I’ve had a Nomination for a visitor attraction in a nature reserve automatically rejected by the AI and then by Niantic staff on appeal.
I’ve got some ideas on how i can improve this nomination. I thought that the nominations value as a visitor attraction was probably more self-evident than it actually might be so I didnt try as hard as I could have done.
Nonetheless I would appreciate any advice regarding what I could improve and possibly clarifications on whether this is actually eligible. “Typical stone circle” perplexes me since I didnt really think there was such thing as a “typical” stone circle.
For additional context, most of this nature reserve is space dedicated to animals where people go to observe them. There are very few visitor attractions outside of nature itself (there arent even any bird hides, just some simple wooden benches at most). But there is a concentration of visitor attractions around the car park and the lake closest to the car park mostly for children and families to explore. There are very few areas where the grass is mowed low to allow for people to wander, have a picnic, etc. There is a cafe with benches, a large field/recreational area, and this stone circle, otherwise people are expected to stick to the paths as to not disturb the wildlife.
I think my photo kind of sucks but since this is a nature reserve it is forbidden to fly drones. An aerial photo would probably help this POI to look more impressive but I do not have that option.
If my quick Google search is correct, this is a folly. It is not an original, historic stone circle. Its still interesting, but you need to tell the correct story associated with how and when it was constructed. I believe the locals call it Birdhenge.
Since it is such a great spot for viewing birds, you can probably find YouTube videos or even nature TV programmes that feature it to prove how significant it is to the locals.
Your photos are fine. Stone circles (especially where the stones are not very tall) are naturally difficult to get a photo of that fills the image.
@seaprincesshnb hit on the most likely problem - a perception from reviewers of you passing this off as something it isn’t. It looks like an eligible POI, so make sure you describe it exactly as it is. If you don’t know what it is, you have been given a pointer to assist. Also, providing links in the supporting information will help greatly if reviewers are perceiving it as random rocks.
Welcome to the forum!
Don’t dwell on this specific wording too much. From comparing Niantic Notes on rejected appeals, it seems like the appeals team has templates they work with, altering them to more or less fit the specific case. In this case, I think they were trying to say that it just looks like rocks to them. Hope you resubmit with the previous advice given.
If I were trying to take a photo of this, I would probably orient myself behind this bigger, square rock with it in the foreground, and then crop my photo to square for the main. Something like
It seems like the “automated process” machine learning model can struggle seeing anything eligible in a photo with too much background. We don’t know exactly how it works, to be clear.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Its reassuring to hear that people think this is an interesting location. I’ll see what I can do to improve my submission and report back if I’m still struggling.
