Post by Chuckwagon704 on May 14, 2022 14:50:16 GMT -5
Post a Needs Maintenance or even Needs Archived
When the cache demands it.
When the cache demands it.
In my area, I have been finding a handful of caches that are in legitimate need of maintenance or just outright archiving because the CO is inactive and the necessary repairs or upkeep are just not ever going to happen. The problem I keep seeing in the logs is that there seems to be people more concerned with just adding a smiley rather than any thought for future cachers... Case in point, a particular cache 2 miles from my home that I check on occasionally, because it was one of my first ever finds, is in shambles. The CO is over 3 years inactive, isn't returning my messages about adoption, and the last few log entries were just the usual "TFTC" or "found it" types. Those logs were AFTER a handful of others that mentioned the deplorable conditions. I checked on this cache myself, and it is indeed an absolute catastrophe. But what's worse is not that there were zero notes regarding the need for maintenance, but the other more recent users were just so nonchalant with their entries and no mention of the cache conditions.
I know we've had the conversation before about whether or not it's worth it to keep a cache alive for whatever reason, but with the amount of scenarios like this I've been running into lately it's disheartening and dejecting for any want to be the "good guy" and just maintain sites for people who I know aren't coming back to the GC world. I mean, at this point just archive them, and let me or someone else place another cache there, or at least free up the map space.
I'm just a bit frustrated because there are protocols in place for making notes that are supposed to alert COs, and even reviewers, of the need for maintenance but when something so easy fails to fall on someone's radar, or they can't be bothered, then I can't place all the blame on a CO. I mean, if you're not aware that the cache needs maintenance right away, you may not be running to every one of your hides on a regular basis, and I understand that. A CO should (within reason) be able to rely on cachers leaving info when necessary. I did get so annoyed that I employed the "total nuclear" option of submitting a "needs archived" post for 2 caches. One of which was that first one I mentioned above. I'm not going to continue fixing issues for a ghost CO.
So please, for the love of Odin, if you find a cache that needs help just make the note in a separate log on the cache page if you're not willing or able to do it on your own to help out. Or, if you took it upon yourself to do any maintenance while on site, say so and get that sweet internet karma. You're not being mean by calling attention to a problem. You're being mean and irresponsible by NOT saying something.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
*** Edit adding Title following move to new discussion *** TH