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Post by fuzzybelly on Dec 21, 2013 8:31:38 GMT -9
I know there's no hard and fast rule on HINTS. Whether it's in the "hint" section of a cache page, a casual conversation with a fellow cacher, or as it relates to PAF.
Most folks know that I don't like hints. I don't click the hint section on the cache page, I don't ask another cacher(except on rare occasions), I avoid others conversations, and I don't us the PAF( or haven't since far enough back to not remember). I also be reluctant to offer hints. I've ruined a cachers fun before accidentally and felt terrible about it.
I think I'll PAF or ask for a hint eventually when the DNF's start stacking up on a cache that I really, really want, but I'm not there yet.
One of the great things I love about this game is that everyone gets to play it their own way.
Lets hear what others think of hints.......Do you want them? Will you give them?
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Post by fuzzybelly on Dec 21, 2013 8:32:46 GMT -9
Aren't the cache description and attributes hints too?
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Post by SSO JOAT on Dec 22, 2013 9:48:56 GMT -9
I freely give hints to my own caches and puzzles. Anyone who has asked me for a tip on one of my puzzles has received hints. I'll start with subtle, category hints to get them started in the right direction. If that doesn't get them enough, I'll give more hints. In fact, I'll keep giving hints all the way up to the point of showing details of how to work out a particular cipher or hidden trick in a puzzle, though I'll never directly give the solution so that they have to work out the final coordinate themselves.
That said, over time I've bought into the idea that the hint area on a cache page should be a fairly direct hint about how to find the cache container. Something that is fairly descriptive about the hide and the container. If it is a low-rated cache (regular 1/1), then the hint would be more direct in describing the hide. If it is a high-rated cache that is meant to be more challenging, then the hint would be more of a puzzle, but still point to the hide. This way, someone who is having trouble finding the cache actually has something they can look at to guide them from DNF to Find. Many look at the hint during their initial view of the page. So be it. This is a personal hobby and not a competitive game, so each can choose how they want to play. If they want to save all hint viewing until later in order to make the hunt more challenging, then go for it.
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Post by fuzzybelly on Dec 22, 2013 11:43:36 GMT -9
I need to start looking at your puzzle caches JOAT. I'm no good at puzzles so I hardly check out any, but I'm planning on spending more time in your area this summer. I may need to make more of an exception about hints with puzzle caches, I may learn something.
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Post by NeverSummer on Dec 23, 2013 9:35:20 GMT -9
I think hints and the description can work well together.
My biggest beef with hints is that caches are designed to be found, and even a 5* cache should have a starting point to make a find. If it takes immense leaps of faith, and there are no hints in the name of the cache, description, attributes, or hint section, it really isn't made to be found.
This is personal preference, but the emergent impossible cache design isn't how I like to cache. When I started caching, I found out what a 5* D cache felt like, and have tried to base my ratings on that history and the clayjar system. When I see a 5* D cache, I believe it is findable and solvable.
If an owner is unwilling to share a hint to someone struggling with a 5* cache, it doesn't really offer much of a sense of community or foster a helpful discourse.
Like Joat said, it doesn't have to give it away, but should be a nudge. That can be found in the hint section of the cache page, or via direct contact with the owner.
For example, I can tell the ET hides can be worthy of every star in their rating, but there are other caches with high ratings I've encountered that are just created to be unfindable. If it is a container or contraption that makes it a 5*, I give it more leeway. If it is a puzzle that has no beginning or end, and the owner doesn't give a hint on the page or when contacted, it really isn't designed to be found.
One way I've liked seeing the latter done is when an owner provides no hint when published, but adds one after the first (or second) finder. This makes the FTF the beta tester, and they can then be the consultant about how the cache could be rated or the description/hint updated to match the rating.
It's more community involved, and less focused on creating an "unfindable" cache.
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Post by NorthWes on Dec 29, 2013 17:20:59 GMT -9
My caches almost always contain a succinct and clear hint designed to help cachers find the cache. And I often post directions in the description that take you right to the little beastie. As several others have stated here - I place caches to be found by cachers (but to be mostly hidden from muggles). A major pet peeve of mine is worthless or misleading hints.
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