2022
What does it take to be a Local Guide in Bangka Island. It never cross my mind that my story will be as adventurous as this one:
I started posting photo, review and edit as Local Guide in June 2017 when I was on holiday in my hometown, Bangka Island, Indonesia. As a beginner, I knew almost nothing about Local Guides. But since my life depend on Google on daily basis, especially Google maps, I knew if I help Google, then I help others like me too. So with determination I started to go around my neighborhood, took photos, add locations, edit, and submit reviews.
Being away from my home town for more than half of my age seemed making me forgot one tiny thing about my hometown, that is only 1/3 of the community is an active user of Google services, especially maps. So when I was out, taking photos, or stopping in front of a bulidng and entering information on my mobile phone, most of the times:
1. I was considered as a property agent who is taking photo to sell the building/land nearby, or
2. I was considered as a news reporter who is making stories about the location, or
3. I was an undercover hired agent working for someone with money and/or power
Unfortunately, all of the three options are bad news and none of the residents want to deal with them. So their first reaction when they saw me taking photos was to chase me away as soon as possible. Even with public buildings, when I stopped in front of the building and started submitting entries on my mobile phone, security guards would immediately approach me with one purpose in mind: to chase me away asap.
After a few similar encounters, it came to my realization that I need to change my strategy. So then, first thing I did was going straight to the owner of the building or the security guard post, then introducing myself, flashing my Local Guides email from Gmail to them (not quite sure they understand since it's in English - neverless it worked lol), explaning about Google Local Guides and Google Maps, sometimes showing them how Google Maps works. Once they're satisfied, I took photo and entered information requested by my Local Guides apps. It took about 30 minutes to complete one edit/entry per location, longer than my normal 5-10 minutes standard. But when the photo reached over 10k, it's all worth it.
Not all experiences were bad ones though. Sometimes I met those who were Google and maps fans. So when I introduced myself as Google Local Guide, they were so excited to show me everything. Some even asked me to take their personal photos to be uploaded on Google. As a professional of course I took their photos, many photos in facts. But in the end, after the visit, it's me who will decide which photo to be uploaded.
Do you have similar experience like mine in your area or country..?
It can be a total happy story... or more adventurous one(s).
Let's share it here .. the story that no other man on earth wouldl experience except Local Guides.
Cheers,
Karina
Ermes grazie mille per il tuo aiuto, ma non ho avatar nelle mie Settings 😞
My Setiings looks a bit different from yours, and I could not find the Avatar anywhere.
Dear Local Guides, do you know how to find Avatar menu as per guidance provided by Ermes below..?
Or do you know how to change profile photo for LG Connect only?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Here is my Settings looks like:
