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 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

What is an interactive puzzle like? How is it different than encoded clues?

What is an interactive puzzle like? How is it different than encoded clues?

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.

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?

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.

So, back to the question. Now I know WV Tim does them, is there an identification specific to these type boxes?

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.

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.

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.

"Gadgetbox" in title or as a keyword?

Your choice but keywords work

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.

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

[...] it doesn’t seem like there are a lot of gadgetboxes or field puzzles in letterboxing - not enough to create a new category.

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.

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?

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.

Using "gadgetbox" as a keyword would make it searchable.

Make sure "gadgetbox" is in the glossary first!

Make sure "gadgetbox" is in the glossary first!

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.

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.

it doesn’t seem like there are a lot of gadgetboxes or field puzzles in letterboxing - not enough to create a new category.

If you create it, they will come?

If you create it, they will come?

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.

Make sure "gadgetbox" is in the glossary first!

It's been added!

-- Ryan

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.

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.