Google Local Guides has been kind of a journey for me. I would get these pop-ups saying “Know This Place?” and - of course - I know that place. Got something to say? Well… the sad truth is I very often have something to say! lol So I’d post some stars and maybe a review. Then I started getting feedback from Google about the number of people that had read my review. That meant something because I started off by reading others’ reviews. I began to see that the opinions I write ‘matter’. It could affect the well-being of the establishments I go into. Hmmmm…… better be thoughtful about these reviews. Flippancy is probably not a good trait here. As time goes on, I see that this is a very special resource.
In fact, in some regards, this is social media the way it should be. Sharing impressions, emotions and information about the parks, restaurants, venues, sights, hotels etc that we go to. Each individual rating may not be all that useful but a bunch of them (positive or negative) send a message. Reviews can help people decide what to order, where to go depending on their desire or mood and what might fit their own likes and dislikes. More than that, as a group, we advertise the inherent value of the places we visit. This is especially important when you think about all the lesser known places; the mom and pop inns or restaurants that don’t announce themselves and are not well known. By its nature, it encourages us to share rather than criticize. We are driven to be constructive about the things we see and focus on them. I sometimes worry that some social media platforms have focused too much on the ‘ME’. Look at me; look what I did; look at all my friends. This platform is about ‘THEM’. They gave us great service; the people there were friendly and helpful; the food they served was piping hot and delicious; the waterfalls would blow your mind and so forth.
I’ve come to the point of seeing Google Local Guides as an important tool to foster community. You can quickly learn what’s good around you or where you might be visiting. You can feel more confident going to a ‘new’ place (to you, anyway) or trying some experience (like parasailing) that may not have struck you as the absolute blast that it is. AND as a constructive reviewer, I can send messages to operators of the places I go about what works and what just isn’t hitting the right note. What could they do to improve? What are they doing that is totally excellent?
I now am almost beginning to see it as a responsibility. Yes! I tend to have a lot of opinions! But, in my experience, they tend to not be so far off base so sharing them, in this fashion adds value to my local neighbors, local businesses and people visiting the great city of Hamilton Ontario (go Tiger Cats!)