Southeast-Brewster Patch has been around for more than a year and half, and in that time, we've seen a great response from the community.
While many of the site's features have remained the same, we have added a new element here and there, and a refresher never hurts. So here's a handy guide to remind you that Patch is more than just an online source of news and information, it's something everyone in the Town of Southeast and Village of Brewster can make their own.
1. Comment on an Article
We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Much of our reporting emanates from what readers tell us in e-mail, comments on our stories and in conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our reporting by posting a comment directly below each story. Some of our stories—like this one—spark conversation amongst dozens of folks.
2. Post an Event
Know of a book signing at a local bookstore, a celebrity chef appearing at a cooking store or an art exhibit at a local coffee shop? Have a garage sale or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be. We count on community members to add events to the site atsoutheast.patch.com/events/new, that way Local Editor Ashley Tarr can feature them, share them on Facebook, tweet about them and more.
3. Send a News Tip
At the bottom of the homepage is a link that says, "Send Us News Tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to your editor, Ashley Tarr. You can also email, call or text her! Click on her name at the top of the site for contact information.
4. Post an Announcement
Post births, engagements and wedding announcements. Tell us who made the honor roll or share school awards, social notes and thank you shout-outs. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for a lost pet, call on your community for help. Just remember, our Terms of Use say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising.
Once your announcement is on the site, let local editor Ashley Tarr know so she can push it on the home page and across social media.
5. 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. We receive tons of questions on our Facebook wall (example here), and we promise to always reply in a timely fashion.
6. Sign Up for Newsletters
The daily Southeast-Brewster Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the past 24 hours. It's sent to you each morning. You also can sign up for the weekly newsletter, which shows a subset of the content created and featured on our site over the past few days.
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 so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, e-mail directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it atsoutheast.patch.com/search/listings. Once you do that, you can see how many users have rated, reviewed or followed your business on Patch. You can e-mail your customers to seek out more reviews, and link the Patch Place to your Facebook or Twitter account. Add that amazing photo of your latest dish or creation, or update the contact information when you finally have a minute to rest, which we know is usually at 2 a.m.
8. Share That Thought! Shout or Blog
You now have a way to pipe in without having to add a comment to an existing article. You can tell us what you have to say right now by using the new shout box at the top of the homepage Activity Stream. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the homepage.
Another way to share your opinion? Blog! A blog is simply an online journal where someone shares his or her expertise, opinion or experience. We feature tons of Putnam residents in our Local Voices platform. Don't hesitate to reach out if you think your contributions should be on there, too.
10. Upload Your Photos and Video
Upload videos of a high football touchdown or your Little Leaguer's first home run. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes, via the Pics & Clips section of the site. It features about 60 photos, many of which were uploaded by your neighbors. We invite you to share the memories that you've caught on camera with the rest of the community.
11. Advertise With Us
For all advertising queries, please e-mail Advertising Manager Chris Lynch at Christopher@Patch.com.
12. Review Restaurants
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 southeast.patch.com/restaurants. Or search to find what you're craving—you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.
13. Social Media Engagement
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation.
14. Send a Letter to the Editor
Patch extends an invitation to everyone in Southeast and Brewster (or with an interest in the area) to submit a letter to the editor. While we don't necessarily have a "desk" for you to drop off your mail, we love to publish your letters to the editor!
Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, post it and watch it go live (learn more about the process here). We recommend pieces be no longer than 500 words.
