10 Ways to Use Columbia Patch

Want to announce something to the community? Patch is here to help.

We want to make sure that you make the most of Patch so that you can have your say and help shape coverage of Columbia.

With no further ado …

1. Comment on an Article

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Much of our reporting will come from readers' tips in emails, 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. 

2. 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 http://columbia.patch.com/events/new. 

3. 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 me, Andrew Metcalf, Columbia Patch's editor.

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 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. Use this link to post an announcement - http://columbia.patch.com/announcements/new

5. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Columbia Patch newsletter brings you all of the articles and announcements that have been posted in the past 24 hours. It is delivered to your email every day.

6. Claim Your Directory Listing

Our business and organization listings aren't skimpy. Our team of researchers hit the streets and visited businesses, schools, parks and more so we can provide photos and detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation. To contact us about the listing for your business or organization, email us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at http://columbia.patch.com/claims, and add your own pictures and information.

7. Upload Your Photos and Video

Upload photos of the lakefront or the pothole on your street. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. Add them to our community gallery here - Pics and Clips.

8. 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://columbia.patch.com/directory/category/food-dining. Or, search to find what you're craving -- you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.

9. Social Media Engagement

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/columbiapatch and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ColumbiaPatch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation.

10. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch would like to extend an invitation to every member of the Columbia 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 me at andrew.metcalf@patch.com.

The more Columbia 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.