chadams, Heeheeheeheehee!

LW, if I were to find one of your "adult" boxes one day and saw that a child had logged in, to me it would not say anything (negative or positive) about you. Rather, it says many things about those parents who allowed their children to circumvent your clearly stated guidelines.

So, in the words of Ricky Nelson, "You can't please everyone, so you gotta please yourself."

La-da-da-da-da....


Booknut

Mystery listings!! And an additional outside warning on the box! Two good suggestions and ones I will put in place immediately. Thanks, you guys!

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"

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Mystery listings!! And an additional outside warning on the box! Two good suggestions and ones I will put in place immediately. Thanks, you guys!

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"

I don't want to lose the "Adults Only" boxes!! For one thing, it completely violates my First Amendment sensibilities and for another thing, I think they are a lot of fun ;-))

I always box with my kids, and have taken them with me to find one of Jenni P McD's Adult boxes. I peeked at the stamp by myself, and stamped it in my logbook (not theirs!!), and stamped our family stamp in the box. I thought the stamp was very tasteful and artistic, so later I showed my kids. My 4 yo was completely uninterested, and my 7 yo (son ;-)) got a big giggle, and told his dad later that we found a "naked" stamp - lol! Dad the Muggle said that was his favorite stamp so far - lol! Might could even get him to go boxing with us if I promised a few more adult boxes like that!!

THe only thing I probably would not stamp in my book (a lot of non-boxers see my book), or let the kids see is something blatently sexual - but if it was a well done stamp, I'd stamp an index card and hide it somewhere - lol!!

So, I'll keep hunting the "AO" boxes, if you will keep planting!!

Mama Fox

PS - loved the mudflap girl icon idea - lol!!!

And you know that kids NEVER see any sex or violence that their parents don't know about....<<<<<I was a kid once, a long time ago>>>>

I also always box with my 10 year old. I am never without her. In the course of a 14 mile hike if one of the boxes happens to be an "adult only " box I have no problem putting her stamp in the logbook and choosing not to let her view the image. I can't imagine anyone that would have a probelm seeing her stamp in a logbook. People that know me know that I would never let my child view something improper so I'm not concerned about it being a reflection on my parenting.

Most of the adult theme boxes I have seen are nothing more than you would see in an art museum. They aren't like some horrible image that implies anything other than art.

But, so I want to bypass a box because I have my child with me?? No. Do I have to let her see? No. Can I put her stamp in the log? Why not, she made the hike. Does it make me a bad parent?? No, What would make me a bad parent would be never taking my child out letterboxing but letting her become a couch potato or junk food junkie.

hawkeye

I can't stop laughing. I love seeing posts like this. Real people talking about real life... Chadams rocks... now.., if we can get some kindof adult postal ring... LW and Jenni, hook us up!

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or not...

If your "adult image" is a WOM box...can't it be listed as a mystery box? Mystery boxes only show "undisclosed" as finders...so as to keep the "mystery". If you create a Mystery box with a very high f-count, and you're only giving out clues WOM...who will see it? Other than a very select few? Will it still show up in some kid's logbook as a "find" if your f-count is lower than the "adult" letterbox?

Just curious!

D5 Mama

um, if that pLB ring happens, there better be some kind of code word on the envelope, since Gweny has taken to think anything in a BIG envelope is her mail....:o)

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Mystery listings!! And an additional outside warning on the box! Two good suggestions and ones I will put in place immediately. Thanks, you guys!

Then if some one gets mad because of the stamp contint you can just reply "CAN YOU NOT READ????" then let it go.

Mystic Dreamer

Have you tried the Spelling Test VLB's?

Perhaps it would be a better use of your time.

First let me say that I haven't read every reply, there were over 60 at the time and I didn't have time to read them all.

Now,LW I see it like movies. If there is a R-rated movie then everyone knows the ages it's ment for but there is nothing to keep a parent from renting the movie and lettig their kids of any age watch it. Same with the *adult stamps*.

Have you been getting complaints from people about kids getting your *Adult stamps*? If you have then these people should know that you're not standing guard over the box so you can't control what other people do.

Shiloh

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I guess I don't see the issue here. You are being a responsible planter, and letting adults know that is stamp may not be appropriate for children. Why does it bother you if a child logs it?

Yeah, I admit that confuses me too. IMHO, it's up to the parents what their kids are allowed to see. Hence it is very important that adult-themed letterboxes have warnings so that parents can prevent their kids from seeing them if they so choose. But if they choose to let their kids see it, what's the problem? Is the issue here that the PLACER doesn't want kids to see the image even if the kids' parents are OK with it?

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...heck it is WOM.

Seems like there are two issues being discussed here: children logging into adult-themed boxes, and the proper etiquette for sharing WOM clues. The second issue probably deserves its own thread, since it is a topic worthy of discussion independent of the subject of adult themes.

I suppose the placer could clarify in the clues that they are not to be shared. But is it OK for a finder to then tell another boxer where to go ask to see the clues? Or does WOM mean you don't speak of the box AT ALL, each and every one of us must find out about it on our own?

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The second issue probably deserves its own thread, since it is a topic worthy of discussion independent of the subject of adult themes.

Agreed!

I STILL have this headache, you see.

pre

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How about the fact you've made a REASONABLE demand regarding the finding and logging of your box?

I'd have to see the actual text of the demand to pass judgement on that. If I were a parent, I'd take pretty much anything to the effect of "this box contains material suitable for adults only" as a warning to me that I may not want to let my kids see this box. I wouldn't expect it to be telling me that I'm not allowed to let my kids see this box regardless of my own personal feelings on the matter. It would have to be stated very clearly indeed before it'd sink in that my own judgement is not involved here, my kids are not allowed to see this box, period.

Lock Wench

I have been reading all the posts on this and I think anyone who is giving you a hassle should go sh*t in their hats.....what you do is art work...fantastic carvings.....which I am a proud owner of ( can you say Butcher Girl?) Keep up the great work!!!

Karensport

Thanks so much for all the great discussion. I think my original intent is getting lost in the postings though. It doesn't matter to me if people decide their kids can see the adult images or not. Everyone, as a parent, can make their own choice. My planted images are pretty tame, but like I said before, I am trying to be a responsible planter for a wide range of parenting styles. Why I was upset in my original post was because I had said a box was for adults only to stamp into, and a parent let their child stamp in AND log it, which confused OTHER parents who then wondered if it really WAS appropriate for kids, totally negating the reason I had marked it ADULTS ONLY in the first place. The REAL issue was people who think "getting one more find" is more important than respecting the wishes of the planter...who put certain conditions there for a reason.

I don't really like WOM boxes, as I don't like the illusion of boxes being for a select few. I USE WOM , however, for a limited number of boxes that have special conditions. ADULT ones or ones that were specifically made for an event (a friend's engagement) or ones that can't handle a lot of traffic.

The other unintended issue of my original post ( which I agree, warrants its own topic) is the issue of how we treat WOM clues and boxes. I am of the school, if it wasn't given to you personally ( handed, spoken, emailed, whatever) then it's best to ask if it's ok for you to get it. I am not so count-possessed that I will pout if one box has to go undiscovered. I try to respect the wishes of the planter, as their box was a gift of time, money and effort.

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"

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I had said a box was for adults only to stamp into, and a parent let their child stamp in AND log it, which confused OTHER parents who then wondered if it really WAS appropriate for kids, totally negating the reason I had marked it ADULTS ONLY in the first place. The REAL issue was people who think "getting one more find" is more important than respecting the wishes of the planter...who put certain conditions there for a reason.

I can see where that might feel like a snowball rolling downhill. As I said earlier, it is tough for you to do much about people who allow their kids to circumvent clearly stated guidelines. It would be unfortunate for those few instances--very few, I like to think, since we are all superparents! 8-)--to cause those boxes to go away.

In my case, I guess it's easier because my two kids rarely care whether they stamp in or not. They are too busy watching caterpillars, playing nearby and in creeks, and enjoying the walk itself. In the spirit of full disclosure, however, I will admit that while I would not stamp them in (because you asked me not to), I might allow them to see the images if I deemed it acceptable according to my family's standards. They have seen nude paintings in museums and it has not scarred them for life, unless they are now nursing deep-seated and lifelong envy of the artists' abilities. 8-)

The mystery box idea is a good one. Perhaps I would also put a note in the clues stating that while some children have previously logged the box, your STRONG preference remains that this be an adults-only box.

Booknut

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Why I was upset in my original post was because I had said a box was for adults only to stamp into, and a parent let their child stamp in AND log it

I'm curious, how do you know by looking at the profile that the account belongs to a child?
If I was looking at who logged a find on an adult-content letterbox would I be able to tell if the account was a child's? Do parents put that information into the profile?

Lone R

Sometimes you may have met the person at a gathering, seen a picture of them on a clue, a reference has been made about them on a board, etc. I have been surprised to find out that certain boxers were actually kids, but eventually you get to know who is who in your area.

I'm curious, how do you know by looking at the profile that the account belongs to a child?


In this particular instance, yes, the information that the account was for a child was evident in the profile.

It is assumed that it is, in fact, the parent doing the actual logging in of the boxes and such, but in the case of adult boxes, the damage is done.

In my case, I have a family stamp and my son has his own. We have one account for our family on AQ. When my son found the KIDS ONLY boxes at SUN, he stamped them in his book and we counted it as a find, but I let the placer know (Lock Wench) that it was my son who actually found it. I didn't stamp my sig stamp in the kids only book (at least, I hope I didn't! It was pretty crazy there for awhile...) and I didn't let my son stamp the WOMEN ONLY stamp into his logbook, even though he wanted to, when he saw it in mine!! :-)

But obviously they are all listed as finds under my account, because my 7 year old doesn't have his own account at AQ.

MHR

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Everyone, as a parent, can make their own choice. My planted images are pretty tame, but like I said before, I am trying to be a responsible planter for a wide range of parenting styles. Why I was upset in my original post was because I had said a box was for adults only to stamp into, and a parent let their child stamp in AND log it, which confused OTHER parents who then wondered if it really WAS appropriate for kids, totally negating the reason I had marked it ADULTS ONLY in the first place.

I still don't understand. You make it clear the box contains adult material. Others see that somebody else has let their kids log in and conclude you were lying. Then when they find you were telling the truth, they get mad at YOU? You need to tell such people to go **** themselves -- and put them on a list never to get a WOM clue from you again.

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The REAL issue was people who think "getting one more find" is more important than respecting the wishes of the planter...who put certain conditions there for a reason.

If I took my kids on the hike with me and they helped find the box, they'd be stamping in and logging the find. Perhaps that's because I don't have all the Puritanical hangups that pass for "responsible parenting" here in the US, but I don't see telling my kids they're not allowed to share in the find just because it may confuse some other SOB into allowing their kids to see it.

As I said before: You would need to word your instructions very clearly indeed before I'd understand that your box is not a parental choice issue, the placer specifically prohibits children from seeing it with or without their parents' permission. Once clear, I'd respect those directions -- and wouldn't visit the box at all rather than tell my kids to stay in the car.

<quote/>I'm more concerned about THAT than whether the kid sees a mermaid without a shell bra.

My rowing team actually got told to do that exactly. Our logo was a mermaid with breasts. We were told that our sport was family friendly and could we put shells on our mermaid. To counter "them" telling us what to do we changed our logo and made her a more stylized mermaid with really big breast PLATES instead of nipples exposed. sheesh

deniserows
and is very proud of her perky breast plates. (see sig stamp)

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But is it OK for a finder to then tell another boxer where to go ask to see the clues? Or does WOM mean you don't speak of the box AT ALL, each and every one of us must find out about it on our own?

In publishing, Word Of Mouth is advertising generated by satisfied or interested readers who tell others about a book. Word Of Mouth is how books become hits. While traditionally only face-to-face spoken communication, Word Of Mouth now also includes text messages and e-mails.

Perhaps some planters don't really mean WOM, they mean "secret - don't tell anybody else."

WOM is just that, word of mouth. Clues travel.

-Wink

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QuoteMaybe the solution is to just ignore the people who write to bitch at me because they weren't properly warned,( even though they got the clue second or third hand) and just write FINDERS..BEWARE! on all of these. Hmm....


I don't know whether this will be of any help; it's just a little thought I had upon reading this. Do you have something like "Adult Finders Only" marked on the actual box container? It might not be a complete fix, but some parents might be *shamed* into following your instructions if the child can also see clearly what your expectations are.

Why can't there be a disclaimer built right into the clue itself ? Right there on AQ...something like:
" As you may have noticed there may or may not be "non-adult type" people listed as finders for this "ADULT TYPE" box please DO NOT let that fool YOU. Please continue to use discretion when this "ADULT FINDERS ONLY" box is FOUND ....others may have different standards than the planter , thanks for your constant care and respect for this great sport of ours! ADULTS ONLY PLEASE!!!! Maybe Next Time Short Stack!!!!
happy hunting,
insert name here.....

I am not sure but I think that most adults would get that but there is no way you are going to keep kids from going on and deciding what and where they are going to be finding boxes on any given day. I am amazed at the amount of parents who let their kids read their AQ mailings before they do . Some as we all know are not all that kind when it comes to plants and finds. Some are down right mean. I would never allow my boys to read the mail we get before I do simply because it could be a rip on one of their boxes they worked so hard on.

Basically I think it is NOT something you can ever control even a little , unless you just stop all together and that would be sad. Everyone can use a little rev in their step every once in awhile!!! I can't wait to stumble across one of the "AFO" boxes some day soon!!!

Enjoy the journey, happy hunting,
Teekasue

As someone who is known by LW to be a bit of a "stamp nazi", shall we say ... (ok, so I hiked at hyper-speed 4 miles in flip-flops and a skirt with no water to get twelve stamps) I'm going to definitely take the position that some people just need to calm down when it comes to logging finds.

I've personally had an experience when - thanks to my mouth - someone was able to obtain an image (and thus, the F-count) that they truly didn't deserve or earn. Once they told me that something I had said had helped them get this image, I wasn't mad ... I was just deeply disappointed that my actions had made me "that guy". I never want to be "that guy". I love this hobby, I love the people in it. I always want to respect the people who plant all of these great things for me to find, respect all of the hard work they put into it. And LW's adult images are my absolute favorites and i just don't knwo what I'd do if I wasn't able to participate in them because I wasn't able to be trusted with them. They are beautiful, artistic, different, unique, and just fabulous. So, anyway..... getting back on track..... when that person told me they had retrieved the image partly on my fault, I was sad. But then, when they actually logged into the logbook and logged it as a find - for some reason, that burnt me just a little. I thought to myself, "You know damn well that you were never supposed to have that image and that you got it by improper means. Is it not enough to you to simply have the image in your logbook, but you feel you have to put it up for all the world to see your non-achievement??"

Conversely, while at DSS, the images for the Kids Only boxes were absolutely adorable. I loved the way they looked, and I wanted them for my journal. My journal is a collection of artwork to me and these stamps were definitely art! (so cute!!) So, at the very end of the gathering (AFTER all the kids had already obtained the image), I retrieved the stamp and put it in my logbook. I even labeled the image as kids only! BUT, I never logged into the logbook and I never logged it on AQ. Why? Because I just wanted the image!!!!!!

So, I love the idea of making these boxes "others" so they don't count toward the F-count. And for everyone who is obsessed with your damn F-count (or even worse, your kids' F-count), I'll be holding an F-count's Anonymous meeting here in conjunction with my gathering in May. You can come sit with me in a circle and say, "Hi, my name is Infinity and I used to be obsessed with F-counts." Hi, Infinity.....

...and then get the hell over it.

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As someone who is known by LW to be a bit of a "stamp nazi"

Actually, I think I referred to you as a "stampw". *grin*

LW PhD
"Nice Counts"

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I used to be obsessed with F-counts

...and then get the hell over it.

Some people hang animal heads on the wall to remember their hunt by others will display that special piece of glass ware they found at the flea market. My numbers are one of my trophies along with the stamp.

I don't box JUST for the numbers but I do like them. Telling me to get over it would be like telling Dixie to not worry about who wins the softball game...good luck with THAT.

Shiloh