Foraging Game

[markpeace]

Hi all,

I'm in the middle of writing a new GPS-game based on foraging, and thought it might or might not appeal. You basically email a Geotagged photo of the thing you've found, with the type of find as the subject, to the website - the community then vote on whether the find is accurate, and you receive points based on various criteria (first to find, first in location, etc).

Its all very rough and ready at the moment, but the whole thing is community-driven, and I need a micro-community to get it started, so if anyone fancies playing, the website is ...

http://www.foragable.com

(faq available at http://www.foragable.com/foragable/faq/)

At the moment, you can only upload things if you've can Geotag photos (in other words, if you have a phone with GPS) - but you can earn points by confirming other people's finds. I'm aiming to launch it properly next spring, and I'll need to monkey around with it in the meantime, but I'm going to try and ensure that items people post aren't lost.

All the best,
Mark.

[the.fee.fairy]

Sounds interesting.

Please, join in the site, with your knowledge and the knowledge of others using your site, it could be very helpful for members here.

One question though: Something like a morrel mushroom might be quite rare in some areas. How would you ensure that there are not lots of your users going afte the same mushrooms?

And, how are you going to ensure that the people using your site regard the countryside with respect, and don't go clumpling over wildflowers and rare fungi to find one thing that someone else postes?

[markpeace]

Hi - cheers for the reply.

I'm asking users to commit to principles of ethical/sustainable foraging (in draft) as part of the terms and conditions -- I might find a way of including these if they ever print things.

My plan was not to make exact geocoordinates available for sites of items, the map shows 'patches' or general areas where things have been found. The only thing that users will be able to download are 'foray guides' which indicate the likelihood of different items in an area they specify, with some guidance on how to identify them. I think this also fits with the idea that half the fun is in the hunt. I'm also building in a mechanism that hides rare finds from anyone who hasn't themselves shared a rare find. Any other ideas gratefully received!

Cheers,
Mark

[MKG]

Hi Mark

Now that looks fascinating! I'm watching the site with interest. Although - you describe it as a game. I would have thought it a public service.

However - I think that 5% of your expertise base being needed for confirmation is way over the top. Someone finds something in the extreme tip of Cornwall and 1 in 20 of your membership is needed for confirmation? Not likely.

But more power to your elbow - nice project.

Mike