I love being a local Google Guide. Not only is it a fun way to recall my favorite spots, sometimes I enjoy reading my particularly snarky reviews to my husband, who helps with editing. One of my favorite things to do on Google maps is to correct the location marker, especially up North. Because the geo-location is off near the poles, most of the businesses and places of interest in my hometown are positioned incorrectly. I think of it as my civic duty to correctly position the marker so that travelers to my home town of Naknek, Alaska know where they are going and don’t end up in the tundra somewhere!
Another thing I have been enjoying with Google maps is the ability to make customized maps. I am working on a couple of map projects - one involving local food sources for subsistence harvesting, and another a listing of local businesses in my home town. I also like to add new businesses to the map, especially if it’s something awesome that I want to encourage others to frequent. I enjoy contributing to the question and answer section, and it is a good reminder to pay attention to things (like handicapped parking, and mens/womens/nonspecific bathrooms).
I have occasionally left a scathing review, but I consider that part of my civic duty as well. Management should be aware if customers are having unpleasant experiences at their establishments, so that they can correct those issues, thus improving their business’ outlook.