Tack — not sure how to be tactful here

[czernicachers]

Since I started i thought it was a must to sign the log in order for it to count. There have been occasions where I was unable to sign the log (wet, full) but in that case i take a picture of the cache in the location and send a verify to the cache owner.

Again that is me and that is how I partake in this activity.

[marc_54140]

GC.Com has flipped flopped on the ‘signing the log’ thing severl times.

Here’s the current statement:

Step 4 – The Find

Huzzah! You found the cache! Congratulations! Now what?
Usually you take an item and leave an item, and enter your name and experience you had into the log book. Some people prefer to just enter their name into the log book. It’s an accomplishment enough to locate the cache.
Make sure to seal the cache and place it back where you found it. If it had some rocks covering it, please replace them. It’s pretty straightforward.

In the past they actually had phrasing that stated signing the log was a requirement. Then they didn’t. Then they did. Now…..

BUT………………..there’s always a but…………..

Whenever anyone told me this, I would respond with the question “What about the other two requirements?” Never found anyone who knew what I was talking about.

1. Take something
2. Leave something.
3. Sign the log.

I know there are some cachers out there who have some real issues with others not signing their logs. My ‘favorite’ cache placer in Arizona is on my ignore list because of his rampage against my behavior.

Think about it. If #3 is really a ‘requirement’, then so are #1 and #2.

Veni, vidi, sivi……….I came, I saw, I had someone else sign my name!

🙂 😆 😳 🙄 😥 8) 😯

[Team Bear Bear]

If one was keeping score as if this was a professional sport, then signing the log would be a must, it proves you were there. If the hider wanted to dispute your find, your “signature” is the proof. One could (and probably will) argue that some logs get full or are too wet to sign – that’s the cache owners problem because he has the responsibility to maintain the cache. He couldn’t (or shouldn’t) deny you the find because he failed to do proper maintenance.

@marc_54140 wrote:

1. Take something
2. Leave something.
3. Sign the log.

Think about it. If #3 is really a ‘requirement’, then so are #1 and #2.

That’s splitting hairs.

One could argue that you “Take” the log (out) and “Leave” it when you replace it. Therefore by signing the log you’ve met all three requirements.

I expect that the whole thing with trinkets in the cache was done as a reward or incentive during the inception of the sport. When was the last time you took something from a cache??? Robin & I look through the cache “prizes” but rarely take anything. About the only time we trade items is when my 9 year old son is along.

Chris

[PCFrog]

Just for those who would like to know.

I decided long ago I would never cross reference the log book against online records. While I find it slightly annoying that the person blatantly said he did not sign, I figure I would let it be. I however still feel that people should sign the log. While I will never check who signs and does not I do feel that this is an open door for scandals who would take advantage of this just so they can just virtually log caches. This leads down another path that has way to many opinions and justifications which all sides have good and just stance. So, based on this the fact, he did not sign log and it will just be annoying to me but that’s how that person wants to do geocaching and that is also his right. Thanks for your opinions again. Always good to see how others feel and look at how geocaching SHOULD be done.

[Team Deejay]

You know, I actually do check when I swap out a log, just to see what is happening. I’ve had a bit of abuse from people logging from points unknown (Thats what I get for having caches with “Liar” in the title) and would just as soon not have my cache pages cluttered with a bunch of fake logs. That said, I don’t delete logs when someone says “I forgot my pen” or “My kids were so busy trading swag that we forgot to sign” or even “We found the container but couldn’t figure out how to open it” (an old-fashioned metal match case). If someone logs a find without signing and without posting some sort of excuse, I will usually email them, just to make sure they didn’t log the wrong cache. If its a mistake, I ask them to delete their log, but I don’t delete it for them.

[marc_54140]

I guess it comes down to personality types. Which are you? Am I one?

I would rate myself as laisse faire (sp?). I put the cache out, and everyone is invited to pretty much do what they want thereafter. However, I did get a ‘flame’ on the national site once for this. Was told I should care. But what can you do if someone ….. does whatever. Even if they take your cache, you can not do anything about it.

So, I sit back, and enjoy a good book. Go out with friends for a meal. Play cards. Go caching. Anything, but worry about what’s going on with my caches.

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