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History Caching Basics

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:10 pm
by DudleyGrunt
RVRoadTrip wrote:My initial thought would be to create an identifier for history caches and use that in the title. For example, all of my caches that I will enter begin with RVRT so anyone who wants to see only my "RV Road Trip" virtual caches can easily find them.

I have created a subforum where this can now be discussed. It is available at viewforum.php?f=34
I'm still unsure how "History Caches" would be handled. I'd think the majority would be virtuals. Would we have a separate category that we'd certain virtuals (and maybe other types) into? We do have an attribute for Monumental / Historical Place. (The names are different on the cache page and the wiki.)

I do enjoy historically based caches, but I'm just not sure if we need a separate cache type or if that is what is being considered.

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 3:38 pm
by RVRoadTrip
This will not be a new type of cache as they clearly fall under virtual caches. This section was temporarily created to allow history caching aficionados a place to demonstrate interest. If traffic to this area is sufficient, it will become permanent. I will correct the "monumental" translations so there is no confusion. :)

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 10:36 am
by history-cacher
RVRoadTrip wrote:This will not be a new type of cache as they clearly fall under virtual caches. This section was temporarily created to allow history caching aficionados a place to demonstrate interest. If traffic to this area is sufficient, it will become permanent. I will correct the "monumental" translations so there is no confusion. :)

First off, glad to see this new forum.

My plans for history-caches is to not only use virtual caches but to measure their success and then graduate them to traditional caches.

But for starters I am interested in learning how to maximize the appeal to history caches. What can we do to make them more appealing? I like the mystery
question that is used in some caches. But how do the work best?

Right now with my caches, I am doing a Now and Then photo. I provide the picture or sketch of what this historical location once looked like and the visitor provides
a picture of themselves at the present location.

But what works best?

-RKO

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 12:16 pm
by RVRoadTrip
Using a password only can be circumvented using Google in many cases. This results in "armchair logging". If a password is used, try to make sure the answer cannot be solved using Google. Requiring a photo of the cacher AND the GPS unit ensures they were there geocaching. Without including the GPS would mean they could post any old vacation photo.

As for how to create them... ask that they show their own "then and now" photo combination, or as you suggested, you post a "then", they post a "now". Ask them to contribute a comment in their log about historical value of the site that has not already been mentioned.

Perhaps when naming them, use something like HVC (Historical Virtual Cache) to allow others to search for those cache type using the name filter.

And when the submitter is in the area getting the coordinates for the history cache, take a moment and place a traditional cache in the same general area. There is no distance requirement between virtual and traditional caches. This will keep the ratio in check between cache types.

Just a few thoughts I had while eating a brownie and drinking a 7UP. :)

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 6:20 pm
by jeffbouldin
I'm in the process of cross listing several of my caches here to get things rolling in Middle Tennessee. Several of mine are hidden to highlight area of historical significance and the cache page tells the story. Since these are all physical hides do they not qualify? Do all caches in this category have to be virtual? I have been putting the Historical Cache attribute on these. Should that be removed?

Second question is about the password. If there is a plaque or something with words I'm assuming you'd tell the finder to use the third word from the end of the sign (or something to that affect), what if there isn't anything like that? My cache called The Old Mill was hidden because the city has done nothing to let the people of the park know the historical significance of what they are looking at. If I asked what something there was made from one could say stone another rock. Both would be right but one would lose out because they picked the wrong word. Is having an email sent with the answer allowed? That way I would know the finder was there.

Third question is about pictures. Are they always required or can we as the cache owner elect to not require them. I agree that if the cache owner says to post one then the log should be deleted if the finder neglects to do so. But I feel that the owner should be able to not require them if he/she wishes.

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 7:10 pm
by DudleyGrunt
Hey, Jeff! Good to see you aboard. The following are my opinions, only...

1. I believe history-cacher has stated that caches could be other types.

2. If you don't use something found on a plaque or memorial, I'd try to choose something that is definitive, but couldn't be googled. I have done virts where I could have gotten something off the target object, but decided to use something nearby that would less likely to be found from the couch.

3. I'd think that pictures should be at the owners discression, but if not used the Log Password should be even tougher to google. Remember, you have the finders collect different bits from multiple sources and combine them into the required code word. The nice thing is that, unlike on TC, your password is not limited to 6 characters.

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:34 pm
by jeffbouldin
So you can elect to not have a password. My concern is in areas I have in mind that have nothing to pull words or numbers from. If you do require a password can you wave it on a case by case basis? If a cacher messed it up but you are convinced they did visit can you as the CO allow the log? I'd hate for an out of town cacher get denied because of a simple mistake.

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:47 pm
by RVRoadTrip
jeffbouldin wrote:So you can elect to not have a password. My concern is in areas I have in mind that have nothing to pull words or numbers from. If you do require a password can you wave it on a case by case basis? If a cacher messed it up but you are convinced they did visit can you as the CO allow the log? I'd hate for an out of town cacher get denied because of a simple mistake.
When you create the cache, you decide if you want to require a password or not. It is not a rule we have.

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 10:37 pm
by jeffbouldin
But if I decide to require a password, the finder puts in the wrong one, but I determine they were there, can I let the found it log stand?

Re: History Caching Basics

Posted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 10:53 pm
by DudleyGrunt
I've been on the receiving end of such exceptions over at TerraCaching. Basically, you'd have to provide the password to the cacher, if he provides you alternative confirmation of their visit.