Listing site memberships

Membership levels and privileges on Geocache Listing sites.

IN PROGRESS


Groundspeak :

    Basic Membership:
        Cost: Free
    This is where most start. Basic membership allows you to see the coordinates on cache pages, download individual cache GPX files, Basic statistics (finds, DNF's etc), Basic Profile (all tabs except Statistics), Get souvenirs. Post all logs and add pictures. Message / email members, Hide caches
There are limitations: Detailed Statistics in profile, Filtered searches beyond basic parameters Including pocket Queries, Ability to award Favorite Points, Access to some map layers, Access to Premium Member caches, Ability to see other members cache finds, No emails of new caches. I am sure there are others but I only notice them when I notice them and these are the ones I remember or have encountered having been on both sides.


    Premium Membership:
        Cost $5.99 month or $29.99 yr (this is on AUTO RENEWAL)
    Adds  functions on their site. More refined searches, Pocket queries, View other members' finds, Ability to award Favorites, View PMO (Premium Member Only) caches. Additional map layers, send GPX directly to GPS and others.
*** I believe there are additional features within the GC Geocaching App as well  including seeing PMO and "other undefined " caches***

Basic -vs- Premium   from the sales department check list division

OpenChaching North America:

    Membership:
        Cost: FREE
    Only one membership level. Members have access to ALL functions  including all map layers, search functions, all cache types, member statistics, recommendation earn / award ability. Hide and find
    

TerraCaching: (GCGC Member cash108 may be able to help here)

    Membership: (membership requires Sponsorship of two existing members, It is not as difficult as it sounds. There is a system and if you know a member or two it goes faster)
        Cost: Free
     Allows access to all functions. Hide, Find, Search, statistics
    
     Peak Membership:
        COST: $20.00
    I don't think there are any. I have to be wrong. I don't see any guidance on the site. Is this a donation or are there extra functions

GPSGames:
    Membership:
        Cost: Free
    Geocaching is limited and may include other listing sites. All functions are included.


Commentary:              This is where it will get long and continued...............

      GroundSpeak:

        So this is the original derived from the earliest listing sites. The commercial end of the concept of hiding things to be found by GPS. You should know the basic story by now.
GC has the most geocaches here and worldwide (as well as a few thing of planet) When I started it was pretty much the only site (not all that different from now) You could join and see most everything.
Today it is more corporate and encourages paid membership to the point that it is deceptive (to me). Before phones it was more straight forward as you had to use the web at home to view and access the information needed to find a cache. Now with the phone and apps it is easier to find as a game to play. The FREE first introduction is only there to encourage you to pay for access to more caches. Almost as if you have to do it to see anything worth while.  Here at least there are really not that many PMO caches. You can see them for free. 

For those VERY into Geocaching on GC a PM is worth it.  The cost is not crazy for a year. The benifits for someone deeply involved is well within expectations. For those that are casual users of geocaching or are not getting the best use of PM due to use, or interest, it might be time to go back.

I will start this off in that I am cheap and root for the underdog when it is a better option.

I started as a basic member of GC and stayed that way a long time. All the info and abilities were there why change?
There were work arounds for most things except PMO caches (actually there was but I refused to use it)
They added a few things and removed others over the years to make you join as a paid member.

At one point I bought a Garmin Dakota GPSR and decided to add a PM for better access. I used a Garmin etrex and primitive phone stuff first

At that time I did what I could with my new PM and Garmin GPSR.
After a year I saw no need to continue the PM.
The biggest benefit I had at the time was new cache notification. A diligent basic member can do the same by checking the site.

My thought is now that they are moving access to functions into Paid membership along by misleading new app downloaders that PM is the ONLY way to go if you want to enjoy the game.

I am an original basic member for years. Moved to a PM for 1-2 years after purchase of a new GPSR. Back to Basic membership.


OpenCaching:

    I was an early adopter of OCUS (opencaching.us) I hid several and got therapaint to hide a couple as well. It was the heyday of geocaching.
Opencaching dot US grew and changed ownership a few time and was last with mryuck who added Canada and Mexico and eventually the entire North American Continent.
OpenCaching North America is here. All functions of the site are freely available to members.

Membership is needed in individual nodes (possibly for each individual country)  when traveling overseas (outside North America)

TerracCaching:

     Appears to be all access. There are no limitations that I have found.

    Peak Member: