Short Cache Logs (Topic moved from 'Early Publication' thread)

If anyone is thinking I was worked up about the spelling in logs, I was not. I was merely pointing out that I found no manners missing in the log mentioned as someone else suggested, all I saw were a few spelling errors.

Anyway, it is an interesting twist to the topic. Just like manners, the way we write and spell our logs and cache descriptions is a reflection on each of us. I make as many mistakes or more as the next person, I do my best but sometimes they sit undiscovered until someone brings the error to my attention, then I'll fix it. I've fixed several logs and cache descriptions years after they were written.

With the newsletter, it is a reflection on the whole site - Pam knows that and welcomes it being checked over before it is sent out (and even then some items slip by). If she took every edit personally, she would have quit at at the first issue! We actually have a good time laughing about the edits, some times I think she puts a few in just for the fun of it! Regardless, she does a great job on the newsletter and deserves even more praise than she gets. She also deserves more people to participate in her contests like the photo contest. So show your manners and appreciation for her efforts and submit a photo - and make sure your spelling is correct in the photo! :):):)

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Originally Posted by dubord207

To put my final note on a thread intended to encourage better logging and manners, it seems for some that the only cache worthy of more then a few words would be a 12 part multi-cache with the final being a full-size ammo can located 5 miles into the woods someplace. Yeah, I'd write quite a story about such a find but in keeping up the enthusiasm for the less ambitious cache hiders, I won't serial log and will continue to try to post something positive about all finds and to thank folks that put out caches, even those that some here would characterize as lame. (and should I spell something wrong or post something grammatically incorrect, then go ahead and have a few chuckles about it you'd like!)

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Dan, I don't think a 12 stage multi-cache would be needed. I think Dave would respond positively to a 6 stager.

Definition of STAGER

: an experienced person : veteran

Interesting how this has "grown" out of my original thread concerning early publication and how much thread activity it generated. Thanks to all who have participated. My single little thought from my pea-sized brain is I imagine there is a direct connection between cachers logging with short or even no word logs and cachers who use smartphone technology to cache. Before the smart phone users jump crazy on me, I certainly am not suggesting you aren't true cachers or that all cell cachers are short loggers. Frankly, I really don't care how you enjoy the activity, just be a responsible cacher. Just wondering......

I think phone logging is a definite factor. I'm glad there are other ways to log, if I had to do it with my phone I'd have to set a basic default message to use as well. I can barely answer my phone, let alone connect to that interweb thing with it. Of course, any phone log could be edited through a computer at a PC later time, but I'd bet the larger percentage of us would not bother. I've had intentions of adding pictures to cache logs on a later date on several occasions and have let it slip on my priority list.

Speaking of pictures, I like when people add pictures to the logs on my caches, but it is unfortunate we are not alerted in the notifications that the finder added pictures. I often just read the email version without checking online to see if pictures were added. IMO pictures are often worth many words in a cache log.

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Originally Posted by lexmano

Dan, I don't think a 12 stage multi-cache would be needed. I think Dave would respond positively to a 6 stager.

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This thread really has nothing to do with my preference of caches, it has to do with what reasons a finder may have for writing longer or shorter logs, as well as features a cache may have that promote longer or shorter logs. A memorable cache does not need to be any number of stages or miles into the wilderness. Check out the caches I have favorited, many are low in D/T ratings.

I am curious, as a cache owner, do you mind if someone alerts you that you have a spelling error in your cache title or description, and mentions it either in their log or in an email? Someone just posted a link elsewhere to a cache placed in 2008 and the title is not spelled correctly, and I assume unintentionally.

Yes, I mind and I would hope my fellow cachers would have more productive activities in their lives then spell checking other's words.

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Originally Posted by brdad

I am curious, as a cache owner, do you mind if someone alerts you that you have a spelling error in your cache title or description, and mentions it either in their log or in an email? Someone just posted a link elsewhere to a cache placed in 2008 and the title is not spelled correctly, and I assume unintentionally.

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Originally Posted by brdad

I am curious, as a cache owner, do you mind if someone alerts you that you have a spelling error in your cache title or description, and mentions it either in their log or in an email? Someone just posted a link elsewhere to a cache placed in 2008 and the title is not spelled correctly, and I assume unintentionally.

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Personally....I appreciate constructive criticism. I dont appreciate people being vindictively mean about it but if I messed up I dont mind someone telling me...would prefer a PM rather than a public log but thats me.

Hey I am not perfect...CLOSE mind you but I make mistakes. hehe

Just to be clear, brdad's criticism of the "spelling and grammar" of my very first log was not corrected by a subsequent log or private email but was simply posted right in this thread in the midst of a discussion about manners. While having a site administrator is fine, we don't need spelling and grammar "police." While I use spell check consistently in my professional life, I don't think it's a necessary tool in this game we play and I would be hard pressed to find a legitimate reason to correct a fellow cacher's spelling.

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Originally Posted by brdad

I didn't see much wrong with that log, short of poor grammar and spelling. I have a personal editor so you don't see so much of that in my logs. :)

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My question was about cache titles and descriptions. If I made an error in a cache listing, I would want to know, be it coordinates, spelling or wrong use of a word. I think it's a good thing to have a well-written cache page.

Logs are a different thing, I don't mind anyone mentioning a log error to me, but it's definitely overkill for anyone to actively seek them out. But I am still glad Lee looks mine over as she reads them...

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Originally Posted by brdad

I am curious, as a cache owner, do you mind if someone alerts you that you have a spelling error in your cache title or description, and mentions it either in their log or in an email? Someone just posted a link elsewhere to a cache placed in 2008 and the title is not spelled correctly, and I assume unintentionally.

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I would love if somebody emailed me if I have a grammar or spelling error in my cache description or a log. So far nobody did, is it all correct or what?

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Originally Posted by cano

I would love if somebody emailed me if I have a grammar or spelling error in my cache description or a log. So far nobody did, is it all correct or what?

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Well, there's a lot of words I can't find in the dictionary on your Lorem Ipsum (Unknown/Mystery)(Micro) (GC1PGW1) by Cano (2.5/1.5) cache page. :)

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Originally Posted by brdad

I am curious, as a cache owner, do you mind if someone alerts you that you have a spelling error in your cache title or description, and mentions it either in their log or in an email? Someone just posted a link elsewhere to a cache placed in 2008 and the title is not spelled correctly, and I assume unintentionally.

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If I make a mistake that promotes discrimination based on any of the following: race, religion, national origin, color, sex, age, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation, then yes. Also, there are a lot of new slang words/code being used by the younger generation. My 20 yr old Godson's facebook page is beyond me! What ever he is saying to his friends, I don't understand it and at this point, it is probably best if I don't ask! He is old enough that I don't need to know! But if I happened to use a word that has a double entendre or unknown to me derogatory meaning, I would want to know. If I make a spelling error, no. Otherwise, I just want to relax and play the game. And for those folks with hidden neurological disablitities, please come out and play the game with us. You don't have to write/type/spell perfect to post on the forum or to write up your caches or write logs. Intention is important, not perfection. Most people will accept you as you are and not point out your errors. That much I have found to be true over the last 15 months of playing.

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Originally Posted by dubord207

Yes, I mind and I would hope my fellow cachers would have more productive activities in their lives then spell checking other's words.

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Dan, I trust that all of my cache readers are hooked on fonics!!! Oops, spelled it wrong! Phonics! LOL. Remember in first and second grade and we can across a new or different word, the teacher used to patiently say "Sooouuuund it out."
Personally, I think emailing or posting someone to tell them that they spelled something wrong is rude, invasive and haughty, (unless the misspelling can be interpreted in a discriminatory or sexual way, which I believe is against geocaching.com rules). If a community member volunteers to do an activity that benefits me and my community's enjoyment, such as designing a new cache, going to the store to spend their hard earned on a container, camo duct tape, swag, log book and FTF prize, then spends more of their hard earned $ and leisure time driving to get permission, places the cache, writes up the description in a way that makes it attractive to other cachers, submits it for publication and agrees to maintain said cache, which requires more gas/time/energy expenditure, do I take then contact them to point out a spelling error or do I do their caches and say "Thank you for doing that. I really appreciate the effort you put into it!". Do I post that a cache is a waste of time because it is quick/easy/handicapped accessible (ie: guardrail and lamp skirts). I haven't yet and I hope I never get to that point, because if I do its time for me to reconsider what I am effect I am having on the geocaching community.

Interesting reply.
I had to look, but it appears I have never pointed out any spelling errors in a find log. I know I have mentioned errors in a few emails and in chat or in person mostly with people I know enough to assume they would respond positively. On several occasions cachers have posted links to a new cache page in national chat, and me or someone else has spoken up and alterted them of errors - I don't remember once any of them being upset we mentioned the errors. Like most any subject, people take this differently and that is fine. As for me, feel free to let me know - I'll gladly use any opportunity to make it look like I am a better typer than I am! But looking back to the original topic, can't one assume some people don't desire to be informed of their short or otherwise unappealing cache logs, either?

Correct me all you want! I appreciate any help I can get.

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Originally Posted by Kaching Karen

Correct me all you want! I appreciate any help I can get.

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Some of my dearest friends, I met because I made mistakes and they were willing to help. Just a thought.

Can you find the mistake in the following?

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Originally Posted by Kaching Karen

Some of my dearest friends, I met because I made mistakes and they were willing to help. Just a thought.

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One of my cache names is intentionally spelled wrong . . .