This was my first hosting and no need to say that it came with all the anxieties of a first timer. Thank God for the unparalleled support from Emeka Ulor and Sagir Adamu who cohosted with me.
As advertised, the meeting presentation was on editing from generic to specific. With emphasis on category. The need to make our classifications specific when it comes to categorization of POI was highlighted. It helps the user of the Map to get a better experience when all information available concerning a POI is as specific as possible.
We drew out practical examples from the map to drive home the need to migrate from Generic Categorizations like Place of Worship, School, Financial Institution to Specific Categorizations also available in the map like: Place of Worship (Church, Mosque, Shrine, Catholic Church etc) School (Primary, High School, Elementary etc) , Financial Institution (Bank, Mortgage Lender, Pension office, Fund Manager etc).
Some responses
@TravellerG commended the presentation but called for more publicity next time to give more members of the community opportunity to learn.
@Emeka Ulor Observed that Google listens when we make suggestions and that we should not be weary in making useful suggestion aimed at improving the Map. He also stated that sometimes especially in Google My Business, Managers of these businesses may prefer a generic categorization even when it is not specific enough using the Example of a Distillery categorized as corporate office. He said It is possible the company has its corporate office within the factory premises and so prefer the secondary category of corporate as against the primary category of distillery. He gave us a link for more clarification Here’s more info on labels and categories https://support.google.com/business/answer/6056435
@Sagir pointed out that, where owners of businesses make the category themselves, such POI are not available for editing.
@Rosy commented on challenges encountered regarding covid 19 impact on editing. But Anil was quick to give answer using a presentation and gave possible solutions.
@Uchenna Shared his experience trying to create a POI (Catholic Church) he once visited but had a challenge as he was not able make specific categorization using catholic church and so ended up using Generic-Church.
@Ewaade agreed with the content of the presentation even as we look forward to series 2
Attendees Sagir Adamu, Emeka Ulor, Olumide Daniel, Magbagbeola Michael, Okamkpa Uchenna, Austin Eleweke, Ewaade, Franca Okonor, Onuka kalu, Timothy (Uganda), Rosy Kohil, TravellerG, Anil Sigh, Devi Dimitra, Shreeya Barai, Muhammed Thalib
@Sagir @EmekaUlor @Ewaade_3A @user_not_found
@Austinelewex