A Dozen Things You Need to Know about Plainfield Patch

We've been around for more than a year now, but now everyone knows how to make Patch work for you. Our Web site is built with plenty of opportunities for you to make it your own, so take advantage of it! The more more you get involved, the more others will respond.

So, with that in mind, here are some tips to using the site:

1. Comment on an Article

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Stories come from what readers tell us in e-mail, the comments left on our site and conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.  

2. Ask a Question

So maybe you want to know when that pothole is going to get fixed or maybe you're a local expert on native trees just dying for someone to ask why their allergies are so bad this year. Patch's Q&A section is the place for you to ask your questions and show off your expertise, all while connecting with your neighbors. Visit http://plainfield.patch.com/questions and ask a question -- or answer someone else's.

3. Post an Event

Is there a book signing at our local bookshop, a celebrity chef appearing at cooking store or an art exhibit at a local coffee shop? Is there a garage sale or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be. Feel free to add events to our site at http://plainfield.patch.com/events. 

4. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the home page, there's a link that says, "Send Us News Tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to the editor -- me. You'll also find my e-mail address at the top of the home page.

5. Post an Announcement

Tell us about the births, engagements and weddings in your family. Share your news about who made the honor roll or received a school award. Send a public thank you or shout out. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for your lost dog, we urge you to call on your community for help. Just remember, our Terms of Service say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising.

6. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Plainfield Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your e-mail address every morning. You can also sign up for the weekly newsletter, which gives you a rundown of the content featured on our site over the last few days. It is delivered every Thursday. Finally, you can also get bulletins on breaking news stories.

It's easy to sign up. Just click on "Your Newsletter Settings" near the bottom of the home page.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing

Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers actually hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more to collect detailed information as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, send us an e-mail at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at http://plainfield.patch.com/search/listings.

8. Shout It Out!

You now have a way to shout out on the site without having to add a comment to an existing article. Just click on "What do you have to say?" at the top right of our home page and have at it. Whatever you "shout" goes directly into the conversation stream.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video

Post videos of the high football touchdown or your Little Leaguer's first home run. Show us your photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipe. We invite you to share the memories that you've caught on camera with the rest of the community.

10. Review Restaurants

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets two thumbs-up? You can post a review of your favorite (or least favorite) restaurants at http://plainfield.patch.com/restaurants. Or, search to find what you're craving -- you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.

11. Social Media Engagement

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PlainfieldPatch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation together.

12. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch encourages every member of the Plainfield community to feel free to submit letters to the editor. Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, and we'll post it. Make sure it's not longer than 300 words and e-mail it to Editor Karen Sorensen at karen@patch.com.

The more Plainfield Patch serves as on online space for community dialogue, the more useful our site will be. So next time you have something to share with your neighbors, consider taking a moment to send it to Patch, too. Chances are, you're not the only who feels that way.