Prompt Cast
The Mystery of the UFO in the Google Maps Photo
TLDR A listener discovers a photo on Google Maps of a leather store featuring a fake UFO, leading to a discussion about leaving reviews on Google Maps and the search for a prolific reviewer named JohnRE in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The hosts eventually find JohnRE, who has become dedicated to reviewing local businesses and has gained millions of views and a level eight local guide status on Google.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
A listener named Andrew discovered a strange photo on Google Maps of a leather store called Save More Leather that featured a giant UFO in the sky.
04:59
A listener discovered a strange photo on Google Maps of a leather store with a fake UFO, and they discuss their theories and experiences with leaving reviews on Google Maps.
09:09
JohnRE is a prolific Google Maps reviewer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico who reviews thousands of businesses in the city, providing detailed and opinionated reviews.
13:29
The hosts try to figure out what JohnRE looks like and come up with a plan to find someone who knows him personally in order to approach him more friendly.
17:56
The hosts try to find someone who knows John R.E. and discover a connection to a taco place called Bumblebee's, but ultimately realize they need to go to Santa Fe to find him.
23:01
The hosts arrive in Santa Fe and visit a restaurant where John R.E. has left a review, but the waiter doesn't recognize him. They then go to a smoke shop mentioned in another review, but one of the hosts feels nervous about going in.
27:38
The hosts find John R.E. at the video library, where he is recognized by the employees and agrees to talk with them about his Google reviews.
31:55
John R.E., a pseudonym for a man who moved to Santa Fe in 2001, initially had a negative impression of the city but has since become dedicated to reviewing local businesses.
37:07
John R.E. went into semi-retirement after his radio station was sold and he couldn't find work, but he found purpose and joy in writing Yelp and Google Maps reviews, accumulating millions of views and becoming a level eight local guide on Google.
41:42
John R.E. started experimenting with different styles and finding his voice in his Google Maps reviews, and during this period he also started adding UFOs to his photos to get attention.
Categories:
Technology
Society & Culture
