Patricia Kennedy not sure where they got their point model from but I do like it.  I have a suggestion in to them that at a level 4 or 5 guide, that they add a benefit of being able to connect with your settings are set to allow it.

Andrew Mooers I just tried to see if I could find you and your posts.  When I Google'd it, this is what I saw already:

Susan Haughton Waze is yet another great product owned by Google.  They didn't start Waze, they bought it.  All Hail Queen Susan. Congrats!

Nathan Gesner I would think in a smaller town, you could dominate it.  It is a good conversation starter too.  I started asking staff to pose for a photo on Google Maps. ;)

Here is my map.  Jim Paulson's contributions on Google Maps

I need to go back and post past photos, but so far have only posted new ones after being a guide.

I have a lot to learn about being a Google Local Guide, but I am sure enjoying it.  I will check into the link you shared.  Thanks!

Your welcome Rob Lang .  I will be joining a second Chamber of Commerce locally and that is going to be my introdction to many of it's members.

Laura Cerrano That is exactly what Google needs.  If Realtors do this, they already have the photos for their blogs here on ActiveRain about the businesses that in many cases don't even have a web presense.

Thanks Kathy Streib  - glad to do my little part!

Noel Mayer they don't have regions, as a Google Local Guide, I am free to post my photos and edits and data anywhere I travel.

Dorie Dillard I am glad as well.  Once in a while, my light bulb has some light left in it.  Unfortunately, it takes longer to power up than it used to. LOL

Wayne Martin I can tell the amount of following that Kathy Streib has, because as soon as she including my blog, the comments doubled.

Jeff Dowler this is perfect for ActiveRain members, since they can take photos for Google Maps, but then use their own photos of their community in their posts to localism here on ActiveRain.

Mark Loewenberg Google Authorships is one of Google's many short lived (+/- 3 years) products.  A good thing about being  a Google Local Guide is the data updates/uploads doesn't require any programming knowledge.  Much easier.

Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi  I love it.  It is sure more rewarding than playing a game like Pokemon Go.  I would rather collect data and leads than virtual creatures. :)

Mick Michaud this should help a lot since it gives you an incentive to go snap photos that you can use without fear of copyright as well.