How to leave awesome comments *or* the post where I do some comment shaming

So, I've been letterboxing for over three years now, and about four summers.  Somehow in Ontario along the way I got spoiled: the core community of letterboxers here are frequent and generous commentators on their letterbox finds online.  In support of this opinion, I provide you with evidence here and here.

But some folks don't comment.  Or comment with just, "thanks". This is baffling to me.  Particularly in the boxes I've found/planted in the US: really hard work going into some of these boxes (the carve, the book, the hide, the clue) and nothing.  That's just the local culture.

There's no rule, of course, saying you need to leave comments.  Nope. So, Bumble, stop yer whinin' and be thankful for what ya got.  There's no rule against me farting on your breakfast either; it's just good manners that I don't. My view is that it's just good manners to leave comments for planters and future finders.

But you know what, I'm going to go even further: you should be leaving good comments.  Not just "thanks". Of course "thanks" - that seems to be a holdover from our geocaching cousins who regularly leave "tftc". Shudder.

So, here's my helpful gift for you if - like me - sometimes you're at a loss for what type of comment to leave. I present you with an acronym.  Everyone loves an acronym.  Mine is CHAT.  Cuz remember, you always want to chat with the planter...

C stands for clue.  All you need to write is one sentence about the clue.  Basically you can just try to answer one of these questions about the clue: Did you like it? Was it accurate? Was it straightforward? Was it new or interesting? Were you able to follow it properly? Was any research involved?  Anything new that you learned?  Did you have to figure it out before hand or on the trail?  Are there any errors or problems with the clue that should be noted? Just one quick word about your thoughts on the clue that was given (or not given, as it were).

The next letter is H.  This stands for hide.  Again, just a sentence will do. The important part of this one relates to letting the planter know additionally if there is a problem with the box (ie. missing, in bad shape). Try and just answer one of these questions: How was the hide? Was it interesting? Was it well hidden? Was it tricky? Was it a cool or novel hide? What did you think of the hide? Were there any problems with the hide?  How was the box? What was its condition? Is everything still secure/dry? Did you like the hide?

The next is A.  This stands for art.  No matter how artistic the planter is or isn't, there is still some pride that goes into putting together the carve and logbook.  Keeping in mind that there is a wide spectrum of abilities, all you have to do is try and make a comment or two.  For example: How was the logbook? Was it handmade? Did it match a theme? Was it full? How was the carving? Was it large or small? Did you like the theme/style? Was it intricate? Just your quick thought on the book and carve.

And finally, T, which stands for trail. This means the trail, the indoor location, or basically the locale of the hide - as you know boxes can be placed just about anywhere.  Answer the question of: Did you enjoy the trail? Was it a good location? Was the weather good/bad? Did you see any wildlife? Get eaten by bugs? Were there muggles?    Was it a new place you would have never been to but for the box? Was it in a cool indoor location? Was there anything special about the locale?

There you have it.  Easy-peasy.  Just remember to CHAT with the planter and mention the Clue, Hide, Art, and Trail. Give a good comment and your karma will thank you - and in a world where there is a dearth of comments, you will certainly endear yourself to the planter (which may be useful if you come upon a clue of theirs you just can't solve...).

As always, happy trails!