Hello all. GeoStash III will end in July and we're in the planning stages for GeoStash IV. Do any of you have comments or suggestions about changes we might make to make the contest better or easier to particpate in? Some have suggested we go back to hiding both coordinates in the magazine rather than posting one half here in the forum. What are your thoughts? Also, give a shout out of what state you live in and what areas you'd like the marker stashed so we can get an idea of where most of you active GeoStash particpants are located.

Thanks for your time. Have a great day.

-Christian  

I'm in San Jose, CA and I'd love to see some hidden up here. My friend who subscribes to your magazine would agree, I'm sure.

I think the current format of the contest is reasonably good. It could be improved by consistency and attention to detail. In the last year, we've seen the second coordinate posted in the forums very late; the coordinate format changed once without warning if I remember correctly; and the wrong half of the coordinates were recently published in the magazine.

Putting the full answers in the magazine would be simpler, but it would be a killer for me. As it is, my local Barnes & Noble has each new issue out on the shelves like a full week before my subscription copy arrives. I already feel like I, as a subscriber, am being punished by having to wait the extra week for my copy.

If the full coordinates were published in each issue, I'd be further punished by the fact that I'd effectively be out of the GeoStash contest as well. So please, keep posting half of the coordinates here, after everyone should have received their magazine.

The placement of the coordinates in the magazine and the specific font and color have been good. The rules are pretty clear and everyone seems to understand overall how it works now.

Overall I think the contest is fine as is... Just avoid the little errors, and make a point of having good communication here on the website.

And thanks for running the contest too. I appreciate and recognize all the work it obviously causes you guys.  

Hi Jeepdave. thanks for your response. I'm working on correcting the errors that keep popping up and hope to run a trouble free GeoStash IV. Northern, CA is a good bet for the next contest so keep looking for those coordinates. maybe we'll get it pretty close to your front door some time soon.

As for where the coordinates will go (in magazine or on web site) it's likely that we will go back to hiding all of the coordinates in the magazine and the forum will be used to monitor event activities. I know this creates problems for some who receive their subscriber copies earlier or later than the newstand but we've also received letters from those without internet access who want to participate in the contest. As I said, it is likely that we will go back to the magazine only format but we won't make a final decision just yet.  

If the full coordinates are going into the magazine, you might try some things to level the field.

For example, if you guys know when a given issue ships out from the distribution center (or whatever), then publishing that date here at least gives me (and others) a heads-up to go browse through a copy at the local store.  

I like the idea of hiding two markers each month, one east and one west.  And by splitting up the corrdinates in the magazine, there would be an added level of complication since you would not know which west coordinate goes with which north corrdinate.  It would effectivly make 4 locations that would need to be checked out every month.

Here in Ohio, there is very little public land, but several private places to wheel, so keep the contest going and use the areas available.  

Hi Durango Bob,

That's a really interesting idea but the planning and logistics of pulling it off would likely take more time than we can muster. As it is, we try to hide as many of the markers ourselves as we can and even this requires a good bit of planning ahead to accomplish. Hiding a second monthly marker would be like holding a complete second contest and I'm not sure it would be feasible. Afterall, what about a third marker to benefit those living in the midwest? or maybe a fourth to benefit those in the southeast? where do we stop? While a second monthly marker would certainly spice things up, I think we'll stick with just the one for the time. although, anything is possible with this contest, so don't be surprised to see something of the like if we decide we could successfully pull it off each month. thanks again for your idea and thanks for participating in the contest.  

I'm going to have to vote for splitting up the coordinates between the magazine and this forum.  I have kept track of when the magazine arrives by mail, and there can be up to three weeks difference in the delivery date each month.  That's just the way it goes with bulk rate postal delivery.  I think many more people would be left out due to the difference in magazine delivery date, then would would be left out because they can't access the internet.  

you are correct that we can't control when every individual receives their magazine and that some may receive it earlier or later than others. that's why we initially changed the contest and posted one half of the coordinates in the forum. We're still mulling over what to do for GeoStash IV and may go back to the mag only format but a final decision has not been made.

either way it looks like some of the readers will be disappointed. those with out internet (yes, it seems there are still a few)won't get to play one way and an unfair advantage is given to some the other.

thanks for your vote. your thoughts are appreciated.  

An outstanding place for a marker would be in the Bighorn Moutains somewhere near the trail that parallels Devils Canyon up to the eastern edge of Yellowtail Resevoir.  I have several Geocaches in the area, and while it's a difficult place to figure out how to get to, one doesn't need a WEROCK crawler to get there.

The area is spectacular.  

I have another idea for ways to implement the clue finding, but it would be completely purpose defeating to post it here.  Too many potential clues would be given away before the concept has been researched.  

I say, put both coordinates back in the magazine, but split them both, so there is four parts to find. At least we would know when and where the coordinates are. look today is the 16th it is 1:25pm , and the new coordinate has still not been posted.  

How about choosing someone on your staff that is interested in following thru with the contests as set up and offered by the magazine??

Even when McNutty was in charge he missed several 15th deadlines.  At least you all are consistent.

I think the Geostash is a great contest.  It was a big draw for me and set this mag apart from the other 4x4 mags that have the same type articles.

But as of now, when I get your magazine Im not in a hurry to read it anymore because you guys dont care enough to pony up on your end.

Im glad I was able to subscribe when you offered 3 years for $30.  It isnt worth much more than that the way things are being run.

To keep things fair for the non subscribers you have to post one set on here.

Id love to see round 4 happen.  Good luck with what is decided.  

For GeoStash IV, if you post the coordinates only in the magazine, split one of the coordinates in two parts, (as you currently do), and have the person hide them in the magazine, that hid them in the June 2008 issue, then there is no need to put them on the website. Excellent job hiding them in June 2008 issue!  

I'm voting for the 4 cordinates.
and i'm in the northeast area  New york, massachusetts, and vermont  

Thanks for all of the thoughts and ideas, everyone. Please remember to tell me where you're located so I know what areas are teeming with active GeoStash participants. I'll take this in to consideration when hiding the markers.

GeoStash IV starts in the October 2008 issue.