I am an educator and a 4H leader. When a local television station
started featuring geocaching, I called and stated that I'd like to
tell them about letterboxing because, while similar, the hobby
doesn't require an expensive GPS. the station wanted to do a feature
(short, trust me) because the chief meteorologist was especially
interested in the fact the letterboxing is a 4H project. (I
introduced it). He thought all 4H is is cows and chickens--it still
is, but we do many other very neat things that lead to life-long
hobbies and interest.
So anyway, he stated he wanted to come to my house and do a story.
So I gathered my project kids--all three of them--and padded the
group with parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters to make
a 'meeting-looking group' and to make the point that the hobby is
such a wonderful one because it is very inter-generational and great
for families to do together; the point of 4H is having adults share
their hobbies, talents, and interests with children.
The cameraman and meterologist came on a very snowy Sunday and
watched as the kids carved stamps. I filled them in with the
materials needed for the hobby and also gave a blah blah about the
history of the hobby. In that blah blah, I stressed how important
it was for letterboxers to be discreet on their quest, etc. The
meteoroligist wanted to see how to stamp up so I used my signature
stamp to show him--and that piece showed in the feature.
We traipsed into the snowstorm, selecting the box I had hidden to
kick off the first 'hide' in the project. One family had found it,
others hadn't gone out yet. We stood in the parking lot located at
the beginning of the trail, the celeb read the beginning directions
with the kids, they showed him to read a compass, and off we went
down a snowy, woody trail that could have been any snowy, woody
trail in our state. The celeb than counted off steps per the
directions, the kids dug the box out of 12 inches of snow, stamped
up, end of story, end of what turned out to be a very nice little
feature in the 9 O'clock weather report.
This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in a
long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids to
being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the woods,
SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids came
to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
own. I showed my own stamp.
I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby? That
is absolutely ridiculous.
I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never go
to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest for
boxes.
P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the general
population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
Help me out with this!
23 messages in this thread |
Started on 2007-02-09
Help me out with this!
From: robertsp20 (robertsp20@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 19:18:40 UTC
Re: Help me out with this!
From: thebhunters (brimhallbunch@sbcglobal.net) |
Date: 2007-02-09 19:51:20 UTC
This was a sad story. I am sorry that people were rude. I think the
more people become involved the more understanding and more finding
that will happen. I hope you do not give up enirely. Go to a
diferent gathering. There aer some really nice people out there in
the LB community. The B HUnters
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> I am an educator and a 4H leader. When a local television station
> started featuring geocaching, I called and stated that I'd like to
> tell them about letterboxing because, while similar, the hobby
> doesn't require an expensive GPS. the station wanted to do a
feature
> (short, trust me) because the chief meteorologist was especially
> interested in the fact the letterboxing is a 4H project. (I
> introduced it). He thought all 4H is is cows and chickens--it
still
> is, but we do many other very neat things that lead to life-long
> hobbies and interest.
>
> So anyway, he stated he wanted to come to my house and do a story.
> So I gathered my project kids--all three of them--and padded the
> group with parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters to make
> a 'meeting-looking group' and to make the point that the hobby is
> such a wonderful one because it is very inter-generational and
great
> for families to do together; the point of 4H is having adults
share
> their hobbies, talents, and interests with children.
>
> The cameraman and meterologist came on a very snowy Sunday and
> watched as the kids carved stamps. I filled them in with the
> materials needed for the hobby and also gave a blah blah about the
> history of the hobby. In that blah blah, I stressed how important
> it was for letterboxers to be discreet on their quest, etc. The
> meteoroligist wanted to see how to stamp up so I used my signature
> stamp to show him--and that piece showed in the feature.
>
> We traipsed into the snowstorm, selecting the box I had hidden to
> kick off the first 'hide' in the project. One family had found it,
> others hadn't gone out yet. We stood in the parking lot located at
> the beginning of the trail, the celeb read the beginning
directions
> with the kids, they showed him to read a compass, and off we went
> down a snowy, woody trail that could have been any snowy, woody
> trail in our state. The celeb than counted off steps per the
> directions, the kids dug the box out of 12 inches of snow, stamped
> up, end of story, end of what turned out to be a very nice little
> feature in the 9 O'clock weather report.
>
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in
a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the
woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet.
I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in
these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never
go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
more people become involved the more understanding and more finding
that will happen. I hope you do not give up enirely. Go to a
diferent gathering. There aer some really nice people out there in
the LB community. The B HUnters
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> I am an educator and a 4H leader. When a local television station
> started featuring geocaching, I called and stated that I'd like to
> tell them about letterboxing because, while similar, the hobby
> doesn't require an expensive GPS. the station wanted to do a
feature
> (short, trust me) because the chief meteorologist was especially
> interested in the fact the letterboxing is a 4H project. (I
> introduced it). He thought all 4H is is cows and chickens--it
still
> is, but we do many other very neat things that lead to life-long
> hobbies and interest.
>
> So anyway, he stated he wanted to come to my house and do a story.
> So I gathered my project kids--all three of them--and padded the
> group with parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters to make
> a 'meeting-looking group' and to make the point that the hobby is
> such a wonderful one because it is very inter-generational and
great
> for families to do together; the point of 4H is having adults
share
> their hobbies, talents, and interests with children.
>
> The cameraman and meterologist came on a very snowy Sunday and
> watched as the kids carved stamps. I filled them in with the
> materials needed for the hobby and also gave a blah blah about the
> history of the hobby. In that blah blah, I stressed how important
> it was for letterboxers to be discreet on their quest, etc. The
> meteoroligist wanted to see how to stamp up so I used my signature
> stamp to show him--and that piece showed in the feature.
>
> We traipsed into the snowstorm, selecting the box I had hidden to
> kick off the first 'hide' in the project. One family had found it,
> others hadn't gone out yet. We stood in the parking lot located at
> the beginning of the trail, the celeb read the beginning
directions
> with the kids, they showed him to read a compass, and off we went
> down a snowy, woody trail that could have been any snowy, woody
> trail in our state. The celeb than counted off steps per the
> directions, the kids dug the box out of 12 inches of snow, stamped
> up, end of story, end of what turned out to be a very nice little
> feature in the 9 O'clock weather report.
>
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in
a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the
woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet.
I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in
these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never
go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
Re: Help me out with this!
From: trekkiegal1701d (kjnohr@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 20:08:37 UTC
Whoa! Take a deep breath and go back and read some of those posts
again. The tone that I get from them isn't nearly as horrible as
what you seem to think. People were initially upset because they
didn't realize that the planter of the letterbox being sought was
actually part of the group. Once that was cleared up, everyone seem
to feel better about it. Also, I believe some people were
using "she" because they didn't know who you were. The ones who did
know who you are were trying to protect your privacy so that you
wouldn't get a whole bunch of email from people who didn't realize
that it was your box. Also, a few people were upset because they
believe that no publicity about letterboxing is good publicity.
TG
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> I am an educator and a 4H leader. When a local television station
> started featuring geocaching, I called and stated that I'd like to
> tell them about letterboxing because, while similar, the hobby
> doesn't require an expensive GPS. the station wanted to do a
feature
> (short, trust me) because the chief meteorologist was especially
> interested in the fact the letterboxing is a 4H project. (I
> introduced it). He thought all 4H is is cows and chickens--it still
> is, but we do many other very neat things that lead to life-long
> hobbies and interest.
>
> So anyway, he stated he wanted to come to my house and do a story.
> So I gathered my project kids--all three of them--and padded the
> group with parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters to make
> a 'meeting-looking group' and to make the point that the hobby is
> such a wonderful one because it is very inter-generational and
great
> for families to do together; the point of 4H is having adults share
> their hobbies, talents, and interests with children.
>
> The cameraman and meterologist came on a very snowy Sunday and
> watched as the kids carved stamps. I filled them in with the
> materials needed for the hobby and also gave a blah blah about the
> history of the hobby. In that blah blah, I stressed how important
> it was for letterboxers to be discreet on their quest, etc. The
> meteoroligist wanted to see how to stamp up so I used my signature
> stamp to show him--and that piece showed in the feature.
>
> We traipsed into the snowstorm, selecting the box I had hidden to
> kick off the first 'hide' in the project. One family had found it,
> others hadn't gone out yet. We stood in the parking lot located at
> the beginning of the trail, the celeb read the beginning directions
> with the kids, they showed him to read a compass, and off we went
> down a snowy, woody trail that could have been any snowy, woody
> trail in our state. The celeb than counted off steps per the
> directions, the kids dug the box out of 12 inches of snow, stamped
> up, end of story, end of what turned out to be a very nice little
> feature in the 9 O'clock weather report.
>
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
again. The tone that I get from them isn't nearly as horrible as
what you seem to think. People were initially upset because they
didn't realize that the planter of the letterbox being sought was
actually part of the group. Once that was cleared up, everyone seem
to feel better about it. Also, I believe some people were
using "she" because they didn't know who you were. The ones who did
know who you are were trying to protect your privacy so that you
wouldn't get a whole bunch of email from people who didn't realize
that it was your box. Also, a few people were upset because they
believe that no publicity about letterboxing is good publicity.
TG
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> I am an educator and a 4H leader. When a local television station
> started featuring geocaching, I called and stated that I'd like to
> tell them about letterboxing because, while similar, the hobby
> doesn't require an expensive GPS. the station wanted to do a
feature
> (short, trust me) because the chief meteorologist was especially
> interested in the fact the letterboxing is a 4H project. (I
> introduced it). He thought all 4H is is cows and chickens--it still
> is, but we do many other very neat things that lead to life-long
> hobbies and interest.
>
> So anyway, he stated he wanted to come to my house and do a story.
> So I gathered my project kids--all three of them--and padded the
> group with parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters to make
> a 'meeting-looking group' and to make the point that the hobby is
> such a wonderful one because it is very inter-generational and
great
> for families to do together; the point of 4H is having adults share
> their hobbies, talents, and interests with children.
>
> The cameraman and meterologist came on a very snowy Sunday and
> watched as the kids carved stamps. I filled them in with the
> materials needed for the hobby and also gave a blah blah about the
> history of the hobby. In that blah blah, I stressed how important
> it was for letterboxers to be discreet on their quest, etc. The
> meteoroligist wanted to see how to stamp up so I used my signature
> stamp to show him--and that piece showed in the feature.
>
> We traipsed into the snowstorm, selecting the box I had hidden to
> kick off the first 'hide' in the project. One family had found it,
> others hadn't gone out yet. We stood in the parking lot located at
> the beginning of the trail, the celeb read the beginning directions
> with the kids, they showed him to read a compass, and off we went
> down a snowy, woody trail that could have been any snowy, woody
> trail in our state. The celeb than counted off steps per the
> directions, the kids dug the box out of 12 inches of snow, stamped
> up, end of story, end of what turned out to be a very nice little
> feature in the 9 O'clock weather report.
>
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
Re: Help me out with this!
From: Margaret Anne Powers (magpowers@comcast.net) |
Date: 2007-02-09 20:09:30 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20" wrote:
>
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
>
The more the merrier! I am a Girl Scout Leader and teach LB classes
to dozens of girls and leaders regularly. Every party has a pooper,
don't let him poop on you!
>
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
>
The more the merrier! I am a Girl Scout Leader and teach LB classes
to dozens of girls and leaders regularly. Every party has a pooper,
don't let him poop on you!
Re: [LbNA] Help me out with this!
From: FM Girl (meadow.walk@gmail.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 14:57:51 UTC-06:00
Boy I am sorry to hear this. I thought you did great, especially
planting your own box to show a find. I have heard the secret society
thing but I have pretty much told everyone I know about letterboxing.
In fact, 2 people happened to meet by chance at a party and started
chatting and the talk led to letterboxing...turned out they both
learned of it thru ME and they realized we were all mutual friends.
And they both live 1800 miles away from me.
Some people in general have no social skills. Some people on the
internet seem socially-challenged. It's unfortunate, but what can you
do?
I think your intentions and motives were good and you did a very nice
job. I am sure if I had seen your news story I would have found it
very interesting.
All I can tell you is, I have met many letterboxers in person and
those people were very nice, cool people.
--FM
planting your own box to show a find. I have heard the secret society
thing but I have pretty much told everyone I know about letterboxing.
In fact, 2 people happened to meet by chance at a party and started
chatting and the talk led to letterboxing...turned out they both
learned of it thru ME and they realized we were all mutual friends.
And they both live 1800 miles away from me.
Some people in general have no social skills. Some people on the
internet seem socially-challenged. It's unfortunate, but what can you
do?
I think your intentions and motives were good and you did a very nice
job. I am sure if I had seen your news story I would have found it
very interesting.
All I can tell you is, I have met many letterboxers in person and
those people were very nice, cool people.
--FM
Re: Help me out with this!
From: robertsp20 (robertsp20@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 21:04:36 UTC
To Trekkie: I can't go back and read the posts. I took myself out of
that group. As I said, I will not attend a group gathering, I will tell
my kids to stay away from the ones in our area and to just enjoy the
project on their own. There are wonderful families in 4H--people who
do FAMILY stuff. I can't even begin to describe the enthusiasm these
kids have when they come to my home.I have opened my doors to them for
13 years. My kids are grown. I don't have to volunteer. But I love the
spirit. Sorry, but the posts were downright nasty. I don't want to be
around people like that.
that group. As I said, I will not attend a group gathering, I will tell
my kids to stay away from the ones in our area and to just enjoy the
project on their own. There are wonderful families in 4H--people who
do FAMILY stuff. I can't even begin to describe the enthusiasm these
kids have when they come to my home.I have opened my doors to them for
13 years. My kids are grown. I don't have to volunteer. But I love the
spirit. Sorry, but the posts were downright nasty. I don't want to be
around people like that.
Re: Help me out with this!
From: SpringChick (letterbox@comcast.net) |
Date: 2007-02-09 22:06:27 UTC
I really don't feel the comments posted at the regional group were
as bad as you imply; I certainly would not consider them nasty or
that you were trounced. Before the piece aired, there was a lot of
concern at the regional group about the fact that this would be
visual publicity, which is very different from a print news
article. There was concern about how much would be shown, whose
letterbox might be compromised, etc.? These are valid concerns
considering there have been a couple of print articles published in
this region within recent months in which specific letterboxes were
named and clues referenced without the knowledge or permission of
the box planter(s). Even so, I think the attitude was more that of
concern and uncertainty rather than attack.
Once the piece aired last night and a member of the group who knows
you indicated that the box featured was your own box, this concern
quickly subsided and the primary comments I heard were regarding the
fact that there was absolutely no mention whatsoever of being
discreet, rehiding the box well, etc. and the fact that the
letterboxing group filmed consisted of at least a dozen people. You
mentioned in your post that you had stressed the need to be
discreet, however I have watched the piece several times and there
is no mention of this at all, not even an inference. Furthermore
taking a group of a dozen people out on a letterbox hike certainly
does not promote the concept of being discreet. I do understand
what you are saying about wanting to point out the multi-
generational aspect, etc., however it would be reasonable for people
who watched the spot and became involved in letterboxing as a
result, to emulate your process and think that this is an activity
that would be suitable for large groups of people, and it really is
not.
The other factor is that most of the people at the regional group
had no idea who it was doing this piece. If you are concerned about
what they are saying and their reaction to your decision to promote
this in such a visual way, it would have been beneficial if people
there knew you and were aware of it. If you want the comaraderie
and support of a group, it helps to participate in the group -- I
counted a total of 5 posts from you since November of last year. I
realize that the group thing is not for everyone and some people
prefer to lurk. There is nothing wrong with that, but in the same
respect, if that is your choice, then you cannot be surprised when
the group is less than supportive.
There are many letterboxers who feel all publicity is bad for the
hobby. Personally, I don't like the publicity, but do recognize
that realistically, any good reporter is going to find his story if
he wants it bad enough, so the best we can do is to ensure that they
have positive encounters with experienced letterboxers who stress
the aspects of education, being discreet, rehiding boxes well, etc.
However, due to the conflicting opinions on publicity, you have to
accept that there is going to be some backlash from the community
when you choose to participate in a publicity piece about
letterboxing, particularly when the above-mentioned aspects are not
even mentioned.
I'm sorry if you felt attacked by comments that were made by members
of the group, but looking at it from the other perspective, many of
those members felt betrayed by your decision to actively pursue the
publicity, particularly in visual format.
You are each entitled to your perspective.
SpringChick
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> I am an educator and a 4H leader. When a local television station
> started featuring geocaching, I called and stated that I'd like to
> tell them about letterboxing because, while similar, the hobby
> doesn't require an expensive GPS. the station wanted to do a
feature
> (short, trust me) because the chief meteorologist was especially
> interested in the fact the letterboxing is a 4H project. (I
> introduced it). He thought all 4H is is cows and chickens--it
still
> is, but we do many other very neat things that lead to life-long
> hobbies and interest.
>
> So anyway, he stated he wanted to come to my house and do a story.
> So I gathered my project kids--all three of them--and padded the
> group with parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters to make
> a 'meeting-looking group' and to make the point that the hobby is
> such a wonderful one because it is very inter-generational and
great
> for families to do together; the point of 4H is having adults
share
> their hobbies, talents, and interests with children.
>
> The cameraman and meterologist came on a very snowy Sunday and
> watched as the kids carved stamps. I filled them in with the
> materials needed for the hobby and also gave a blah blah about the
> history of the hobby. In that blah blah, I stressed how important
> it was for letterboxers to be discreet on their quest, etc. The
> meteoroligist wanted to see how to stamp up so I used my signature
> stamp to show him--and that piece showed in the feature.
>
> We traipsed into the snowstorm, selecting the box I had hidden to
> kick off the first 'hide' in the project. One family had found it,
> others hadn't gone out yet. We stood in the parking lot located at
> the beginning of the trail, the celeb read the beginning
directions
> with the kids, they showed him to read a compass, and off we went
> down a snowy, woody trail that could have been any snowy, woody
> trail in our state. The celeb than counted off steps per the
> directions, the kids dug the box out of 12 inches of snow, stamped
> up, end of story, end of what turned out to be a very nice little
> feature in the 9 O'clock weather report.
>
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in
a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the
woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet.
I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in
these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never
go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
as bad as you imply; I certainly would not consider them nasty or
that you were trounced. Before the piece aired, there was a lot of
concern at the regional group about the fact that this would be
visual publicity, which is very different from a print news
article. There was concern about how much would be shown, whose
letterbox might be compromised, etc.? These are valid concerns
considering there have been a couple of print articles published in
this region within recent months in which specific letterboxes were
named and clues referenced without the knowledge or permission of
the box planter(s). Even so, I think the attitude was more that of
concern and uncertainty rather than attack.
Once the piece aired last night and a member of the group who knows
you indicated that the box featured was your own box, this concern
quickly subsided and the primary comments I heard were regarding the
fact that there was absolutely no mention whatsoever of being
discreet, rehiding the box well, etc. and the fact that the
letterboxing group filmed consisted of at least a dozen people. You
mentioned in your post that you had stressed the need to be
discreet, however I have watched the piece several times and there
is no mention of this at all, not even an inference. Furthermore
taking a group of a dozen people out on a letterbox hike certainly
does not promote the concept of being discreet. I do understand
what you are saying about wanting to point out the multi-
generational aspect, etc., however it would be reasonable for people
who watched the spot and became involved in letterboxing as a
result, to emulate your process and think that this is an activity
that would be suitable for large groups of people, and it really is
not.
The other factor is that most of the people at the regional group
had no idea who it was doing this piece. If you are concerned about
what they are saying and their reaction to your decision to promote
this in such a visual way, it would have been beneficial if people
there knew you and were aware of it. If you want the comaraderie
and support of a group, it helps to participate in the group -- I
counted a total of 5 posts from you since November of last year. I
realize that the group thing is not for everyone and some people
prefer to lurk. There is nothing wrong with that, but in the same
respect, if that is your choice, then you cannot be surprised when
the group is less than supportive.
There are many letterboxers who feel all publicity is bad for the
hobby. Personally, I don't like the publicity, but do recognize
that realistically, any good reporter is going to find his story if
he wants it bad enough, so the best we can do is to ensure that they
have positive encounters with experienced letterboxers who stress
the aspects of education, being discreet, rehiding boxes well, etc.
However, due to the conflicting opinions on publicity, you have to
accept that there is going to be some backlash from the community
when you choose to participate in a publicity piece about
letterboxing, particularly when the above-mentioned aspects are not
even mentioned.
I'm sorry if you felt attacked by comments that were made by members
of the group, but looking at it from the other perspective, many of
those members felt betrayed by your decision to actively pursue the
publicity, particularly in visual format.
You are each entitled to your perspective.
SpringChick
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> I am an educator and a 4H leader. When a local television station
> started featuring geocaching, I called and stated that I'd like to
> tell them about letterboxing because, while similar, the hobby
> doesn't require an expensive GPS. the station wanted to do a
feature
> (short, trust me) because the chief meteorologist was especially
> interested in the fact the letterboxing is a 4H project. (I
> introduced it). He thought all 4H is is cows and chickens--it
still
> is, but we do many other very neat things that lead to life-long
> hobbies and interest.
>
> So anyway, he stated he wanted to come to my house and do a story.
> So I gathered my project kids--all three of them--and padded the
> group with parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters to make
> a 'meeting-looking group' and to make the point that the hobby is
> such a wonderful one because it is very inter-generational and
great
> for families to do together; the point of 4H is having adults
share
> their hobbies, talents, and interests with children.
>
> The cameraman and meterologist came on a very snowy Sunday and
> watched as the kids carved stamps. I filled them in with the
> materials needed for the hobby and also gave a blah blah about the
> history of the hobby. In that blah blah, I stressed how important
> it was for letterboxers to be discreet on their quest, etc. The
> meteoroligist wanted to see how to stamp up so I used my signature
> stamp to show him--and that piece showed in the feature.
>
> We traipsed into the snowstorm, selecting the box I had hidden to
> kick off the first 'hide' in the project. One family had found it,
> others hadn't gone out yet. We stood in the parking lot located at
> the beginning of the trail, the celeb read the beginning
directions
> with the kids, they showed him to read a compass, and off we went
> down a snowy, woody trail that could have been any snowy, woody
> trail in our state. The celeb than counted off steps per the
> directions, the kids dug the box out of 12 inches of snow, stamped
> up, end of story, end of what turned out to be a very nice little
> feature in the 9 O'clock weather report.
>
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in
a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the
woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet.
I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in
these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never
go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
Re: Help me out with this!
From: trekkiegal1701d (kjnohr@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 22:19:46 UTC
Words on a computer screen do not accurately convey what a person
means. You should have asked for clarification instead of jumping to
conclusions. I feel sorry for you that you are so sensitive to a few
posts. Dropping the group and not attending gatherings is your choice,
but also your loss.
TG
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> To Trekkie: I can't go back and read the posts. I took myself out of
> that group. As I said, I will not attend a group gathering, I will
tell
> my kids to stay away from the ones in our area and to just enjoy the
> project on their own. There are wonderful families in 4H--people who
> do FAMILY stuff. I can't even begin to describe the enthusiasm these
> kids have when they come to my home.I have opened my doors to them
for
> 13 years. My kids are grown. I don't have to volunteer. But I love
the
> spirit. Sorry, but the posts were downright nasty. I don't want to
be
> around people like that.
>
means. You should have asked for clarification instead of jumping to
conclusions. I feel sorry for you that you are so sensitive to a few
posts. Dropping the group and not attending gatherings is your choice,
but also your loss.
TG
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
>
> To Trekkie: I can't go back and read the posts. I took myself out of
> that group. As I said, I will not attend a group gathering, I will
tell
> my kids to stay away from the ones in our area and to just enjoy the
> project on their own. There are wonderful families in 4H--people who
> do FAMILY stuff. I can't even begin to describe the enthusiasm these
> kids have when they come to my home.I have opened my doors to them
for
> 13 years. My kids are grown. I don't have to volunteer. But I love
the
> spirit. Sorry, but the posts were downright nasty. I don't want to
be
> around people like that.
>
Re: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: Barefoot Lucy (barefootlucy@gmail.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 16:32:50 UTC-06:00
Bravo, Spring Chick! Well said...
I would like to add, as one who has NOT read the regional board, but who has
had to try to quell such topics as they go out of control, that if you
haven't actually read the board in question, it is probably best not to jump
on the bandwagon. In the first place, I think/hope that the OP's purpose in
writing was to vent, not to be divisive. Secondly, without an objective
view of all the facts, how can any of us who haven't read the board decide
who were acting like jerks or being ugly?
I certainly understand that Robert feels wronged and I'm very sorry he feels
that way. However, we can easily say "sorry you feel badly about the
comments" without jumping in and commenting on the character of the ones who
spoke out.
The way these things often play out is 1) someone vents. 2) bunches of
folks jump in and say "those people who offended you must be horrid," 3) the
people who spoke out get upset that they are being called horrid when all
they felt they were doing is voicing their opinions. 4) lines are drawn and
sides are taken and silly things are said. 5) the originator calms down
and feels better and realizes they might have overreacted just a little. 6)
the "horrid" people realize they possibly could've been a little less
"spirited" in their comments. 7) and while they are sorting out their
differences, war rages all around by people who weren't involved in the
first place.
Let's cut out all the middle stuff and be supportive of both sides. I'm
sure we all know and like quite a few of the people on the board in
question. And without knowing anything about Robert, I think I would like
him too given that he likes to do kid-work just like I do.
--
Barefoot Lucy
"It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I would like to add, as one who has NOT read the regional board, but who has
had to try to quell such topics as they go out of control, that if you
haven't actually read the board in question, it is probably best not to jump
on the bandwagon. In the first place, I think/hope that the OP's purpose in
writing was to vent, not to be divisive. Secondly, without an objective
view of all the facts, how can any of us who haven't read the board decide
who were acting like jerks or being ugly?
I certainly understand that Robert feels wronged and I'm very sorry he feels
that way. However, we can easily say "sorry you feel badly about the
comments" without jumping in and commenting on the character of the ones who
spoke out.
The way these things often play out is 1) someone vents. 2) bunches of
folks jump in and say "those people who offended you must be horrid," 3) the
people who spoke out get upset that they are being called horrid when all
they felt they were doing is voicing their opinions. 4) lines are drawn and
sides are taken and silly things are said. 5) the originator calms down
and feels better and realizes they might have overreacted just a little. 6)
the "horrid" people realize they possibly could've been a little less
"spirited" in their comments. 7) and while they are sorting out their
differences, war rages all around by people who weren't involved in the
first place.
Let's cut out all the middle stuff and be supportive of both sides. I'm
sure we all know and like quite a few of the people on the board in
question. And without knowing anything about Robert, I think I would like
him too given that he likes to do kid-work just like I do.
--
Barefoot Lucy
"It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Help me out with this!
From: ukletterboxer (ukletterboxer@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 23:24:11 UTC
If you have been verbally attacked in this way then you have my
sympathy. As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly, an
insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which, may
i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to buy
one.
Know I now your going to argue that non-letterboxers may find the box
and vandalise/steal it! Get over it, the amount of boxes that go
missing from Dartmoor each year would scare you silly - thats the
price we pay for placing them in public places that are accessable
by.........the public!
As for introducing younger generations to the pastime? Personally I
think you deserve a pat on the back! Raising an awareness of
letterboxing is vitally important. But more crucial is the fact that
you are introducing these youngsters to the great outdoors and all of
the adventures that can go with it. Along with this we can teach the
younger ones a respect for the outdoors, the environment and
wildlife. This education is paramount, now more than ever, if we are
to curtail the damage that we have already inflicted.
If letterboxing can be used as a medium for getting these children
out into the wilds then I say do it.
I realise that some of you will not like, or agree, with my comments
and no offence is intended, but I would ask you this one
question: "What is more important - An individuals feelings or a
little rubber stamp in plastic tub?"
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
sympathy. As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly, an
insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which, may
i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to buy
one.
Know I now your going to argue that non-letterboxers may find the box
and vandalise/steal it! Get over it, the amount of boxes that go
missing from Dartmoor each year would scare you silly - thats the
price we pay for placing them in public places that are accessable
by.........the public!
As for introducing younger generations to the pastime? Personally I
think you deserve a pat on the back! Raising an awareness of
letterboxing is vitally important. But more crucial is the fact that
you are introducing these youngsters to the great outdoors and all of
the adventures that can go with it. Along with this we can teach the
younger ones a respect for the outdoors, the environment and
wildlife. This education is paramount, now more than ever, if we are
to curtail the damage that we have already inflicted.
If letterboxing can be used as a medium for getting these children
out into the wilds then I say do it.
I realise that some of you will not like, or agree, with my comments
and no offence is intended, but I would ask you this one
question: "What is more important - An individuals feelings or a
little rubber stamp in plastic tub?"
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
[LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: inkydinkystamper (inkydinkystamper@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-10 01:57:38 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Lucy"
wrote:
... In the first place, I think/hope that the OP's purpose in
> writing was to vent, not to be divisive...
I disagree. Look at the subject title. "Help me out with this!"
If she was just looking to vent I don't think she would have worded it
that way. Maybe "Listen to this!" or something similar.
I think she was feeling like everyone was against her on the other
board, and made a call to this board for support. And not having read
the comments, that is exactly what some of the people on this board did.
I also have read the posts on the other board (as this was unfolding;
not after the fact) and I watched the news clip. Before anyone jumps on
any bandwagons, I suggest they do the same.
... In the first place, I think/hope that the OP's purpose in
> writing was to vent, not to be divisive...
I disagree. Look at the subject title. "Help me out with this!"
If she was just looking to vent I don't think she would have worded it
that way. Maybe "Listen to this!" or something similar.
I think she was feeling like everyone was against her on the other
board, and made a call to this board for support. And not having read
the comments, that is exactly what some of the people on this board did.
I also have read the posts on the other board (as this was unfolding;
not after the fact) and I watched the news clip. Before anyone jumps on
any bandwagons, I suggest they do the same.
Re: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: Hikers and Hounds (hikers_n_hounds@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-09 18:13:02 UTC-08:00
Very nicely put Andy. Can't wait to finally meet you when I am in Dartmoor this fall.
H&H
ukletterboxer wrote:
If you have been verbally attacked in this way then you have my
sympathy. As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly, an
insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which, may
i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to buy
one.
Know I now your going to argue that non-letterboxers may find the box
and vandalise/steal it! Get over it, the amount of boxes that go
missing from Dartmoor each year would scare you silly - thats the
price we pay for placing them in public places that are accessable
by.........the public!
As for introducing younger generations to the pastime? Personally I
think you deserve a pat on the back! Raising an awareness of
letterboxing is vitally important. But more crucial is the fact that
you are introducing these youngsters to the great outdoors and all of
the adventures that can go with it. Along with this we can teach the
younger ones a respect for the outdoors, the environment and
wildlife. This education is paramount, now more than ever, if we are
to curtail the damage that we have already inflicted.
If letterboxing can be used as a medium for getting these children
out into the wilds then I say do it.
I realise that some of you will not like, or agree, with my comments
and no offence is intended, but I would ask you this one
question: "What is more important - An individuals feelings or a
little rubber stamp in plastic tub?"
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
---------------------------------
Bored stiff? Loosen up...
Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
H&H
ukletterboxer
If you have been verbally attacked in this way then you have my
sympathy. As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly, an
insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which, may
i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to buy
one.
Know I now your going to argue that non-letterboxers may find the box
and vandalise/steal it! Get over it, the amount of boxes that go
missing from Dartmoor each year would scare you silly - thats the
price we pay for placing them in public places that are accessable
by.........the public!
As for introducing younger generations to the pastime? Personally I
think you deserve a pat on the back! Raising an awareness of
letterboxing is vitally important. But more crucial is the fact that
you are introducing these youngsters to the great outdoors and all of
the adventures that can go with it. Along with this we can teach the
younger ones a respect for the outdoors, the environment and
wildlife. This education is paramount, now more than ever, if we are
to curtail the damage that we have already inflicted.
If letterboxing can be used as a medium for getting these children
out into the wilds then I say do it.
I realise that some of you will not like, or agree, with my comments
and no offence is intended, but I would ask you this one
question: "What is more important - An individuals feelings or a
little rubber stamp in plastic tub?"
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "robertsp20"
wrote:
> This morning I opened up the letterboxing group that people in our
> area use, and to my amazement, I was TROUNCED. One letterboxer
> wrote,'there goes the neighborhood.' I was referred to as SHE in a
> long string of negative messages. SHE called the station, SHE is
> telling everyone about this hobby. I know that because I know who
> SHE is. This is supposed to be secret, we really don't like kids
to
> being doing this, especially huge groups that SHE had in the woods,
> SHE should read the directions for letterboxing because obviously
> SHE doesn't know the rules. Parent magazines, the Boy Scouts, etc.
> are promoting this and ruining it and on and on. (I no longer am a
> member of that online group. Quit it this morning).
>
> I believe I do know the 'rules' of letterboxing and since making
> this a hobby and a project, I think I've been downright discreet. I
> invited kids to do this because I've seen pictures of kids in these
> groups' photo albums. We have found boxes hidden by kids. Kids
came
> to gathering we had recently (and loved it. I was going to invite
> my 4H kids to the gathering and I asked if it would OK. The answer
> was yes. I didn't take the cameras to anyone else's box but my
> own. I showed my own stamp.
>
> I did not know that that letterboxing is--at least to some people--
> is a secret society! There is a difference between being discreet
> when one locates a box, but not to tell anyone about the hobby?
That
> is absolutely ridiculous.
>
> I'll be honest with you. I was devestated when I read the kind of
> negativism that I did. I just sat there and cried. I will never go
> to another gathering in my life. I'll continue the project and my
> family, friends, and will every so stealthily continue our quest
for
> boxes.
>
> P.S. Do you think anyone was really focused on that little story.
> Anna Nicole Smith died on the same day! Who do you think the
general
> population is more interested in--4H or celebrity news?
>
---------------------------------
Bored stiff? Loosen up...
Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Help me out with this!
From: rozebud.rm (rozebud@rocketmail.com) |
Date: 2007-02-10 18:02:58 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "ukletterboxer"
wrote:
> As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
> attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly,
> an insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
>
> The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
> others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
> hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which,
> may i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
> catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to
buy
> one.
!!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
living next door to the placer? How common.
;-D
Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
boxers.
rozebud
> As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
> attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly,
> an insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
>
> The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
> others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
> hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which,
> may i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
> catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to
buy
> one.
!!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
living next door to the placer? How common.
;-D
Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
boxers.
rozebud
Re: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: andy wilkes (ukletterboxer@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-10 10:46:28 UTC-08:00
Of course we have secret handshakes and passwords but that has absolutely nothing to do with letterboxing
And speaking on behalf of a nation, who incidently founded yours (tongue in cheek), we may be common but bigger doesn't always mean better!!!
The ukletterboxer now sits back in his armchair, pipe in hand, smug grin on face, and awaits the fallout that will undoubtedly follow this post.
"rozebud.rm" wrote:
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "ukletterboxer"
wrote:
> As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
> attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly,
> an insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
>
> The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
> others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
> hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which,
> may i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
> catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to
buy
> one.
!!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
living next door to the placer? How common.
;-D
Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
boxers.
rozebud
Have fun and stay safe
The Happy Wanderer
http://thewanderersretreat.blogspot.com
---------------------------------
Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels
in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
And speaking on behalf of a nation, who incidently founded yours (tongue in cheek), we may be common but bigger doesn't always mean better!!!
The ukletterboxer now sits back in his armchair, pipe in hand, smug grin on face, and awaits the fallout that will undoubtedly follow this post.
"rozebud.rm"
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "ukletterboxer"
> As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
> attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly,
> an insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
>
> The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
> others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
> hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which,
> may i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
> catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to
buy
> one.
!!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
living next door to the placer? How common.
;-D
Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
boxers.
rozebud
Have fun and stay safe
The Happy Wanderer
http://thewanderersretreat.blogspot.com
---------------------------------
Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels
in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: uneksia (uneksia@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-10 14:47:18 UTC-05:00
while i do not agree with everyone taking their clues off line i do believe
in the somewhat secretive nature of letterboxing. i can see your point uk,
that the clues are available in a catalogue available to anyone that wishes
to buy it. the vast majority of clues here are on line for anyone who wishes
to look. i don't think the issue here is the availability of clues, or even
the secrecy of clues, but rather the respect of the letterbox and the nature
of the game. not sure what you mean by the "secretive" attitude of
letterboxing. do you mean secretive as in "i am a letterboxer", secretive in
guarding the clues, or secretive in the actual search for the treasure?
i do not hide the fact that i am a letterboxer, tho i am cautious of how
much information i hand out. after all once you know letterboxing is out
there the rest is up to you. do the research, find the box, learn the game.
judging by the many personal web sites i would say that being a letterboxer
is not all that secretive. secretive in guarding clues, i suppose a person
is free to do what they want to do. there is a factor of just plain fun when
you receive that wom, or a box that is not published in the ordinary way.
secretive in the actual search, i should hope so. is this part different in
the uk? or do you show others where you found the letterbox at?
it all comes down to respect, in the uk or in the us. respect of the game,
respect for eachother.
smile
uneksia
-------Original Message-------
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "ukletterboxer"
wrote:
> As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
> attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly,
> an insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
>
> The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
> others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
> hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which,
> may i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
> catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to
buy
> one.
!!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
living next door to the placer? How common.
;-D
Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
boxers.
rozebud
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
in the somewhat secretive nature of letterboxing. i can see your point uk,
that the clues are available in a catalogue available to anyone that wishes
to buy it. the vast majority of clues here are on line for anyone who wishes
to look. i don't think the issue here is the availability of clues, or even
the secrecy of clues, but rather the respect of the letterbox and the nature
of the game. not sure what you mean by the "secretive" attitude of
letterboxing. do you mean secretive as in "i am a letterboxer", secretive in
guarding the clues, or secretive in the actual search for the treasure?
i do not hide the fact that i am a letterboxer, tho i am cautious of how
much information i hand out. after all once you know letterboxing is out
there the rest is up to you. do the research, find the box, learn the game.
judging by the many personal web sites i would say that being a letterboxer
is not all that secretive. secretive in guarding clues, i suppose a person
is free to do what they want to do. there is a factor of just plain fun when
you receive that wom, or a box that is not published in the ordinary way.
secretive in the actual search, i should hope so. is this part different in
the uk? or do you show others where you found the letterbox at?
it all comes down to respect, in the uk or in the us. respect of the game,
respect for eachother.
smile
uneksia
-------Original Message-------
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "ukletterboxer"
> As a letterboxer from the UK I find the 'secretive'
> attitude that many hold towards letterboxing to be, quite frankly,
> an insult to a pastime that I hold dear.
>
> The idea behind letterboxing is for a box to be placed in order for
> others to find, end of story - the idea is not for the box to be
> hidden for a select few to find - clues to Dartmoor boxes (which,
> may i remind you is the home of letterboxing) are publicised in a
> catalogue! This catalogue is available to any persons willing to
buy
> one.
!!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
living next door to the placer? How common.
;-D
Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
boxers.
rozebud
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: uneksia (uneksia@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-10 14:56:47 UTC-05:00
now wait a minute here! christopher colombus was italian. spain i believe
was the funding source behind the journey. then there is the matter of the
vikings. now just who did discover america first. oh, and let's not forget
that there was already people here. as any native american will tell you,
you did not find us, you can't find what ain't lost!
smile
uneksia
-------Original Message-------
Of course we have secret handshakes and passwords but that has absolutely
nothing to do with letterboxing
And speaking on behalf of a nation, who incidently founded yours (tongue
in cheek), we may be common but bigger doesn't always mean better!!!
The ukletterboxer now sits back in his armchair, pipe in hand, smug grin
on face, and awaits the fallout that will undoubtedly follow this post.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
was the funding source behind the journey. then there is the matter of the
vikings. now just who did discover america first. oh, and let's not forget
that there was already people here. as any native american will tell you,
you did not find us, you can't find what ain't lost!
smile
uneksia
-------Original Message-------
Of course we have secret handshakes and passwords but that has absolutely
nothing to do with letterboxing
And speaking on behalf of a nation, who incidently founded yours (tongue
in cheek), we may be common but bigger doesn't always mean better!!!
The ukletterboxer now sits back in his armchair, pipe in hand, smug grin
on face, and awaits the fallout that will undoubtedly follow this post.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: Pamela Smith (pamela@pertinacity.net) |
Date: 2007-02-10 15:07:16 UTC-05:00
Um, er.... 'found' and 'founded' aren't the same thing. Not that
either is correct - the Brits certainly didn't find the place and,
while they sent some of the early Euro-folks here, they certainly
didn't found the country..... I believe they fought the idea a bit,
actually.
pezpam now sits back and hopes she'll still be allowed on Dartmoor
should she ever make the trip......
On Feb 10, 2007, at 2:56 PM, uneksia wrote:
> now wait a minute here! christopher colombus was italian. spain i
> believe
> was the funding source behind the journey. then there is the matter
> of the
> vikings. now just who did discover america first. oh, and let's not
> forget
> that there was already people here. as any native american will
> tell you,
> you did not find us, you can't find what ain't lost!
> smile
> uneksia
>
> -------Original Message-------
>
>
> Of course we have secret handshakes and passwords but that has
> absolutely
> nothing to do with letterboxing
>
> And speaking on behalf of a nation, who incidently founded yours
> (tongue
> in cheek), we may be common but bigger doesn't always mean better!!!
>
> The ukletterboxer now sits back in his armchair, pipe in hand,
> smug grin
> on face, and awaits the fallout that will undoubtedly follow this
> post.
>
either is correct - the Brits certainly didn't find the place and,
while they sent some of the early Euro-folks here, they certainly
didn't found the country..... I believe they fought the idea a bit,
actually.
pezpam now sits back and hopes she'll still be allowed on Dartmoor
should she ever make the trip......
On Feb 10, 2007, at 2:56 PM, uneksia wrote:
> now wait a minute here! christopher colombus was italian. spain i
> believe
> was the funding source behind the journey. then there is the matter
> of the
> vikings. now just who did discover america first. oh, and let's not
> forget
> that there was already people here. as any native american will
> tell you,
> you did not find us, you can't find what ain't lost!
> smile
> uneksia
>
> -------Original Message-------
>
>
> Of course we have secret handshakes and passwords but that has
> absolutely
> nothing to do with letterboxing
>
> And speaking on behalf of a nation, who incidently founded yours
> (tongue
> in cheek), we may be common but bigger doesn't always mean better!!!
>
> The ukletterboxer now sits back in his armchair, pipe in hand,
> smug grin
> on face, and awaits the fallout that will undoubtedly follow this
> post.
>
Secrecy vs. Publicity (was Re: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!)
From: Barefoot Lucy (barefootlucy@gmail.com) |
Date: 2007-02-10 14:10:36 UTC-06:00
uneksia said:
it all comes down to respect, in the uk or in the us. respect of the game,
respect for each other.
**************I think you hit the nail on the head. We had a reporter who
wrote an article about letterboxing in my county a couple of years ago. She
contacted all of the planters in the county (three of us at that time) and
we wound up talking among ourselves. We agreed the article could be done
responsibly, and we agreed to certain things we should stipulate. It was
indeed done very well. The key was that each of us who had boxes that would
be placed at risk by the article agreed to accept the risk.
By the same token, when I take scouts letterboxing, I let them cut their
teeth on my boxes because I don't want to jeopardize anyone else's. I don't
try to hide from them how they can find more information, but I don't spoon
feed them the information they need either. The boys I've taken along with
me are now skilled enough they could do it on their own, but I still don't
plan on handing them clues, but giving them the resources they need to find
clues for themselves.
The wrong publicity can be and is, at times, damaging, whether it is
broadcast or print or word of mouth. I think we all have to bear in mind
that publicity in general has a ripple effect and that it is respectful to
at least give notice to other boxers who may be affected.
--
Barefoot Lucy
"It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
it all comes down to respect, in the uk or in the us. respect of the game,
respect for each other.
**************I think you hit the nail on the head. We had a reporter who
wrote an article about letterboxing in my county a couple of years ago. She
contacted all of the planters in the county (three of us at that time) and
we wound up talking among ourselves. We agreed the article could be done
responsibly, and we agreed to certain things we should stipulate. It was
indeed done very well. The key was that each of us who had boxes that would
be placed at risk by the article agreed to accept the risk.
By the same token, when I take scouts letterboxing, I let them cut their
teeth on my boxes because I don't want to jeopardize anyone else's. I don't
try to hide from them how they can find more information, but I don't spoon
feed them the information they need either. The boys I've taken along with
me are now skilled enough they could do it on their own, but I still don't
plan on handing them clues, but giving them the resources they need to find
clues for themselves.
The wrong publicity can be and is, at times, damaging, whether it is
broadcast or print or word of mouth. I think we all have to bear in mind
that publicity in general has a ripple effect and that it is respectful to
at least give notice to other boxers who may be affected.
--
Barefoot Lucy
"It's not about footwear, it's about philosophy"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: alwayschaos (alwayschaos@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-10 23:41:54 UTC
I read the whole thing on that regional board and can sympathize with
those in that area who really could do without your 15 minutes of
fame. They are equally entitled to their opinions, but THEY kept
them on the regional board instead of coming here to stir up a
hornet's nest. And no, they weren't rude in anyway--I saw no name
calling or anything of that nature. They simply expressed their
opinions and sometimes with understandable exasperation.
If you had been a regular reader on this board you'd have known the
general consensus about publicity. It has been hashed and rehashed
ad nauseum, Instead, you want to what--gain people to go to the
regional board to defend your decision? That's just wrong!
I'm with inkidinkystamper on this one--keep things that happen on
other boards, on those boards. Defend yourself and your actions. If
you unable to do that, perhaps you need to examine your motivations.
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "inkydinkystamper"
wrote:
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Lucy"
> wrote:
> ... In the first place, I think/hope that the OP's purpose in
> > writing was to vent, not to be divisive...
>
>
> I disagree. Look at the subject title. "Help me out with this!"
> If she was just looking to vent I don't think she would have worded
it
> that way. Maybe "Listen to this!" or something similar.
> I think she was feeling like everyone was against her on the other
> board, and made a call to this board for support. And not having
read
> the comments, that is exactly what some of the people on this board
did.
> I also have read the posts on the other board (as this was
unfolding;
> not after the fact) and I watched the news clip. Before anyone
jumps on
> any bandwagons, I suggest they do the same.
>
those in that area who really could do without your 15 minutes of
fame. They are equally entitled to their opinions, but THEY kept
them on the regional board instead of coming here to stir up a
hornet's nest. And no, they weren't rude in anyway--I saw no name
calling or anything of that nature. They simply expressed their
opinions and sometimes with understandable exasperation.
If you had been a regular reader on this board you'd have known the
general consensus about publicity. It has been hashed and rehashed
ad nauseum, Instead, you want to what--gain people to go to the
regional board to defend your decision? That's just wrong!
I'm with inkidinkystamper on this one--keep things that happen on
other boards, on those boards. Defend yourself and your actions. If
you unable to do that, perhaps you need to examine your motivations.
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "inkydinkystamper"
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Lucy"
>
> ... In the first place, I think/hope that the OP's purpose in
> > writing was to vent, not to be divisive...
>
>
> I disagree. Look at the subject title. "Help me out with this!"
> If she was just looking to vent I don't think she would have worded
it
> that way. Maybe "Listen to this!" or something similar.
> I think she was feeling like everyone was against her on the other
> board, and made a call to this board for support. And not having
read
> the comments, that is exactly what some of the people on this board
did.
> I also have read the posts on the other board (as this was
unfolding;
> not after the fact) and I watched the news clip. Before anyone
jumps on
> any bandwagons, I suggest they do the same.
>
RE: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: xxxxxxxx (BrighidFarm@comcast.net) |
Date: 2007-02-10 18:39:11 UTC-06:00
Unable?? :-) The person didn't even try. Rather than make even one post
on the regional board, they came runnin' immediately to this
board.........where they know flamin' is allowed quite openly. So the only
thing I can conclude is that the person was hopin' to start a few fires.
And I love how anytime someone who wants their clues spoon-fed to 'em gets
upset with folks who don't list their boxes on LbNA or atlasquest, suddenly
there's always this Secret Letterboxing Cabal. A few folks need to get off
their big fat butts and do a little more research to find the clues. Oops!
That's not instant gratification if we do *that*.
Open wide.........here comes the Marshall Field's truck! Let's keep that
spoon-feeding comin' now. Oops! Oh dear. No more Marshall Field's.
*Now* whatever are the parents going to use to get the kiddies to eat their
peas? I know! Atlasquest! LbNA!
Open wide..........here come the atlasquest clues! See? That works. Peas
all gone.
That terrible terrible cabal trying to deprive starving children in America
of clues.
~~ Mosey ~~
http://www.freewebs.com/moseyingalong
http://moseyingalong.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of alwayschaos
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 5:42 PM
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
.......
I'm with inkidinkystamper on this one--keep things that happen on
other boards, on those boards. Defend yourself and your actions. If
you unable to do that, perhaps you need to examine your motivations.
on the regional board, they came runnin' immediately to this
board.........where they know flamin' is allowed quite openly. So the only
thing I can conclude is that the person was hopin' to start a few fires.
And I love how anytime someone who wants their clues spoon-fed to 'em gets
upset with folks who don't list their boxes on LbNA or atlasquest, suddenly
there's always this Secret Letterboxing Cabal. A few folks need to get off
their big fat butts and do a little more research to find the clues. Oops!
That's not instant gratification if we do *that*.
Open wide.........here comes the Marshall Field's truck! Let's keep that
spoon-feeding comin' now. Oops! Oh dear. No more Marshall Field's.
*Now* whatever are the parents going to use to get the kiddies to eat their
peas? I know! Atlasquest! LbNA!
Open wide..........here come the atlasquest clues! See? That works. Peas
all gone.
That terrible terrible cabal trying to deprive starving children in America
of clues.
~~ Mosey ~~
http://www.freewebs.com/moseyingalong
http://moseyingalong.blogspot.com
-----Original Message-----
From: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of alwayschaos
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 5:42 PM
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
I'm with inkidinkystamper on this one--keep things that happen on
other boards, on those boards. Defend yourself and your actions. If
you unable to do that, perhaps you need to examine your motivations.
Re: Help me out with this!
From: Lock Wench (lockwench@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-11 21:11:04 UTC
No slings or arrows here, rosebud...just a gentle reminder that not
all boxes posted as WOM are only for close friends of the planter. I
have many boxes that are "pin-up girls" and although I wouldn't
consider them "dirty"..I like parents to have a heads up that a box
might be a little much for a small child. So they are listed as WOM. I
also have a couple of boxes where the place is SO COOL but very
sensitive in nature, that it's best to have lower traffic to the box.
So I make it WOM. In my experience, many people don't take the time to
ask for WOM clues so I only end up giving them out once in
awhile..just perfect for those locations.
>
Just a heads up for anyone who is looking at my logbook of WOM clues.
LW/PhD
"Nice Counts"
> !!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
> precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
> just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
> living next door to the placer? How common.
>
> ;-D
>
> Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
> their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
> means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
> WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
> this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
> of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
> will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
> the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
> always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
>
> OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
> boxers.
>
> rozebud
>
all boxes posted as WOM are only for close friends of the planter. I
have many boxes that are "pin-up girls" and although I wouldn't
consider them "dirty"..I like parents to have a heads up that a box
might be a little much for a small child. So they are listed as WOM. I
also have a couple of boxes where the place is SO COOL but very
sensitive in nature, that it's best to have lower traffic to the box.
So I make it WOM. In my experience, many people don't take the time to
ask for WOM clues so I only end up giving them out once in
awhile..just perfect for those locations.
>
Just a heads up for anyone who is looking at my logbook of WOM clues.
LW/PhD
"Nice Counts"
> !!!!!Shocking!!!!! You mean the clues/boxes are not guarded like
> precious jewels to be shown only to your closest friends?!?!? And
> just ANYONE can go and hunt without knowing the secret handshake or
> living next door to the placer? How common.
>
> ;-D
>
> Some folks here in the US have suggested that everyone should take
> their clues off-line completely to prevent box loss. I guess that
> means you need to personally know the placer to obtain clue...IMHO,
> WOM is fun sometimes, but one of the things that attracts me most to
> this hobby is that I can create something - hopefully a little work
> of art - and put it out there in the world and folks I don't know and
> will probably never meet will find and enjoy it. Also, living where
> the sport is not widely played, I have to travel to play, and don't
> always have a personal connection to hit up for clues.
>
> OK, back to lurking - I await the slings and arrows of outraged
> boxers.
>
> rozebud
>
RE: [LbNA] Re: Help me out with this!
From: thomas collette (colletteftbt@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2007-02-11 13:55:48 UTC-08:00
I make the letterbox so that the finder spends less
time on the computer and more time outdoors.
test'; ">
test'; ">
____________________________________________________________________________________
Need Mail bonding?
Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.
http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396546091
time on the computer and more time outdoors.
test'; ">
test'; ">
____________________________________________________________________________________
Need Mail bonding?
Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users.
http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396546091
Re: Help me out with this!
From: rozebud.rm (rozebud@rocketmail.com) |
Date: 2007-02-12 16:32:21 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Lock Wench"
wrote:
>
> No slings or arrows here, rosebud...just a gentle reminder that not
> all boxes posted as WOM are only for close friends of the planter. I
> have many boxes that are "pin-up girls" and although I wouldn't
> consider them "dirty"..I like parents to have a heads up that a box
> might be a little much for a small child.
I (and especially my BF) would be very interested in collecting your
pin-up girls someday. Did you use Vargas as your inspiration? I'll
bet they're lovely! Perhaps (since I'm unlikely to ever come to your
location) you could email me a photo off-list? Thanks!
rozebud
wrote:
>
> No slings or arrows here, rosebud...just a gentle reminder that not
> all boxes posted as WOM are only for close friends of the planter. I
> have many boxes that are "pin-up girls" and although I wouldn't
> consider them "dirty"..I like parents to have a heads up that a box
> might be a little much for a small child.
I (and especially my BF) would be very interested in collecting your
pin-up girls someday. Did you use Vargas as your inspiration? I'll
bet they're lovely! Perhaps (since I'm unlikely to ever come to your
location) you could email me a photo off-list? Thanks!
rozebud