Written by Janell Brown, Wayward Waymarking

Some people wonder what the point of a variable is. Often they repeat information that is asked to be included in the description and down there at the bottom of a waymark's page they are easy to miss. In my opinion, there are two main reasons for variables - one is lazy waymarkers, and the second is for search functionality.

Lazy Waymarkers - It would be nice to think that everyone is willing to do the work to post a waymark full of history, visiting information and great photos, but that would be naive. Sometimes folks get caught up in the numbers game, or maybe they just hate writing. Whatever the case, you can't assume that everyone is going to include the basic information needed to visit a place (for example: hours, admission fees, parking, special equipment or skills needed for a visit, etc.). They include what is required to get the waymark accepted into the category and no more. Adding required variables for information that you feel is important will solve this problem. There aren't a lot of lazy waymarkers, but there are enough that you should consider adding variables to maintain the quality of the waymarks in your category.

Variable Searches - Currently, the Website does not allow for searches using the variables, however, it is the hope and dream of many waymarkers that this will be a feature added in future updates to the site. Creating variables for type, style, location type, etc. will make future searching easier. An example would be this: say you're interested in totem poles, but don't want to search through every waymark in the "Outside Wooden Carvings" category to find the totem poles listed. In a perfect waymarking world you would be able to search by the variable of "type" and weed out the cigar store Indians and chainsaw art to find the totem poles you're looking for. The possible variables available are limitless, but good variables to consider including are type, hours, admission fees, and website.

Once you've created the category, click the word "edit" at the end of the category's title on its main page. Next click on the tab on top that says "add/edit variables." Click "create new variable" and this will open a form with the following input boxes: variable type, variable name, variable description (optional), display order, and a check box for choosing whether a variable is optional or not.

A variable type is simply the way that the information will be input when a person is submitting a new waymark. There will be a dropdown list of nearly 20 different types of variables to choose from. A little overwhelming, but you will regularly only use a few of the types listed. The most commonly used are the short textbox, the dropdown list, Web address and physical address. In my opinion, the drop-down list will be the most helpful variable in the future when search functionality is added to variables. If you plan on asking for admission prices, I suggest using the "multi-line textbox" option rather than the "textbox accepting currency." The reason for this is that often admissions vary depending on age or season, and the currency box will only allow one number to be entered. It also won't allow you to specify the type of currency. A multi-line box allows for more complete information to be listed. As far as the physical address is concerned, opinions vary as to the need for this one. You are already required to list the coordinates which will give you the location of the waymark. Is the address necessary? You decide.

Now that I've stressed the importance of variables, let me also recommend restraint. Pick and choose the most helpful information a waymark visitor might need and leave the rest off. If you have a list of ten to fifteen variables, chances are that many waymarkers won't post in your category more than once because of all the extra work. Is knowing a machine's serial number going to help folks find the waymark and enjoy it more? If not, then don't add a variable for it.

When you've finished adding and organizing the variables you think are necessary, it's time to move forward to the next step, the review process - first officer review, and then peer review.

Next: Officer and Peer Review
Back to: Category Creation Guide main page

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