NB Winter 2010 – 2011 Come Out & Play Contest Announcement
Get out your long johns. Dig out your wool socks. Hunt down those earmuffs. It’s time to go out and play in the cold!
Zor has been working hard to get everything we need up and running on here and we’re ready to go!
The NB Winter 2010-2011 Come Out & Play contest will run from Nov 1st, 2010 to March 15th, 2011. Any cache logged on or after Nov 1st is eligible.
The game is simple. Complete any 20 of 40 tasks in 4 and 1/2 months. Report each task within 7 days of fulfillment on the “claims” form. Go for high, low or medium points – your choice.
The contest is open to all NB cachers but you must register before Dec 1st, 2010.
All of the information you need is on the “contest” tab in the menu bar at the top of the page or can be found by clicking on the contest banner.
If you have any questions or comments you can post them in the contest forum (interact tab) or send us an e-mail at milosheart@gmail.com
Stay warm, have tons of fun and play safely!
Not sure I understand claim and contest submission form code text?
If anyone experiences any issues with the forms for submitting your registration or claims, please leave a comment here or on the main contest page and let me know what the issue is. You can also post a msg on the forum (available through the Interact tab) regarding any issues.
A question on the rules. Other than rule 25 (outside NB) and rule 29 (another country), must all other caches be located in NB?
Sorry about that Tiger Tracker, we missed putting that info right in the rules (if you printed the PDF version it’s there as a note at the end, but should be in the rules) but the following will be added to rule #2:
This game is not limited to caches located in New Brunswick. Caches found anywhere in the world are eligible as long as they are found and logged by you and fulfill the requirements of the task being claimed. However, the Come Out & Play contest is limited to cachers who live in New Brunswick.
This I don’t like, as it creates an unfair advantage to some people who have money/time to travel. Except for the claims for caches for caches outside the province/country, all other claims really should have been done inside the province. After all, it is a NB challenge.
Someone will always have some sort of advantage or disadvantage. That’s life. Some people know how to use GSAK to filter and find caches to get good scores, others don’t. Some people can hike up a mountain or 10kms or more, others are less mobile or have physical limitations and cannot. Some people have already found all, or most, of the caches in their area/city/province and have no choice but to search elsewhere, others are newer and have lots to choose from right where they live. The caches in NB are of no better or worse quality or D/T levels than in other parts of the world from what we’ve seen. I don’t see where the unfair advantage is just because someone has the time and money to travel. The contest is taking place over a 4 ½ month period which should be plenty of time for anyone to have a fair shot at winning, if that’s your goal.
We are copying (with some changes) a contest held in Sask last year and that NS is also holding this year. Everyone is using these rules. There is no way we can please everyone or make everyone happy. While I value others’ opinions the rules, tasks and prize structure were in place when the contest was posted and will stand, as they are. I have no problem clarifying tasks or answering questions, as we have done already, but we are not changing the rules mid-contest.
I am fully aware of the curveballs thrown at a person in life, especially with this past year. My feeling is that there should have been a discussion concerning the claims and rules before the start of the game and prior to any submissions being accepted, so that everyone was on as level a playing field as possible.
Thanks. 2 more questions and I should be all set.
1 – In the case of tasks 11 and 26, if more than one cacher goes out to find the cache together, can they each claim points for that task?
2 – If you complete a task and later on find another that matches that task but has a higher point value, can the newer find replace the previous task thus increasing the total points value. This way, cachers that finish their 20 tasks early can continue playing in an attempt to increase their score. If yes, I would also see that once you have completed 20 tasks, you could not complete a task from the remaining 20 to replace one of your original 20. Hope this all makes sense.
Question: for claim #13 (Maintaining a cache), does rule #7 still apply?
Tiger Tracker,
1 – Yes, if they are there to sign the log they can claim it.
2 – No. See rule #8. (Once a task is claimed you may not substitute it with another unless the first claim is rejected) Strategy is vital. 🙂
forestfauna,
Yes, the cache you are maintaining and claiming must be one previously unfound by you.
Brian,
Not sure what you’re asking but did you get it figured out??
I suspect that forestfauna’s question about Task 13 was the second part of rule 7 – in that, can we claim a cache as task 13 AND another task (say, task 7)? After all, we might not encounter another cache needing maintenance, or that meets the requirements of the task we originally sought that cache for.
I think that makes sense…
Actually, it relates more to me being able to go back to a cache I have found in the past (before the contest started) and being able to perform maintenance on it if need be.
Rule #7 clearly states, “……and only one task may be claimed per cache found.”
Keep in mind, you do have 4 and 1/2 months to complete your 20 tasks.
If all hides must be done after the start, maybe rule 6 should be changed to give separate rules for hides and finds.
Thanks,PA. I’ve made some clarifications for all of the tasks requiring hides to stipulate they must be published during the contest period. Also changed the wording for rule #6 regarding hides.
“While I value others’ opinions the rules, tasks and prize structure were in place when the contest was posted and will stand, as they are.”
So, the rules and tasks for hides changed from when they were posted, and after the contest started? Interesting.
No prob.
One more question: if you are caching with a group of people, can all of you make the same claim on a find you share?
forestfauna, yes, if you are caching in a pair or group all are eligible to claim that cache for the same task as long as all signed the log and logged the find. Please mention in your log on the cache page that you found it with so-and-so. A picture of the group at the cache site would be helpful but not a must.
Two more questions (or comments, as the case may be):
1. Depending on the number of participants and the number/quality of donations for prizes, will you be expanding the number of winners? 3rd, 4th place, etc.?
2. For the claim requiring you to dress up….if a prize is awarded, how will it be judged? My thought would be that at the spring event, a poster or powerpoint display of all the photos of cachers claiming that task could be put up, and people at the event could vote for the best one. The difficulty of choosing would be left to our caching peers. Just a thought.
forestfauna, I like the idea of the poster for pictures of those who claim the dress-up cache (I don’t have or use PP so am lost there). Fellow cachers can vote for their favorite at the BBW Bash.
As for the number of prizes, we’ve decided to leave it as described in the original post for the event. The 2 highest scores, the lowest and the closest to average. The prizes will be divided and grouped together in 4 prize “packages”, with the highest score and lowest score being slightly better/bigger than the second place score and the closest to average. Although it is nice for everyone to win something I feel it takes away from those who actually “won” the contest. Last year at the BBW Bash we had so many prizes and did so many draws that it took way too much time, it seemed to stretch on forever, and people commented on it. This will prevent that from happening again. We will be having door prizes for the event so everyone will have a chance to win something.
I think the reason for the so many prizes / draws last year was because one people won one prize, they wanted to let others have a chance at a prize too (so they declined to accept future prizes). I’d second forestfauna’s suggestion here to expand the prize pool to third, fourth, etc – after all, there’s still only one prize per entrant, and none of the drawn out drawings / declining that detracted from the prizes last year. That’s our two cents, at least!
Otherwise, this contest will most certainly be won by those who can cache full time (no offense to any of you!), and those with families won’t stand a chance (except for fluking out at the average score).
I guess my issue is with the overall issuing of prizes. I understand the top two point scores and applaud that. But awarding one for “closest to average” is solely based upon luck, and you would have the same chance as with a door prize. The one for lowest score requires almost zero planning and zero effort to get.
Actually, I think the lowest score requires just as much planning (maybe more!) as the top prize. You’d have to strive for all the low scoring values.
The whole purpose of the contest is to help get people outside during the cold winter months. Although it’s nice to have some prizes to offer, it’s not the purpose of the contest. We’re following what others have done and are doing. The two highest and the lowest scores all require planning and strategy. All require that 20 tasks be completed. Aside from the possibility that the higher scores may require more physical activity, which not everyone can participate in, there is little difference in the planning and effort needed. The final prize is for the closest to the average score. There may be some planning involved there but, yes, it will mainly come down to luck. We have no problem with that.
I agree with Coop, doing 20 tasks and getting the lowest score possible will require as much planning as trying for the top score. Remember, it’s the first 20 tasks submitted that count, Milo’s right strategy will play a big part. However, with that in mind;maybe a monthly submission requirement so you don’t get everyone posting their caches the last week? Or a “get out of jail free card” – one exchange permitted, I know that it will be a logistical nightmare, so maybe ignore the comment.
Hmm, new scouts, do they count as ….. Maa haa haa , and the competition starts!!!
I’ll ignore it, Ricky! LOL Play on. 🙂
As the saying goes Ricky, you’re a day late and a dollar short. I’ve already got 9 claims completed. [:D]
Ahh, Yes forest, but how many points???
It doesnt matter how many points he has Rick, cause he is no match for me! Mouahhhahhhaaaaaa.
ah but who’s found a five five cache?? That’s right!!!!
Question about claims #18, #19, & #20. Does the rule for claiming still apply (within 7 days)?
Yes, it does. Claim within 7 days of publication.
It would mean that you would have to hide all 5 caches at the same time in order to get either of claim #19 and #20. And in some cases the reviewers will approve one or two in a batch and then wait on the others for days at a time. You can’t spread out your five hides through the entire 4 months of the contest.
forestfauna, not sure if that’s a question but….for task #18 and #19 all of your caches should probably be submitted on the same day (you can hide them whenever you wish) but that’s your choice. I would think you’d have better luck getting them approved in time if you did. You may also want to send a note to the reviewer with your submissions asking them to try to publish all 3 or 5 together as it is for a contest. It’s up to you what, when and how (within the rules) you do it but the rule is 3 or 5 hides claimed within 7 days of publishing. Hope that clarifies it for you.
Which means that if I decide to place one cache today, and 4 next month, I’ve hidden 5 as per task #18, but I won’t be able to make the claim?
Claim #28. At what point are you not allowed to use your GPS to find the cache? 20m from the cache, 500m, a kilometre? The entire route?
Task #28 clearly states, “Find a cache of any type without the use of a GPS.” It also says that you’re on your honour for this one so find it how ever your own conscience dictates.
Which means that I could shut my GPS off within 10m of a 5/5 hide and be able to claim it under task #28. Which to me does not seem fair but is within the rules.
I feel that those who are waiting are now at a distinct advantage over those of us who have already started making claims, as they have the benefit of questions/clarifications that some of us only thought of asking after completing a task. I feel that there should have been (or should be) a grace period where these questions/clarifications could have been made before the game started, so that everyone was well aware of what can/could be done.
I am not too worried about points or who finds what, I don’t think that it is the “point” of the “contest”. The only reason it needs a point system is to entice some to play or to think about where or what caches to find. It will make cachers get out there and be strategic about finding certain caches which adds to the game of caching as a whole, mixes it up and makes it more fun. I think that if I can find 20 out the forty different types then I and all of us who try, will win more than a shiny coin or pre-made cache. I have made claims that stretched the “rules”, unknowingly of course and would not have been accepted if the rules where a little clearer and I told Gwen that I don’t mind if they were rejected but they did fit at the time so I will attempt to replace them under the new rules if they get clarified. My goal is to find at least 20 of the categories.
I think it should also be noted that to my knowledge, this is the first time a contest of this type and scale has been tried in NB. The first time through is always the hardest. Once you get the kinks worked out it runs much smoother. If this contest happens again next year, I’m sure all of the comments will be taken into consideration.
By the way, this is the most comments ANY post on here has ever had. Tres cool
I feel that I am being made a scapegoat for bring forward valid points and am alienating a lot of friends in the process. I meant no disrespect to anyone. Bottom line, a contest/competition is about winning, no matter what anyone says about having fun-otherwise, there is no point in having a contest/competition. And if its not about winning, it is about besting a friend or personal goal. Everyone who is competing should be on as level a playing field as possible when playing the game. The low score prize allows that for some who aren’t as physically able to do some of the challenges as others. My comment on that was wrong and I apologize for the critique. I stand by everything else I’ve said.
I could really care less about whether I was going to win a prize or not. I got into geocaching to have fun. So that is what I am focusing on by removing myself from the contest. I don’t need the contest to validate that.
I agree with what you are saying forestfauna. The purpose of the contest is to have fun but it is set up as a competition so that cachers can have goals and try to beat their caching friends, not necessarily for prizes but for bragging rights. Its the same as having a point system when you play cards or board games.
MA and I think this contest is a great idea and we hope everyone has fun. Gwen has done an incredible job on this and is taking on a lot of work keeping track of the perfomances, points, etc. Gwen has always shown that she is ready to take on all kinds of challenges and to organize activities for the caching community.
Some may have noticed that our name is not on the list of players. The reason is simple. Our caching pleasure comes from planning caching days or mini caching trips where we try to complete series of caches on trails, or clear out an area or town or highway. For example in the last few months we did trips of one day or more to PEI, Fredericton, Amherst Shore, Joggins, petitcodiac, Sussex, Fundy Wilderness. We have a few more trips ahead. We really did not want to add another dimension to our caching
I think everyone is taking this a bit too serious. I know ive had everything planned out since day 2 of this thing, and Ive gone to caches I prolly would never have visited until I ran out of easy ones. Im not hiding the fact that im going for highest points, but thats just my Army competitive nature. Im having fun doing it and thats what ultimately matters. You think Id have fallen in a river in November if not for points? =D I myself have 11 claims in, but Im also going to be gone from January – March on a 9 week course so Im trying to get them done before that time. Either way, Im sorry to see you leave the contest Mark. Hope to see you again on the trails tho.
I noticed there has been a lot of action coming out of this thread. I can understand some points forestfauna brought ahead but personally, I’m in for all the fun this can bring. I do respect others opinions on the subject tho, this is the beauty of this challenge contest, you do it the way you feel it should be done.
On my end, I have 8 claims so far and trust me, it won’t take much planning to beat my score haha. The people from the Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton areas along with all the surroundings gets to participate at events and get togethers all the time. Sadly, we don’t have this up North. So for me, having a challenge like this accessible and beeing able to come here and exchange on geocaching topics is just more than I could ask for.
I agree the contest might not be perfect but you had to start somewhere in order to set the grounds for the future contests. I’m sure everyone will learn from this and it will only get better. I would like to thank milosheart for having this, Zor for hosting this and coding the section for this contest and everyone else who is involved. It must be a lot of work so kuddos to you.
Thanks so much for letting us connect together, even us, folks from up North.