Reading the text on a cache page

[Frizz]

A couple of weeks ago I was out caching with ks9wi. For some reason the cache descriptions and previous logs were not loaded onto the PDA, only the coordinates and brief outline of each cache. This proved especially troublesome for a number of the cemetary caches we were planning finding, as we no information about finding the various multi stages. Most of the other caches we were able to successfully hunt, but we found out later that several of our DNFs had been MIA for a while. Even though we had more DNFs than usual, we still had a fun day of caching.

[sandlanders]

I always read the cache pages. I was reading cache pages as a lurker before we even had a caching name. Caches pages are mini-stories that someone took the time to write. Some are good, some are bad. Some have information, some don’t.

We aren’t paperless (receiver and camera about all the electronics we take), so I read and reread the cache pages of caches we might try to find. Sometimes I condense everything to get many caches on one page to take along, and then a lot of the background stuff doesn’t make that, but it has been read and the important stuff noted.

I read the pages before we go, and I read the pages after when we log any finds (or DNFs) just to see the page from the perspective of someone who has now seen the cache location. Just like I like to write detailed accounts for our logs, I like to write detailed cache pages. I also like to throw in a few photos or graphics to spice up the pages. If these don’t come through on devices or if they slow down searches, and if it seems that the pages are too wordy, that is unfortunate, but I certainly enjoy writing good cache pages to enhance the experience on the caches we place.

[hogrod]

I also think these numbers are very off, most cachers don’t read the page at all. This even includes some people with lots of finds who should know better.

On my old cache Reuben’s Cave I was shocked at the amount of people who would come from the wrong side of the river. the cache page included an additional waypoint for parking coordinates. The funny part is the parking was at the end of Reuben’s cave dr. you would think they would have at least looked at a map & common sense would kick in! nope.

Then there was the joker who failed to see the attribute for hunting(no one looks at these either), failed to see the warning on the cache page, or the description that the cache was located on public hunting grounds. He emailed me unhappily when he ran into a hunter in the woods & posted a pretty funny/moronic log. I had to add a MUCH larger red warning on the cache page linking to the DNR hunting schedule.

I’m sorry people if you don’t read the page you have nothing to complain about, you got yourself into these situations with your shear laziness. I mean really, how hard is it to move your eyes for a few seconds!

I read not only the cache page but the some of the logs too. On the really good caches(ones with lots of photo’s are usually a good indication) I actually read every log & look for additional waypoints that might help me make the find.

[gotta run]

@hogrod wrote:

I also think these numbers are very off, most cachers don’t read the page at all.

Perhaps, but this is not a survey of most cachers. I think it’s probably fairly accurate for this particular sample.

On the Left Side of the Road...

[RJ McKenzie]

I don’t necessarily read them before I go out for a day, but while I’m out caching I do tend to pull out my iPhone and check out the description. Unless its just a park and grab.

[CSI-1]

I would hope I am considered the “typical cacher”. (But maybe more meticulous than some). And with that I ALWAYS read the cache page before the hunt. Sometimes it is at home – to help decide if that is a cache I want to search – or sometimes it is on the PDA at the “scene”. Either way, reading the page is important to avoid probable DNF’s or ending up “doing it the hard way”. Usually there is an interesting story from the placer as to why this particular cache was placed or maybe at least important info for the search.
I also like to read the logs to hear the interesting stories of the hunt by the different finders. I find it frustrating when the log is “I came. I found. I signed. TNLNSL”. What’s that!?! Either a major case of “lazy” or “it is all about the numbers” only. Each finder had SOME kind of adventure while hunting any particular cache. I would like to hear about it! I think both of the sides of the story are interesting AND important. So I read them both!

[seldom|seen]

@marc_54140 wrote:

I am slightly surprised at the high number of cachers reporting they read the cache pages.

But then, that reflects the cachers who read and post to these forums. A special subset of cachers.

At the same time, this special subset is a pretty sizable group and while it may be skewed to the “I read all the listings” end of the spectrum, I suspect it’s a decent representation of most cachers with more than a novice number of cache finds.

There’s no accounting for newbie cachers who find themselves in the middle of a busy highway looking for a cache at a bogus set of cords, just like I did on my second or third time out before I realized there were some caches called “puzzles”. But then you can can’t account for all the other stuff that comes with new cachers either.

I now read EVERY cache listing before I go out to look for any caches, either here in the office if I’m planning a LCG run or in the field if I’m doing a spontaneous cache hunt. And not just for the info in the listing, but also to glean any clues about the condition or whereabouts of the final. This is especially true of lonely caches where reading the previous find and DNF logs can determine which one I’ll end up with.

Suffice it to say that the people sounding off here on the “yes” side (not all, but most) are also likely to “write” logs expressing gratitude for the hiders efforts, trade up or even on cache swag, re-hide caches decently or the way they were intended to be hidden and avoid too many puzzle finds that they haven’t solved themselves.

[sandlanders]

@seldom|seen wrote:

Suffice it to say that the people sounding off here on the “yes” side (not all, but most) are also likely to “write” logs expressing gratitude for the hiders efforts, trade up or even on cache swag, re-hide caches decently or the way they were intended to be hidden and avoid too many puzzle finds that they haven’t solved themselves.

And complete any now “suggested” additional logging requirements.

[LostBoys5]

We nearly always read the cache page. It took 3 tries to find our first cache because I did not completely read the page and it was not at the posted coordinates. Talk about a slow learner. I love reading the logs and the stories and the information on the cache locations. Now we feel a little helpless sometimes without the Palm to tell us what we need or want to know. We try to keep those batteries charged!

[Mathman]

This is a good statement put into a forum. There are many times where I’ll post a “hint” right into the cache page. Then when there is a DNF, cachers might mention, they need a clue. Apparently they did not read the cache page. I agree sometimes there is waaaaay too much verbiage on a cache page and I myself will sift through it.

[Lostby7]

@Mathman wrote:

…I agree sometimes there is waaaaay too much verbiage on a cache page…

[LB7 Waves his hand as if to indicate that he is often guilty of this.]

[seldom|seen]

@Lostby7 wrote:

@Mathman wrote:

…I agree sometimes there is waaaaay too much verbiage on a cache page…

[LB7 Waves his hand as if to indicate that he is often guilty of this.]

[s|s Jumps up and down behind LB7 waving his hands as well]

[Table 4 6]

@LDove wrote:

I usually read them as I log them. I have them in a PQ before I go out and unless I am stuck, I don’t really read them until I get home.

This is what I do as well 😀

[sandlanders]

@seldom|seen wrote:

@Lostby7 wrote:

@Mathman wrote:

…I agree sometimes there is waaaaay too much verbiage on a cache page…

[LB7 Waves his hand as if to indicate that he is often guilty of this.]

[s|s Jumps up and down behind LB7 waving his hands as well]

Sandlanders, too. But it’s ALL useful. 😉

[Joey_Skywalker]

Always. Could have clues to finding it. Finding caches faster means you can find more in a day which is more fun 😀

[Author]

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