How to Get In and Out of Trouble: The Main post

Hi Morten

The Angry French again :wink:

I did follow you’re rules but my 4 last contributions were all rejected, on the same ground ( taking money from the owner… ).

The good point is that " All omnipotent Google" dont get access to my bank account, the bad is that i’m probably right, thinking the algorithm has a flaw.

The more you get rejected the more chance you get to be rejected again.

And the moderator, one on three, follow the AI. I guess there is a flaw too in moderators, but as they are humans, that’s good for me.

Anyway I’m done and Google Maps should live pretty fine without me :wink:

Best whishes for 2024

@MortenCopenhagen

@Julie_A

Thanks for explaining @MortenCopenhagen

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I have read almost all the posts but I did not get a solution to my problem. We thank you.

Hi @MortenCopenhagen thanks for this fascinating mini-series! I wasn’t aware of the suspension/hiding functions till I incidently noticed a recent review of mine was not published (probably because of recognizable [my] face picture, I didn’t know it’s not allowed. And previously such reviews were published).
I deleted the picture with faces. Do you think the review may become public now?

Anyway, after reading your series, I checked and ~8.4% of my 383 reviews are hidden.
Upon further check which reviews were hidden, I saw that Google decided to hide a whole period of reviews, 6-12 months ago (unrelated to this recent review-with-faces). I went through these reviews and didn’t find anything contradicting the guidelines. It’s a pity, some of these reviews were quite a time investment.

Is this common, to have such a period “vanished”? Do you think it’s worthwhile to start an objection process?

Hi @HerrS

You can always check if a review goes public or not. The easiest way is probably to check if your number of public reviews increases using Incognito mode.

Well spotted that a time series of reviews got hidden. I don’t think this is common.

Please try the appeals form for hidden contributions. Account investigation for contributions not visible on Google Maps

@MortenCopenhagen , is it OK to include links in a review, eg. a link to a restaurant review in a newspaper that helped you choose this place or the dishes?

Also - Is it OK to include contact details like email/phone (eg of the owner of some rooms for rental for tourists)?

Hallo @HerrS
my understanding is, neither links nor other details such as phone number or email address is allowed as part of a review. However, can add phone number and web site of the place via an edit, if they are not listed yet, but no links to any other sites.

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Links in a Maps review are not allowed and they will not be clickable. Why would you include email + phone? Such information belongs in the Maps listing.

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@MortenCopenhagen
Hello sir,
Thank you so much for putting together this incredibly valuable and comprehensive post, “How to Get In and Out of Trouble.” This is truly an essential read for every Local Guide, whether new or experienced.
Your breakdown of common guideline violations and the clear steps on how to both avoid getting into trouble and address issues if they arise is exceptionally well-explained. The emphasis on carefully reviewing contributions and understanding the guidelines is a crucial reminder that we all need.
It’s fantastic to have such a detailed resource that simplifies complex information and empowers Local Guides to maintain a healthy and active profile. This will undoubtedly help many avoid unnecessary stress and keep contributing positively to Google Maps.
Thanks again for your dedication to the Local Guides community and for sharing your insights!

Best regards,
Subhadip Hanra
Username: @SubhadipHanra

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Thanks for your kind words.

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Absolutely agree with you @SubhadipHanra and don’t know how many times I did refer new members of Connect to this series!

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Thanks @WilfriedB

Maybe we one day need to check if something needs to be updated.

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Maybe it is enough to update the date, referring to a four years old post always gives a bad feeling. :laughing:

Seriously, I agree we should all watch, if something needs to changed. I’ll let you know, if I find something specific.

I hope, you a have a local backup copy to be prepared for the next platform change of Connect @MortenCopenhagen :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

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Quite a comprehensive post, @MortenCopenhagen Bookmarked!

I always knew about the guidelines on Reviews and Photos, but your mini series helped me understand the finer points where I need to improve to avoid getting my reviews hidden.

Thanks for your patience in putting this up!

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