I appreciate all the responses, I already started an appeal but didnt change anything specifically because it was all accurate and Im not going to Lie. What do I need to look for specifically when getting the automated responses to know what I need to change? For future reference. I manage the establishment that I submitted, and have had SEVERAL customers request I make it a stop. I wish i could direct you all to the submission. Its labels Rocket #4229 in Fenton Missouri. Frustrating to say the least and im learning… but I DID make sure it fit the guidelines.
We dont know exactly what the triggers are but we have developed a feel for things that can look right but dont work.
When we see submissions the photo is often the issue as it contains content other than that directly related to the place being submitted. Often a close up of the name of a shop does better than something that shows the whole shop.
A shop is amongst the hardest places to get approved.
The text needs to make it clear why this place deserves to be included. Does it sell unusual products or items not easily sourced elsewhere.
Is there a social element? is there space to sit down and socialise does it put on special events.
Are there links on websites to further examples of what makes this stand out.
If any of these havent been addressed then address then in the appeal.
I’m saying all of the above as I am not in the position right now to look into the location in more detail, so a heavy element of guesswork
First, it appears that Rocket is a convenience store at a gas station? If so, those typically aren’t eligible. They wpuld need to offer something unique that draws people away from other convenience stores to this one.
But looking at the map around there, it seems like there are already 4 POI in this L14 cell. For a rural area, that’s not bad. I think the Pick a Bone BBQ place might be eligible if you present it correctly. Even though it is just a roadside spot, the reviews on Google indicate that people drive from far away to get specialty menu items there. Pork steak and jalapeno brats are mentioned in almost every review as unique and outstanding.
Just a comment that in my opinion a 1st post on the forums that basically says “I know everything and what I nominated is brilliant”, “the system is broken” and “anybody who says different is wrong and must know they are lying or they would not feel shame” is not a good introduction.
Most 1st time nominators will struggle at first (I did and sometimes still do). You may then visit the forums and you find an answer why, otherwise make a post asking why. Lots of members love to help either with why the nomination is likely to be rejected or help to improve its chance to be accepted.
As stated above, businesses are sometimes hard to get accepted (there is even a “Generic Business” rejection option). One of the comments I always think of when I see a business to review is (paraphrased) “would you drive past other similar to get to this one” then it is down to the submitter to show why (awards etc).
The other option is the social side, this shouldn’t be “Lots of locals use this” or “Me and my mates visit often” but maybe they hold events that bring people that may not know each other together.
If your business isn’t acceptable to be a stop in itself, you could possibly set up a little free library there for your customers. Unless it is an expressly ineligible location, those are usually accepted as Wayspots. And would help the community as well. Do be sure you understand about S2 cells before you go to any expense to set one up.
This really helps me understand a little more. The 3 spots in refrence are at a local farm that sometimes hosts events (that makes sense to me). Gas station IS an option when you select what the spot in question actually is. We have thousands of people come through a day. One of the only (non member) electric pumps within quite a few miles. We have a full kitchen, full clean facilities. It has full tables and benches outside for meals and to just be outside in nice weather. Car clubs and bike clubs meet here on a regular basis for drives and meets. I dont know what else would qualify the business but it has everything a pokestop would need. Meetings of groups of people and clubs, food, fuel, amenities. To refrence pick a bone its semi permanent and a great choice but not the location I am attempting to get approved.
I apologize if I come off that way. I just read the guidelines and followed instructions and was honest. Sorry if its frustrating to see something be a stop that shouldnt be. In retrospect I dont feel i should flag it either because somewhere someone deemed it fit. Just dont understand how nine was denied thats all.
Those categories have confused a lot of people. They do NOT indicate eligibility. If you search, you will find elementary school, for example.
Criteria is a great place to exercise, explore, or be social. You can check out the criteria tab at Niantic Wayfarer for further examples of what meets criteria and what doesn’t.
@elijustrying has started a separate topic for your nomination and will move this there. Sharing screenshots is how you share your nomination with us, not by a link.
Yep, this is what we need to see, so thanks for the screenshots.
Unfortunately, i don’t think nominating the gas station/convenience store is going to work. I agree that we need to see photos of the picnic area. Maybe we can help you nominate that.
In general, I would avoid terms like “newest” or “has been here for a year” in the description. The description lives on if the wayspot is approved and soon will not be the newest or will be 2 years old. In the supplemental information those terms are fine and may be appropriate.
Yep. To add to what GrandpaTP said, i find it useful in the supplemental info to detail that since this is new, it still doesn’t show on satellite or street view. And then i will explain what can be seen through my images to prove that this is really where i say it is.
It would help if you include reasons that pertain to real life rather than gameplay. Real world activities (meant to be done in the point of interest you are submitting) related to exercise, exploration, and socialization are some indicators.
However, the eligibility criterion asks for great places for such. Happenstance occurrence of these activities is less seen to echo that criterion. Most transactional activities are also seen less resonating towards this criterion (unless the service, one is transacting for, pertains to one of the three).
