Post by TermiteHunter on Aug 1, 2022 23:38:32 GMT -5
Once you have placed a cache you are now a Cache Owner (CO)
We have discussed when and what to hide elsewhere. Now comes what you need to do to maintain your cache.As a cache Owner you wait for logs on your cache(s)
You generally want Found It logs. That means you gave good coordinates.
Sometimes you like to see a DNF on your cache. Was it particularly difficult to find (aside from bad coordinates)?
Cache Maintenance:
It is your cache. You are to maintain it so that others find what you intended and they have a good experience.
You get a couple DNF's from experienced cachers that should have found it? time to check on it.
You get a DNF from a new cacher, you can probably ignore it the first time.
Check a cache with a string of DNF's. Make sure it is where it should be. Is it in good condition when you check it? Be prepared to repair it if not.
Logs are the most common complaint. It's full, It's wet, even it's missing. Have spares (get ours from the download section)
Be ready to replace or repair the cache when you arrive. It could be damaged. Sometimes they will tell you in their log but not always.
Logs:
Most are legit. Real cachers finding your cache.
Occasionally we have the armchair cachers that cache from home never visiting the site.
When replacing a log I like to take a picture of the full log to add to the cache page (no real reason but it's cool)
If you are a stickler, you can compare the actual log with the online log. You may find discrepancies.
When there is a false logger running around (their living room) logging caches all over town, It usually gets out in places like the GCGC.
If I suspect a false log (and I have) It may prompt a visit to check.
Review the logs that come in (you get an email of it)
Is something off?
Did they find something else or in the wrong place?
Read them as you do when you can't find one but look for clues to problems.
A difficult cache is suddenly easy to find. What happened? Did it move or is something else wrong?
Deleting logs:
The only power you have over false logs is deletion.
Many don't care and allow them to stand (if that is how they want to play do you care?)
I don't like them and delete them when they are verified to not be on the actual log.
Other than a false log when might you delete one?
They are very few and extremely rare. Usually they contain information that is not wanted such as providing instruction or hints that you do not want.
If the content of the log is the problem, ask the logger to alter the log. Give them a chance before deleting the log.
Perhaps they are new or don't realize that they have done something you have issues with.
Overall:
Maintain your cache so that it is what you intended them to find. (I do not always do a good job of that)
Maintain the cache so that it is in good condition (not leaking, broken out of place).
Keep a good log for them to sign available.
Check the logs that come in for clues to issues
Compare logs against the online log if you care about the integrity of the cacher
Delete logs as a last resort. When you confirm it is a false find or they make statements that are inappropriate or too informative after giving them a chance to revise.
A note on the armchair cacher:
They are not common.
Occasionally we get a rash of them from someone.
For me I usually see logs on caches that are far apart found the same day with short "TFTC", "Found" or comments that obviously don't match the difficulty of the cache.
They found a difficult cache with little comment or an "easy find" type log.
It happens but it is uncommon to have widely separated caches found the same day with easy find comments.
Some are more detailed but based on info found in previous logs.
Often a CO see's the clues and mentions it here (if they are a member)
The cacher is usually newish and is finding a lot of caches in the area quickly that experienced cachers have difficulty with and the logs are generally short and non-specific.
When I suspect one I post here and check the actual logs at caches. If I find a couple unsigned logs I go with they are caching from home and delete them.
That is up to you. Do you care? I do to a point and will remove all if I find a consistent pattern.
How you monitor your find logs is up to you