Over the past seven months, Southington Patch has found success and it's no secret that it's been thanks in large part to our readers.
But here's a moment of honesty - we want more.
The site has built a strong following, but we want to open up our doors and make sure it's not just a site you will read but one you can use. Whether it's sharing your opinions, learning how to post an event or announcement, or just meeting the editor.
Starting today, I will be holding office hours at Caffe Del Mondo, 550 N. Main St., from noon to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, and I am inviting you to come join me.
Just stop in, introduce yourself and ask anything you'd like about the site. Consider it an open invitation to learn how to navigate the site, receive details on posting events or announcements, share your concerns and what matters to you, or just stop by to say hi.
Of course, if that time doesn't work for you, you can always email me as jason.vallee@patch.com to set up an appointment.
It's not hard to find me — I'll be the one with the laptop labeled Patch. I hope to meet you soon!
In the meantime, here's a look at more ways you can get interactive on Southington Patch.
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.
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 southington.patch.com/questions and ask a question, or answer someone else's.
Post an Event
Do you know of a book signing at our local bookstore, 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 southington.patch.com/events/new.
Send a News Tip
At the bottom 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 Jason Vallee, Southington Patch editor.
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 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. southington.patch.com/announcements/new
Shout It Out!
You now have a way to 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 'What do you have to say' box at the top of the Activity Stream on the home page. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the home page.
Upload Your Photos and Video
Upload videos of high school football touchdowns or your Southington 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.
Advertise With Us
For all advertising queries, please send an e-mail to sales@patch.com.
Send a Letter to the Editor
Patch would like to invite every member of the Southington 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 not longer than 300 words and email it to Editor Jason Vallee at jason.vallee@patch.com.
Become a Blogger
Since Southington Patch first launched, we have continued to grow and find new ways to provide you a voice in the community. One of our latest ventures has been the introduction of the Patch blog.
You choose the topics, you voice your opinion or share your interests and you choose how often to post. We just provide you with the outlet to do it and all we ask in return is that you keep it insult-free. Want to learn more? Apply to be a blogger at southington.patch.com/blog/apply.
The more Southington 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.
