# My "Location": Help me decide on a format. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 29, 2006, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545 "2006-07-29T15:21:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/1 "2006-07-29T15:21:37Z")
Of the most mundane and pointless threads ever written, I hope this one sits up there at the top of everyone’s list. . . nay, I hope it makes the MPSIMS Hall of Fame (yeah, there is one in Muncie, Indiana). Anyway, now that I’ve relocated _and_ have a new GPS reciever (I bought it as a “To: Me, From: Me” Xmas present), I will be updating my ‘Location’ tag in my profile. However the question stands: _What coordinate system do I put in?_ Lat/Long is too “plain Jane” boring. I’ve done UTM in the past. **Bear\_Nenno** does MGRS. I’ve got Swiss, French, USNG, Irish, and I think there’s a Canadian one in my reciever that’s based off of UTM which replaces “A” with “eh!”. I’m leaning towards UTM since I think I’m the only guy using it, but then again, I’m kinda looking at MGRS since I am still on active duty. However, I am open to new suggestion. . . Tripler Seriously, I love Canada. I should have been born in a Tim Horton’s. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/2 "2006-07-29T15:31:03Z")
While you’re deciding, why not change your location to something cryptic like “on the Clark elipsoid”? ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/3 "2006-07-29T15:33:09Z")
> [@Tapioca Dextrin](#): > > While you’re deciding, why not change your location to something cryptic like “on the Clark elipsoid”? I’ve got a generic “I’m here!” tag for now. I might change it later, after lunch tho. . . Tripler Um, but yeah, “I’m here in Georgia! See y’all on the 19th!” ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/4 "2006-07-29T15:41:05Z")
It might be a tad obscure to the typical doper, but Galactic coordinates would be cool. I can’t give you a cite for how to compute them, but distance and orientation from the Galactic Center, down to the millimeter and fraction of a second or arc, would likely require scientific notation to fit into the slot provided. To add to the obfuscation factor, select some arcane units of measure like furlongs or cubits. Just a thought – since you asked. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/5 "2006-07-29T15:43:02Z")
You could always try the [State Plane Co-ordinate System](http://www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/class_info/nr502/lg3/datums_coordinates/spcs.html). ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/6 "2006-07-29T16:05:51Z")
> [@Tapioca Dextrin](#): > > You could always try the [State Plane Co-ordinate System](http://www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/class_info/nr502/lg3/datums_coordinates/spcs.html). Ooooh! Good one! I might just opt for that! Now I’ve got three choices: UTM, MGRS, and GA State Plane. 😃 Tripler Shoot, I just might survey my own damn plane to the inch. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/7 "2006-07-29T16:12:24Z")
I’d go for **Who gives a shit?** because I sure don’t. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/8 "2006-07-29T16:20:36Z")
How about the [Maidenhead](http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html) coordinate system, used heavily in amateur radio? Every location is described by either 4 or 6 characters, depending upon desired precision: two letters, two digits and (optionally) two letters. For example, my location here in Richmond would be expressed as **FM17RL**. You can enter your coordinates and find out your Maidenhead grid square [here](http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html). ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/9 "2006-07-29T16:22:05Z")
> [@don't ask](#): > > I’d go for **Who gives a shit?** because I sure don’t. That’s nice. And the point of your post is…? ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/10 "2006-07-29T16:26:50Z")
Sorry - it’s one of my pet bugs. I actually like to know where people are from and the idea of a more arcane system of hiding your location just seemed very silly. I hate all the stupid comments in people’s locations. But if it amuses others - go for it. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/11 "2006-07-29T16:36:04Z")
> [@don't ask](#): > > Sorry - it’s one of my pet bugs. I actually like to know where people are from and the idea of a more arcane system of hiding your location just seemed very silly. I hate all the stupid comments in people’s locations. By no means am I _hiding_ my location, I’m willing to get you down to my damned doorstep with my location. C’mon now, I’m an engineer by trade and training. You could friggin’ look me up on Google Earth if you wanted to. “Hiding my location!” Sheesh. :rolleyes: Tripler Currently at MGRS: 17SKS 4722 1193 ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/12 "2006-07-29T16:56:50Z")
> [@don't ask](#): > > I hate all the stupid comments in people’s locations. Given that the data in the Location field is purely voluntary, with no way to verify its accuracy, what difference does it make? I could have made my location read “Freso, CA”. Would YOU know that was false if I didn’t tell you? People in real life don’t (usually) wear t-shirts that tell you where they’re from. If you want to know, you ask them. Why does this need to be any different? [/hijack] Sorry, **Tripler**. Carry on, good Sir. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/13 "2006-07-29T17:03:10Z")
> [@Q.E.D.](#): > > Given that the data in the Location field is purely voluntary, with no way to verify its accuracy, what difference does it make? I could have made my location read “Freso, CA”. Would YOU know that was false if I didn’t tell you? People in real life don’t (usually) wear t-shirts that tell you where they’re from. If you want to know, you ask them. Why does this need to be any different? Only because I am an engineer, and have this idyllic notion of Dopers that if you are in town, and need a place to crash, you’ve already got one (with Canadian beer!) if you show up on my doorstep and mention your username. Call me naieve, but hey, I’ve met so many damned good Dopers, I will happily return the favor. But I want it to be _cool_–I’m an engineer, remember? Tripler “You know of Cecil? You’ve got a home here.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2006, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/14 "2006-07-29T17:56:44Z")
> [@Q.E.D.](#): > > That’s nice. And the point of your post is…? I believe **don’t ask** was attempting to demonstrate his/her maturity, decorum, and elan. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2006, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/15 "2006-07-30T23:44:51Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > Only because I am an engineer, and have this idyllic notion of Dopers that if you are in town, and need a place to crash, you’ve already got one (with Canadian beer!) if you show up on my doorstep and mention your username. > > Call me naieve, but hey, I’ve met so many damned good Dopers, I will happily return the favor. But I want it to be _cool_–I’m an engineer, remember? > > Tripler > “You know of Cecil? You’ve got a home here.” 😃 You SOB. You bought Kokanee, didn’t you? And didn’t stop on the way through to give me any. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2006, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/16 "2006-07-31T00:00:47Z")
> [@GingerOfTheNorth](#): > > You SOB. You bought Kokanee, didn’t you? And didn’t stop on the way through to give me any. Poor **Ginger**. _tauntingly waves a Big Rock under **Ginger** ’s nose_ ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2006, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/17 "2006-07-31T00:15:23Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > Poor **Ginger**. _tauntingly waves a Big Rock under **Ginger** ’s nose_ You are a bad, bad Gorsnak. Although, Friday night at my house included other Canadians, Rickard’s, Kokanee, and poutine. And Saskatoon pie. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2006, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/18 "2006-07-31T01:29:59Z")
> [@GingerOfTheNorth](#): > > You SOB. You bought Kokanee, didn’t you? And didn’t stop on the way through to give me any. Three cases (at this exact moment, currently two and a half). And hey, my apologies for not calling ya when I passed through. I did think about you and **dave** , but had my plans set to visit an old boss of mine down at Langley AFB in Norfolk. I wasn’t avoiding you! I just had others to hang with for one evening. Trust me, the **Travelling Circus of Tripler** will pass through Baltimre many, many times over the next few years. Tripler However, I cannot guarantee there will be any Kokanee left by then. ---
**Author:** ![kittenblue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ba8739/32.png) [@kittenblue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kittenblue)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2006, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-location-help-me-decide-on-a-format/366545/19 "2006-07-31T02:04:56Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > By no means am I _hiding_ my location, I’m willing to get you down to my damned doorstep with my location. C’mon now, I’m an engineer by trade and training. You could friggin’ look me up on Google Earth if you wanted to. > > “Hiding my location!” Sheesh. :rolleyes: > > Tripler > Currently at MGRS: 17SKS 4722 1193 I’m sort of with **don’t ask** on this one. While I admire the cleverness of some location lines, I find myself annoyed with those posters who say something like, " Well, here where I live we do things this way" and when I scroll back up to see where they live, it’s “under the couch” or some such thing. So I go back to see if at some point they mention where they really live…you know, just a throw-away line like “Here in Seattle we do things this way”. Nope, nowhere in their post do they mention it. So then a few posts later, someone tentatively asks, “Um, so where \*\* do\*\* you live?” and gets a reply like “Well, sheesh, I’ve been posting here so long I figure everyone already knows where I’m from,” and then you feel silly and compelled to go search all their previous posts for the past five years to see if somewhere there is an oblique reference to a particular country, state, region or city. So go ahead and use whatever space/time coordinates you find cool, but always remember to include a phrase outlining it in plain English for those of us with more classical educations if you ever post anything that includes a reference that is location specific. Promise?