For quite a long time Local Guides were struggling to get Fact Finder Badge as nothing was moving for Facts Checked criterion (one out of three criteria).
It was reported several times by many users and the team was working on this.
Finally on Android today, it is observed that Facts Checked criterion has been removed from all three levels Novice, Expert and Master Fact Finder to earn Fact Finder Badge in Google Map as a Local Guide.
Update: As confirmed below in the comment section by @Laptop9020 , this change is implemented on ios (iphone) as well.
I agree @Amiran but the Local Guides were struggling to move up in Fact Finder badge as due to some issues Facts checked counter was not moving. Although they were getting the respective points for edits under Answers.
So, in that context it is good for the Local Guides till some more updates/changes surface. e.g. enablement of bug free Facts checked with moving counter as per the edits done.
Yes. I just noticed this today on my android. This is a great improvement for the first quarter of 2024. The novice fact finder badge now appears as earned for me. Iām still trying to figure out the best way to submit poi edits. Often they seem to jusy sit as pending for me.
Keep making good things happen in your community and beyond.
I just noticed this myself today, only a few hours ago. I was searching for any posts or threads on whether anyone else noticed this. Your post was quite thorough, good job.
As for my thoughts on the subject, Iām not sure how I feel about the elimation of the fact checking criterion. Sure, it makes acquiring the badge easier, now that fact checking is removed, especially since so many users struggled with a stuck fact checking counter, but I would have preferred they fixed the problem rather than delete fact checking altogether. I wanted to check facts for the badge and enjoy the journey towards completing that challenge, assuming they would fix the initial problem. However, overnight I abruptly got Master Fact Finder instead, it just does not feel earned even though I wanted the badge; I did not even get a congratulatory notification, like how I did when I earned the Master Director badge. I guess I just mourn the journey of checking facts that I thought I had, even though I arrived at my destination by getting the badge overnight. You know what they say, āItās not the Destination, Itās the journeyā.
Also, to my amusement, it looks like the āFact Finderā badge doesnāt live up to its name now, because all you need for it are edits and answers.
It really isnāt a Fact Finder badge anymore, if checking facts isnāt listed as part of the deal. Maybe thereās going to be a name change following this downgrade.
Exactly, I wanted to echo what @Scheria mentioned regarding pending-forever edits.
I made edits around my neighbourhood, and now they set forever as pending. My understanding is that other users verifying those edits would speed up their approval, but now verifying facts is not working, and they sit as pending forever.
Removing the criterion from the badge seems like a patch rather than fixing the root cause. It makes it easier to get the badge but makes the badge itself of a much less value.
@Kumaarsantosh Thanks for the change, but could you verify if the faulty fact checking feature would be a reason for edits setting as pending forever?
@ishassan I remember the early days when facts to be checked were seen as coloured markers on the map as I drove along. I enjoyed that. Then it became a bit more hidden, but we could still check some. Now it is no more. Iām hoping there may yet be a proper fix.
What kind of edits you are refering here under āFacts Checkedā which are still pending for you? Could you please share the example or the list of pending edits due to removal of Facts Checked criterion.
Also, it will help to understand if you could detail out what all kind of Edits you are referring here which were there earlier as Facts Checked criterion and now due to removal of this criterion, those are not there?
It is just that Facts Checked criterion has been removed from earning different levels of Fact Finder badge, Check the facts option is still available and Local Guides can very well provide the answers as deemed fit. Pease go to Check the facts tab under Contribute now ā Share your experiences.
Some tips on How to Check the facts:
Check the facts
Open the Google Maps app and tap Contribute.
Tap More ways to contribute / Contribute now for Android or See suggestions for iOS.
At the top, swipe left across the categories.
Tap Check the facts and confirm place info.
Answer questions
Open the Google Maps app and search for a place youāve been to before, or tap it on the map.
Tap the placeās name or address.
At the bottom, next to āKnow this place,ā tap OK.
Answer the questions.
Hope this will clarify your doubts.
Keep building informed community stronger together.
together.
