I became a guide in the same way most people did; I visited a place and Google asked me to review it. When I could have just ignored it I decided to go ahead and leave a review because I thought it might be helpful for other people. After doing this a few times I realized that it became addicting. I wanted to have some legitimacy to my reviews so that if I ever did come across a place that required a less pleasant review or a glowing one people might actually take it seriously since I had proven that my reviews were not a joke or a throw away. The more reviews I made the more I enjoyed it and realized that my work might actually be helping others. When I got the notification that one of my pictures had over 20,000 views I realized that I actually was making a difference. I don't feel like many people leave reviews in my area, and as a consumer who takes reviews into account when visiting places I feel like is important to contribute. I don't want to waste my time or anybody else's, especially as a mother who totes two children around everywhere; time is valuable. I enjoy being a Google Guide and I can only hope that I am helping others.
2022
