[wzbt03]

Rather then respond to your obvious taunt Tie, I will take the higher road and just ignore you.

Since we do see each other in person on occassion, we can discuss it then.

[wzbt03]

Yes, Wzbt03 it is.

I decided to come back and see how things were going on the forum and with the WGA in general.

In relation to the geocoin project – good job WGA. Great team effort working together and putting out a superior coin at a reasonable price. I am sure that lots of people donated tons of time and effort to make it happen and thanks for the special coin I was sent (they know what I mean).

However, judging by the above comments, things are pretty much the same.

I ask this question very sincerely….
Why does someone also have to issue threats to close topics by the “administators”?

Maybe I didn’t want to come back after all, very little has changed from the looks of it. This is purely a comment by one of the “little people” otherwise known as one of the membership.

[wzbt03]

It is often said on this forum – geocache any way you want. If you like number chasing or whatever, go for it.

The same should be said of the forum.
Post what you want.
An occasional spicy comment should just be viewed as someone else’s opinion.

In the somewhat sleepy dialogue that sometimes appears on this forum, having someones pulse quicken is not all bad.

Group hugs are not always what everyone wants. Some people will always disagree and let the rest of us decide whose opinion merits consideration.

[wzbt03]

I purchased three coins and one I will keep, one goes to my favorite cachers in New Hampshire and one will be given to another cacher at some future date.
I agree with the opinion that they are sure to disappear if they are put in caches.
I have already donated 5 geocoins to people who geocache who feel they can just keep them for themselves and I would rather just use my Wisconsin geocoins to give away as gifts to other cachers.

[wzbt03]

I cache alone – sounds somewhat like a George Thorogood song.

While I prefer to cache alone I do understand why many only cache in groups.
If numbers are your thing (which is fine) then caching with a group will greatly enhance the number of finds. The group can also be a family unit but I tend to think of this as more of caching on your own with your own being your family unit.

[wzbt03]

I will answer the question in reverse fashion:

Why don’t I cache (as much as before)?

Caches have become very predictable and most lack the challenge that used to drive me.
Instead now I just cache on vacations and every once in a while when a local one or a particular one interests me.

Now the other side of the coin – Why do you cache?

To find new areas and challenges. To enjoy an outdoor activity that often surprises me (that is with proper planning to avoid the lame ones)

What don’t I get out of it?

I honestly don’t feel the sense of community that a lot of you do and thats okay. I have never been around a group yet that does not complain about the others that are not there.

I am really happy that a lot of cachers have found people they like and enjoy caching with them. Most cachers appear to be quiet introverts and with the group activities and such, they have found a comfort zone being in like company.
I just never have gotten a big thrill by caching in groups is all. It always seems to take a lot of the adventure out of it.

What do I get out of it?

A fun activity that compliments some activities I like better such as biking, hiking and traveling.

The bottom line for me is for everyone to enjoy it as they like and there is no right or wrong answer.
Everyone should be comfortable saying what they like and feel.
This forum usually frowns on opinions that are not in the mainstream.

I edited this posting since part of my answer was in reference to another post – just got mixed up is all but it did get me a very nice letter – really it was nice.
Thanks for the correction.

[This message has been edited by wzbt03 (edited 11-06-2005).]

[wzbt03]

Everyone could banter back and forth about this forever. If the letter had not been deleted, the subject would have been closed and forgotten long ago. Each person could decide on their own of the merits.

Certain members of the board seem awful defensive lately. You all need to lighten up and remember about all the fun.
Thumper the rabbit would be unhappy with some of you.

[wzbt03]

Of course everyone is a little bit right about this subject.

No one should be allowed to use words we would find profane (the notorious 4 letter ones) on the forum.
In the case of the letter that was deleted, I do not remember any four letter words used.

Another point that disturbs some of us is that the WGA “administrators” feel this is their own forum and they have the right to lock topics at will and censor if the subject matter does not suit them.

I am quite sure the majority of members of WGA do not agree with the board members having this right without full review by the entire board. Thats why we have 9 of you on the board isn’t it?

So lets honestly discuss this, the letter deleted pointed out that one member of the board was going a bit far with their advice on behalf of the board and speaking for the board. The author of the deleted letter challenged them on this and was promptly censored.
This is not about four letter words, its about the board or a board member not liking being criticized. So lets quit making people think that some obscene letter was deleted.

The idea of not saying what you would when face to face with the person is great also, and I think the author of the letter would have said the same things as in the letter, face to face.

If the board does not agree and feels the forum is for them to decide about, lets have an online poll of what the membership thinks.
I think everyone knows how this would turn out so it really is not needed.

On the email idea, I did trade emails with a board member recently and their letter contained a profane word in it. Just goes to show you that we are not safe anywhere.

[wzbt03]

Alert the censors:

One day in the hospital, two little boys were lying on stretchers next to each other outside of the operating room.

The first boy leans over and asks, “What are you in for?”

“I’m here to get my tonsils out and I’m nervous,” the second boy says.

The first kid says, “You’ve got nothing to worry about! I had that done when I was four.

They put you to sleep and when you wake up they give you lots of ice cream and Jell-O. It’s a breeze!”

“Well what are you here for?” the second kid asks.

“A circumcision.” The first kid replies woefully.

The second kid says “Wow! I had that done when I was born and I couldn’t walk for a year!”

The only somewhat acceptable joke on this subject available Greyhounder.

[wzbt03]

Only because of what I consider an unjust attack on Linus, I am breaking my vow not to participate in these forums.

The board of WGA seems to have taken on the attitude that only they know what is best for WGA, not the membership.

I read Robin’s posting this morning before it was removed and while it was a bit harsh toward one board member, it did ring so much of the truth that it warranted evaluation by the rest of the WGA.
Since when did the board members think that this whole thing is just about them (I am not talking about all of the board either, many understand its about all of us).

I dropped my WGA membership in early March because I no longer wanted to be part of a organization that did not respect the right of the members to speak and decided something that was proven ineffective throughout history, censorship of the masses, does not make the problems go away.
I only rejoined a couple of days ago to vote for a COTM that was so deserving I could not resist. The recent political spin that has been given to COTM has made it very ineffective but I decided you can’t quit trying.

If some board members can’t take the heat of honest criticism then perhaps they should reconsider their role.
Gee and I think these are some of the same board members who did the sock puppet thing not to long ago to criticize others caches without being indentified. Any of you care to fess up about that one? I happen to know who you are. Where was the board outrage at these attacks?

Yeah Robin is right, we should keep this an open forum. The friendly part will come when we quit getting told how to act.

You don’t have to agree with me but please do not limit opinions to only what you think is right.

Oh no, I am posting on the forum again…..
Woe is me.

[wzbt03]

I love the story Jeff and only wish I could watch that particular episode of The Twilight Zone.

One minor point is that in the Thorson version with the DNRy, they are not the ultimate power. The voters of Wisconsin can send happy thoughts through the right channels through their ASSEMBLy people and the SENATEy in Wisconsin.

Politics have cured many instances of bad behavior in the past.

For now I realize we will leave it to the board to handle this issue and resort to extremes if little DNRy gets out of hand.

[wzbt03]

I have to ask the simple question:

Has Geocaching had a negative impact on any area currently administered by the DNR?

Last time I checked the purpose of having State Parks was so that people would have natural areas to enjoy recreation of their choice as they desire.

Are there restrictions on scuba divers at Devils Lake?

How about horses in the Kettle Moraine area, are owners required to register where their horses leave a load behind?

Kids build a sand castle on a beach in a state park, must they register it?

The list could go on and on.

Too much ado about nothing.

Perhaps the DNR would not have to experience staffing cuts if more people actually used all the parks.
Funny how they can never have a person to staff the admission gate but always find time to check cars and issue fines on everyone who is parked there without a sticker.

Go to Missouri (just an example I know of) and enjoy what is like to be welcome at a state park and laughed at when you ask if they charge a fee.

I think our admission fee we already pay for geocachers to use the parks should cover the very small amount of hollow logs we use in our sport.

I may be in the minority with my opinion but Wisconsin just has too many rules and too many taxes and fees.

[wzbt03]

I managed to add Iowa to my list this weekend.
The thing I like most about this thread is that it is very personal in nature. No competition to be first or last, just a way to say “Hey I got a cache in another state or country”
I would love to have found one in every state and maybe someday I will make that goal but for now I will take them one at a time and feel a bit of personal accomplishment.

[wzbt03]

Actually I never read the forums on geocaching.com. Someone just emailed me the link to the cache while stating – “What do you think about this”.
The thread is basically – Hey – what do you think about this?
With a little humor thrown in!

[wzbt03]

Actually it was the mile swim in ’68 Bob.
I lost out to a call girl in Venice who worked both sides of the street.

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