
The only “weakness” I see is that on occasion a question might be too specific or obvious vs. the cache that’s being placed, basically revealing an advance-spoiler for the new cache.
On the plus side, not only does it help the cacher placing the cache, but might answer the question for the next person. The latter could also be achieved by having a separate page on WGA with “Frequently Asked Questions”. But again, this would not help those with a more specific question.
A tip … when I’ve had questions, I’ve sent them to both approvers in one email; who ever is “on duty” has hit [reply all], so that I get the answer and the “off duty” approver knows it’s taken care of. Maybe WGA should create an email “group” of “[email protected]” that forwards to both approvers.
Most of the “question” type emails we get are people with a new cache idea they want to run past us. These ideas are always kept confidential. Other emails deal with problem caches, or adopting caches.
I’m not sure people would communicate these things in an open forum. I think your idea would be helpful for newby type questions. Another plus would be, It wouldn’t get lost in my email’s “in box” .
So if someone places a multi-cache and you know all the details because you’re an approver, do you log a First-To-Find?
Seriously though, waypoint coordinates and such would be forgotten over time, but fun details (like the thought that went into Find Jimmy Hoffa) won’t be forgotten easily. Plus, as has been stated in the logs, if you get the puzzle part at Waypoint 2 wrong, you could head to what looks like a completely valid hiding location before realizing you messed up.
What is the standard procedure for finding caches you’ve approved, or is there one?
Quoting from the volunteer reviewers’ Code of Conduct:
USE OF UNPUBLISHED INFORMATION; BEING “FIRST TO FIND”
Reviewers will not use unpublished information supplied for cache approval to their advantage in finding caches, nor will they intentionally share this information with others. Unpublished information includes, for example, the intermediate and final waypoints of multicaches, the solutions to puzzle caches, and the target objects of virtual caches. Reviewers may be first to find any traditional cache after it is published on the Geocaching.com website. To avoid the appearance of impropriety, reviewers will refrain from being the first to find caches of other types which they have approved.
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