--- In letterbox-usa@egroups.com, Letterboxr@a... wrote:

> The price of all the numbered merit badges should be notably higher
than the
> price of the LbNA patch, so that purchases of the 25-box patch will
help
> cover the cost of producing the 100-box patch. The higher price may
also help
> discourage trivial purchases by people who do not really qualify
for the
> patch.

Mitch, I think this is a good idea. I know people who collect patches
for the sake of collecting them, as was mentioned on this board
previously. If the merit badges are more costly than the plain LbNA
patch, it should dissuade casual patch collectors.

Until Michigan gets its act in gear (I've written to the Outdoor
columnist for the Detroit Free Press to suggest an artcle), I'll have
to do with only a handful of patches and won't qualify for a merit
patch for some time ----- until next June when I am going to
Connecticut, Letterboxing Heaven, where I am going to snag as many as
possible in a short period of time!

Ruthann
Mirkwood

--- In letterbox-usa@egroups.com, "Ruthann aka Mirkwood"
wrote:
> Until Michigan gets its act in gear (I've written to the Outdoor
> columnist for the Detroit Free Press to suggest an artcle), I'll
have
> to do with only a handful of patches and won't qualify for a merit
> patch for some time ----- until next June when I am going to
> Connecticut, Letterboxing Heaven, where I am going to snag as many
as
> possible in a short period of time!
>
> Ruthann
> Mirkwood


I've wondered why Connecticut has become as you say, letterboxing
heaven. It took about 4 times looking at that map for me to realize
just how many there were here as compared to the other states. And
it's basically just southeastern Connecticut. We're talking about an
area of about 60 square miles. Why exactly has it worked that way?
Anyone have any clues or insight? I mean other than the drewclan
factor of course :-)


Mark

Dear Patch-Fans

(sorry in advance for this huge mailing..I've sent the jpg's on three
different emails to reduce the size ...)

As a mere Dartmoor letterboxer you might like to "see" how we cope with
the same patch problems in England..

The 100 Club is our letterboxing equivalent (though not on email) of
LbNA..and the theory is that to "join" you must first find 100 letterboxes
"without clues !!!"

OK it's a bit easier because we've got em all in one place and a lot more
of em...

But to "Join"you send in your database list of 100...to the "club"..and we
believe you "

(Why bother cheating..it's only you you're foolin' )

You can "then" buy the first 100 Club patch and only then the book of
clues !

We dont put em on email .. to try and defeat box-bandits !

For each of the next patches the club keeps a card index (yes for real a
card box full of names and addresses) and if you're on a card then you can
buy the next patch in sequence...

(See how much easier it is on your side of the pond )

All our patches (well almost all) are almost the same ! eh ? I hear you
say ..well do look at my fist pic...(Lady Facing Right)

She has three 100 Club patches .. for 100, 200 and 300..(by colur code)

The top one ?

Well ..see below !!

Does she strike you as a keen letterboxer ?

Well her other arm tells it all !

Check out Lady Facing Left !

Yes that does say 1000 and 2000 Letterboxes (Phew!)

Now those green top patches are "very special"

The one on the left arm .. can you read it ?

It is "Cranmere Pool" ..and that is the First Ever Letterbox .. so its
quite an achievement and we have a special patch for that...

Dartmoor is in two halves with a road East West across the
middle...Cranmere Pool is on the North Moor and a similar "key" letterbox
is "Ducks Pool" on the South moor...That is the patch on the first jpg...

We also make specials for arranged events and other "special" boxes..

I can imagine "Prayer Rock" which I believe was US box 1 could be a
special patch...Then as you say special state patches..or a "meet" patch
(very rare)

OK that's all in the future..

Incidentally we dont have a P index at all ... or an X (Whatever that was?)

But we have had a few specials...

The last jpg's are only for those who are not faint of heart

Here are a few characters at the Dartmoor Meet

(FYI it is held at the Dartmoor Prison Officers Club .. Dartmoor Prison
was Britains most remote prison in the 50's ..)

Yep we are eccentric...but just check out a few of the "inmates" they are
even more eccentric imho

Do check out their patches...photgraphed at The Meet !

Warning Patches can get serious !

The beer man has a 5000 patch and you can make out two different (year)
Ten Post Box walk patches and other "specials"

And as you can see the group bring in their own personal stamps, and show
off their collection ...Notice the guy in the middle has his personal
stamp knitted up on his Jersey, (sweatshirt) isn't that the ultimate patch
!

Don't they all look happy though
(Such cheerful souls letterboxers, bless em ! )


and...................

I was interested in what Mitch said ..

letterbox-usa@egroups.com writes:
>By the way, if I've not said so before, I love the patch designs! I was
>a
>bit shocked at first at the concept of being able to buy merit badges
>without
>providing proof of your accomplishments, but I see no other way around
>it.
>As Randy and others point out, our group is not adequately organized to
>handle the processing of such an endeavor.

I agree a great patch..

However controlling issues of P's can be done, in the UK we manage it
using a card file system..but it's all down to honesty !
>
>
>The Valley Quest series might actually be seen as the first significant
>CHAIN
>of letterboxes in this country. The rigorous requirements for obtaining
>the
>commemorative badge for this chain might serve as a model for future
>badges
>that may become available for other chains.

This would be a great achievment patch !

>
>Perhaps a patch will someday be available for collecting a stamp from
>every
>state, or for completing the Appalachian Trail. Prolific letterbox
>creators
>might even someday offer badges to those who supply proof that they've
>collected a certain number of that particular individual's letterbox
>stamps.
>The proof required for these sorts of badges will likely be much greater
>than
>for the more general patches we are looking at having made at this time.

Really cool !
>
>The most I would consider asking people to provide right now is a simple
>list
>of the letterboxes they have found or placed to qualify, just for
>documentation purposes, although even this might be pointless.
>
>Another consideration we should not forget, however, is that the cost of
>producing numbered patches is going to be significantly higher than the
>cost
>of , because of the reduced demand. Also, the price of producing patches
>for
>collecting 100 boxes will seem prohibitive compared to the price of the
>25-box patch, because more people are going to qualify for the 25-box
>patch.
>
>When we get ready to order these patches, we should be prepared to
>manufacture the full set, so that even if only a few people qualify for
>the
>100 (or 500?) box patch, they will be able to purchase them right away.
>The
>price of all the numbered merit badges should be notably higher than the
>price of the LbNA patch, so that purchases of the 25-box patch will help
>cover the cost of producing the 100-box patch. The higher price may also
>help
>discourage trivial purchases by people who do not really qualify for the
>patch.
>
>Der Mad Stamper

I'm with you all the way Mitch..

But if US boxers are as "mad" as UK boxers ..once the patch habit is
formed it gets a momentum of its own...

Happy Boxing

The Moorland Wizard

ps ..none of those pics is of me ..I'm not that silly !

How nice to hear from you on the list again, Oh Wizard!!!

Thanks you for sharing those pictures/patches with us. Looks like
we're well on our way with the patches ;-)

Looking at the Dartmoor patches, makes me feel like we really ought
to have the word letterboxing on our patches... Not trying to stir
things up at this late minute, but maybe something to keep in mind
for the future...

Lone Wolf
P6F45X20

Hi Lone Wolf

Long time since I sent an email

It is very nice to see The Great Lone Wolf is still prowling the
letterboxing trails. !

I just thought I'd show the 100 Club patches..I do hope that it wasn't too
off LbNA topics.

I think yours are really good..very restrained and "cool"...

>Looking at the Dartmoor patches, makes me feel like we really ought
>to have the word letterboxing on our patches..

There's plenty of time for other patches to say Letterboxer or
Letterboxing.. especalliy for those walks or trails as you call em .. or
series stamps or even one offs..State stamps sound just
amazing...Collecting all 50 ..wow !..

>Looks like
>we're well on our way with the patches ;-)

Yep it certainly looks like a great start...I am envious of how its
growing on your side of the pond... One day a large figure in purple
walking gear (Wizard robes ! ) may stroll into a LbNA meet.. One day
...

F45 is very good considering the distances needed to get this hi score..
You deserve a patch for that ! imho ! or maybe just 5 more .."he he" ..it
is addictive this nutty hobby isn't it ?

Graham Howard
The Moorland Wizard

The Great Wizard wrote:

> I do hope that it wasn't too
> off LbNA topics.
>
Not at all. Actually, if you feel so inclined, perhaps you can share
with us (to the extent that you can, of course) some of your
experiences relating to the more "mysterious" or "underground"
aspects of Dartmoor letterboxing. Now that I wrote that, I'm
wondering whether to even send this. How can you tell us about these
aspects if they are to be found out about some other way? Ho, I'll
ask any way. My intent is two-fold. We have many new subs to this
list who may know very little about the Dartmoor experience, but
secondly, I'd like to see us develop the less obvious aspects of
letterboxing a little more on this side of the pond. Just a thought.

Lone Wolf
P6F45X20

PS: Thanks for your continued support and musings!

Hi group-
Hi, group!

Settle in; this is long, but informative:

1) PATCH COUNT: The present patch and decal poll shows an estimated
count of 36 patches, but it is actually much *higher* as a few people
have indicated that they want 3 or 4 patches. Additionally, I have
gotten a few requests off-list because someone had technical problems
with the poll. I know at this point we are within a few patches of
the minimum (50), and I'd be happy to order the last few myself so we
can have some extras on hand. So, as far as the minimum goes, WE'RE
THERE! (Remember, we are talking about LbNA logo patches right now,
NOT P# and F# merit badges. I'll address that in a moment.)

2) With the LbNA gathering on Jan. 28th, I'm sure a number of you
will be sporting your new patches and decals. I thought I would hold
off the order for just a couple more weeks in case anyone at the
gathering saw the patches and wanted to get in on the order.

3) DECALS: We are bound by a minimum of 25 decals. (What a pain in
the a**). We can probably meet that. The "Poll" feature on this list
is an invaluable tool in a case like this and I'll set one up to see
where we stand on commitment to decals at $4.00 each.

4) P#-F# MERIT BADGES: Here's the kicker: we must have a minimum
order of 50 merit badges - ALL OF THE SAME EXACT TYPE/DENOMINATION.
There is *alot* of interest in the P/F merit badges as Mohmers'
recent poll shows, but unfortunately, we are nowhere near 50 of any
one type. Sorry, folks, but unfortunately those are the stipulations
that Town Hall Embroidery has imposed on us. (And before you say it,
yes, I KNOW they are not the only embroidery game in town.)

5) ORDER FORM AND PAYMENT: Don't send me any money just yet!!! You
will place your order to me by printing out the patch/decal order
form and enclosing a check and self-addressed, stamped envelope. All
the info you need to know (tax, postage) is on the form. The form can
be found by going to the www.letterboxing.org site, click on "New",
and go to the October archives. There's the form.

6) WEBMASTERS: I have thought of asking you to put the order form in
a more conspicuous location (easier access, higher visibility) on the
LbNA site. Not sure if that's a good idea at this point. Until we get
through the logistical growing pains of patch ordering, I fear that
newcomers will see the form, send me money and uggghhhh...I have to
then send it back (and at my own expense). I think that moving the
order form to a better place is a good idea, but perhaps a premature
one.

7) THERE MUST BE AN EASIER WAY: Except I don't know what it is yet.
Surely the people at Town Hall Embroidery in Illinois (with which Kay
Mohmers worked to set this up) are reasonable folks....maybe I can
see if they're willing to come down on the minimums or possibly
allowed a "mixed" order of P and F patches. I have my doubts, but
it's worth a try.

8) AVOIDING CATASTROPHE: So now you all know the logistics of patch
ordering, payment, etc. What I DON'T want to happen is for people to
send me money for something that can't soon be ordered. That puts me
in the position of having to me having to send BACK your money.
(Using a *few* stamps and a *few* of my personal checks for refunds
is no big deal...BUT: this definitely has the potential to get out of
hand. Therefore, I would prefer to avoid it happening altogether. The
only way I can see to do that is by what we're presently doing. Take
a poll, see where we're at, and proceed from there.

9) THE ANSWER: Is for each individual to order directly from the
supplier. But our current supplier will have none of that. Uggghhh.

ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE: I again remind you that a logo patch order
will go in soon. If you want LOGO PATCHES **ONLY** (no decals), fill
out the order form and send it to me with your payment. If you want a
decal too, put your vote in the poll to see if I we can meet the
minimum to go with the patch order. Just don't send any decal money
until you get a confirmation that we can order them!!

Sorry for the long-windedness. But at least everybody knows the deal
now. PLEASE give me any feedback , suggestions, comments on this. I
welcome them.

Have a good weekend, boxers!

-Valerie

Thank you for handling this, Valerie! I'll check out the website for the
order form and order patches for myself and my friends, soon!

Best regards,

Amanda Briles
aka The Paisley Orca

-----Original Message-----
From: Valerie Gilson [mailto:glassreed@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 6:20 AM
To: letterbox-usa@egroups.com
Subject: [LbNA] PATCHES


Hi group-
Hi, group!

Settle in; this is long, but informative:

1) PATCH COUNT: The present patch and decal poll shows an estimated
count of 36 patches, but it is actually much *higher* as a few people
have indicated that they want 3 or 4 patches. Additionally, I have
gotten a few requests off-list because someone had technical problems
with the poll. I know at this point we are within a few patches of
the minimum (50), and I'd be happy to order the last few myself so we
can have some extras on hand. So, as far as the minimum goes, WE'RE
THERE! (Remember, we are talking about LbNA logo patches right now,
NOT P# and F# merit badges. I'll address that in a moment.)

2) With the LbNA gathering on Jan. 28th, I'm sure a number of you
will be sporting your new patches and decals. I thought I would hold
off the order for just a couple more weeks in case anyone at the
gathering saw the patches and wanted to get in on the order.

3) DECALS: We are bound by a minimum of 25 decals. (What a pain in
the a**). We can probably meet that. The "Poll" feature on this list
is an invaluable tool in a case like this and I'll set one up to see
where we stand on commitment to decals at $4.00 each.

4) P#-F# MERIT BADGES: Here's the kicker: we must have a minimum
order of 50 merit badges - ALL OF THE SAME EXACT TYPE/DENOMINATION.
There is *alot* of interest in the P/F merit badges as Mohmers'
recent poll shows, but unfortunately, we are nowhere near 50 of any
one type. Sorry, folks, but unfortunately those are the stipulations
that Town Hall Embroidery has imposed on us. (And before you say it,
yes, I KNOW they are not the only embroidery game in town.)

5) ORDER FORM AND PAYMENT: Don't send me any money just yet!!! You
will place your order to me by printing out the patch/decal order
form and enclosing a check and self-addressed, stamped envelope. All
the info you need to know (tax, postage) is on the form. The form can
be found by going to the www.letterboxing.org site, click on "New",
and go to the October archives. There's the form.

6) WEBMASTERS: I have thought of asking you to put the order form in
a more conspicuous location (easier access, higher visibility) on the
LbNA site. Not sure if that's a good idea at this point. Until we get
through the logistical growing pains of patch ordering, I fear that
newcomers will see the form, send me money and uggghhhh...I have to
then send it back (and at my own expense). I think that moving the
order form to a better place is a good idea, but perhaps a premature
one.

7) THERE MUST BE AN EASIER WAY: Except I don't know what it is yet.
Surely the people at Town Hall Embroidery in Illinois (with which Kay
Mohmers worked to set this up) are reasonable folks....maybe I can
see if they're willing to come down on the minimums or possibly
allowed a "mixed" order of P and F patches. I have my doubts, but
it's worth a try.

8) AVOIDING CATASTROPHE: So now you all know the logistics of patch
ordering, payment, etc. What I DON'T want to happen is for people to
send me money for something that can't soon be ordered. That puts me
in the position of having to me having to send BACK your money.
(Using a *few* stamps and a *few* of my personal checks for refunds
is no big deal...BUT: this definitely has the potential to get out of
hand. Therefore, I would prefer to avoid it happening altogether. The
only way I can see to do that is by what we're presently doing. Take
a poll, see where we're at, and proceed from there.

9) THE ANSWER: Is for each individual to order directly from the
supplier. But our current supplier will have none of that. Uggghhh.

ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE: I again remind you that a logo patch order
will go in soon. If you want LOGO PATCHES **ONLY** (no decals), fill
out the order form and send it to me with your payment. If you want a
decal too, put your vote in the poll to see if I we can meet the
minimum to go with the patch order. Just don't send any decal money
until you get a confirmation that we can order them!!

Sorry for the long-windedness. But at least everybody knows the deal
now. PLEASE give me any feedback , suggestions, comments on this. I
welcome them.

Have a good weekend, boxers!

-Valerie



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As for the P and F Merit badges. Would it be possible to make one patch
with glue backing and very little stichwork that can be cut up. This
patch could contain small sections P10 P25 P50 P100 F10 F25 F50
F100. This way each person could use what they need out of it.

I have seen something similar in my Boy Scout Days. Just little bars
usually rectangular 1" by 3/8". Sometime these were curved to fit a round
patch.

I envision placing a rectangular P at the top of my soon to be ordered
LbNA patch, and a rectangular F at the bottom. Or some variant there of.

Then if I get into a real craze of letterboxing like Jay, no need to wait
a long time to get a higher number. Just cut the desired part out
composite P and F patch...

Obviously in order for this to work, little stickwork is necessary.

Jeremy


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jeremy Disch |Department of Chemistry www.tufts.edu/~jdisch
jdisch@tufts.edu |Tufts University www.tufts.edu/
P-323 ext. 75745 |Rybak-Akimova Research Lab welcome.to/rybaklab
|GCMS/MALDI Instrument TA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~