View Full Version : Introducing new GCM members



Haffy
09-04-2009, 01:17 PM
I have a great idea and I think this might have been brought up before but I'll introduce it once again since I don't want to intrude an another topic. We as active members and even non-active members owe it to this site to remind new cachers that we are here. If you have placed a cache or even seen others placing caches and you know they are new and don't know about this site you owe it yourselves and others to introduce them to us. When you see that they are new with only a few caches under their belt,give them a buzz and tell them about us and invite them to visit this site. I used to do that all the time and don'tknow how many people I have brought to the site but it is many I'm sure. Just ask them to visit us at www.geocachingmaine.org and if there is anything geocaching related that we can help them with then just ask us here. I think the last person I asked was Dan Dubord and look what he has done for this site and for caching. JMHO

WhereRWe?
09-04-2009, 01:53 PM
Sheesh! We do this all the time and never gave it a thought that other GMC.org members didn't do so as well. Additionally, if someone from Maine logs one of our caches, I'll often check to see if they're members, and if not, invite them to join us. I also send a welcome message to all new members as well.

:confused::confused:

pm28570
09-04-2009, 01:54 PM
It is a good idea. Another action item can be to add the "I'm a member of GeocachingMaine.org" banner to cache listings.



I have a great idea and I think this might have been brought up before but I'll introduce it once again since I don't want to intrude an another topic. We as active members and even non-active members owe it to this site to remind new cachers that we are here. If you have placed a cache or even seen others placing caches and you know they are new and don't know about this site you owe it yourselves and others to introduce them to us. When you see that they are new with only a few caches under their belt,give them a buzz and tell them about us and invite them to visit this site. I used to do that all the time and don'tknow how many people I have brought to the site but it is many I'm sure. Just ask them to visit us at www.geocachingmaine.org (http://www.geocachingmaine.org) and if there is anything geocaching related that we can help them with then just ask us here. I think the last person I asked was Dan Dubord and look what he has done for this site and for caching. JMHO

WhereRWe?
09-04-2009, 02:03 PM
Another action item can be to add the "I'm a member of GeocachingMaine.org" banner to cache listings.

Can someone post a couple of these banners? I've got one on some of our sites, but it's not a good one. :D:D

pm28570
09-04-2009, 02:09 PM
As many know, here is where they live: http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1567
I've tried adding them after publishing a cache but it threw off the justification and the cache description just didn't look good. I guess in my case, I need to add it when first publishing.


Can someone post a couple of these banners? I've got one on some of our sites, but it's not a good one. :D:D

pm28570
09-04-2009, 02:11 PM
sorry, this one is better: http://www.geocachingmaine.org/links/misc.php?do=linktous

Haffy
09-04-2009, 03:02 PM
Sheesh! We do this all the time and never gave it a thought that other GMC.org members didn't do so as well. Additionally, if someone from Maine logs one of our caches, I'll often check to see if they're members, and if not, invite them to join us. I also send a welcome message to all new members as well.

:confused::confused:

GOOD JOB BRUCE!!!! I knew you did but know that others could also use the same incentive to do so as well. Thanks you "OLD CURMUDGEON YOU" LOL

Haffy
09-04-2009, 03:08 PM
sorry, this one is better: http://www.geocachingmaine.org/links/misc.php?do=linktous

Good link and all you have to do is copy and paste the html to your cache page when you post a new cache. I have that on all my Maine caches, or should I say all my Maine adopted caches.:(

dubord207
09-04-2009, 04:27 PM
First of all, thanks for the kind thoughts Haffy! You also told me after I did my first 100 "Addicting isn't it Dan?" and I thought "Yeah, a little bit I guess." No denying it now.

The site is a wealth of information for sure. The contacts are the most important, from Bruce's introductory tutorial for Di and I about GSAK at KK's event, to thoughtful threads on all things caching and of course all the new friends we have made. While the welcome page is a great idea, I agree with Haffy that a little extra personal touch might make the difference in a "lurker" and a cacher who has something useful to say.

I would like the members to be more like "members" of a true group, more involved in activities like the Relay for Life that Dan does, perhaps a list of us who like public speaking and promote the sport in that manner. The CITO events could be better promoted on this site.

So to you newer members, don't be shy. Get involved and don't be afraid to ask questions, any questions. I've never seen a question asked that I thought was "dumb" on this site. Most of the technical difficulties I've had were solved by members of this group, many more then willing to share their know how.

Lastly, don't get turned off on those few occassions when some of the discussions get a bit heated...we're all human, have egos, strong opinions, but most of time we play well together.:)

Haffy
09-04-2009, 04:41 PM
First of all, thanks for the kind thoughts Haffy! You also told me after I did my first 100 "Addicting isn't it Dan?" and I thought "Yeah, a little bit I guess." No denying it now.

Lastly, don't get turned off on those few occassions when some of the discussions get a bit heated...we're all human, have egos, strong opinions, but most of time we play well together.:)

That last quote by Dan is so true. We are a forum so to speak and things can get a "little" heated at times but we are all in this for the same thing and that is the comradarie and fellowship that geocaching has brought us together as something we can have fun with and share with others. Even though I am living here in SC now I still consider Maine my 1st home and hope that someday I will be living back in Maine. Just need a job prospect!!!!!
Any offers?????

brdad
09-04-2009, 05:07 PM
I must be skipping too many threads, I have seen very few heated arguments here. :p

Anyway, back to the original topic, I have suggested the same thing and practice it on a regular basis. I originally posted it in my http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1564 article:


13. Communication! Check your gc.com emails on a regular basis. Respond to emails concerning your caches. Send emails to finders if you have questions or just want to congratulate them - if your cache is their first, send an email welcoming them to the sport, and invite them to join Geocaching Maine! Be friendly and fair if there is a disagreement. If you are not willing to do this, don't place a cache!

brdad
09-04-2009, 05:12 PM
As many know, here is where they live: http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1567
I've tried adding them after publishing a cache but it threw off the justification and the cache description just didn't look good. I guess in my case, I need to add it when first publishing.

I would be glad to try and help you with the HTML on your cache page. The more we promote the site the better. Feel free to send me a PM or catch me in chat and we'll see what we can do to make it right.

WhereRWe?
09-04-2009, 06:40 PM
Even though I am living here in SC now I still consider Maine my 1st home and hope that someday I will be living back in Maine. Just need a job prospect!!!!!
Any offers?????

Sheesh! I'll give you $15 an hour to cut, split and stack my firewood! My saw, my splitter, my gas/oil...

:D:D

squirrelcache
09-04-2009, 07:59 PM
Wow........I was just thinking about this today while grudgingly doing some new caches. I've read logs and heard feedback from other cachers offline about how frustrated they are w/the hides, and it's not from legitimate difficulty. Of course we like the series and really want to complete it.....no matter how difficult it is...or lack of responses from the C.O.. So I was kicking myself for not inviting the C.O. to the site when I met them on the trail the other day. They could get help in placing/listing/correcting. So thanks Haffy for starting the thread before I did ;)

We just lost a chunk of caches down this way by a new cacher that enjoyed putting them out. They moved out of State. Even more sad is that I know folks, even myself who would have adopted them, had we known through this site. The C.O. lurked silently on this site and on chat. So I'm really not sure what it takes to motivate folks to participate.....even when we do get them here.

I do know this......QTIP(Quit Taking it Personally), assuming the best and not the worst... focusing on sharing constructive things that build up or encourage... rather than tearing down and alienating are all great steps in the right direction.

Cache.......and Let Cache

pm28570
09-04-2009, 08:39 PM
Thanks, I no doubt will ask. I think first, I'll play with it to try and learn. When the frustration level approaches def-con 4, I'll ask. :D



I would be glad to try and help you with the HTML on your cache page. The more we promote the site the better. Feel free to send me a PM or catch me in chat and we'll see what we can do to make it right.