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Read Thread: No ratings of "1"

Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525066 by Kirbert
Jun 27, 2010 6:06pm
Thread (disabled) Board
If it was a good location with good clues and the stickers were appropriate,

Nope, nope, and nope.

if it were a dumpster box with directions for clues and just a sheet of glittery stickers having nothing to do with anything, yeah, a 1 it gets.

Yep, yep, yep.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #524674 by VeganStar
Jun 27, 2010 8:21pm
Thread (disabled) Board
That sounds pretty good for rating, to me. I hope you don't mind, am printing that out to possibly help me rate in the future. I have done it some, but not to any real consistant standard. Can always go back and do it later. This will help me.
Thanks,
OD
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525089 by Boxer Lover47
Jun 28, 2010 12:42am
Thread (disabled) Board
Nope, nope, and nope.

Yep, yep, yep.

I was afraid of that.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525066 by Kirbert
Jun 28, 2010 8:36am
Thread (disabled) Board
and the stickers were appropriate

At first I was going to disagree with this........but then thought that, if the sticker was made from the image from a rubber stamp that the planter (or someone else) had carved and taken the time to make a superior image than I could, out on the trail, then..............that would be OK.

I would probably still like to stamp it my way, but, what the heck,..........."generic, store bought stickers though..........No way!

Y~K b
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525195 by Yak King blues
Jun 28, 2010 8:46am
Thread (disabled) Board
How about an address label that says, "I can't carve, so here is some information about _________." The sticker was all text except for the very tiny clip art image in the corner.

And THIS was the Find when I trying to introduce someone to letterboxing. Oh well, we still had some light rain and nosey muggles to make it feel like an authentic boxing experience, not to mention that we started on the wrong trail and had to start over. I blame that on the clue writer, too.

Yes, Virginia, there are some 1s out there.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525195 by Yak King blues
Jun 29, 2010 7:13am
Thread (disabled) Board
...."generic, store bought stickers though..........No way!

Compare to rubber stamps. Generic store-bought stickers that bear no relation to the box location would compare to a generic store-bought stamp that bears no relation to the box location. Store-bought stickers that are perfectly suited for the location compare to a store-bought stamp that's perfect for the location. And homemade (presumably printed) stickers with a custom image compare to a hand-carved stamp. In each case, I think we'd all agree that stickers aren't as good as a stamp. But whether or not stickers should automatically draw a "1" rating, I'm not so sure.

I once considered planting a box with a hole punch instead of a stamp. If you've ever gone through the collection of hole punches in a crafts store, you know what I mean. SWMBO has a punch that makes a tiny hole shaped like a crab. It's really cute! The idea that someone could punch a hole in a page of their log book instead of stamping on it appealed to me. What didn't appeal to me, of course, was the fact that there's no way you can hand-make one of these things, they would always have to be store-bought. Still, at a place with crabs, that might be kinda neat. And I found a place with crabs just this past Saturday, woulda been perfect for that hole punch!
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525200 by Maude
Jun 29, 2010 7:15am
Thread (disabled) Board
How about an address label that says, "I can't carve, so here is some information about _________." The sticker was all text except for the very tiny clip art image in the corner.

Yes, Virginia, there are some 1s out there.

Yeah, that's pretty heinous. That's why we have a Stamp Swap on AQ, so that people who can't carve can still plant boxes with hand-carved rubber stamps! There's no need to resort to such a cop-out.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #524993 by Boxer Lover47
Jun 29, 2010 12:20pm
Thread (disabled) Board
There was the one with no stamp, just stickers. 8~(

I think if I found a box like this, with nothing special about it at all like in the above rating system (which I bookmarked BTW) and they are generic stickers like my first grade teacher would have given out, than I can't even say I'd give it a "1". That's not even a letterbox and shouldn't even be listed as one. It's more of a geocache. Yuck. I have found a dumpster box, and the logbook was nothing special, the stamp was Ok, but it brought me to something special so not even that one was a "1". But there was one down the street from it that was!
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525395 by Kirbert
Jun 29, 2010 4:06pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Still, at a place with crabs, that might be kinda neat. And I found a place with crabs just this past Saturday, woulda been perfect for that hole punch!

The really hard part might be getting that crab hole punch away from SWMBO.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #524674 by VeganStar
Jun 29, 2010 4:15pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Sounds similar to the Patent Pending Cyclonic System of Box Rating™, but I tend to put equal emphisis on clue and location as I do the actual box.

I rate my find according to three categories, all added together and then averaged.

1. Clues - Clues are important. They are the start of the adventure, and should lead you through a journey. Tell me a good tale or give me clues that challenge me to think and the box will be given a five here. Directions rate no more then a three, less if they are not accurate.

2. Location - It does not always have to be a spectacular view but a nice walk will do. Even a drive by location can be wonderful, just don't put the box in a parking lot. A location with history or a great story behind it will also garner a higher rating.

3. Presentation - It is not just the stamp, though that is important, but how the box itself is presented. A store bought stamp always, always gets a one from me, with the only way to improve this score being a finely made logbook, which would bring it to a two. Beyond the stamp, is the box appropriate for the location, the clues, or both, for instance, is it a nicely made box that fits into its surroundings if it is indoors? Is the logbook more then cut up index cards? These all work into the presentation of the box.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525499 by Cyclonic
Jun 29, 2010 7:08pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Location - It does not always have to be a spectacular view but a nice walk will do. Even a drive by location can be wonderful, just don't put the box in a parking lot.

I really debated about this one- and I'm still not sure. If the point of the box is to get the finder to an establishment- say, a restaurant, store, etc.- which is preferred, having a behind- the-counter box, or a parking lot box they need to actually hunt? I have heard of really amazing behind-the-counter boxes, and have found a couple, so don't mean to disparage them. In general though, are those seen as less satisfying? Is part of the thrill of the hunt about having to be sneaky in a well-populated area, even if it is a parking lot?
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525549 by Monkeys!
Jun 29, 2010 7:22pm
Thread (disabled) Board
which is preferred, having a behind- the-counter box, or a parking lot box they need to actually hunt?

How 'bout a third option......

The indoor/ establishment boxes that I've searched for and found were inside the establishment, but you still had to find them. They were hidden, in something, or behind something, and yes indeed, you needed to be "stealthy"!!!

They were great!

Y~K b

.....lots 'o possibilities........
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525549 by Monkeys!
Jun 30, 2010 4:50am
Thread (disabled) Board
which is preferred, having a behind- the-counter box, or a parking lot box

I *personally* am uncomfortable having to go into an establishment and asking for a box, especially if I really have no intention of buying anything.

But that is just me and my personal comfort zone. I have found some fantastic boxes inside of establishments of all types, and would never want to discourage those! (I just make sure I take a more outgoing friend!)

Parking lot boxes, while easier for me, really need clever clues and placements or a really unique location. (And there are quite a few of those around as well)
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #524737 by Princess of Pink
Jun 30, 2010 5:28am
Thread (disabled) Board
I haven't rated any boxes yet because I'm still a relative newbie (find-wise, not time-wise) and don't want to start rating until I have a better feel for what's out there. But, once I start rating I'm definitely going to keep your system in mind. Thanks for sharing!

Keep in mind also that choosing not to rate boxes is always an option. We do not "rate" boxes that we find. We do, however, always send an email (AQ mail or "Contact the Placer" if the box is found only on LbNA) describing our hunt, the day, the condition of the box, etc. And always a nice "thank you." If you choose only to write about the positives of your letterboxing experience, then certainly some emails may be shorter than others, but at least you don't find yourself debating over the difference between a 2 and a 3 and whether or not your definition of a 2 or a 3 is anything like some else's definition of the same numbers!

Just another possibility! :)
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525640 by MissMoon
Jun 30, 2010 8:11am
Thread (disabled) Board
What one person thinks makes a great box, another person doesn't.

Perhaps, but if a box is lousy enough, all will agree that it's lousy. Besides, nobody actually sees the ratings other than seeing Blue Diamonds applied to the top 5%.

When planters opt out of having their boxes rated, I am tempted to conclude it's because they know they plant lousy boxes. I can understand not checking the ratings of others' boxes when preparing for a hunt, but I don't see many other good reasons to prevent the rating of your own boxes. Just exactly what is the thinking there?
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525646 by Kirbert
Jun 30, 2010 9:06am
Thread (disabled) Board
"When planters opt out of having their boxes rated, I am tempted to conclude it's because they know they plant lousy boxes."

Well, that's got to be the dumbest thing ever.

Brian
TeamGteenDragon
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525640 by MissMoon
Jun 30, 2010 1:13pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I never rate them either and have always been opted out of having mine rated. ... Ratings are subjective.

That is why I like it when people rate my boxes (or at least when the local boxers do). I like to plant boxes that people will like. If the local boxers rate my boxes, I don't know what ratings they gave, but I can look at the box rankings and get an idea of what types of boxes I should be planting more of.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525549 by Monkeys!
Jun 30, 2010 5:09pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I really debated about this one- and I'm still not sure. If the point of the box is to get the finder to an establishment- say, a restaurant, store, etc.- which is preferred, having a behind- the-counter box, or a parking lot box they need to actually hunt? I have heard of really amazing behind-the-counter boxes, and have found a couple, so don't mean to disparage them. In general though, are those seen as less satisfying? Is part of the thrill of the hunt about having to be sneaky in a well-populated area, even if it is a parking lot?

I am not saying that the box has to be behind the counter. In fact, I really don't like them, it is kinda like being handed the box, and that is not me. Currently, Schizokeet has a box in a coffee shop that is hidden in a mug in the shop. The owner knows it is there and loves it, as she loves seeing where folks are coming from to stop off and get this box. The clue is easy but not too much so, so it is very findable but you still have to look around.

I am disappointing in how many boxes in places do not take the opportunity that a dry spot provides to really up it on the presentation. I am even more disappointed to see the clue for a box at a planter's favorite restaurant and not take the time to talk to the owner and hide it inside the place, instead putting it in the parking lot. It is not fun to be "sneaky" in a parking lot when it is not a good location. If it is a great location, why not make the extra effort to make it a great box?
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525646 by Kirbert
Jun 30, 2010 5:21pm
Thread (disabled) Board
When planters opt out of having their boxes rated, I am tempted to conclude it's because they know they plant lousy boxes.

Wow, is it me, or are you just stuck on stupid?
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525689 by 55 Steps
Jun 30, 2010 5:26pm
Thread (disabled) Board
That is why I like it when people rate my boxes (or at least when the local boxers do). I like to plant boxes that people will like. If the local boxers rate my boxes, I don't know what ratings they gave, but I can look at the box rankings and get an idea of what types of boxes I should be planting more of.

I find that I enjoy planting much more when I plant boxes I enjoy rather then boxes that I think others will enjoy.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525750 by Cyclonic
Jun 30, 2010 5:27pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I am disappointing in how many boxes in places do not take the opportunity that a dry spot provides to really up it on the presentation.

Good point. I have not yet planted an indoor, but I have considered it and am researching several different possible containers that would be much more fun than a lock & lock!

I am even more disappointed to see the clue for a box at a planter's favorite restaurant and not take the time to talk to the owner and hide it inside the place,

I wonder if sometimes it's the idea of not wanting to be told "no" and then have the proprietor be on the lookout for something they would have otherwise not thought about? Also, if the place has more than a few employees there is the concern that some, especially newer, employees may not know what is going on and may cause an awkward situation. Those have both been considerations for me.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525753 by Cyclonic
Jun 30, 2010 6:48pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I find that I enjoy planting much more when I plant boxes I enjoy rather then boxes that I think others will enjoy.

I couldn't agree more with this statement. If I plant without investing my excitement and joy about the final product, I know finders will enjoy the box less. Every one of my boxes has a story and where else can I say "it's all about ME." So if someone doesn't want to know me, they shouldn't be looking for my boxes. I like to think my boxes are entertaining and make you think. Besides, "you can never make everyone happy, so you might as well make yourself happy."
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525752 by Cyclonic
Jul 1, 2010 2:06am
Thread (disabled) Board
Wow, is it me, or are you just stuck on stupid?

Takin' lots of abuse here, but I still haven't seen any other good reason for opting out of having your boxes rated. "I just don't condone it" is perfectly fine, but I'd like to hear why you just don't condone it.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525812 by Kirbert
Jul 1, 2010 2:12am
Thread (disabled) Board
Takin' lots of abuse here, but I still haven't seen any other good reason for opting out of having your boxes rated. "I just don't condone it" is perfectly fine, but I'd like to hear why you just don't condone it.

Actually, I don't opt out, you can rate my boxes and I rate others. It does not negate the fact that what you wrote was just about the stupidest thing I have ever seen, and I have written some stupid things myself.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525744 by MissMoon
Jul 1, 2010 4:44am
Thread (disabled) Board
I agree with Miss Moon here. I don't believe in rating boxes. Alot of it is subjective, anyway.

Jaxx
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525744 by MissMoon
Jul 1, 2010 5:23am
Thread (disabled) Board
I am not sure about the rating system I certainly have found blue diamond rated boxes that I thought were just so-so and I have found boxes with no diamond that were outstanding... I rate sporatically and I think that effects how your rating is counted *Shrug* I mean to say I only rate a box if I was really wow-ed or it really sucked - otherwise I don't rate at all. But you can rate my boxes, I do somtimes look at the ranking of my own boxes, however some of my longer hike boxes have never been found, and I know they are boxes I would enjoy finding... (revolutionary redoubts comes to mind) My Blue Diamond boxes are all about location (which I think is as it should be) .... I won't change the way I am planting because of ratings, I think I plant what I like to seek (maybe most planters are like this?)... longer walks and hikes and/or great locations and clues with little "a-ha's" and of course cemeteries. I mostly subscribe to Miss Moon's feelings on the rating system (the only diffrence being I allow my boxes to be rated and somtimes I am compelled to hit 5-4 or 1) - it's there but I am not sure its good for much, after all there is no icon for a sucky rated box (the reverse blue diamond)

LBM
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525838 by MushrooM
Jul 1, 2010 9:32am
Thread (disabled) Board
I rate sporatically and I think that effects how your rating is counted *Shrug* I mean to say I only rate a box if I was really wow-ed or it really sucked - otherwise I don't rate at all.

Your ratings won't count if you rate sporadically. Check the quality of your vote her: http://www.atlasquest.com/boxes/traditional/ratingstats.html
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #525395 by Kirbert
Jul 2, 2010 7:16pm
Thread (disabled) Board
What didn't appeal to me, of course, was the fact that there's no way you can hand-make one of these things, they would always have to be store-bought. Still, at a place with crabs, that might be kinda neat.

i've seen LBs with two stamps that are related. what about a stamp AND crab hole punch that go together. that would be cool!
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #526202 by windsurfgator
Jul 2, 2010 7:19pm
Thread (disabled) Board
what about a stamp AND crab hole punch that go together.

Hmmm. Already carved a crab stamp, it served proudly for a coupla years and then went missing. Perhaps carving another is in order.

Thinking more about it, perhaps that punch could be a bonus box.
Re: No ratings of "1"
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #524665 by Eidolon
Jul 19, 2010 5:09pm
Thread (disabled) Board
OK, I"ve letterboxed for another month, and I understand how to use a 1. I feel like I'm at work.