At what point does intentional misrepresentation constitute abuse for influencing reviewers?
AisforAndis-ING
Posts: 1,072 Ambassador
Today I reviewed a submission for a "Community Information Board", described as a place that "keeps the community informed on whats going on in the world". This was not your typical bulletin board in a neighborhood however - It was on a wall down a hallway inside of a building, and the picture was taken from a horribly sharp angle, making most things on the board difficult to read. I've included pictures of the nomination below:
As it turns out, this bulletin board is inside of a gas station, and it isn't a "community board" at all - but rather a display case for the gas station to display their various business lisences (food, alcohol, lottery, gas, etc). While the submitter did actually acknowledge in their supplemental that it was in a gas station, they went on to say that it "meets all criteria", while continuing to explain this as your typical community information board. In my eyes this is clear, deliberate, and intentional misrepresentation of the nomination, specifically designed to influence reviewers. Therefore, this is abuse.
But does Niantic feel the same way? Is this something we should be reporting? Should I be marking these nominations as abuse (fake nomination)? Should I be reporting this to the abuse form? Does Niantic even care?
These types of nominations are becoming more and more common - something needs to be done.
Comments
There is a difference between something like this, which is clearly abusive in some kind and "troll" submissions.
I have seen a POI of a speed camera as an "interactive light installation" bringing some funny stuff ingame. I wouldnt call this abuse, its clear that the object is different.
I woul give it a 1* abuse, but you can also go with "doesnt meet criteria", bad title/description" or "inappropiate location"
That is pretty clear abuse to me and I'd probably report it as such. I have no idea if Niantic cares, though.
"Information board inside a gas station", this makes me laugh.
It's probably more a board to show all official and required documents such as sale permits, safety check, periodic inspection certificates, pest control, MSDS, etc.
1* abuse