I would hope @Calicodreamin that you’re seeking out new places to experience because you like adventure and new foods rather than because you want to progress your reviews on Maps. My reviews and photos span four countries over around eight+ years. If was doing that specifically to have new places to review I would be very poor. I trade the money for the travel experience. I’m off overseas again soon for my first post covid trip with my partner to experience yet another country and culture. I’m sure I’ll review places and add photos while I’m there, but it’s not why I’m going!
I got into leaving google reviews because of my love for travel, trying new restaurants, and expanding my knowledge of the world. I have a questioning mind and enjoy seeing things from different perspective. Being an engineer and working in a manufacturing field, I find cost important in my professional life and that bleeds into my personal life. I use my experiences to be inquisitive not condescending.
@Calicodreamin The problem I currently see is reviewing reviews, images and creating new sites, it frustrates our emotions of wanting to share our experiences, both positive and negative, with the rest of the world. We all know that we will not receive financial compensation, but it is true that before you enjoyed prizes, parties, activities in the pre-covid 19 era, now they let you try demos that require you to register your bank details, something that I do not understand. In any case, there are local guides that are very top and it would be impossible to beat their numbers. If they had to compensate anyone, it would be them. Regards