The staff of Sherman Oaks Patch wanted to take the time to remind you why we're here and what this site is all about. Simply put, it's about you.
We've built Patch so that you have plenty of opportunities to comment on stories, share your opinions, post photos and announcements and add events to the community calendar. We hope that our site will strengthen the community, but we can't do it without you.
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.
2. Blog for Patch
Have a subject that you're and expert on and are passionate about? Sherman Oaks Patch is looking for bloggers! For more information, click here.
3. 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://shermanoaks.patch.com/events/new.
4. 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 the editors.
5. 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. Check out our Terms of Use for details on what form your announcement should take.
6. Sign Up for Newsletters
The daily Sherman Oaks Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your e-mail every day at 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. Click on the newsletter link at the bottom of the page to submit your email address.
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, email us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at http://shermanoaks.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. You can tell us what you have to say right now by using the new 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 videos
Upload videos of high school football touchdowns or your 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. Click here to upload photos and videos to the Neighborhood Gallery.
10. Advertise with Patch
For all advertising queries, please send an e-mail to our Ad Manager, Stefanie Ivener at Stefanie.Ivener@Patch.com.
11. Social media
You can "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sherman OaksPatch and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ShermanOaksPatch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation.
12. Send an email to the editor
Patch would like to invite every member of the 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 e-mail it to editor at shermanoaks@patch.com.
The more 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.
14. Get the iPhone app.
Your smartphone is an awesome tool for getting the info on what’s going on in your community. Click here to get the Patch app for free on iTunes. Not only can you read news on it, but post photos and videos as well.
