MnGCA

AerosmithPA · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 7:36 am Post subject: NEEDS MAINTENANCE

When do you submit a NEEDS MAINTENANCE log?

Myself, I try to give the CO the benefit of reading the logs and doing what is right, maintain on their own without the reviewer being notified (the reviewer receives these logs, right?).

If I recall correctly, I have posted one NM log. This was on a cache on private property, with "no trespassing" signs posted, and no note on the page indicating the landowner was okay with the cache. I emailed the CO multiple times with no response before I felt the only recourse was to post pics of the signage with a NM log.

Boreal Walker · Geocacher Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Posts: 102

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3652

As a cache hider, I do not see a NM as an insult. If I get an idiotic NM log like a missing pencil, I'll just remove the NM icon and maybe even delete the NM log depending on what it says.

As a cache finder, I am not afraid to use the NM but do not use it willy nilly either.

Gat R Done · Minnesota Reviewer Joined: 29 Dec 2011 Posts: 19

That is correct that we do not receive notification for NM logs. But if a Needs Archived log is posted, we will read the NM logs and DNF logs along with a number of other factors to determine what action should be taken. Most of the time these are disabled and the CO is given a 30 day window to make any necessary repairs or communicate their plan.

If situations come up such as the trespassing signage, you can either post a Needs Archived log or email me directly. If you can include pictures, that is always appreciated and helpful. We do protect your identity, but if you were a recent finder, it's usually pretty easy to figure out who reported the cache. For serious issues one of us may archive the cache with a private email to the CO explaining the issue.

We rely on the caching community to communicate these issues, as you are the ones who see these situations in person.

team_geomonkey · Geocacher Joined: 07 Dec 2009 Posts: 131

I submit if cache really needs attention... better than someone submitting a "needs archive" because of a couple dnf's... i went to check on it and the cache was there. Sheesh. that one ruffled my feathers a bit.

tonkaMN · MnGCA Board Joined: 10 Jun 2009 Posts: 540

I don't think a 'needs maintenance' log is a big deal. I do it if the log is soaking wet and I didn't have a replacement log or the container has a hole in it. I also do it sometimes when there are a lot of dnf's on an easy cache. If I come across a cache with a needs maintenance log or two and the co hasn't posted a note or done maintenance I will log a 'needs archived'. I've ruffled a few feathers of lazy cache owners doing that, but at least it motivates them to fix their cache.

AerosmithPA · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 6:29 pm Post subject:

I've had my feathers ruffled when someone marked one of my caches as needing maintenance, while logging a dnf, when the cache is sitting there exactly how I hid it.

Of course the searcher had no way to know I lived just a few blocks away and checked on the cache often. But it was a mid level difficulty, so a NM after they can't find it?

I shouldn't let it bug me, but it did. I'm over it. Really, I am!

jicknarson · Geocacher Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 24

I'll post a "needs maintenance" log more readily if the CO has a large number of hides. My thinking is that a NM log will be noticed, but if I just mention a problem in my log it might not be seen... especially if the CO is receiving many logs per day in their email on owned caches. I do really appreciate it if an owner posts that they check their hides. Some do, some don't. I have several unfound caches in my local area that I disregard - they haven't been found in quite awhile despite several attempts, and the owner has not logged that all is well. In that case I won't post an NM log... but I also won't make another try at the cache unless someone finds it.

AerosmithPA · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:15 pm Post subject:

SOMETIMES the best motivation to go caching is to see a Jicknarson dnf log. Wink

jicknarson · Geocacher Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 24

AerosmithPA · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:12 pm Post subject:

Well, I typed that on my phone while on the bike at the Y (that's my story and I'm sticking to it), so the words didn't type out quite as I intended them to.

Whatever you read into it is EXACTLY what I meant!

King Boreas · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:41 am Post subject:

jicknarson · Geocacher Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 24

bflentje · Geocacher Joined: 29 May 2006 Posts: 3652

AerosmithPA · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 10:53 am Post subject:

Some of the most entertaining logs are jicknarson logs, both found it and dnf's. Good stuff.