This was discussed in chat tonight, and the earlier we start the better, if we want to.
So, simple question - Should there be a 2008 Geocaching Maine Geocoin?
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This was discussed in chat tonight, and the earlier we start the better, if we want to.
So, simple question - Should there be a 2008 Geocaching Maine Geocoin?
YES! Although we skipped a year (right?) I think there should be one next year.
Missed chat - oh my, I am such a ditz!
Yes - that was last year....
This is a good example of the downfalls of having a chat room.
Things get discussed in the chat room but the rest of the geocachers that are not in the chat room or have no desire to go to the chat room never know what gets discussed. This means a lot of things gets discussed but many people miss out on those things. This is one of the reasons I was against the chat room.
That's why I posted here. Very little was discussed, in fact. Someone mentioned this years coin, and then someone asked if we wanted a 2008 coin. So I said, why not make a poll.. and someone suggested just asking. Does it really matter if it's chat or if we meet at a bar or at an event and talk unofficially about caching related things? I've missed out on a ton of events this year, and sure I have missed conversations about many caching topics. The chat room is a place for casual caching talk, just like most events and unorganized get-togethers.
Fortunately, for anyone that feels they missed out, I have logs of the conversation. Here is all that was mentioned about the coin:
(Off topic posts have been removed and names have been changed to protect the innocent. If anyone wants a full transcript of the evening, let me know)
[20:31] <CacherThree> I have a question concerning out new 2007 Maine Geocoin.....
[20:32] <CacherOne> ask away
[20:32] <CacherThree> why is the Paul Bunyan not in color, and, why does it have Northern Maine inprinted
[20:33] <CacherFive> they didn't want to offend other nationalities and colors
[20:33] <CacherTwo> good questions
[20:33] <CacherThree> What????
[20:33] <CacherTwo> there was a lot of discussion on the site prior to minting the coin
[20:33] <CacherThree> you have to be kidding
[20:34] <CacherOne> I think that's the way it was decided
[20:34] <CacherFive> yup
[20:34] <CacherThree> Anyway, I like the coin overall....
[20:34] <CacherOne> a lot of it was rushed. I think if we're going to have a 2008 coin, it should be started sooner
[20:34] <CacherThree> I agree
[20:35] <CacherThree> did we not have a 2006 coin??
[20:35] <CacherTwo> I don't think it was rushed, in fact, I think it took too long.
[20:35] <CacherOne> we missed 2006
[20:35] <CacherThree> ok
[20:35] <CacherTwo> the 2007 coin started as the 2006 coin
[20:35] <CacherOne> yes, it took too long, then was ruished at the end
[20:35] <CacherTwo> it just took that long
[20:35] <CacherThree> I see
[20:36] <CacherTwo> the best way to see what happened is to read the posts
[20:36] <CacherThree> have you seen the Newfoundland Geocoin??
[20:36] <CacherTwo> the whole coin design and every decision along the way was done in posts
[20:36] <CacherTwo> nopw
[20:36] <CacherTwo> nope
[20:36] <CacherOne> nope
[20:36] <CacherThree> very lovely
[20:37] <CacherThree> polished nickel and beautiful pastel colors
[20:37] <CacherTwo> do you think we should have a 2008 coin?
[20:38] <CacherThree> Ghee, I am not sure
[20:38] <CacherThree> what do you think
[20:39] <CacherOne> I think the site should be asked
[20:39] <CacherThree> yes
[20:39] <CacherThree> I agree
[20:39] <CacherOne> I don't think they are as popular now, everyone has them.
[20:39] <CacherOne> but, they do promote the site to some degree.
[20:39] <CacherTwo> but, you're right, everyone should get a chance to help decide
[20:40] <CacherThree> yes, I believe in that...
[20:40] <CacherOne> maybe i'll post a poll
[20:40] <CacherThree> Good Idea
[20:40] <CacherTwo> I think the biggest problem last time was that not everyone paid much attention along the way
[20:41] <CacherTwo> it wasn
[20:41] <CacherTwo> it wasn't as controversial as 2005
[20:41] <CacherThree> At least this coin (2007) is trackable on geocaching.com, and, I like that...
[20:41] <CacherTwo> so do I!
[20:41] <CacherThree> I am a believer in geocaching.com
[20:41] <CacherTwo> even if people do tend to take them and keep them
[20:42] <CacherThree> yes, that is right, CacherTwo
[20:42] <CacherTwo> I bought a bunch to put in circulation
[20:42] <CacherTwo> hope that some make it, but if not, I'm not too worried
[20:43] <CacherThree> I love geocoins, and, would like to have one from every state some day
[20:43] <CacherTwo> just go to geowoodstock 6
[20:43] <CacherTwo> :)
[20:43] <CacherThree> Oh, Ok!
[20:44] <CacherThree> I'll check it out
[20:44] <CacherTwo> CacherSix went out with the coiners for an all night trading session
[20:45] <CacherOne> how long will I make the poll for? 1 month?
[20:45] <CacherTwo> I think you should start a discussion thread before starting a poll
[20:45] <CacherThree> should not take longer than that, do you agree??
[20:45] <CacherTwo> if you start a poll and then vote, it gets all messed up
[20:46] <CacherOne> do we need to dicsuss do you want one or not want one?
[20:46] <CacherTwo> I mean if you vote and then discuss it gets all messed up
[20:46] <CacherTwo> no, I mean you should post a discussion thread for people to discuss if we want a 2008 coin,
[20:47] <CacherTwo> then post a poll after say a month of disscussion
[20:47] <CacherTwo> then, let the poll stay open for a few weeks or so
[20:47] <CacherOne> ok
[20:48] <CacherThree> sounds reasonable....
[20:49] <CacherThree> then.....
[20:49] <CacherTwo> as much as I want a 2008 coin, there are some that don't think it is good to have a coin every year
[20:49] <CacherThree> comes the long drawn out process of just what we want the coin to look like, LOL
[20:49] <CacherTwo> it's better to listen to both sides before casting a vote
[20:49] <CacherTwo> I like the idea of using a contest like the first coin
[20:50] <CacherTwo> of course, unless people actually take the time and get creative, there's not much of a contest
[20:50] <CacherThree> lol
[20:51] <CacherOne> sheesh. if I didn't know better, I'd say CacherFour replied before I posted
[20:51] <CacherTwo> wow!
[20:51] <CacherThree> I am really disappointed in Paul Bunyan not have a red shirt, though, LOL
[20:52] <CacherOne> Oh I see why - I posted twice!
[20:52] <CacherTwo> ooops, 1 vote, no discussion!
[20:53] <CacherThree> I did not think one could vote more than once
[20:53] <CacherThree> could not vote more than once, that is!!
[20:53] <CacherTwo> CacherOne posted a pole and a thread, I think he meant to just post a thread
[20:53] <CacherTwo> you can only vote once and you cannot change your mind
[20:53] <CacherOne> I was in the process of posting a poll, then exited - but it posted anyhow
[20:54] <CacherThree> Oh, I see
[20:54] <CacherTwo> I did that on ebay yesterday, now I have to wait 2 weeks to get my phone fixed
[20:54] <CacherTwo> :(
the question of a 2008 coin brought up now. Andy did such a good job again on the 2007 issue. I'm in favor of a 2008 coin. No matter who is in charge of making it happen.:rolleyes: Andy, I'm there to help again on the next one. You know you can count on me.;) The only hard part is getting folks together on design.
Someone in our caching circle mentioned recently how Mainers cache all year round, regardless of weather. Maybe a winter themed coin would be nice. It is true...we have a big obstacle with snow, but I know it doesn't stop us from doing what we do best. I wonder if they can do a liquid free "snow globe" coin? You know, shake it and the snow floats around?
I'm in favor of having a coin every year, but I've heard some good points in the past and want to pass them along here:
1. A coin every other year may be more popular than one every year.
2. The last coin did not sell very well compared to the first coin. Is the market for coins reached it peak or has it slowed too much?
When something comes from chat to the forums it is good. BRDad did a great job of posting the transcript. I personally do not think the lack of sales for coin #2 was due to lack of popularity. I am one of the ones who would have missed ordering completely had it not been for a friend. The winter theme sounds cool and an innovative design would sell. Look at the stained glass ones from Geowoodstock and others that have followed. JMHO (Just my humble opinion.)
The 2007 coin sold about 1/4 of what the 2005 coin sold. I think there are a couple of reasons.
When the '05 coin hit the market, the coin frenzy was really heating up. We put out a non-trackable coin (read cheap) and sold over 2000 of them.
In '07 the frenzy had subsided to a steady pace. People are more discriminating on exactly what coins they buy. Some won't buy personal coins anymore, just state, or just trackable, or just animal pictures, or whatever. In '05 you could put out a coin honoring sea-gull droppings and sell 500!
I think the '07 coin shows a more reasonable quantity with a mature market.
I like the winter theme idea. I don't know how practical (affordable) a snowglobe is (but it IS cool), maybe a snowflake? How about a "Maine Caching/ Four Seasons" with a snowshoe shaped coin?
I'm up for an '08 coin. I don't plan on getting married again, so that time pressure is off:p
A four season/winter snowflake type coin has already been produced.
http://www.cointracking.com/view_series.php?sid=612
I don't recall ever seeing a snowshoe though. We need to raise the bar for 2008! I agree, the snowglobe is probably pushing it a little... :)
We could have the coins shipped via my ex-wife's house and they'd stay frosty for years! :D
Sorry - back on topic. Should we have a coin for 2008 or not?
Snowshoe especially cool if you could get a shaped coin. The number could go on the tail.
A snowshoe shaped winter coin sounds great. Anything winter themed sounds good.
Maybe they should be strapped together like the handcuffs!
I think we want to progress with the coin, we should keep the discussion going. Perhaps some of those that haven't posted can give their reasons why we should or should not have a coin for 2008?
I think the snowshoe coin idea is a great one!!!. I also think the lack of sales for the coin this year was slow was because I didn't even know about it til the week was almost up. I didn't even see it mentioned on this site and don't always look at the GC site for days on end sometimes. I think a lot of members here didn't realize the date was upon us as well. That's just my thoughts anyway.
So back to the "08" coin idea. I love the snowshoes and maybe have a coin made like a pair of them side by side. Wish I was good at photoshopping,I'd whip something up. Some thoughts to ponder on anyway.
Just did a quick look around and found some photos of snowshoes here: http://jumaka.com/snowshoes/
And here: http://www.umaine.edu/hudsonmuseum/O...hoes/maine.php This is a great site to learn about Maine indians and their snowshoe making prowess.
Maine snowshoes please- a pair side by side would be nice (more space). Another feature might be home of Eastern Most Cache in the US.
Agree with Haffy - although it may have been on GCM for a while - I bet a lot didn't notice it until late if at all. Ditto on the GC site - I seldom go to the forums unless I am looking for something special.
Andy did a great job and had a lot at the last minute. I know he had some shipping helpers and perhaps next year marketing help would increase sales.
Developing a coin is not easy and we are very lucky two have been done with few problems.
We should check off simple things first:
Trackable - yes or no (my vote is yes)
Unique Icon - yes or no (my vote yes and different from this year)
Unless I'm mistaken, the "Eastern Most Cache in the US" was placed by a Canadian - Starzz! LOL!
That's not quite the easternmost. Doesn't anyone look at my stats page to verify their posts? :D
Here's the five most easternmost caches, from East to West.
Fundy Tides (GC15114) by Northwoods Explorer (3.5/3.5)
Quoddy Quandry (GC8A65) by k1br (1.5/1.5)
Carrying Place Cove Bog (GC13YZA) by Northwoods Explorer (1.5/3.5)
Boat Ramp Cache (GCKW0Z) by Starzz (1/1)
The "OLD SOW" of the Sea (GC12YVD) by Northwoods Explorer (1.5/2.5)
:)Yes, I would be in favor of a Maine Geocoin for 2008! I would like to be included in the process of creating this coin.
Would it be possible to change the caption under my GC name to read, 'Senior Member'? Thank you.
Not on topic, but how do you achieve the status of "Senoir Member"?
To change your profile, click on your picture on the left side of the screen, under "Welcome back ten44ten32"
Then click "Edit Profile"
Scroll down to "Optional Information" and edit the "Custom User Title".
Your new status of "GPS Guru" is now set :)
I'd love to collect a new coin from Maine heheheheh
Yes please and when.
A couple of random thoughts - not necessarily suggestions, just thoughts.
1. It is now possible to have a geocoin minted with separate tracking numbers on each side. For an example, see TB1WZ35 and TB1XDT7 which are the two sides of one coin. To get "caught up" you could mint a geocoin with 2006 on one side and 2008 on the other. The uniqueness of such a coin would probably make it a better than average seller.
2. Regarding the comments on chat - the operator of the chat room could capture the text of "official chats" and put links to the text files in a forum thread. I also know of a case where key points from chat sessions are saved in a shorter file for those who prefer not to wade through the entire session conversation.
My limited summer of experience found that some of the tracking items I found weren't logged by the previous person. How are we ever going to get someone to log both sides into new caches when found?
What happens when one side of the coin is in Hawaii and the other side is in Amsterdam?