When is a Find not really a Find....

[EASYRN1]

when you sign the instruction sheet and don't try to find the real cache!!
We have a cache near Delphos, "Shadrack Benham was Here" WP GCWAG8. While performing some spring maintenance on it, we found out that several people signed the instruction sheet, but didn't find the real cache. It appears on the web page as a simple key-holder, quick stop-and-go type cache. But it really was a surprise 2- part cache. The 1st part had an instruction sheet with specific steps to finding the cache. I am sure many people have run into these before, it's just a little twist to the game. It seems that at least 6 people ignored the instructions and signed the instructions sheet, so I deleted their logs. Now I am getting flack for it. The instruction sheet was clearly marked, and it had no "sign here" or "log" on it, but they signed it rather than take the time to find the cache, and I am the one being called out about it. Here is a photo of the instruction sheet. They had to unfold it completely to sign it, and it is thin enough to see through. How can they not have read the paper?
Others have found it before, during, and after these people, so why couldn't these cachers?
I was alittle upset when I found out, but I am now more disturbed by the responses I got. Am I out of line, or did I exercise my rights as a cache owner to delete those logs?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Gene

[TheMoopAlong]

I'll say this. As a cache owner, you have the right to maintain your caches as you see fit. Bogus logs, incorrect logs, etc. are at your discretion. People get very peeved when logs get deleted, no question. But, for me, if you feel they didn't get the spirit of the hide, then bang, the log is gone. You don't make friends that way, but that's not the issue

[J-Kass]

I will agree with what TMA said however I wouldn't be completely happy if someone told me I was going to find a single stage cache n' dash and it turned out to be a multi. It sounds like your cache was falsely advertised and the cachers followed the directions on the cache page. I think if you want everyone to find the final cache you should advertise it as a mulit.

[cheechgang]

I wouldn't be completely happy if someone told me I was going to find a single stage cache n' dash and it turned out to be a multi. It sounds like your cache was falsely advertised

In the interest of full disclosure: The following caches of mine may or may not involve some level of treachery or stretching of the truth, and may not be everything they seem.

SQ-Star Trek
von Sweinigus in Deep DooDoo
It's Elementary
SQ-Trade Up or Trade Even
It's a Cut Above
This is THE Worst Cache Ever
I Just Don't Get It

This doesn't even count the ones with made up story lines...

[-Eleanor-]

I can't say that I'm ever happy when I'm doing a multi, whether known or not But that doesn't mean that I sign the first stage and move on to the next cache. Whether right or wrong, I would bet that the first signature on the log is what encouraged the next ones. People assumed it was a quick one stager, saw other signtaures, signed and left without flipping the paper. I've seen some strange things used as 'log books', they may not have thought twice about it. But still, I think you're well within your right to delete those logs.

[Dubbin1]

Ahh the tricky Shadrack Benham cache It is VERY clear that you do not sign this as the log so I see no problem with you deleting their logs.

[schwnman99]

I do agree with your actions. Maybe in this cache case, the instructions could have been attached permanently to the "first" stage, so to avoid the option of signing it. Just a thought. I like a bit of deception while out caching, it breaks the monotony of a long day of micros.

[Hydnckr]

My thoughts run in line with what -Eleanor- stated. I've seen caches that have run out of paper and someone tosses something in as a temp solution. And I'd bet she's right that some played follow the leader with the signatures. Plus the cache page was pretty straightforward in it's language stating that it's a quick grab and go.

Ultimately tho, I see that the solution has been handed down by Keystone.
TPTB have decided.

[Dubbin1]

Ultimately tho, I see that the solution has been handed down by Keystone.
TPTB have decided.

I find it sad that this cache went almost a year with no complaints and then gets archived. Again, it is VERY clear that this is not the log.

[yogi57]

If you had summitted it as an unknown cache you could have gotten away with it.
I knew there was reason that I skip that cache the last time I was in that area.

[Mr.BBD]

Again, it is VERY clear that this is not the log.

When you are holding a dog on a leash, a PDA, a GPS, a hide-a-key, and piece of paper (aka micro log book) at the same time with traffic wizzing by you like your at a CITO, it might not be as clear as intended. I have seen many Micros that you log on the back of the stash note or less.

My thoughts have already been presented. No hard feelings. TFTC. It is a great spot. Just call a spade a spade.

[EASYRN1]

I think the picture speaks for itself. Past online logs also hint at a surprise with this cache. The whole point to this cache was that it wasn't just another micro on a guardrail experience. If you didn't want to play along, then don't, but don't try to claim a find for locating the instructions. Now it is archived because someone complained to Keystone about not getting their Orient express Coin Quest III find! No one else has a problem with getting their log deleted except them, so why should the minority rule. there are all kinds of caches that are more than what is described in the published page, that's part of the fun. I should request my cache be unarchived, but now it is no longer any fun! It is still just a game!

[Mr.BBD]

It was not a Orient Express Coin Quest III find, just an unscheduled stop along the way. CQIII turned into a big commerical joke, but I still had a blast finding the requirements with the competetion involved. Back to the point in hand, who reads all of the past logs before going to look for a cache? Geocaching to me is not a game, it is a hobby. That is why there are guidelines and different cache type listings. Eight of the nearest 20 unfound "caches" are 's, hmmm.

[EASYRN1]

Then why do you insist on logging this cache, if it is not that important? You didn't find it, I own it, and every time I delete your log, you refind it. Surely I have the right as owner to insist you not log this cache!! Even complaining to Keystone and archiving my cache won't prevent me from deleting your log. Why is it so hard to let it go?

[Hydnckr]

*Notice*

Please maintain decorum in the NWOGEO forums.

Because it's obvious from these posts and the now archived cache page who the main parties involved are, I urge everyone to think before they type and don't post anything that can be misconstrued.....deliberately or unintentionally.

I or any other Steering Committee member will quickly delete a post and/or lock a topic that does not follow appropriate behavior.

Have a Nice Day!