—There is some Update to what happened in my Area, I’ll add more Info in an answer to this post, just wanted to put as a disclaimer that the info in here might be no longer be accurate—
A few days Ago, i had another (in my strong Opion) wrong appeals team decision.
I wanted to wait to conclude other submissions of similar kind so I could, if applicable, have a dsicussion and maybe an overturn of said appeal here in the Forums based on as many evidence as possible.
Shortly after this Appelas decision, ALL my submissions went into Niantic voting, wich made me pretty nervous.
I didn’t think I did anything wrong, but I already had bad experience with the team sending out a warning at me, wich was overturned here in the Forums. (Ridiculous warning E-Mail for no reason at all).
Anyways, after a short while, all of my nominations were accepted by the Team, wich made me pretty happy, but the wrong Appeals decision still stands, and as Appeals are a pretty valuable Ressource on Wayfarer, I do not think it should stay that way.
Heres the Submission with the Appeal:
This is a hiking trail, which is, of course, permanent. I assume this proposal was rejected due to the type of marking, as this is often the case with such markings. However, as stated in the additional information, such markings are common in Germany, and they are no less permanent than other markings. This short information video from the German Hiking Association, linked in the additional information, shows this clearly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84EryF7hwo4&t=1s (English subtitles are available). I have also already discussed a similar case in the Wayfarer forum and compiled a lot of information on this type of marking: I don't agree with this Appeal decision, please have a second look. (Hike trail) For this post, I was mentioned in the forum’s anniversary post ( Anniversary ) and I received the New user of the Month award for it (it was my only post this month, so it can only have been this one). I therefore think the team should carefully examine, based on my information, whether this type of marking can really be a reason to reject a hiking trail. I strongly disagree with this and expect that the information I have provided will be thoroughly examined and reconsidered. I would also like to emphasize that waymarkers are merely anchor points for POIs that refer to hiking trails, and their quality can essentially only play a very small part, if any, in the evaluation of the POI. In my opinion, it’s unacceptable that a way of marking hiking trails that is perfectly common and sensible in my country is not accepted by the team and the community, as the nature of the waymarker does not affect the suitability of a hiking trail as a POI. Furthermore, these markings are not less permanent than other markings; in fact, they are even more permanent (as can be seen from my forum post).
The approximately 8-kilometer-long City Forest North circular hike leads through the Herborn game reserve, past the viewing hut on the stone side, to the barbecue hut and the Uckersorf cattle pasture. Along the way, wonderful views of the town of Herborn and the charming landscapes of the City Forest are offered. The trail is marked with the H0 hiking sign in yellow on a black background.
Link to the trail map: Waymarked Trails - Hiking Waymarks with weatherproof paint are common and just as permanent as other markers. Here’s a short informational video on how hiking trails are marked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84EryF7hwo4&t=1s
I think this submission is just as viable as the others, who got approved due to Niantics investigation into my account, and therefore should be accepted as well.
I certainly hope, the investigation brought some light into the issues of trailmarkers and the inconsistent, and in my opion often false, Judgement of the Appeals Team regarding this matter.
Anyways, it is my certain goal to bring the appeals team to have better knowledge of the matter and make better decision. I don’t know what the issue is, but again and again I have the Strong feeling that the Info I provide is not properly read. I think, while I am happy that I got a lot of wayspots through in short time, investigating my account is a result of this uncertainty and (if my perception is right) the Appeals team not considering all info they get provided. Maybe the Appeals team needs more time to consider their rating? maybe they lack training on this specific matter? I really don’t know, but there is certainly some issue here that should be adressed.
As I want to have the Team look at this, I am tagging @NianticAaron here to have a look, and, if they agree with my assessment, overturn the appeals decision hopefully and maybe also work to help the appeals team to fix this reoccuring issue.
