Being a Local Guide was always initially like a beta testing for me like finding the bugs, reporting it back and then realizing the removal of the flaw later on and then feeling the respect in self of doing something really creative. But, then things started to change with time, I started visiting places, editing them, adding photos, adding information, etc. Then, I felt it is just more than finding a bug, it is like doing something which can help a very larger section of society in a way. Then, I really got the meaning of “Contribute” in the Google Maps.
I have done lot of things since i joined Local Guide program like editing the wrong location, correcting the information, adding the missing places etc. But, when I rewind my whole experience I remember once I received a call from one of the resort I visited long way back and it was from his manager. First of all, he thanked me the review, great photographs etc etc, then he asked me that he would like to request me to remove one specific photo of the 50 odd photographs of the same resort I have added as it is impacting their business.
First I thought really!!, he is calling me from 1000 miles away for this? But, then I realized that whatever we are posting are impacting someone’s businesses, livelihood in some manner. It was really a big thing for me and at that moment I felt I am not just another contributor of one of the Apps. My contributions are really effecting others in some way, and that’s where I felt proud of being a Local Guide.
