I agree! I haven't yet voted in that poll just because I don't agree
with either choice. I wouldn't use the database myself, but I don't
care if others do, just as long as it doesn't contain information that
would ruin the surprise inside the box or give away any hints that
would compromise the clues.

People have been asking about a status database for so long that there
must be some use for it. Its an issue that will not go away and should
be addressed.

However the current poll comes out, I think there is a place for a
status database, as long as it does not change the cryptic and
secretive aspects of letterboxing that first attracted so many of us
to the game.

I think this issue has become so emotional simply because many people
view the secrecy and the surprise of discovery as a central appeal of
letterboxing and worry that too much information may change that.

Matt the Rat
Chicago
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Arielle K. Masters"
wrote:
> It would be nice to have a comment field in which one could explain why
> or why not they feel the DB is a good idea. Better yet, I suggest
> modifying the poll to be something like:
>
> * I like the idea of a very detailed database
> * I want a database to have minimal exists/missing info plus warning
> notes on terrain, distance, etc., but not more details
> * I think the database ruins the romance of the whole idea of
> letterboxing but is useful for those going a long distance and/or with
> very small kids (such as myself!)
> * I think the database is a bad idea altogether and should be scrapped
> in any form
>
> The second and third items might be combined into one - that's
really my
> stance, and doesn't fit cleanly into either Yes! or No! as listed.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Arielle in NoVA (with a husband, a 4+-year old, and an almost-18-month
> old, but it's usually just me and the kids)
> newbie here but ancient on the Net
>
> F1 A(ttemped)1 P0 (but one or more soon, hopefully - have one stamp
done) V2

This is a good point. Is there a way for a box owner to block their
boxes from being listed, other than a simple request (that may be lost
over time)?

catbead

----
> I think this issue has become so emotional simply because many people
> view the secrecy and the surprise of discovery as a central appeal of
> letterboxing and worry that too much information may change that.
>
> Matt the Rat
> Chicago

Is there a way for a box owner to block their
boxes from being listed, other than a simple request (that may be
lost over time)?

catbead


I know that many are tiring of reading about the database, but here
is my response anyway - I myself entered a letterbox (that I had
placed in AZ) into the database and in the comments field ask that
finders contact me directly via the email address I entered. This is
probably quite impractical for letterboxers who have many boxes
placed out there. And I suppose a finder could just edit out my
comment and place their own in there...just an idea all the same.

As an aside, and in the spirit of sharing ideas (esp. with newer
members), I'd like to put this forward...I admit to not speaking for
everyone (surprise!) but I think few letterboxers have a problem
with others writing to the list and saying something like, "Hey, I
was thinking of looking for [XYZ] letterbox! Send me a private
message if you've found it recently, or if you want to comment about
it, or join me looking for it (!)." I think one is more likely to
get the information that is wanted that way, not to mention getting
into a dialogue with another person who shares an interest. Not
everyone will respond...but I think it's a good way of trying to
respectfully share information about the six thousand plus
letterboxes out there.

Thanks for your time,
-Oliver