Your thoughts on a non-commercial "themed" cache

Mind Socket · Post by **Mind Socket** » 03 February 06 12:17 pm

I plan to list a GCA cache soon that will hopefully provide all the usual enjoyment of finding a cache (location etc), but am thinking about doing something different with the swaps.

I have a pile of Ubuntu Linux install/live CDs that I'd like to provide in the cache, no need to swap as I can restock the cache as needed. Ubuntu Linux is a free (as in beer and as in freedom) operating system with no commercial interests (at least not for individuals who just want to use it).

I understand that there may not be many people interested in these, and I'm happy to accept that those people might just log the find and not take a CD, but I want to get a feel for whether people would be opposed to a cache that is effectively promotional, but not commercial in nature?

One might ask the same questions about a cache that promotes a charity, religion, political party, ... I'm personally not particularly interested in any of these, but would support the existence of such a cache, and may even find some as long as there's no force feeding.

My main concern would be if this sort of thing becomes commonplace and we end up with loads of these caches that a fair number of people aren't interested in.

- Rog

Papa Bear_Left · Post by **Papa Bear_Left** » 03 February 06 12:33 pm

There's a few of these around already, in more or less disguised forms, and they don't bother me as long as they're good caches in the other ways that count.

i.e. a box next to your letterbox with CDs in it would be pretty lame regardless, but a box in a good location and/or interestingly hidden is fun regardless of what's in it. (I can say that because I don't have geokiddies who might be a bit underwhelmed at the prospect of swapping for an Ubuntu CD, however shiny and 733t it is!)

You can run Ubuntu off a 1GB USB thumbdrive as well; any plans for a cache full of those?

Mind Socket · Post by **Mind Socket** » 03 February 06 12:42 pm

Ooh, now that's an idea for the FTF prize.

- Rog

TeamAstro · Post by **TeamAstro** » 03 February 06 12:50 pm

8 votes @ and a 100% result on #2 so far. Don't think I've seen one like that before. Think you have your answer

PS, I'd be interested in the USB stick(s) cache

Mind Socket · Post by **Mind Socket** » 03 February 06 12:53 pm

I'd like to hear from those that do oppose it (can PM me if they prefer, I'm a nice guy), so I can be properly informed about people's ideas.

I hope the results so far don't put people off speaking their mind.

- Rog

Post by **caughtatwork** » 03 February 06 12:55 pm

Ever found a cache with nothing but McDonalds happy meal toys that was called a Macca Cache?

I have. It''s not commercial, but it was (probably unintended) promotional.

I had no problems with it by the way. I have no problem with this idea whatsoever ... unless you make me do weird religious stuff like get confirmed or circumsized or something.

As long as I can find "a" cache, I''m not fussy on the contents.

Just one other thing I suppose, if you went religion (which I know you're not) and you made me read religious texts or look up religious data on a website, then even though this would not be commercial, but promotion, I probably wouldn't do it.

It's all about the presentation of the cache. If it's a cache where I can pick up a CD or religious paraphenalia, but I can choose not to, OK with me.

Mind Socket · Post by **Mind Socket** » 03 February 06 1:54 pm

Agreed c@w. I think the most important thing is that the cache listing is up-front.

swampgecko · Post by **swampgecko** » 03 February 06 2:08 pm

Mind Socket wrote:I'm a nice guy

- Rog

Swampy puts hand over mouth and coughs... a faint bullshirt is heard in there somewhere

Mind Socket · Post by **Mind Socket** » 03 February 06 2:20 pm

Sorry, that was a typo, it was meant to be "I'm an esky".

- Rog

Papa Bear_Left · Post by **Papa Bear_Left** » 03 February 06 2:46 pm

Mind Socket wrote:Sorry, that was a typo, it was meant to be "I'm an esky".

Now that's a cool guy!

ideology · Post by **ideology** » 03 February 06 5:45 pm

we voted yes

and then realised that the question was phrased in the negative, so we should have voted no. we can't figure out how to change our vote, so please deduct one yes from your tally. sorry!

Cached · Post by **Cached** » 03 February 06 6:13 pm

hell, i wouldn't care if it WAS commercial.

EcoTeam · Post by **EcoTeam** » 03 February 06 7:51 pm

No problemo.
You'll probably find it ends up getting full of normal swaps anyway!

1st finder:
"Hmm, I need to offload this large cache item I've had for 6 months - bugger it, in it goes"

2nd finder:
"Oh look, there is already a swap in there, it must be Ok to leave normal swaps, so I'll leave two myself"

....

10th finder:
"Wow, look at all these normal swaps, and what idiot swapped in 10 indentical CD's?"

EcoDave

The Ginger Loon · Post by **The Ginger Loon** » 03 February 06 10:33 pm

EcoTeam wrote:No problemo.
You'll probably find it ends up getting full of normal swaps anyway!

You really have't been out caching for a while have you Dave?

Cached · Post by **Cached** » 03 February 06 11:23 pm

and there was a linux cache here in adelaide that you had to post a picture of you having installed the cd

Freesoftwarefun http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_de ... ?wp=GCGT0E

Geocaching Australia

Your thoughts on a non-commercial "themed" cache

Would you be opposed to the _existence_ of a promotional, but non-commercial themed cache?

Your thoughts on a non-commercial "themed" cache