Social Currency

Three days ago, I received from Google its congratulations on my accomplishing 3,000,000 views of my photos posed on Google Maps. I first began doing that in July 2017 when I wanted to show my appreciation of the excellent service I got from an Ishigaki scuba diving travel agent. And then I thought I should also publish some of the photos I captured and only stored in my hard disks.

From the small data, my photo that was most viewed depicted Fairview Park's round-shaped management office. Fairview Park was my first home from where I travelled to Hong Kong University to attend law lectures from 1983 - 1985. The iconic structure overlooking the artificial lake was then an up-market western restaurant where I took relaxation before and after law examinations.

My next popular photo depicting a hot-spring hotel at Gero Onsen was taken in June 2014, weeks after my retirement from civil service. My wife and I hired a sports car at the Nagoya International Airport and sped all the way for three hours to arrive there, so that we would not miss our prepaid full Japanese dinner. I have since developed the discipline to travel monthly, using Google Maps to document my stories.

Serious stuff aside, I share my photos and reviews on food and drinks, holidays and events on social media timely. When I notice that views of my casual publications mount up by the hour and can reach around 20,000 views per day effortlessly, I have the urge to present more of my world to strangers who share my interests. I believe it would not be long before I can capitalize on my social currency!

#SocialCurrency