FTF logs

[ferreter38]

What on earth is this trend of writing a NOTE instead of a FOUND IT log when cachers are claiming a first to find.

The note just seems to give a time and state that the cacher will write a log later, what the blazes is all that about? Why can't they just do the same with a FOUND IT - there is an edit button they can use to write additional comments.

The fact that someone has written a note does not show up on GSAK so a FTF hound using GSAK will just see a blank column and think Oh no one's found it I'll jump in my motor and see if I can grab it... I'm not likely to go out after a new cache straight away, can't be bothered, but for someone who does it must be extremely annoying - in their minds they've had a wasted journey also used up expensive fuel on that journey. The FTF hound will probably get around to finding the cache but at a later date when they can work it into a day's caching.

[Schnuz]

What on earth is this trend of writing a NOTE instead of a FOUND IT log when cachers are claiming a first to find.

The note just seems to give a time and state that the cacher will write a log later, what the blazes is all that about? Why can't they just do the same with a FOUND IT - there is an edit button they can use to write additional comments.

The fact that someone has written a note does not show up on GSAK so a FTF hound using GSAK will just see a blank column and think Oh no one's found it I'll jump in my motor and see if I can grab it... I'm not likely to go out after a new cache straight away, can't be bothered, but for someone who does it must be extremely annoying - in their minds they've had a wasted journey also used up expensive fuel on that journey. The FTF hound will probably get around to finding the cache but at a later date when they can work it into a day's caching.

Not being an FTF'er or a GSAK' er I think I have done both . I don't really know how either work as I always look at the web page to see if there has been a post to say a cache has been found or not, if I am really that bothered . Perhaps it's a way of telling the cache owner that their cache has been found and to expect an interesting log later . Alternatively it may be a way of bragging “off line” and subsequently adding the usual s41t3 log for whatever reason ?

Cheers

Schnuz.

Hahaarrgghh yeah goin' to PIRATEMANIA VI 2013? The only MEGA PIRATE event in the UK to attend? More details to follow as it hasn't been arranged yet [:D].
Hahaarrgghh, be seein' yah thar yah filthy landlubbers!

[Magna defender]

It so I remember what time I found it, let other sharks I've found it to save a wasted journey, by the time a gsak file will have updated the ftf will have long gone. I don't edit a log because a cache owner will receive no email to indicate changes.

[ferreter38]

It so I remember what time I found it, let other sharks I've found it to save a wasted journey, by the time a gsak file will have updated the ftf will have long gone. I don't edit a log because a cache owner will receive no email to indicate changes.

The cache owner will receive notifications from the next finder and if they feel so inclined they can read the FTF edited log.

I first spotted the note thing a couple of months ago so just how long has this been going on?

[ferreter38]

[

Alternatively it may be a way of bragging “off line” and subsequently adding the usual s41t3 log for whatever reason ?

Cheers

Schnuz.

I reckon you've hit the nail on the head there

Or it could be I'm doing caching using a mobile phone and I can write a note as soon as I find the cache because I've got internet access all the time - I've only noticed it with FTFs though

[LFC4eva]

Alternatively it may be a way of bragging “off line” and subsequently adding the usual s41t3 log for whatever reason ?

I reckon you've hit the nail on the head there

Not at all..

It's not something I used to do.. but then I was criticised in a couple of logs for NOT doing it and I have seen similar rants about others who "have the technology but failed to post a note".

As already explained on FB.. when you edit a found log, the cache owner doesn't get a revised copy of your edited log, so unless they re-visited to cache page to check they might not see it.

I like to keep my logs in chronological order and I prefer to write them while at the PC rather than from my phone, so in order to appease those FTF sharks who disapprove me not telling them I have got FTF and thus giving them a wasted journey, I will write a note.

Just goes to prove you can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time.

[Deceangi]

Brutally Honest opinion!

so in order to appease those FTF sharks who disapprove me not telling them I have got FTF and thus giving them a wasted journey, I will write a note.

Sounds like you have given into bullying, by a small group. If a person goes after a FTF, they take the chance that no one has logged it. that is a part of being a FTF Hound, which goes back to May 3rd 2000!

The problem is now days those FTF Hounds, expect everything to be handed to them on a plate (and yes I know that's going to upset some, but only because they let it do so!)

Dave

PS: before I became a Reviewer, I had 80+ FTF's, at a time when a busy day for the whole of the UK was just 15 caches. I went out at 22.30 after a FTF, only to be the 3rd to sign, and did not have a rant or padiWACK, and that was a 80 mile round trip. Oh and that was just checking the PC several times a day, to see what new caches had been published in the whole of the UK. No Regions, no Notification's, and regular time outs by the Site as it could not cope with the traffic. No breaking speed limits, ignoring RoW's or short cutting over peoples properties, in a desperate attempt to beat others.

I got beaten to a FTF on a cache, I can see from home, a 2 minute drive away. Because I was out shopping when it went live. No rant!

I drove to the other side of the Horse Shoe Pass, because there was no on-line FTF, nearly a week after it went live. Only to find the FTF had signed the log on the day it was published, and as of today, close on 7 years later, has still not logged it on-line. Yet I was not upset, because just doing the cache was enjoyable.

[clotguy]

because just doing the cache was enjoyable.

What! caching just for fun? It will never catch on

[bargee72]

I appreciate the note on my caches saying that it has been found, Normally happens to my caches by The Gom Squad, who when they catch up on their logging then post a really good and descriptive found it log.

I think it is polite to post the note to stop people rushing out for a FTF when it has already been found... bragging.. well i dont read it that way. but you won't see a note off me if i am after a FTF because i havent the technology or inclination to post logs whilst out caching, the logs can wait until i get home.

[ferreter38]

I appreciate the note on my caches saying that it has been found, Normally happens to my caches by The Gom Squad, who when they catch up on their logging then post a really good and descriptive found it log.

I think it is polite to post the note to stop people rushing out for a FTF when it has already been found... bragging.. well i dont read it that way. but you won't see a note off me if i am after a FTF because i havent the technology or inclination to post logs whilst out caching, the logs can wait until i get home.

If they have the technology to post a note they have the flipping technology to do a Found It instead of a note...

What the heck is wrong with putting the same as they do now with the note but changing it to a Found instead. If the CO is really interested in reading the log all they have to do is have a shufti the following day. It ain't rocket science.

I have the technology but I'll be damned if I'm going to jump on the Note posting band wagon. It can wait until I get home. If a FTF shark gets upset... TOUGH!!!

[Team SLuG]

If they have the technology to post a note they have the flipping technology to do a Found It instead of a note...

What the heck is wrong with putting the same as they do now with the note but changing it to a Found instead. If the CO is really interested in reading the log all they have to do is have a shufti the following day. It ain't rocket science.

Thanks, but I prefer to keep my logs in sequence, so a note makes perfect sense to me as a convenience, but as you say, FTF sharks beware.

However, there is no right and wrong here, so shall we just say "you play it your way, I'll play it mine"

[Schnuz]

OK then, for a little bit of clarification do FTF sharks receive notifications of notes posted on new caches as well as the fact that they are published ? If so how is it done ? Just slightly interested as I have a spangly new (to me ) phone and I am in danger of perhaps entering the FTF shark cage (I'm not about to enter the water without some form of protection at least ). I have little real commitment to the cause though , I've had a few and those that have gone unfound for a few days and even defeated true FTF sharks were far more satisfying .

Cheers

Schnuz.

Hahaarrgghh yeah goin' to PIRATEMANIA VI 2013? The only MEGA PIRATE event in the UK to attend? More details to follow as it hasn't been arranged yet [:D].
Hahaarrgghh, be seein' yah thar yah filthy landlubbers!

[RedFerret]

Just put the cache you are looking at on your watchlist - any logs including notes will then be emailed to your sparkly new phone

[Magna defender]

What Ferret said. I just put them on my watchlist until they are FTFed

[LFC4eva]

I have the technology but I'll be damned if I'm going to jump on the Note posting band wagon. It can wait until I get home. If a FTF shark gets upset... TOUGH!!!

So, I took a leaf out of your book Sheila.. and it got me in trouble!

2TF 1625 was a bit late cos had to finish listing the caches I placed today. Lfc won't log ftf notes cos it pisses off the sharks. Not that she's spiteful or anything or a shark herself for that matter.

3TF @ 16.30 got out of work at 16.20 noticed not been found (or at least I thought, how hard is it to log a FTF at GZ to save people rushing out haha) SL TFTC

And yes, I realise "it's just banter" - stick a haha or a LOL or a few smiley's on the end of any sentence and it becomes banter

I reckon this is the most sensible approach

However, there is no right and wrong here, so shall we just say "you play it your way, I'll play it mine"

[bargee72]

all banter, and as Deci said it is the risk they take.

I wont post a note because i cant- no smart phone. so they can take that risk of getting tona cache and wondering whether they are 1st or 4th.. isnt that the fun of FTFing. even if someone has posted a note and i am on the way i will still carry on to the cache.

[Magna defender]

If I'm on my way to a cache I have been known to just turn round if someone logs a note or just find one in a new series then not bother with the walk if ftf has gone

[ferreter38]

If I'm on my way to a cache I have been known to just turn round if someone logs a note or just find one in a new series then not bother with the walk if ftf has gone

Now that is really sad If it was worth setting out to find surely it was worth completing the journey to actually find the cache.

The next cache I place I'll take Apollo Ferret with me so he can be the FFTF

[Salty-Cracker]

Hmm... this never occurred to me. I got my first FTF today - GC45KPQ but I've never even bothered to write a note as I can't (couldn't) see what use they were - I thought they were just notes for yourself regarding the cache in question.

I suppose I'll have to wait and see if I'm actually the true FTF and not waiting for someone else to claim it - I was definitely first on the log so I'm retaining bragging rights until I'm told otherwise by the CO.

[bargee72]

If you were first name on the paper log then you were first to find. regardless if someonbe else logs the find online before you.

This thread about notesis more about whether the first to find should post a note via their smart phone to inform other FTF hunters that the cache has been found and save their "wasted" journey.

and well done on your first FTF.

[Salty-Cracker]

Ta!

[martlakes]

Here's a YouTube of TMDs latest FTF quest planning meeting:
http://youtu.be/0704bum1arA


(not my creation!)

The whole note thing is a little daft, unless it's going to be ages before you can log. The whole 'fun' of the hunt is to discover whether someone has got there before you or not, as you root around in the dark. To get an email of a note and then not bother to go across the field, through the wood and jump the stream just to discover you've been beaten, seems to be missing the point of the 'race'! The crushing disappointment is fuel for your next victory!

Or so I'm told - I wouldn't know not being at all shark like! I even ignored 6 local new caches on Monday afternoon and went cache maintaining instead! Very noble I thought!

Basically, there's not a lot of kudos to FTF anyway - mostly just who has more free time! Some 'commitment' (madness!) to go out in the middle of the night, etc, but ultimately there really are no great prizes and you'll just miss the view!

[ferreter38]

Basically, there's not a lot of kudos to FTF anyway - mostly just who has more free time! Some 'commitment' (madness!) to go out in the middle of the night, etc, but ultimately there really are no great prizes and you'll just miss the view!

But the sharks aren't bothered about the view - they just want to be first to sign a brand new log.

[bargee72]

Basically, there's not a lot of kudos to FTF anyway - mostly just who has more free time! Some 'commitment' (madness!) to go out in the middle of the night, etc, but ultimately there really are no great prizes and you'll just miss the view!

But the sharks aren't bothered about the view - they just want to be first to sign a brand new log.

But there is a Kudos about it and a slight envy, which is why people do go for FTFs and do get addicted to it. there is always a kudos for being first to do something even something as insignificant as a finding a cache.

But Kudos apart, I think that you shouldnt post a note if you are the FTF and enjoy the logs when people post they were 2nd or third or fourth and have a warm feeling inside that you were able to get there first.

[xxsuperjohn]

I went out a while back and grabbed a few caches around the Macclesfield area. Early in the day I got a FTF, so I used my iPhone to post a Found log saying something like "FTF - full log later". I did that as I knew I'd be out all day and I wanted to let others know it was found.

Later in the day I got find #1000, which I carefully made sure was on a "special cache" - in this case a puzzle cache. That was the last find of the day.

When I got home I logged all the finds, then remembered to go back and edit the FTF log with a more informative log.

Now my geocaching statistics show the FTF as my #1000 milestone, not the puzzle cache it was meant to be. I guess the website orders all finds in a day by the logging (or editing) time. Not a big deal I know, but a bit annoying.

So I can see the advantages of the "write note" method over the "found log which you edit later" method. But I can also see that I could have just edited the FTF log in the correct sequence when I got home and avoided the problem. I suppose even now I could fix it by editing all the other logs for that day so they fall after the FTF - maybe I'll try that.

The real fix is for groundspeak to fix the system so that editing a post without changing the date doesn't change the logging time or log sequence.

P.S Hello everyone, that was my first post