What’s the point of writing a Google review when, even after reaching Level 8 and uploading 6,000+ images, my reviews don’t get the visibility they deserve? I’ve contributed so much to Google Maps, yet when I leave an honest negative review, it gets buried while fake reviews from users with barely any contributions are pushed to the top. Shouldn’t experienced contributors be valued more? If genuine feedback isn’t prioritized, why even bother?
I’ve had enough of this platform. There’s no proper support, no grievance redressal, no real perks—just endless contributions with nothing in return. They treat us like lab rats, using our efforts to build their empire while giving back nothing of value. Thousands of contributions amount to nothing more than a pair of stinky socks. The system is designed to exploit genuine users for corporate gain. I truly hope my country develops an alternative to Google Maps—one that respects and rewards real contributors.
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Hello @deadly96 and welcome to Local Guides Connnect.
First of all, I’m sorry for your experience, I hope things will be better soon.
And also let me share you about perks.
Google Maps is a community based platform that relies on voluntary contributions from users to help others make informed decisions about places. The Local Guides program encourages users to write reviews, share photos, answer questions, and edit map information. While participants earn points and levels for their contributions, the program is not designed to generate perks.
But yes, Recognition comes through badges, levels, and occasional perks, which are offered based on the quality and consistency of contributions. To be eligible for perks, users must enable perk-related emails in Local Guides settings and remain active contributors.
Participation is entirely voluntary, with the main goal being to assist others and improve the map experience for everyone
Let’s leave the perks aside for now. My question is very straightforward: what’s the point of uploading over 6,000 images, hundreds of videos, and contributing consistently for years if our content doesn’t even appear at the top? People with just a few contributions are given prime spots in the review section, while contributors like us don’t even make it into the top fifty. Where is the credibility in that? Can we really trust someone who might be writing fake reviews just for engagement? Despite putting in so much effort, we’re still not recognized, whereas new users with minimal input are given much more visibility.
I wrote a negative review about a place based on a genuine experience, and yet, my review is nowhere to be seen in the main section. I had to scroll through hundreds of reviews just to find it. Meanwhile, users with hardly any uploads have their 5-star reviews—posted even before mine—displayed right at the top. Just by checking their profiles, it’s obvious their reviews are fake. If the platform only wants to showcase 5-star reviews, then it might as well not have introduced a review system in the first place.