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Thread: Announcing Opencaching in the UK

  1. #1

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    Default Announcing Opencaching in the UK

    I am pleased to announce that Opencaching, until now only available in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic with website languages to match, is now available in the UK.

    The site is available at http://opencaching.org.uk/

    Opencaching.org.uk fully supports the GAGB cache placement Guidelines and their Geocachers Code of Conduct.

    I hope you will find that the site has all the facilities the UK cacher might require - Saved searches, Watchlists, New cache notifications, GPX downloads, Google maps, Ignored caches, etc.

    There is also a forum for discussion of opencaching, and caching in general.

    regards to all,
    Paul

  2. #2

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    Thumbs up

    Excellent! Site looks great with all the goodies you'd expect.....thumbs up!!!! :socool:
    Last edited by jacobite; 17th August 2009 at 09:23 PM.
    I'm just going outside, and may be some time!

    www.jacobitecaching.co.uk

  3. #3

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    Well done! You already have at least one registered user!

  4. #4

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    Question

    Paul, I've registered, but haven't yet recieved my activation email, I'd be grateful for your help?

    Cheers.
    I'm just going outside, and may be some time!

    www.jacobitecaching.co.uk

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by jacobite View Post
    Paul, I've registered, but haven't yet recieved my activation email, I'd be grateful for your help?

    Cheers.
    PM sent.
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  6. #6

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    Default

    OK, I'll be first to ask the obvious question.

    Cross-posting caches that are listed on gc.com appears to be OK with this site, but in doing so would we be risking falling fowl of Groundspeak?
    One of the loonies who ran the UK's First Mega Event :wacko:
    http://www.yorkshiregeocaching.co.uk

  7. #7
    Icenians Guest

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    No is the short answer. You own the cache and GC don't insist you only list your cache on GC.

    Of course, you would be best not to try Hornets approach by advertising the fact on your GC cache page

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Darcy View Post

    There is also a forum for discussion of opencaching, and caching in general.
    Well done. But would it not be feasible to use the GAGB forum rather than another bespoke forum? Just a thought.
    Last edited by agentmancuso; 17th August 2009 at 10:49 PM.

  9. #9
    keehotee Guest

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    Not a criticism, but a query....
    On the opening page it says "This is the main UK geocaching site".

    In what respect?
    Isn't that going to mislead any newbie cachers that come across it?

  10. #10

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    I've just registered......and I have the account up and running, but the forums wont recognise my username.......strange! I'll give it a day then try logging in again!

    Never mind, the site looks ok!

    Gaz

  11. #11
    Icenians Guest

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    I had to register seperatly for the forums.

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by Icenians View Post
    I had to register seperatly for the forums.
    Me too, no hardship though.
    I'm just going outside, and may be some time!

    www.jacobitecaching.co.uk

  13. #13

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    Default

    Shame I couldn't keep the same username I use for all my other accounts -
    this site doesn't let my use my **'s

  14. #14
    StuartP Guest

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    Quote Originally Posted by agentmancuso View Post
    Well done. But would it not be feasible to use the GAGB forum rather than another bespoke forum? Just a thought.
    We're happy to accommodate all. If there's a requirement that the GAGB could help with for forums drop me a pm. For example we could setup a dedicated 'OpenCaching' forum.

  15. #15
    keehotee Guest

    Default

    I notice the opening page statement has now gone?

    Also - could you add the ability to click through to a cache's details from the map, rather than having to zoom right in to read the waypoint name, then navigate separately to the cache.
    And on profile setup, there is a tick box for PMR channel 2. I noticed on the Groundspeak FAQ that they state that in Europe cachers use Channel 8, but the only other cachers I've met with PMR in this country all use 3/33...
    Last edited by keehotee; 18th August 2009 at 07:34 AM.

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by keehotee View Post
    I notice the opening page statement has now gone?

    Also - could you add the ability to click through to a cache's details from the map, rather than having to zoom right in to read the waypoint name, then navigate separately to the cache.
    And on profile setup, there is a tick box for PMR channel 2. I noticed on the Groundspeak FAQ that they state that in Europe cachers use Channel 8, but the only other cachers I've met with PMR in this country all use 3/33...
    The previous 'opening page statement' was an oversight, a leftover from the translation procedure from the Polish source code.

    The facility to click through to the cache page from the map was on the beta site, but it seems to have disappeared now we have gone live. I will investigate where it went.

    I am wondering how useful the checkbox is ... do cachers use PMR radio?
    If they do I can adjust the channel number accordingly.
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  17. #17

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    Default

    Registered for both and even used the same name as here and GC. Will sit down on a couple of evenings and publish my caches (from GC) on there.
    Last edited by DrDick&Vick; 18th August 2009 at 09:58 AM.

  18. #18

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    I'm going to keep an open mind and see how it develops.

    I've put two of my caches up there - the ones I think are the better caches that take a bit of effort but are rewarding.

    Once (if?) it gets busier, we'll have to see how it handles the server load.

    One issue I have is that there doesn't seem to be a way to include additional waypoints. If you compare my two caches with the versions on GC.com, the table of additional waypoints is useful, particularly for puzzle types.

  19. #19

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    I'll give it a go.

    Would be nice to have the GAGB site on the links page...
    I have a Geocaching problem...
    Work gets in the way!

    * Cache Walker -Caching by byway, not highway! CacheWalker.co.uk
    Walking and Caching in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire areas

  20. #20

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bear and Ragged View Post
    ...
    Would be nice to have the GAGB site on the links page...
    A very good idea. On the 'To Do List'
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  21. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Darcy View Post
    do cachers use PMR radio?
    If they do I can adjust the channel number accordingly.
    It is used quite a lot here in South Wales and we use channel 3/33 :cheers:

  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by matrix View Post
    It is used quite a lot here in South Wales and we use channel 3/33 :cheers:
    I'll change the channel number, then
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  23. #23

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    I'm such a muppet, I've opened an account, and must have fat fingers as I've registered as Stoke3sy, not Stokesy....not sure I can change it....oops.

  24. #24

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stokesy View Post
    I'm such a muppet, I've opened an account, and must have fat fingers as I've registered as Stoke3sy, not Stokesy....not sure I can change it....oops.
    Edited!

    No problem, I'm sure we've all done that sort of thing. ... regularly!
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  25. #25

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Darcy View Post
    Edited!

    No problem, I'm sure we've all done that sort of thing. ... regularly!
    Nice one, you can't do that at GC.com

  26. #26

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    25 posts, 3 suggestions/shouts for help...

    3 OK's!/sorted.

    What service!
    I have a Geocaching problem...
    Work gets in the way!

    * Cache Walker -Caching by byway, not highway! CacheWalker.co.uk
    Walking and Caching in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire areas

  27. #27

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    Great service - thanks Lord Darcy for you're help setting up my username

  28. #28

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stokesy View Post
    Nice one, you can't do that at GC.com
    You can.......may take 'em a couple of weeks sometimes but it can be done.

    Chris (MrB)

  29. #29

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Blorenge View Post
    You can.......may take 'em a couple of weeks sometimes but it can be done.

    Chris (MrB)
    Yes, I second that. Lets not 'do down' GC, it can be done on GC.com ... I changed from Paulluap to Lord Darcy back in 2007.
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  30. #30

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    Opened account as others have done ... took a look around ... found no caches near to me ... closed the page ... maybe in time but for now there doesnt appear anything there that cant be found at navicaching or terracaching or geocaching.com ...

    Is it me?

  31. #31

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    Can I ask a really stupid question? Why is there a need for an alternative to geocaching.com?

    That said, I have registered simply because the site isn't banned from work (geocaching.com is classed as a sport and is therefore banned). :lol:

  32. #32

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lime Candy View Post
    Why is there a need for an alternative to geocaching.com?
    For me, the fact that Groundspeak is run as a business would be reason enough.

  33. #33
    Icenians Guest

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lime Candy View Post
    Can I ask a really stupid question? Why is there a need for an alternative to geocaching.com?

    That said, I have registered simply because the site isn't banned from work (geocaching.com is classed as a sport and is therefore banned). :lol:
    How about choice.

  34. #34

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    (smuggly)

    The first Open Cache logging in Scotland occurred yesterday!

  35. #35

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    Thumbs up

    Quote Originally Posted by agentmancuso View Post
    (smuggly)

    The first Open Cache logging in Scotland occurred yesterday!
    Well done! Aly and I wondered who would be FTF on the cougar gates, we never go FTF on each others caches, so there should be a few more for you in the near future.
    I'm just going outside, and may be some time!

    www.jacobitecaching.co.uk

  36. #36

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    I'll keep an eye out, thanks.

  37. #37

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    I'm getting timeout errors trying to connect. Is there a problem?

  38. #38

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    Same here.

  39. #39

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    Hi Guys,

    Sorry about the problems, the entire area of Torquay has been suffering from a loss of internet. All I can get from my ISP is "expect to effect repairs within 4 hours" ... unfortunately this has stayed the same for the past 19 hours.

    (Posted from work)

    Update from http://help.btinternet.com/yahoo/help/servicestatus
    09 September 2009
    04:49 PM
    Problem in the Chelston area
    We're aware of a temporary problem in the Chelston area that's causing some people trouble accessing the Internet. We're sorry if you've been affected. Our engineers are working to fix the problem, but unfortunately it's taking them longer than expected. We're sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. We hope to have your service back to normal shortly. Dialling code affected: 01803 Ongoing
    Updated on:
    10 September 2009
    12:00 PM

    (p.s. from Lord Darcy) When exactly is 12:00 PM?
    Last edited by Lord Darcy; 10th September 2009 at 05:11 PM. Reason: Update from BT
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  40. #40

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Darcy View Post
    Hi Guys,
    (p.s. from Lord Darcy) When exactly is 12:00 PM?
    Somewhere between 11.59.59 and 12.00.01
    I have a Geocaching problem...
    Work gets in the way!

    * Cache Walker -Caching by byway, not highway! CacheWalker.co.uk
    Walking and Caching in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire areas

  41. #41

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    Finally, internet has been restored to Opencaching.org.uk after a break in service amounting to some 30 hours .


    (Isn't 12pm = 12 hours post meridian = 12 hours past midday)
    Paul (Lord Darcy)



  42. #42

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    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Darcy View Post
    (Isn't 12pm = 12 hours post meridian = 12 hours past midday)
    12 hours past midday would be midnight in my book. :

    12.00 pm = noon or midday
    12.00 am = midnight
    I have a Geocaching problem...
    Work gets in the way!

    * Cache Walker -Caching by byway, not highway! CacheWalker.co.uk
    Walking and Caching in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire areas

  43. #43

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    I just found this



    • Terms 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. cause confusion and should not be used as neither the "12 am" nor the "12 pm" designation is technically correct.
    • It advisable to use 12 noon and 12 midnight where clarity is required.
    • To avoid ambiguity, airlines, railroads, and insurance companies use 12:01am for an event beginning the day, 11:59pm for ending it.


    Taken from the World Time Zone site.



  44. #44

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    Or use the 24 hour clock...

    00.00 hrs and 12.00 hrs
    I have a Geocaching problem...
    Work gets in the way!

    * Cache Walker -Caching by byway, not highway! CacheWalker.co.uk
    Walking and Caching in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire areas

  45. #45
    Team Sieni Guest

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    Interesting.

    My first question is: How are caches reviewed?

    Apart from that, I wish you well, but ...

    I'm struggling to see what its USP is over Navicache, Terracache and GC. Terracache has its own arcane mysteries of its scoring system and weird admission rites. Navicache has ... I dunno what really ... I've not been there for ages, and GC has weight of numbers of caches, trackables, members etc. In terms of features do you have anything to grab people?

    Now, I'm not saying that choice is a bad thing, just that to survive and (more importantly) thrive it will probably need to differentiate itself from its competitors. A different kind of cache? Some really cool features? Different kinds of stats? A different kind of community? A new gizmo like trackables. I doubt that just not being Groundspeak will be enough.

    I'll be keeping an eye on it but as I have hardly any time for hobbies at the moment, I won't be joining in. I'll stick with GS (I have no beef with them - I don't see anything wrong with their being run as a business) and anyway I do more Waymarking than caching in what little time I have these days.


  46. #46

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    Quote Originally Posted by Team Sieni View Post
    I'll stick with GS (I have no beef with them - I don't see anything wrong with their being run as a business)
    Neither do I. But in business as anything else, monopoly is bad, and choice is good.

    One valid USP for Opencaching is its UK base. Another is its relation to the whole Open/Wiki project, which could give a it stability otherwise lacking.

    Navicaching has never appealed to me in any way - I gather it is almost moribund now. Terracaching has an intriguing crypto-Masonic system of initiation, which is highly entertaining, but it has been cursed (at least round these parts) by an abundance of virtual and dearth of traditional caches (which, incidentally, seems to me to be the biggest potential risk to Opencaching too.)

    As for 'thriving', it depends what is meant. Rivaling GS? Hardly. As far as I'm concerned, the only criterion of success is that the participants continue to enjoy setting & finding decent caches.

  47. #47
    Team Sieni Guest

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    Quote Originally Posted by agentmancuso View Post
    As far as I'm concerned, the only criterion of success is that the participants continue to enjoy setting & finding decent caches.
    Amen to that

    :cheers: Maybe I'll see you when I have a bit more time!

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