Is it a multi or a puzzle?

[peach107]

i like to d/l a PQ of nothing but traditionals or multis. I generally don’t look at cache pages for size, terrain, hints or anything. I like to run with the coords and thats it. Lately i have run into a ton of what i would call puzzles listed as multis. I make the run for the cache only to be stumped because the cache (or at least coords to the final) are not where stated. GC.com guidelines state “The posted coordinates are for the first stage” and “Please provide the coordinates of all stages of the multi-cache”. I have emailed cache owners and also Wiskid to no avail. New ones where posted again today. shouldn’t these be listed as puzzles or am i wrong again.

[glorkar]

Offset caches are a variation on multi-caches. They are listed as a multi-cache when selecting a cache type. They are not found by simply going to some coordinates and finding a cache there. With the offset cache the published coordinates could be of an existing historical monument, plaque, or even a benchmark that you would like to have your cache hunter visit. At this spot, the hunter looks for numbers or information already appearing on the marker or on some part of the marker or site (geocachers never deface public or private property). The geocacher is then able to manipulate these numbers or information using instructions posted on the cache page to continue the hunt.

Source=http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#multi

I have one like this in a cemetery. The posted coords take you to a marker. Using the dates on the marker, the cacher does some math and gets the coords for the final.

[CodeJunkie]

Interesting point. I created an offset WSQ (to verify a theory I had) and it gets more visits than an equivalent Puzzle WSQ. We all know that many people just ignore the big blue question mark. I guess it’s all “preference” as I’ve seen it done both ways.

My personal preference is that multi’s should be just that – a series of containers where the coordinates say they are. Anything that requires any kind of research or solve should be classified a puzzle / mystery.

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

I’ve always thought that offset caches should have their own symbol/cache type.

[TheBalks]

I have started including the field solvable puzzle icon on my offset wsq’s listed as a puzzle. I am hoping this helps them get more traffic.

[peach107]

@CodeJunkie wrote:

My personal preference is that multi’s should be just that – a series of containers where the coordinates say they are. Anything that requires any kind of research or solve should be classified a puzzle / mystery.

I agree with CodeJunkie. Any cache that doesn’t take you directly to the cache, or at least to a set of coords that eventually bring you to a cache should be listed as a puzzle.

[Todd300]

I’ve seen many night caches listed at either multis pr puzzles and in some cases, traditionals.

Many are so similar in that the posted coordinates will take you to a spot where you start using your flashlight to look for firetacks. So how would a night cache be classified depending on its set up?

[CodeJunkie]

@Todd300 wrote:

I’ve seen many night caches listed at either multis pr puzzles and in some cases, traditionals.

Many are so similar in that the posted coordinates will take you to a spot where you start using your flashlight to look for firetacks. So how would a night cache be classified depending on its set up?

I’m not sure, but I believe all night caches are supposed to be “Unknown/Puzzle”.

[seldom|seen]

@peach107 wrote:

@CodeJunkie wrote:

My personal preference is that multi’s should be just that – a series of containers where the coordinates say they are. Anything that requires any kind of research or solve should be classified a puzzle / mystery.

I agree with CodeJunkie. Any cache that doesn’t take you directly to the cache, or at least to a set of coords that eventually bring you to a cache should be listed as a puzzle.

Or you could just list them all as puzzles to avoid any confusion…

[Author]

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