Why record your experience online?
This is a common question. Many geocachers believe that writing much more than TFTC is time consuming and pointless. This can't be further from the truth.
First, your online log is a record of your adventure. This lets the cache owner know how much you enjoyed your hunt (or didn't). It can also alert other cachers about any potential problems in the area. In addition to checking out the cache description and attributes, I routinely read the last five (sometimes more) online logs before we go out geocaching. It is also a great way to identify caches that you want to make a priority when you visit an area.
Additionally, your online log benefits the geocaching community at large. For all the reasons previously mentioned as well as for new geocachers just starting in the game. It fosters a spirit of community and encourages others to take part in it. It is also a record of your finds that you can go back and enjoy later.
How To Get Started
First off all you shouldn't make it harder than it is. You're only recording your experience. This isn't your doctoral thesis. Don't worry about misspelled words or proper grammar. I'd much rather receive a nice misspelled log with tons of sentence fragments than a simple "TNLNSL."
There's no formula for writing an online log. I find that carrying a notebook to record any notes as we hunt is very helpful. I use keywords to remind me of what we saw or maybe something funny someone said or experienced. Taking pictures can also be very helpful in jogging your memory about any particular cache. Of course I could have had far too much fun in my teens so maybe you won't need any of these aids.
While no standard formula can apply to every geocacher; you may find it helpful, in the beginning, to T.A.L.K. about your hunt.
T - Tell the cache owner about your hunt: What drew you here?, What did you encounter?, Was it easier or harder than you expected?
A - Alert the cache owner to any problems with the cache. (cracked container, wet log, construction in the area, etc.) Also record any maintenance you performed. (replaced log, taped container, etc.) You could save someone a trip! Be sure to list any potential hazards you encountered as well. Maybe the area around the cache is covered in poison ivy. Were you attacked by a bear? Etc.
L - List what you took in trade, if anything, and also what you left. I once drove an hour to restock a cache after it had been found so many times without any mention of what was traded only to find the cache well stocked. I wasn't upset, in fact I was pleasantly surprised and very grateful, but it would have saved me a trip.
K - Keep it polite. Your online log is not the place for rants and raves. Your personal feelings about geocaching shouldn't be displayed in your log. Remember, while one type of cache may not be your favorite, it might be to someone else. Be honest in your log but keep the politics out of it. At best you'll discourage someone from hiding any more caches.
The above format is just exactly that. A format. It is not the only way to approach writing an online log and is intended as a guide to help you in the beginning. As with anything, the more you practice the easier it will become. In time you'll find your own identity and other geocachers will recognize it. Just be sure to have fun!
