Jan 9. marks one month since the . If in that time you haven't already taken advantage of all the ways that Patch can key you in to the news and events that are happening in your community, here is a handy guide on how to make the most out of your Patch.
1. Comment on an Article
We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Much of our reporting will emanate from what readers tell us in e-mails, comments on our sites, and in conversations around town. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.
Find out what's happening in Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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 southampton.patch.com/questions and ask a question, or answer someone else's.
Find out what's happening in Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
3. Post an Event
Do you know of a book signing at our local bookstore, a celebrity chef appearing at a cook shop or an art exhibit at a local gallery? 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 southampton.patch.com/events/new or e-mail them to shpatchcalendar@gmail.com.
4. Send a News Tip
At the bottom right of the homepage, there's a link that says, "Send us news tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to Brendan J. O'Reilly, Southampton Patch's (incredibly grateful) editor.
5. Post an Announcement
Post birth, engagement 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 your lost dog, we welcome 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 Southampton Patch newsletter brings you the articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your e-mail every day around 6 a.m. You can also sign up for the weekly newsletter, which shows a subset of the content created and featured on our site over the last few days. It is delivered every Thursday at 10 a.m. Look for the Follow Us and Newsletter links in the right column of this and most every 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, restaurants, schools, parks, libraries and more so we can provide photos as well as detailed information such as products and services offered and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, e-mail us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at southampton.patch.com/search/listings.
8. Shout It Out!
You can shout out on the site without having to add a comment to an existing article. You can tell us what you have to say right now by using the shout box at the top of the Activity Stream on the homepage. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the homepage.
9. Upload Your Photos and Video
Upload videos of high school football touchdowns or your Southampton Little Leaguer's first home run. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. We invite you to share with the rest of the community the memories you've caught on camera.
10. Advertise With Us
For all advertising queries, please send an e-mail to our ad manager, Basil Puglisi.
11. Review Restaurants
Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets a thumbs-up? You can post a review of your favorite (or not-so favorite) restaurants at southampton.patch.com/restaurants. Or, search to find what you're craving — you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.
12. Social Media Engagement
You can "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/southamptonpatch and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/sohamptonpatch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation.
13. Send a Letter to the Editor
Patch would like to invite every member of the Southampton community to submit a letter 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 no longer than 300 words and e-mail it to brendan.j.oreilly@patch.com.
The more Southampton 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 a letter to Patch. Chances are, you're not the only one who feels that way.
