Log signing etiquette
Is there a proper etiquette for signing logs? I think it depends on the size of the log sheet of course and different sizes should determine how you sign. No matter that size the sheet should be unrolled, unfolded or opened to the next available space, line or page. I was out caching and found a few logs in micros that were removed from the bag with illegible scratching made on the “fold” that was exposed, no attempt was made to open the log or to write neatly in the next space. The log sheet should be a chronological history of the finds and every attempt should be made to save space so as not to require a replacement too soon. Nano’s should just be initials in order, micro sheets or small log books should be name only and full size books could have name, date and comments. I try not to waste space or sign out of order. By the way, large caches and big log books with great stories seem to be a thing of the past and every once in a while you find one and it is fun to look back at who found it and what they had to say. I must admit that I have been guilty of a quick sign with initials for a group when doing a caching raid in PEI but they were always in the right spot if I did the signing. So do you take the time to log or are you too busy to do it right?
We unroll, unfold and write out a full chignecto duo, unless of course it’s a nano, then a CD is it. And, always at the bottom of the established list, unless it a FTF. If you don’t have the time to unfold and the refold a slip of paper, then slow down and enjoy the caches !!
I sign on the first available space that can hold the signature on micros and nanos, I dont unfold or unroll more than necessary. The web neatly holds the finds chronologically, and I’d say that the vast majority of these caches are muggled, lost, archived, etc, before the owner ever has a chance to recover them. If there is a log book, I take my time, find the first clean spot and sign it. But Rev, you already knew all of this 😛
I too take the time to unroll, unfold ar unfurl a cache log to sign it in the first available space. I occasionally use a stamp that has my cacher handle but only for the larger logs as it is a bit bigger than normal printing. I usually only take 1 line, and so usually because some larger caches with larger logs can handle a quick note and a signature. I also take the time to add the date to the log and I always try to print neatly (keyword here is try..!!). On the electronic logs I normally add the time that I found the cache as well.
I find myself a little bit on both sides on this one.
I really hate the way some cachers sign the log book in regular sized caches. If it is a book, many cachers will not finish off a page and instead will start a new page. And when they change pages, they often do not write on the back of the previous page; so you often find log books that appear to be nearly full but if you look back you find a lot of empty pages. Many cachers often use half a page just to write their name. It does not seem like a big deal but if the log book is filled faster, there is a cost and a maintenance run for the owner. If I come to a log book for a popular cache that is nearly full, I will often find an empty space on a previous page.
Now about micros.
I recall that Funky said that it is better to fold your log sheet accordion style rather than roll them. That is what I usually do with our caches. If you fold them accordion style, the cacher simply has to stretch out the sheet to find the correct spot to sign. If there are more than one sheet stapled together, the current sheet can be on top before folding. The negative to this method is that there are folds which make it tougher to sign.
Here is my problem with rolled sheets. For some reason the sheets are always rolled with upper signing portion on the inside, so that the first people to sign have to unroll it completely in order to sign it. I would think that the portion to be signed should be on the outer section at the end of the roll. I have seen many micros with a number of sheets attached together and then all rolled up. When I try to unroll it, it unravels in such a way I cant figure which is the outside sheet to be signed and it seems others have the same problem as there are signatures on more than one sheet.
I always “fold” my log sheets for my caches unless they are nanos. I really hate the whole having to unroll and re-roll the log. I’d just assume expand a folded sheet, sign, and refold. Just a personal preference.