I submitted an updated photo with new description as a local business swapped from one business to a new one. I submitted updated photo, description, etc. So far, the descriptions are still under review, but the updated photo has been rejected twice, even after explaining that the current pokestop photo is no longer correct.
Is there a better way to recommend an update as there are quite a few other pokestops in the area like this as well. Old and needing updating, but the system doesn’t quite seem to know how to handle a full business change through the current available methods?
Changing the point of interest that was accepted as a Wayspot to something different is called “repurposing” and is not allowed. Niantic can consider that to be abuse. If the business is no longer there, the correct procedure is to report the Wayspot for removal, then to submit the new business as a Wayspot if it meets criteria.
It is possible if the business has just changed its name to make an edit to correct this. It does seem in this case that it has changed from Kannah Creek Brewing Company to WestCo Brewing. Did you have any evidence that it is the same business with the same owners? Sometimes a rejected appeal will be overturned here if evidence is presented.
As much as I dislike when the game board does not match reality, this is a good point to consider. When gyms are removed, the replacement may not become a gym. When Showcase stops are removed, they do not seem to be replaced.
I’d consider it repurposing if he was trying to turn a brewery into, say, a fitness center, but in this case, it’s another brewery. Can’t say it’s “repurposing” if the purpose of the place hasn’t changed.
Unfortunately your only course of action here is to remove the Wayspot as that business is now closed, and then resubmit the new one as a whole new Wayspot.
I think it’s really hard to know what to do, because there is this semi-secret rule that Niantic have about not “repurposing” but no one is told about it when submitting edits to update things in game.
The correct procedure would be to submit a removal request and submit the new item.
However what I would be tempted to do in this case where it is still a brewery that seems to simply have updated its name and signage is submit a new picture of the building rather than a tight crop on the signage, which would provide an updated picture that doesn’t put inaccurate info front and centre, but avoids “repurposing”. This is specifically for this case because its still a brewery and the building hasn’t changed, only the relatively minor aspect of the sign. This may or may not be correct and maybe Aaron can tell me if that would count as abuse?
I am honestly very unclear as to what counts as bad repurposing because in some cases its encouraged (murals)
This is exactly why it is so confusing. The purpose hasn’t changed but the point of interest that was accepted has changed. Unless it was just a name change by the same owners, it is repurposing to change it. If they have rebranded themselves, there will usually be evidence of this with social media posts, etc.
Can I just say I agree with what Frealafgb said. Coffee shops change hands often. Gyms change hands often. Pubs get new owners. The building is still the same and especially if the type of business remains the same I think it is tough rules to have to remove and resubmit. Its almost good to have a history of old names in the photos?
So you expect us to get the Wayspot removed first and then submit a Wayspot for the new object and hope that gets approved? Even when the object in question has been replaced by an object that is identical in purpose? A playground near me has recently had its old equipment replaced, but it is still very much a playground in the exact same space. It just looks slightly different now. Am I supposed to remove it and then submit the new playground as opposed to just submitting a picture of the new playground and getting the old picture removed here?
Specifically with playgrounds I asked Help Chat to help me, and they removed the old images and accepted the new ones I added when I shared a news article of the playground upgrades my town had been doing. The new images were also really nice and clear and bright on a modern phone and the old ones were really old and had wierd editing and filters so were actually ineligible images. I would never feel that was repurposing
I think this would be a case where it is still the same playground, just with new equipment. I have had those successfully updated, with evidence that the town did this. And we had a park which was renamed to honor a person, and I successfully updated that with links to show this.
But it can easily be argued that this is still the same brewery, just with a new sign. I’ve never been to the old brewery or this new one, but I would assume that they’re just as functionally identical as replaced playground equipment would be.
So with the brewery also being (presumably) eligible (social-taproom, explore-tours etc), does the signage change really mean a removal and resubmit is the only way?
This is a different business altogether. Not all breweries are eligible (adult only locations for example among many others). So, the new business needs to be vetted on its own.
The new property owner can request a change in which case the new business will be reviewed on its merit.
Okay. So it depends if the business is new, or a re-branding essentially? New = new submission but a re-brand could be updated with evidence?
And is there any merit to instead supplying this information to help chat? Ie not undertaking the edits ourselves but asking niantic staff to assist, supplying evidence, so that vetting can be completed and the edits approved?
This would be particularly desirable if a stop is a showcase since they are never replaced, or a gym. Its common for other players to be quite nasty if things are removed. I have been the target of harassment in the past due to wayfarer even when it wasnt me! So removals make me extremely nervous for the potential fallout, hence why I am interested in a (correct) way to avoid if at all possible
