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***UPDATE***
The guide below may have some relevant information but is outdated. Please read this for more information on the new log for FFXIV integrated with the resource maps.
***UPDATE***

Guide to the Final Fantasy XIV DoL Log

Since a lot of you people have found out how to use the Log I don't know if this is really necessary but I thought I would add a guide anyway.

NOTE: Log and Log are two different things :P I may mean to put an item in the log or to obtain an item through logging (actually using a hatchet in Final Fantasy XIV). I hope you can deduct what I mean from context. If not let me know.

Information need before starting:
First of all you need to decide what kind of gathering method you are using when playing Final Fantasy XIV. Select the radiobutton for either fishing, mining or logging. So far spearfishing, harvesting and quarry have not be included but this should come as this would be essential for many people. When selecting a method the input fields below will change to reflect the choice.

Now that you have selected the method of gathering you need to put in information on the conditions you are in.

Select the weather you are experiencing. The icon for weather can be found by your clock in the game. I have added titles for the weather so hover you mouse over the icon if in doubt. Be aware that the icon for plain weather can be experienced at nighttimes so this is not per se a sun but just an indication that the other weather conditions don't apply.

Now you need to select the moonphase. There are eight to choose from. If you are doing this while gathering just check the moonphases at the top of the page and select the one that is "Current".

Next you will have to enter you rank. This is just a number between 1 and x (don't know the limit yet) and can be found in your status when you open the menu.

Enter the location. This is the name of the location as it is shown on your map in the game.

If fishing enter the water type. This is not always easily determined as the game don't tell you this. Freshwater is normally found in ponds and fountains while saltwater is the sea. There are exceptions though (I believe the fountains in Limsa Lominsa are actually saltwater (even though I am not completely sure). After catching your first fish you can see what kind of fish it is by checking it in your inventory. It will say fresh- or saltwater fare.

Enter the grade of the resource you are gathering from. Information on this will be displayed in the log when you start gathering (ie. "You cast your line in to grade 1 water").

Now it is time to put information about tool. Normally you will start out with a "Weathered" tool but as you progress you will get better equipment to help you improve your gathering.

If fishing it is now time for tackle. This can either be bait or lures. If using lures you will be able to use it until a fish break your line (which will happen eventually). If you use bait any bite will deplete your amount of baits by one so make sure you have plenty. These are rather inexpensive so don't worry too much about getting as many as possible. They will be worth it.

Depth/Cut/Aim is selected every time you start gathering. So far we don't really know what effect this has but it seem that low level items are at the top and high level items that are harder to obtain are lower (but as stated this is not confirmed in any way).

If fishing you also need to add information on whether or not you are fishing in a school of fish. This can influence the fish that can be caught. You are fishing from a school if you have used your fishing abilities to locate the resource you are fishing. If you are just fishing then leave this unchecked.

Information on result:
This information will be obtained once you have done your gathering.

If you did not obtain anything click the "Nothing bites/found" checkbox. The other controls will disappear and nothing more needs to be done.

If item is lost check "Item lost". Again: Controls disappear and nothing more needs to be done.

If fishing with a lure this can be lost. If this happen check the "Lost Lure" check box and list what item it was lost to.

If you actually get something find the item in the list.

Choose how many items were obtained (Count). This is either 1, 2 or 3 but I have made it possible to select up to 5 as I am not sure if this may be possible if you have a really high rank.

Indicate the quality of the item. This can either be normal, +1, +2 or +3.

The last thing you need to inform the system about is how many skill points you gained. This will let us know when you should target specific fish for optimal skill points.

I hope this guide give better insight into the DoL Log.

So you made an error?
If you make an error no worries. As long as the error is recent and on the list of latest logs you have the change to either edit it or delete it. Next to the time of the log you see links for Edit and Delete. Use these to resubmit the information or delete the log. Note: Don't press delete unless you really want to. You will get no warnings.

Why should you even care?
Adding information to the log will let us get a much better insight into where the resources can be found. If you need an item in Final Fantasy XIV we want to make it as easy as possible for you to find this item without needing to get 100 other items in the process. I plan on displaying statistics on all items that is put in the log letting users know how many times it has been found in the different areas and if fishing what tackle is best to use.

Also you will be able to export this information to a file. This has not been implemented yet but it will enable you to make your own deductions.

Also you will get bragging rights as we will display the most active people on the frontpage. Everytime you log an item you you will be awarded one point. These are displayed in the forum also.

All in all your efforts will make this site a lot better and help others, as well as yourself, have a better experience in the Final Fantasy XIV.

Edited by user Tuesday, February 01, 2011 3:29:29 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Information on missing items added.