Honestly, I have yet to figure out all the hubbub on this, either - nor
the need for the database. Let me explain.

Wes and the other web-masters spent a great deal of time redesigning
the LBNA website so that box placers could go in and update their own
clues.

In my mind (which may or may not be in the majority), it only seem
logical that if you decide to place a box, you are taking
responsibility for that box - to maintain it and keep an eye on it, or
at least enlist the help of others (should you place one on vacation,
need to move, or any other in a long list of reasons) to do so. If you
don't, than it would seem all you are really doing is littering.

Hand-in-hand with that, you should also be responsible for making sure
your clues are up to date and that contact info (current email) is also
accurate in your clue listings. If you are no longer in a position to
do that, then again, enlist the help of other letterboxes to help you -
my observation is that this is an overly helpful group and someone is
always willing to lend a hand.

Now, given the above, it only sensibly stands to reason the following:


Seekers should be courteous enough to drop the placer (or list) and
email, saying the box is fine (especially if no one has logged in for a
bit), it needs some TLC, it needed some work and I helped out, I wasn't
able to find it, etc, etc, etc. Especially if there is a concern with
the box, it would be nice for the seeker to send an email (or cc what
they send to the list) to the placer, since many placers may not read
the list on a regular basis or simply miss a reference to their box
within the message traffic.

So, now that the seeker has helped out, it is then only courteous for
the placer to respond by updating the clues with a quick note at the
top. Note that it has been reported missing but not yet confirmed, or
yes, it is missing and will not be replaced or whatever is appropriate.
If you are unable to go yourself to confirm if a box is missing or
not, again - letterboxers are a helpful clan. Ask someone that has
previously found it if they would be willing to run out and check to
confirm the status. If the note from the seeker was simpily to say
that the box was found and in good order, then this also allows the
placer to decide for themselves if they would like to include that info
at the top of their clue or not.

So now, if you are a boxer who prefers to not attempt to seek out boxes
that may not be there, just double check the clues before you go to see
if any notes have been added. This also allows individual placers to
make decisions about how much info is listed on their box. If they
chose to update clues periodically with a note that says, box was
checked or found on xxx date and all was good, they can from the info
seekers have provided them.

I have been involved with this hobby for 2 years now, and this is how I
have always perceived that the "system" should work. In fact, it
always seem to be exactly how the system has worked - and worked well.
It has now been made easier with the addition of the new capacities of
the website - so we no longer need to wait for our VOLUNTEER webmasters
to have the time to update info.

Maybe another piece that can be added (and maybe it is, I haven't
posted clues in a while) is for there to be a box to check that sends
out a message to the announce list indicating that a boxes info has
been updated, and that would automatically state updated in the
beginning of the subject line. Others can advise if that is possible
based on how the current structure is designed.

I have learned that letterboxes are a very personal thing to the placer
- and there a gazillion variations on the theme. The only one that
truly knows the intent and secrets of that box (and what is and isn't a
spoiler is some cases) is the placer. Hence, it is only reasonable
that the placer retain control over status messages, clues and the
like. At the same time, this also requires that placers understand the
need for maintaining the treasures they release for us all to enjoy.

Happy boxing everyone!

Tig

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