[Talk-us] New MapRoulette Challenge - Add Surface to Highways

[Greg Troxel]

"Brian M. Sperlongano" <zelonewolf at gmail.com> writes:

> On Thu, Jan 26, 2023 at 8:34 AM Greg Troxel <gdt at lexort.com> wrote:
>
>> I agree that even the phrase "commmunity manager" is not ok.
>
>
> Job title nomenclature aside, it's a good thing when companies say "we
> should have someone that's plugged into the community because we use this
> map data and it's important that we're involved in data conversations".
> This is exactly what AllTrails did, and they were part of discussions about
> problems with trail mapping in the US. They joined OSM US's trails working
> groups with government, corporate, and volunteer mappers. They listened
> more than they spoke, and recently, they published a new version of their
> software that better de-emphasizes trail rendering in places where hikers
> aren't supposed to go. Having company representatives paying attention to
> the community is a GOOD thing. It builds understanding and results in a
> better project for everyone involved.
>
> The charge that a company can tell mappers what to do is laughable. A
> company cannot sway the community any more than you or I. And while this
> attempt by TomTom to engage with the community has clearly fallen flat, I
> invite them to continue to be part of the conversation.

All fair points and agreed.

To TomTom, I would suggest changing the job title.  I recall a title
"Community Ambassador" from a previous company long ago, which has the
connotation of someone who is here to represent the company in a broader
way, and would suggest that.