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Re: A really cool thing happened today...
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031151 by Ant Hilarie
Mar 16, 2024 9:46pm
Thread Board
It's a store-bought stamp. I had a stroke five years ago, so if I wanted to carve a stamp, I can't because my right side is paralyzed (not that I would want to, I just don't have the skill set), but I love that you think that I carved it!!!

That's also why I haven't been boxing lately, but I'm going to try to make up for that this year.

All the best,

Jaxx
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031149 by Theclowder
Mar 17, 2024 7:26am
Thread Board
I've thought about this and wondered if it would be a good idea to do it at MY public library? I told my friend about it and she said it might make the hobby too popular and attract unwanted people, people that wont treat the boxes with respect.

I once offered a class on letterboxing at a local library, but only 3 or 4 people showed up, including one of the librarians. I don't know your area, but I'd be surprised if 1) a library class attracted many people and 2) more than one person ever followed up with it.

If you decide to do it, I'd also recommend that you wait until you've been actively letterboxing for a year or two, preferably with experienced boxers who can teach you the ropes. Events are a great way to meet experienced boxers! I definitely wasn't ready to teach anyone about boxing for a few years because I had a lot to learn. And many years later (I started in June 2007), I'm still learning!
Re: Friday Distraction - 3/15/2024
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031122 by Silver Eagle
Mar 17, 2024 8:53am
Thread Board
This looks a lot like my actual playlist.
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031154 by Rocklun
Mar 17, 2024 8:58am
Thread Board
if you decide to do it, I'd also recommend that you wait until you've been actively letterboxing for a year or two, preferably with experienced boxers who can teach you the ropes.

And then there's that.
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031154 by Rocklun
Mar 17, 2024 9:05am
Thread Board
I did an end-of-the-year activity for 7th-graders and planted a small series in a little park across the street from the school. They carved their own signature stamps, exchanged, and then used the logbooks I made them to go boxing. One of them recently attended his second event here, so that was a thrill. I also did a class at our school district's version of Comic Con (or however you spell it), and have done a couple classes at the local library, and I planted a couple inside the library to find (also, there were a couple in the park behind the library). It was partly for newbies and partly for the locals to meet up to hang out, carve together and whatnot. If you're worried about the boxes not being respected, consider that in your presentation. Or knowing that they're still learning, don't plant anything you don't mind losing, or plan to pick them up afterward. Plant in Gladware, use basic carves. Think of them as disposable. (Actually, even our best efforts are more or less disposable.)
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031150 by MissMoon
Mar 17, 2024 11:46am
Thread Board
If you do a search of messages on the boards and use the word “publicity” or the phrase “spread the word” or similar phrases you’ll see a ton of posts going back years.

yes thank you. I did that first before asking. I always do a search first, but i always get answers that are not exactly what I'm asking about and its answers from different threads and its confusing to try and find the original post. and with the boards being so old I imagine all topics have been covered by now. I was wondering if maybe views have changed in 10 years?

as far as running the library event, it was just a thought, and if I did make an event I would definitely enlist the help of a seasoned boxer. I Went to a boxing event recently and met some nice people there, and I feel I would ask someone from that event.
Re: Friday Distraction - 3/15/2024
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031122 by Silver Eagle
Mar 17, 2024 11:50am
Thread Board
Thanks SE, this is a GREAT list!!

Old Blue
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031157 by Wry Me
Mar 17, 2024 11:58am
Thread Board
I did an end-of-the-year activity for 7th-graders and planted a small series in a little park across the street from the school.

that's amazing that you did that for them. I bet they had a blast.

And I agree, as much as we would like our boxes to last forever, it is out of our control. when I find a box I always make sure its better then when I found it, in fact I might be a bit OCD about it, I feel like my other boxing friends think I'm crazy haha.
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031156 by MissMoon
Mar 17, 2024 2:55pm
Thread Board
Whoa, down there killers!
Theclowder is amazing, I love ❤️💗❤️ her and I’m keeping her!!!
While I understand the newbie sentiment, lbxing is not a one size fits all and this “new” boxing family is running circles round some seasoned boxers all day long.
Do not run her off…
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031161 by Three FLAmigo's
Mar 17, 2024 3:03pm
Thread Board
Wise words.
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031158 by Theclowder
Mar 17, 2024 3:04pm
Thread Board
I was at that event in Florida, and it was nice to meet your family. With 144 finds and eleven plants since January, you certainly dove in to this hobby. I am glad to see your enthusiasm for sharing letterboxing with others. Even seasoned boxers will team up to do an informational event, so you reaching out to a more seasoned boxer would not be unheard of.

It looks like you do your research. Some folks might not. You keep that enthusiasm going, and you may spread it!
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031149 by Theclowder
Mar 17, 2024 4:49pm
Thread Board
This is a well trod path.

I've done library events and a couple of presentations. (I don't say no to these invites)

but honestly the best way IMO is just to invite people you think might like to LB out to LB with you. WOM has always been the main way that people get introduced to letterboxing. I first learned about it from my sister.

When you take a friend or acquaintance out, they might love it, be indifferent, or just really dislike the experience. Some folks just REALLY dislike the outdoors! (takes all types)

One of my best LB friends has a "guest" signature stamp so that when they introduce someone to going out that person gets the whole experience of stamping into the logbook (if there is one) I've always admired that idea.

Mush
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031161 by Three FLAmigo's
Mar 17, 2024 4:57pm
Thread Board
Whoa, down there killers!

While I understand the newbie sentiment, lbxing is not a one size fits all and this “new” boxing family is running circles round seasoned boxers all day long.
Do not run her off…

Yikes--I'm mortified that anyone would think that I'm trying to run off a new boxer when I feel very strongly that our hobby needs new blood in order to survive! 😲

Even though my attempts to bring in new letterboxers (both as a Girl Scout leader and by offering an intro class at a library) weren't successful, I still think that it's well worth doing! In fact, I'm hoping to offer another intro class through my town's trails committee later this year.

My suggestion that newer boxers wait a year or two before offering a class was based on my own experience. As you said, letterboxing is not one-size-fits-all, and we progress at different speeds. I'm really glad to hear that theclowder has already attended an event and met experienced folks; it took me almost two years to meet letterboxers other than my daughter and her two friends. So she will undoubtedly be ready to host a class, especially with the help of an experienced boxer, long before I was!
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031161 by Three FLAmigo's
Mar 17, 2024 5:29pm
Thread Board
Whoa, down there killers!

I could say the same thing to you. No one is trying to run anyone off so calm down.

Rocklun said ...
If you decide to do it, I'd also recommend that you wait until you've been actively letterboxing for a year or two, preferably with experienced boxers who can teach you the ropes.

I simply agreed with her.

Suggesting that a new boxer gain experience before teaching others should certainly not be misinterpreted as trying to run anyone off. It's simply an intelligent suggestion.
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031166 by MissMoon
Mar 17, 2024 6:24pm
Thread Board
Unlike geocaching, as an example, letterboxing has a built in safeguard against newbies - restrictions. So no matter how reckless, though well intentioned, a newbie might be, they are not going to ruin our hobby… or anyone’s boxes for that matter, with a high enough restriction count.

I don’t speak for anyone, but my personal opinion is that this game of ours could use new blood. More letterboxing friends is a good thing. And let’s be honest, there’s not a hoard of people banging on the door to get in. I agree with Mystic Mushroom, just take someone along and see if they like it. There will be plenty of time for them to read The Rulez later on. We’re dealing with adults for the most part.

I’ve lost count of the number of people I’ve tried to bring into the fold - and my success rate to date is exactly zero.

Spread the word, I say.
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031167 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Mar 17, 2024 6:49pm
Thread Board
I'm not the person who made the statement that new people get experience before teaching.

they are not going to ruin our hobby…

No one said or insinuated that.

I just agreed with a very intelligent and well thought out suggestion that experience is important to teaching.

And this discussion is veering off course. The suggestion was made that people simply need experience before teaching to others. No one is debating about needing or not needing new blood.
Re: spreading the word for new players
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031168 by MissMoon
Mar 17, 2024 7:47pm
Thread Board
There are two topics being addressed now, yet they can be connected.

I did have a new and enthusiastic person say recently that she was hesitant because there are so many rules and people telling others what to do.

That was her impression.

DZ & ECP's comment may have gone off of the original topic, yet it is a note worth mentioning. If people new to the game are feeling the way that I mentioned above when they barely get started, then it is possible that some are being discouraged or feeling driven away, as TFLA cautioned.

Yes, it is good advice to have experience when sharing (Rocklun). Yes, it is good advice to team up with a more experienced boxer if you have that option (OP). Yes, it is good advice to invite people who you know to go boxing with you and see how they like it (MM). Frankly, though, however people learn about letterboxing is still them learning.

I think that everyone means well. Perhaps we can all make a point to keep in mind that voice inflection does not carry through via typed words.

Theclowder, as for your friend's comment, I do not think that you have to worry about too many people getting excited about letterboxing. In a lot of areas, folks are happy to have one or two new people join the game. LOL. Now, have you recruited the friend who said that? 😉
What about this trail?
Board: State: New Jersey
Mar 18, 2024 6:00am
Thread Board
Hello all you New Jerseyites. My friend and I are coming to NJ for the w/e for a concert. I plan to plant a box and I'd like to know if anyone has any thoughts on 'Black River County Park Trail'. Do you think there might be some good hiding areas in that park? We are traveling to Red Bank, NJ probably along RT 95 so if there are any other suggestions I'd be glad to hear. Thanks for any help.
Re: spreading the word for new players
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031169 by RDHG
Mar 18, 2024 8:00am
Thread Board
There are two topics being addressed now, yet they can be connected.

That's a good point.

Its just that the main thrust was experience being the best teacher rather than do we or do we not need "new blood". I think everyone agrees that new people are welcome. I don't think there is any debate there.

And you're right about typed words not being the best way to communicate. That has always been the one huge drawback of online discussions.
Re: Bay Area event this Saturday!
Board: State: California
Reply to: #1031028 by fleetwood7
Mar 18, 2024 8:07am
Thread Board
Thanks for coming!
Re: Pi Day Event
Board: Event News and Planning
Reply to: #1031138 by moonstone
Mar 18, 2024 9:33am
Thread Board
Thanks everyone! I've often said I must be doing something right if Wanda has a meltdown at my event. Being yelled at for 1 hour and 27 minutes is a new record!!
(Why am I not mentioned FIRST in the history of letterboxing!? Why did you put my husband's name first when talking about a box he planted!!?? Are you trying to erase my contribution to the hobby???) I even received a THREE PAGE email "correcting" my version of history to be centered more around her.

Unfortunately there will probably not be a "Pi Day" event in 2025. I'm looking at a different "special number date" slightly later in the year.
(I did 2/22/22 and April 1st, there's one more I've been thinking about for a few years...)
Re: Pi Day Event
Board: Event News and Planning
Reply to: #1031177 by RIclimber
Mar 18, 2024 9:48am
Thread Board
And this is why Wanda has been banned from my events for years. And although banned, she will still show up. And this is why I no longer host events.

And this is why I dropped my sign up for your event after I saw she was listed as an attendee.

And this is why I don’t go looking for her boxes because her clues to her boxes start with a scathing rant against me personally because I single-handedly ruined letterboxing in New England.

Warrior Woman
fed up
Re: Pi Day Event
Board: Event News and Planning
Reply to: #1031178 by Warrior Woman
Mar 18, 2024 10:06am
Thread Board
Until Ryan allows blacklisting again there's very little I can do. I can't ban her from visiting a public park. She would sneak onto Honeychyck's property from the back to get the stamps even without clues just by knowing that the event was taking place and the plants were long term. At least others were generally not still there when that happened.
If she knows an event is happening she will find a way to be there.... I don't have the luxury of a large private property like others have for hosting events so I'm stuck using public parks. You, Honeychyck & Nosox can ban her and call the police. I can't.

I joked that my upcoming events will have a puzzle to solve that will lead you to the correct park. The more I like you the easier the puzzle. Some people would get a copy of a famous unsolved math equation!

At this point the only thing we can do is hope we outlive her.
Re: Friday Distraction - 3/15/2024
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031106 by Team Awesome Pants
Mar 18, 2024 2:11pm
Thread Board
The Happy Wanderer
Dion, The Wanderer
Gimme Two Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Wandering by James Taylor
Step by Step by Whitney Houston

Just trying to make the weekend last longer, I guess, still thinking about last Friday's distraction.
Re: Friday Distraction - 3/15/2024
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031102 by Jiffy
Mar 18, 2024 3:44pm
Thread Board
Rainy Days and Mondays

(Talkin' to myself and feeling old.
Sometimes I want to quite.
*Nothing ever seems to fit.)
 
KuKu

  • or "These clues don't seem to fit"
Re: What about this trail?
Board: State: New Jersey
Reply to: #1031171 by Sagacorn
Mar 18, 2024 3:52pm
Thread Board
I've hiked/boxed on the nearby Columbia Trail and around the general area but not on the Black River Trail. It's a nice area of the state. If you're heading down to Red Bank on I-95 you'll need to switch to the GSP or other area roads to finish the journey. There's a lot of parks along those areas. What concert are you going to?
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031164 by Mystic Mushroom
Mar 18, 2024 4:42pm
Thread Board
but honestly the best way IMO is just to invite people you think might like to LB out to LB with you. WOM has always been the main way that people get introduced to letterboxing. I first learned about it from my sister.

yes I agree, so far I have 3 friends that I have recruited and are actively boxing as well as carving and i revived another friend who was a boxer 10 years ago . One of them just recruited a visiting cousin from Chicago, and now this cousin is telling her friends who are seasoned carvers but know nothing about letterboxing. so hopefully we get a good ripple effect.

One of my best LB friends has a "guest" signature stamp so that when they introduce someone to going out that person gets the whole experience of stamping into the logbook (if there is one) I've always admired that idea.

I love this idea! i think im going to carve a stamp!
Re: spreading the word
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031163 by RDHG
Mar 18, 2024 4:59pm
Thread Board
Thank you RDHG and threeflamigos for welcoming me with open arms. it was such a fun event.

my friend said if we have a public information event its going to get too popular like pokemon GO and everyone is going to be lining up to stamp boxes. but I think letterboxing takes a lot of effort and its too much work for most people haha.

RDHG said
Theclowder, as for your friend's comment, I do not think that you have to worry about too many people getting excited about letterboxing. In a lot of areas, folks are happy to have one or two new people join the game. LOL. Now, have you recruited the friend who said that? 😉

OH yes! @rockspringscritters is just as obsessed as I am now. she has told quite a few people about it. we will be boxing together Wednesday hopefully.

And nobody is going to run me off. you cant get rid of me that easy 😉.
Re: Friday Distraction - 3/15/2024
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031180 by Team Awesome Pants
Mar 18, 2024 8:37pm
Thread Board
Its Gimme 3 steps by LS
Re: Friday Distraction - 3/15/2024
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #1031185 by T REX
Mar 18, 2024 8:55pm
Thread Board
Sure, if you're counting foot falls, ha :) What can I say, apparently math is hard for more than just Barbie!