The Best Way To Engage New/Unknown Geocachers
As someone who has been geocaching for awhile, it’s pretty apparent that one of the most appealing aspects to the hobby is the social interaction with other geoachers. Now some of this comes out in the form of online interaction on websites such as this, as well as places like Facebook. But the biggest social part of geocaching are the events. Recently, I started to wonder about why we don’t see as many “new” cachers at events as I would like. Then I noticed something on the geocaching “app”.
It looks like by default, the app only shows “traditional” geocaches. This means that anyone using the app may not actually see the events on the map unless they change their settings, or use the online map. Further to that, links to things like Cache Up NB or the local Facebook groups get missed by many if they don’t see things on the actual geocache listings.
It got me to thinking about the best ways to reach out to those new geocachers to let them know about local events, and local organizations. What are the best ways to spread the word of these great places and activities to geocachers who may not even know they are there? We see a ton of names come across the recent logs widget all the time that we don’t recognize. If you look their name up, you find they are relatively new and just starting. So what’s the best option?
What came to mind from me was using the recent logs to compile a list of new cachers, and send them out a friendly email welcoming them to the local geocaching community, and pointing them at some local events and other places they might want to use to connect with other geocachers. I thought it would be a neat way to extend a friendly hand in friendship to some of these folks. However, receiving an unsolicited email from people/someone you don’t know and may never have heard of could be taken as spam. Would you take it as so? Do you think it’s something CUNB could try?
Do you have any other suggestions on how we might engage and inform these new cachers about events and places like CUNB? Let’s get a discussion going and see what we can come up with.
Some time ago, I used to write and welcome new cachers, and I think others did the same.
If CacheUpNB wishes to take that on, I suggest that someone take on that task so that the new cacher is not inundated with greetings.
Also it should be noted that some newbies cant be contacted if the cache with a phone and are not registered.
I tried writing to a newbie about his new cache but the email did not got though so I had to post a note on his cache
http://coord.info/GC55VBF
If the app only shows traditional caches maybe each area could have a traditional cache titled along the lines of “Make new friends.” or “New to caching?” and the little blurb in the write up can explain about events and social networking groups, etc.
I’ve reached out to new cachers as Pa has. I try to help then when I can, but yes, there was not always a way to reach out.
I love the idea of contacting new cachers. I can volunteer to help, Zor.
Another way to reach out with Tips and Hints could be when they publish their first hide. At least there is the cache page for a way to contact.
Here’s an idea. Youtube is huge with the younger crowd. How about a local video introducing local cachers, caches, Moncton area sites and vistas (or Freddy or StJ, where ever you are). We could add the link to it onto a new cacher’s first hide. As a matter of fact, this video can be used at Geocaching 101 events like the ones Tiger Tracker does. The video would have many uses and ways to be used.
Maybe we could get Signal to appear. Army of Two might be able to help with Signal 😉
The vid could be upbeat with a modern soundtrack.
The reason I like the video idea is that new folks may read what we send them, but it may not have the impact of something like a video where they see something that connects to them.
Anyway, reaching out to the newbies is a fantastic idea as the smartphone age brings more folks into the hobby. If only there was a way to contact all those basic members. Wonder what Groundspeak thinks about that.
Hey PA, looks like your newbie appreciated your tips, but deleted your log 🙁
GC55VBF
and archived the cache, but it has one find. his own
OMG that is the funniest listing I have ever seen…lol
Owner hides, owner finds, owner writes note about the problems, owner logs needs maintenance, owner disables and owner archives. Too funny.
That’s a cacher who will likely never play the game again
hopefully