Read Thread: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Sep 28, 2018 5:57am
Is there a way to distinguish (or maybe a new classification ) letterboxes that are similar to geocache puzzle boxes?
If not, can there be one? I would love to be able to know which boxes are in this category locally.
If not, can there be one? I would love to be able to know which boxes are in this category locally.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #965999 by All 4 Bama
Sep 28, 2018 6:00am
If you look at the advanced search filters you will find a brain as one of the icons. Search your local area with the brain filter on. While in the advanced search check out the other search icons available. This may not yield exactly what you are looking for but is what we already have
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #965999 by All 4 Bama
Sep 28, 2018 8:46am
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966015 by Maude
Sep 28, 2018 11:29am
I think you are asking about gadget caches. Those are caches that have a field puzzle that you have to figure out. WVTim (West Virginia Tim) seems to be the most prominent creator of gadget caches.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966021 by Oberon_Kenobi
Sep 28, 2018 1:33pm
Yep, that's what I am talking about!
So, back to the question. Now I know WV Tim does them, is there an identification specific to these type boxes?
So, back to the question. Now I know WV Tim does them, is there an identification specific to these type boxes?
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966027 by All 4 Bama
Sep 28, 2018 2:09pm
I'd still use the "brain" icon in the clues, just put some sort of description of the puzzle in there with it so boxers have some idea of what they are in for to get at the logbook and stamp.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966027 by All 4 Bama
Sep 28, 2018 2:42pm
There isn't, that I know of. We should start using one, not that I've done a gadget box (or gadget cache). May I suggest the keyword "gadgetbox"? Then in the future people could search for them.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966039 by Oberon_Kenobi
Sep 28, 2018 3:19pm
Having looked at some of the gadgets linked above, I would definitely want to know before leaving home. It could turn into a frustrating waste of time.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966042 by Maude
Sep 28, 2018 5:17pm
Well, they vary. There are cachers around here who make gadget caches, among others. These caches have been fun. The one that requires a 9v battery tells you in the hint, if you read that before going. (I did because it seemed to suggest in the description that battery is needed.) Another required that you solve a Rubik's cube. (Again they told you beforehand.) The others required no special prep.
It would be nice to have a keyword though, and what is involved in the description.
It would be nice to have a keyword though, and what is involved in the description.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966039 by Oberon_Kenobi
Sep 28, 2018 5:40pm
"Gadgetbox" in title or as a keyword?
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966050 by All 4 Bama
Sep 28, 2018 5:58pm
Your choice but keywords work
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966050 by All 4 Bama
Sep 28, 2018 7:28pm
It seems to me at the very least it should be a keyword. But I would say it should be noted in the hint.
Myself, I love puzzles and gadgetboxes but having put a few out (in geocache form) I can attest to the fact they do cause some people frustration - I’ve gotten mail!
I kind of like the idea of it being in the title (as a category). Still being new-ish I might be wrong, but it doesn’t seem like there are a lot of gadgetboxes or field puzzles in letterboxing - not enough to create a new category.
Unlike caching where the coordinates take you right to GZ, letterboxing clues can be enough of a “field puzzle” as it is. 😄
My ¢.02 worth.
Myself, I love puzzles and gadgetboxes but having put a few out (in geocache form) I can attest to the fact they do cause some people frustration - I’ve gotten mail!
I kind of like the idea of it being in the title (as a category). Still being new-ish I might be wrong, but it doesn’t seem like there are a lot of gadgetboxes or field puzzles in letterboxing - not enough to create a new category.
Unlike caching where the coordinates take you right to GZ, letterboxing clues can be enough of a “field puzzle” as it is. 😄
My ¢.02 worth.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966060 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Sep 28, 2018 8:48pm
I agree it should be in the clue. It I believe the OP was wanting a way for them to be searchable. Right now we have the brain which is any kind of puzzle
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966060 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Sep 29, 2018 3:09am
I agree. With geocaches there is the attribute "field puzzle". Keywords act the same way here, that is they serve the same purpose as attributes. Using "gadgetbox" as a keyword would make it searchable. That much should be "required", as much as anything is required here.
Then putting it in the description should be considered a (nearly required) courtesy. Putting it in the title could also be done but not required as the other places would be.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966067 by Oberon_Kenobi
Sep 29, 2018 5:36am
I like the idea of using "gadgetbox" in keywords to make it searchable. My thoughts behind this topic was to make the LB a little more unique & shake it up a bit. Still being newish myself, I felt like a GB might be an interesting addition to letterboxing.
I don't think they would be suitable just anywhere. There is a particular location nearby that might lend itself to a gadgetbox though.
Any suggestions on who to get permission from when hiding a LB in a nature preserve?
I don't think they would be suitable just anywhere. There is a particular location nearby that might lend itself to a gadgetbox though.
Any suggestions on who to get permission from when hiding a LB in a nature preserve?
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966071 by All 4 Bama
Sep 29, 2018 6:05am
A lot of preserves are run by a conservancy or trust. Google the name of the preserve and that should take you to their homepage.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966067 by Oberon_Kenobi
Sep 29, 2018 6:28am
Make sure "gadgetbox" is in the glossary first!
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966076 by PI Joe
Sep 29, 2018 9:49am
I know that there is a way for regular people to add terms to the glossary, but I can't find it. Otherwise I'd add it myself.
Perhaps GT or WU would add the term.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966081 by Oberon_Kenobi
Sep 29, 2018 10:36am
I’ve sent a glossary suggestion to Ryan and to the administrators. I wasn’t sure if this was actionable by a mod or not.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966067 by Oberon_Kenobi
Sep 29, 2018 1:19pm
If you create it, they will come?
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966092 by Kirbert
Sep 29, 2018 1:28pm
Yes, but we can't create a new category; only GT can do that (and probably won't). We can, however, create new keywords. Then when we start using the keyword, people will start searching on the keyword.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966076 by PI Joe
Oct 5, 2018 9:29am
It's been added!
-- Ryan
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966021 by Oberon_Kenobi
Oct 5, 2018 8:46pm
These remind me of some of the boxes created by the great X Marks the Spot
Be sure and check out his blog for some amazing examples.
Be sure and check out his blog for some amazing examples.
Re: Geocache style interactive puzzle letterboxes
Board: Suggestion Box
Reply to: #966437 by Girlguides
Oct 5, 2018 9:09pm
Thanks to a local boxer who was able to get two of these sent to Utah, and I was able to go to the events to be able to find them. One was The Fifth of the Five Orders, and the other one I can't locate in my finds. I hope that I logged that one.
They are each definitely worth finding, and a challenge to get into.
They are each definitely worth finding, and a challenge to get into.