--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "jim & tree" wrote:
> It is a letterbox-barren region where I live>

Where are you?

> how do I go about figuring out what are good clues?
> I mean so it isn't too easy but still findable?

Read through various clues of other letterboxes, even if they are not
in your area... it will still give you an idea of the variety of ways
you can write your clues.

> How well hidden does it need to be?

It should be hidden well enough that a casual passerby would not see
it, but a person following the clues does not have to uproot trees
and blast apart stone walls to find it.

> I feel a little edgy just leaving a small box somewhere
> and walking off....what keeps people from finding it
> and taking it?

Sometimes they do, but usually if it is clearly labeled and you have
included some letterboxing info sheets inside the box for the curious
ones, they will leave it alone.

The best way to get a comfort level is to read other clues and the
FAQ's and then just... do it!

Good Luck!

Deb (SpringChick)

Find a place hidden from view. You shouldn't be able to see it when you
leave your box. Check out other clues you have followed. Although I have
only planted 1 box. I learned that I probably will have to do a better job
of editing my directions before I submit them. Since I mixed up my left and
rights. My first box was in a park I go to often and Ijust chose a place
that was out of the way there. Clues can be easy or hard. I wanted to make
the clues to my box longer then it really was. As was pointed out to me.
Some people love a short easy box to find and Some love a long hike. I
think I will try to make my next 2 little easer to write the clues. Hope
this helps
Schizokee.

>From: "jim & tree"
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To:
>Subject: [LbNA] questions from a newbie
>Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 11:12:50 -0600
>
>It is a letterbox-barren region where I live. So before I start, I want to
>draw on the experiences from those who live where there is a bounty.
>
> reading the posts I've given a lot of thought to what stamp to use for a
>letterbox. it came down to - what kind of image would I like to get?
>handcarved, handsdown. I've started on a stamp, using a Staedtler mars
>plastic grand. - that's the easy part.
>
>how do I go about figuring out what are good clues? I mean so it isn't too
>easy but still findable?
>
>How well hidden does it need to be?
>
>I feel a little edgy just leaving a small box somewhere and walking
>off....what keeps people from finding it and taking it?
>
>I hope someone can give me a good start so I can get off on the right foot.
>
>tree
>
>


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> how do I go about figuring out what are good clues?

Typically I wouldn't encourage such a thing, but if there really
aren't many letterboxes in your area, the best clue might be as
simple, straight-forward as possible so nobody will have trouble
finding it.

Think of it like this: If there aren't any letterboxes in your area,
anyone (locally, at least) who tries to look for it will be novices
at the hobby. They'll be thrilled to death to find the box
regardless of how 'easy' the clues are. So give them a few easy
boxes to find before challenging them with something a more
difficult. =)

Once the "letterboxing base" has been established, you can start
thinking up more creative and elaborate clues to challenge those
folks that want a challenge. Whenever I'm the first in an area to
hide a letterbox, I'll delibrately make the clues as easy as possible-
-and the hike as easy as possible too!--so everyone in the area won't
have any troubles finding the boxes.

> How well hidden does it need to be?

Basically, you want to hide it where it's highly unlikely it'll EVER
be discovered by accident. You'll also have to consider seasonal
changes. That thick bush you think is a great place to hide a box
may not be so great in the wintertime when all the leaves fall off.
Under a rock near that babbling brook may not be such a hot idea when
spring run-offs turn it into a raging river and floods the box away.
Under that nice, sunny looking rock in the winter time may not be
such a hot idea when you go back in the summer to discover the area
is thick with poison oak. (I'm guilty of that, sad to say.) So
there's a couple of considerations to keep in mind--particularly
seasonal factors and making sure it won't be found by accident.

> I feel a little edgy just leaving a small box somewhere and walking
> off....what keeps people from finding it and taking it?

Nothing, really, and it does happen occasionally. It's especially in
danger if it's in a well-traveled location that's likely to be
discovered accidentally. Most people LOOKING for the letterbox enjoy
the hobby and wouldn't ruin it by stealing boxes. It's the
accidental finder that's the biggest worry. They might think the box
is trash and be a "helpful citizen" by packing it out thinking it's
garbage! You can't really get mad at those people--they're only
trying to make the world a better place to live--which is why you
really want to make sure it won't be discovered by accident.

Good luck with all your future letterboxes! =)

-- Ryan

It's the
accidental finder that's the biggest worry. They might think the box
is trash and be a "helpful citizen" by packing it out thinking it's
garbage! You can't really get mad at those people--they're only
trying to make the world a better place to live--which is why you
really want to make sure it won't be discovered by accident.
********

This has actually happened to one of my letterboxes. The folks had
carried it back to their car to throw it away and then they took a
look at it when they were in their car and discovered all my
information inside the box about letterboxing with the LBNA website
address. They still took the box home and visited the website before
eventually returning the box to it's original location. They then
became letterboxers! Stamped into the box and everything.

--Amanda from Seattle