How to help your reviewer and get your cache published quickly!
What happens when I list a cache for publication?
The reviewer will look at the page and make sure it
meets the guidelines, this includes checking if permission may be
required and looking at the location on the map and possibly Google Earth. It is
important with a multicache or mystery cache to include the Final
Location as a 'hidden additional waypoint' on the page. Any physical
locations of a multicache (containers) should also be included as a
'stages of a multicache' additional
waypoint, hidden if you don't
want the finder to see the coords or visible if you do. You should also
add any clues or question stages as additional waypoints using the 'Question to
Answer' type (see later on this page).
If you have permission information add this as a 'note to reviewer' log
on the cache page. Any other information you think may be relevant
should also be added this way. These reviewer notes are deleted before the cache is published and are not visible.
Just tick the box 'Yes this listing is active......' and it goes into
the Reviewers queue for review.
Can I work on my cache for longer than the 40 minutes allowed?
Yes, if you UNTICK the box 'Yes this listing is active....' and then submit the page, it does not go to the reviewer. You can then edit the page, submit it and see how it looks. You can edit the page and check it as often as you want. When you are ready, tick the box and then it goes to the reviewer.
Why did the Reviewer 'Temporarily Disable' my cache and send it back?
Here are the main reasons the Reviewer will send your cache back. You can avoid this and get it published if you check first!
- No Final Coordinates added for a Multicache or Mystery cache. No stages added as waypoints for a multicache.
- No Home coordinates shown (need to know where you are based for cache maintenance purposes)
- Obvious permission needed but not given - cache in a Nature Reserve, National Trust land or Forestry Commission for example. Check the Guidelines and check the map!
- To close to another cache (proximity error). Your cache is too close to a traditional cache, or the final location of a multi or mystery. Click here to find out how to check yourself if there will be a problem.
- Wrong type of cache listed - it's a Mystery but showing as a Traditional for example.
- Wrong coordinates - your cache seems to be miles away from where it should be! Check them!
- Obvious breach of the guidelines - "Would everyone who finds my cache please put £1 in it and I'll give it to 'Save the Wombats' charity" or "the cache is hidden in a hole I found in the wall of the Cathedral which is owned by the National Trust. Just remove the loose stones to find it".
OK, the reviewer did disable my cache, how do I sort out what's wrong?
Read the note from the reviewer to see what the problem is. It may be something very simple like a change in the wording or the coordinates need checking. All you need to do is make the edit changes or update the coords and submit the cache again with a note if needed added as a 'Note to reviewer' at the bottom of the edit page.
If it's a more complex problem and you are not sure then ask the reviewer, just edit the cache and add a 'Note to reviewer' at the bottom and submit it again.
A common mistake when trying to sort out a problem is to create a brand new cache page and submit that. There is no need. You can make whatever changes you need to the original cache page to get it right. If you are not sure ask the reviewer!
How do I check if my cache is too close to another before listing it?
The Knowledge Books will help here. You can also use the link on the
bottom right of a nearby cache page to
Geocaching.com Google Map which shows you all nearby caches (but not distance).
You can use Google Earth to enter coordinates and use the ruler tool to measure
distance between points. Remember, the guidelines say caches should
be separated by 0.1miles/528 feet/161meters. This only applies to physical
caches or physical stages of a multi cache - this includes the final location of
a multi or mystery. Any 'virtual' waypoints such as questions to answer or
parking are not counted. The proximity guideline can also be relaxed if there is
a physical barrier between the caches such as a river or motorway which means
there is no direct route between them. If you are in any doubt check with your
reviewer.
How do I check the speeling and grammur?
Write it in a word processor, check it and
cut 'n' paste the text into the cache page.
Does the Reviewer check the page for spelling mistakes? Not unless it is
something that makes the description difficult to understand. Caches are
published as they are usually.
How do I put HTML code and links to websites on the cache page?
I've created a separate page on how to enter basic HTML code and an editor that you can use on the cache page. Use the link in the contents on the left, 'How to do HTML'.
How do I add additional waypoints, it's a bit confusing?
This article in the geocaching.com Knowledge Books explains the details. Please note Step 10 and 11.
Waypoints are listed on the cache page in Prefix code order (A1 is before AA).
I need to tell the reviewer something about my cache? How do I do this?
Add a 'Note to reviewer' on the cache listing and they'll see it. Edit the cache and add the note at the bottom. These notes are removed before the cache is published so don't worry no one will see what you asked! If you are not sure who your local reviewer is, just open any nearby cache page and their name will be on the bottom below the logs.
I've got permission in a letter. How do I add this to the cache for the reviewer to see?
If you've got a scanner then just scan it as a JPG image file or PDF Adobe Acrobat file. If you've not got a scanner then just take a photo of the letter and download that from your camera. Then, write a log for the cache - either a reviewer note while you are editing the cache or a 'note' type log. Submit the log and then edit it, in the top right corner of the log window you can upload an image. Add your letter that way. Don't worry it won't be visible once the cache is published.
I don't have Ordnance Survey maps, how can I check a location?
Use this link to Streetmap - just enter a UK postcode or coordinates (in any format) and you'll get the 1:50,000 map to view. You can zoom out to the 1:25,000 OS maps. You can also enter coordinates into Google Earth and Google Maps. Now that Google Maps has Street View you can probably see exactly where it is.... that's what your reviewer does!