Being a reviewer is one of the most sought-after positions in the geocaching community. People want this job because it has a lot of power. But, it’s not always clear how someone becomes a reviewer. This article provides some insights into how to become a reviewer.
What do you need to become a geocaching reviewer?
Groundspeak has made it almost impossible to figure out precisely what makes a player qualified to be a reviewer. Here’s a quick rundown of the traits Groundspeak searches for in potential applicants:
- high level of geocaching experience
- positive reputation within the community
- strong communication skills
- good understanding of caching guidelines
Volunteers are the folks who labor behind the scenes to keep geocaching alive. But before becoming a volunteer, they must undergo a strict screening process. This process is not easy, and just anyone can’t become a volunteer.
People who are good at geocaching get contacted by others who want them to find new caches. It happens because there are more and more geocaches being put out all the time, so the people who see them need to review them.
These players help make sure new caches follow the guidelines and are made public. They also help players with any questions they may have.
Groundspeak is looking for someone active in the community, has a lot of finds, and knows the rules. The reviewer position is given to people who Groundspeak thinks will be the best candidates.
If you want to be a part of the community, don’t be discouraged if someone asks you to join it. Being an excellent asset to the community will help with recognition. If you are suitable, you’ll be picked.
What Do Geocaching Reviewers Do?
Reviewers are volunteers who help approve and publish new geocaches. They check to ensure that new caches follow the guidelines, and if they do, approve them for publication.
If the cache meets specific criteria, the reviewer will reach out to the cache owner for more questions and help them fix any problems.
Without reviewers, there would be no geocaching. Since reviewers are an important part of the geocaching community, they help out by answering questions through emails, participating in forums, and sometimes maintaining social media pages.
Reviewers are essential for the game of geocaching. They help players by verifying caches and answering questions on forums. Without reviewers, the game would not be as successful.
People who review games spend a lot of time playing them. It is so they can find new challenges in the games.
Reviewers’ Demand and Structure
The number of reviewers an area has depends on how much demand there is for them. The number of players in one city might be different from the number of players in another city. The number of caches also affects how much demand there is for reviewers.
A reviewer will likely contact you in your area if you are chosen to join this exclusive club. It is someone who will offer you a position to review local businesses. You will have a location close to you that you will be responsible for monitoring. You can then expand to other parts of your city.
You will have a mentor teaching you during this learning phase. Above your mentor is another reviewer with a higher status. The power structure is similar to a pyramid, but no single leader exists. Instead, there are multiple leaders.
Do Geocaching Reviewers Earn Any Money?
Volunteers who review geocaches are not paid, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make money from the hobby. Some reviewers may be crafty and find ways to make money from their involvement in geocaching.
If you think outside the box, you can come up with some ideas to sell to other geocachers. Some simple ideas include:
- Stickers
- Magnets
- Shirts
- Buttons
They could sell supplies at events, such as pens, logbooks, and other valuable items a player may need while out hunting.
Setting up a booth to sell your stuff during tournaments will benefit gamers who require supplies at the last minute.
Pros & Cons of Becoming a Reviewer
It is not up to you whether or not you become a reviewer. Other people will decide if you are qualified to be a reviewer.
Suppose you are chosen for a local reviewer position. In that case, it is essential to remember that you will be representing your neighborhood.
Should you even consider the option?
On the one hand, this would give you a new perspective on the game. You would become a player who referees the game. As a result, you would gain some power and influence over other players.
On the other hand, you have new responsibilities that you should be able to fulfill properly. It does not sound appealing to some because it might be hard to do everything at once.
Do you think you have the skills to talk to other players about a cache you just denied? Can you calmly speak to them so that they don’t get angry? Things like this happen.
What about the players trying to reach you with questions that can easily be answered by looking at the official website?
Yes, you are finding caches to verify they qualify for publication. But you are also communicating with players regularly.
Final Thoughts
Some people find satisfaction in playing the game. Others want more from the game, like playing from the other side. Some people only want to talk about geocaching.
Read more: How to Take Your Family Geocaching
Frequently Asked Questions About Geocaching Reviewer
How Do I Become a Geocaching Reviewer?
When choosing volunteers, Groundspeak looks for people with a lot of geocaching experience, a good community reputation, and strong communication skills.
How Many Geocaching Reviewers Are There?
Community volunteer reviewers are essential for the game of geocaching. Geocaching is a game that is played all around the world with the help of more than 400 community volunteers.
Is Geocaching Still a Thing 2022
Cache hides are necessary for geocaching to continue to be popular. Some caches are old, and people love them, but new caches help the game stay interesting.
How Many Geocaches Are There in the US?
In the United States, there are presently 3,569 active geocaches. It accounts for around 44.8 percent of all geocaches around the globe. Some states have more hidden caches than others.
How Often Should I Check on My Geocache?
You should always read the logs to stay updated on what is happening with the area or the cache. Geocachers often include information about their journey to find the cache and might mention if anything about the cache should be updated or changed.
