Reviews turned off for a location, but only for me?

So I went to Auschwitz recently and am attempting to post a review to the entries for both parts of camps (I & II). When I do, it tells me the usual “blah blah blah reviews have been turned off by Google for this location”. Both 1 and 2.

Which I could believe if they actually were. But other reviews have been posted an hour before and after I attempted so I sincerely doubt that is true.

I decided to edit and completely strip away anything that could be triggering the snowflake bot, including references to Nazis (duh, it’s a historical museum/memorial for the Holocaust!) Or anything that seemed to evoke strong emotions or discomfort, which is blatantly absurd considering that is precisely what you should feel at a location like this. It seemed to accept it for about 5 minutes, then up popped the “review not posted” thing again.

I parsed it down to a single line even (ie. “A humbling experience.”) and still no dice. I tried posting with no photos.

So, basically, I tried everything but for some reason Google refuses to accept my 5 star review with the automated claim that reviewing the location is turned off, except everyone else’s reviews seem to be posting just fine.

What do I do here? This seems strange.

Once before I got this message for a gay bar. It turns out then that it was just my review it didn’t like for no reason cos I just deleted and reposted it exactly the same 3 weeks later and it was fine.

3 Likes

Hi @rabbithearts

When we get the message that reviews have been turned off for this location, it is a general block and not something affecting you only.

The spammers often prefer to post their messages to popular pins for max impact.

If these are the Maps links

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fh1aFurcUD9muzdK6

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HmvQxXsjTJDQ4wYE6

I can confirm that reviews were added earlier today and yesterday.

So you might be seeing a personal block. They do exist. Just trying repeatedly to review a place might trigger the spam filter.

Furthermore, the spam filter looks at your overall performance and track record as a local guide. So completely unrelated violations can also cause reviews to be removed from public view or a block of new reviews.

Connection issues could also play a role.

I wish I could help you more.

Morten

2 Likes

Thank you, @MortenCopenhagen .

Is there a certain number of reviews in a day that triggers the spam filter? I like to sit around when I’m watching TV and add a few reviews at a time, which I did the previous day (I think 5?). Yesterday I had only added one for a bar before attempting Auschwitz I & II. (Yes, those are the two locations I was attempting to add a review to.)

What should I do? Just wait a week and try again?

Hi @rabbithearts

There is not a fixed max for reviews.

I don’t have first hand experience with your issue, and I don’t recall others reporting the same, so I can’t advise you.

Your suggestions sounds good. You could also test if the problem is affecting your reviews at other pins.

Best if luck

Morten

Thanks again, @MortenCopenhagen .

I tried posting a new review at a different pin, and it worked fine. So, apparently it’s those two pins for Auschwitz.

I guess I will delete both and wait a week or two and try again.

1 Like

Sounds good, @rabbithearts

Please report back so we can learn.

Cheers

Morten