Geocaching doesn't end when you close up the container and walk away. In order to keep track of your finds, you need to create a log entry. Simple enough. Head over to the log page, select "Found it", check the date, and type a few words in the "Comments" field. Something like "Thanks for the cache!" should do the trick. Repeat the process for the next one, right? Maybe not.
As a cache owner, I really enjoy reading the logs of the folks that find my cache. Something special happens when another player writes a few sentences about their experience with your hide. Hopefully, it's one of two things: good news or constructive criticism. If not, well, "live and learn" I guess. Realize that not all comments will be positive.
Then there are times when I'll run across cut-and-paste logs. "Found this one while powercaching in the area. Thanks!" Another will say, "Found this one while powercaching in the area. Thanks!" And another one will say... well, you get the idea. Nothing irks me more than a robotic log entry. It's a bit like saying "Found a bunch of caches today. None of 'em were memorable." That's not the way to log finds. If your memory is faulty (and whose wouldn't be after finding 60, 70.. 100 in one day?), then I'd recommend some sort of aid to remembering caches. It might be a digital camera, a voice recorder, a paper notebook, the logs of your caching partners, anything. Sometimes just reading the hint may be enough to jog your memory.
Above all, take your time and have fun with log entries. Hide a cache that *requires* finders to write something unique. Perhaps they must create a limerick, describe their favorite flavor of ice cream, or simply jot down their favorite quote. If you're organizing an event, offer a prize for the best log entry. There's lot of possibilities.
The log you write today might save a few brain cells tomorrow. Finally, I leave you with a bit of bumpersticker philosophy: "Don't cut-and-paste, it's a waste!"
posted by guest blogger, JJG10101
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