I am a level 5 local guide and guess what’s the highlight of my contributions. Answers.
I have answered nearly 500 questions on Maps and that sure is my favorite part of being a local guide…other than of course writing a nasty review of a truly awful place (ab using my power as a local guide) (wink, wink).
Well, answering questions really speaks to the introvert that I am, no need to whip out the camera for photos, no need to publish myself… But it really makes me a better person and even nudges me out of that shell. I will tell you how.
Makes me observant
I still remember the first time I was posed all those questions by Google, I thought to myself, “I spent so much time at X place but how the hell I did not notice that thing.” For example, if it has a ramp for the disabled. Yes you don’t really go looking for a thing you don’t need but it doesn’t even register in passing if you saw a ramp next to the stairs or if the lift is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. And then slowly it becomes a habit.
Over time, I am making a mental note of all the kind of questions Mr Google can ask. It is a different matter though that despite all the observing, he stumps you with an out of the world question like “Do you get Skechers at this hypermarket.” And I am like dude I am sorry I did not write down all the brands they sell.
Makes me a talker
So you know sometimes just observing won’t make the cut and you will need to talk to that shopkeeper for all the deets. So suddenly, from the girl with her nose in a book I become a conversationalist (ahem!) digging up some much needed info. It is fun when things take a turn from having the devil may care attitude of not knowing/ talking to people you see often to the shopkeeper actually recognizing you the next time you are there. A local celebrity…If you may.
So cheers to self improvement!