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.
Only just got chance to go back to the nature reserve and take some better photos. Unfortunately the AI is still not being kind to me…
I think this is the best possible photo I’m going to be able to get.
Not sure if I should appeal again if Niantic rejected it last time. Worried it would get me into trouble.
I did a bit of more research in order to attempt to improve the description and supporting information for this nomination, not sure if that would affect things if I do appeal:
I would definitely appeal! There’s zero risk of Scopely Explore seeing this as abuse.
I think you should use the word folly somewhere in the title or description.
The last submission, which was rejected by the ML system, did have folly in the title.
“RSPB St Aidans Folly Stone Circle”
It got rejected during appeal again…
I hope staff can take a look at this as I really disagree with the rejection!
I think this is a great place to explore.
“a normal circle made of stone”.
Scopely Explore sometimes tie themselves in knots when they decide to reject something for being not-distinct and then have to find a label for it, only they fail to realise the label they use is something fairly unique, definitely distinct and definitely out of the ordinary.
There is no such thing as a normal circle made of stone.
How do I get staff to have another look at this? Will I have to keep bumping this thread until a staff member responds? 
You’ll not get a reply most likely, just a new email with an acceptance if they do take another look
Hmm… how will I know if they’ve taken another look but decided to uphold their decision?
If you don’t hear anything next week, then you know
Don’t give up. 
I had a submission that took several holiday trips and different conditions before I finally with the very low water levels was able to take a picture from another angle and another adjustment to the text. I had it on hold for over a week as I didn’t want to see that Emily had rejected again…..but it got past it this time and was accepted by the community. I knew it was touch and go but I tried different angles and text until I got it right.
It might be a dusting of snow/ heavy frost might give the contrast between ground and stones. And some distinct shadows.
If there is a map with this on as a place to visit use websubmit and include that as one of your 5 images.
Meantime I would find some other things to submit get your confidence back with positive outcomes.
There is no formal method for getting staff to re-review an appeal. Appeals are intended to be final decisions. The November 2023 AMA did say that they wanted to know when they got it wrong, so we often post here when we think that they did, and sometimes will get a new email accepting the appeal.
I do think this is eligible. I like the last photo used for the main very much and can’t think of a way to improve that.
Do you have anything more that you can add to a future nomination proving that this is a destination people seek out? Links to this in a tourist publication? Links about the creation of the circle? Don’t just say that it is a “great place to explore” but try to prove it. You have a link explaining what “Gorsedd_stones” are but not something like this:
I am sorry that this is proving difficult to get accepted. Even on satellite view, it is clearly unique.
