I improved the nomination according to Forum suggestions (even crawled behind the bench do get a picture from behind), but it still got rejected. Well, I’m not suprised that far. Benches with a scenic view are often declined wrongfully. But I wasted an Appeal on this, trusting that the Appeals team would overturn it. But it didn’t. It was still declined, with a note that I should add a “placemarker sign”. Where in the criteria or clarifications is it noted that there needs to be a sign for something to be a scenic viewing point? Also theres a plaque on the bench where its shown that its been placed by “Verschönerungsverein Burg” wich is a volunteer organisation setting up interesting and beautiful items across the village. This should be a strong hint that this bench isnt just a seating place, but there to enjoy the view. And should be enough of a “placemarker sign” to accept this, is something like that is needed.
Heres the improved nomination with the Appeal and rejection reasons:
This is a viewing bench as mentioned in the criteria clarifications: Seating Benches The Dill Valley is a popular biking and hiking area known for its beautiful scenery. From this slope, you have a beautiful view of the Dill Valley. The Burg Beautification Association placed it here precisely so that people could enjoy the view. I think this vantage point would make a very good wayspot.
Overlooks are good meeting points and invite you to explore the surroundings. This overlook was created by the local beautification association to increase the area’s appeal. Overlooks with benches can be good POIs, as Niantic has clarified: Seating Benches
Actually, I want this to be overturned, because its annoying me a lot that the appeals team is clearly not looking at my appeals as it should and not correctly applying the criteria.
I don’t need any nomination support from users on this, as I already got it and it didn’t work.
I want Niantic to have a look on this and explain to me how this was rejected and how a “placemarker sign” would be needed here.
I think I remember you noting it would be hard to get a main photo like the examples in the Seating Benches clarification, with the entire back of the bench in the foreground with the background being the scenic viewpoint. Also, the cars don’t really help make this look like a scenic viewpoint.
It seems that the appeals ream is looking for a place marker for the scenic viewpoint, which the bench can be, but since it’s not the best main photo, it’s somewhat confusing.
Well, getting the bench from the front is wrong, because you can’t see the view.
Crawling behind the bench is wrong, because you can’t see an Anchorpoint.
So this can’t be done right then.
Also Cars (not license plates) might confuse reviewers, but should not hinder the appeals teams judgement, imo. It’s a private residence where some people are parking.
I chose to have a good view on the bench and the plaque on it in the surrounding picture (as you can see the surroundings in the main picture).
If this doesnt work, im retiring this. No need to try to fulfill extra-needs of reviewers and the team stated nowhere in the criteria. Also it doesn’t seem to matter what someone writes, its just “oh i like this photo - I accept” -mentality ruling decisions. I could accept that for reviewers, but not for the Team.
I’m stopping here, because I’m really frustrated. I try to follow the criteria and do my best. if thats not enough, then so be it.
Yes, this may be one that, since you’re not able to get a good main photo, that you may have to give up on. Unfortunately, this happens to many of us, where we find something we think would make a good Wayspot, but have a hard time getting it approved.
Being you did appeal and the reason for rejection is confusing, hopefully staff can take another look. Can’t guarantee that they’ll reverse the decision, but they do monitor the forums.
Told you this would be hard to get accepted, while I too like the nomination, as its a beautiful, dedicated spot to enjoy the view from uphill.
I Like how you fight for your nominations, and I hope you’ll be successful with it. Just don’t get too frustrated - you’ll need your frustration resistance for all the painted trailmarkers you submitted
I think this one is a little harder to prove as a scenic viewpoint due to the houses in the background. I personally don’t know how much I’d want to stay here to look at this view, or be inspired to explore the area.
