Why is Google charging me for storage as a Local Guide with millions of views?
As an active user and Local Guide level 8 on Google, with over 6 million photo views, I want to express my surprise and frustration upon discovering that Google is charging me for photo and video storage. I have dedicated time and effort to contributing to the platform, updating information, providing constructive reviews, and sharing images that enhance the experience for millions of users.
I wonder:
How is it possible that Google does not offer tangible benefits to those of us who invest time in keeping its platform active and relevant?
Why should Local Guides, who clearly add value, have to pay for a service when our content generates positive impact that directly benefits the platform?
I understand that companies need to generate revenue, but the current model seems to overlook the work and contributions of those who sustain this community. Google, as one of the largest companies in the world with multi-billion dollar revenues, should set an example of support and reciprocity towards its voluntary contributors.
Is this policy fair? What do other Local Guides think? Should we raise this issue publicly on social media to ensure it is heard?
I hope someone from Google can respond and clarify this situation, as it seems like an important topic for the user community.
I don’t disagree with you, but please be aware that photos uploaded to Google Maps do not count towards your 15 free GB on a a free Google account. After you have successfully uploaded your photos to Maps you no longer need to keep them in Google Photos if you are running out of storage space.
All platforms pay for their collaborators, why not Google? Me too, regarding your opinion, but there should be consideration for the collaborators, who help the platform Live and be useful to humanity, it is not logical that I pay to help, to make profits with my expenses without receiving, not even a share from Google, it is not obligatory, But it has worked like this since this story began, to criticize and upload photos.
I understand your thinking @gustavochaosalazar, but the Local Guides program is completely voluntary and not directly tied to our usage of other available Google applications.
Also, to add to what @MortenCopenhagen says, I can attest that I am nowhere near my Google storage limit despite taking photos and videos to contribute to Maps.
I understand that the Local Guides program is voluntary, but I believe Google could implement more tangible support programs for active contributors, similar to platforms like YouTube or Instagram, which generate audiences and offer real incentives to their creators for their collaboration. In Google’s case, as a contributor, I am helping to improve the platform by providing content, yet I still have to pay for additional cloud storage. This creates a contradiction since, while supporting Google to optimize its services, I receive no proportional benefit in return. It would be great if Google adopted a more generous approach toward those who voluntarily strengthen its ecosystem.
Hola buenas tardes este tipo de beneficio actualmente ya no existe, yo como usted también cuento con muchas vistas y también tengo que pagar por el almacenamiento.
Es lo que hay o contribuir o no contribuir de forma altruista ,así todos nos podemos ayudar a la hora de elegir restaurantes hoteles negocios etcétera ya que la reseñas contribuciones son muy importantes.
Saludos cordiales.
