9 Ways to Use Cedar Falls Patch in the New Year

If one of your goals for 2013 is to make your life easier, we've got 11 ways that Cedar Falls Patch can help you do that. 

1. Share the news. Help us get the word out about important Cedar Falls events or things you think your neighbors and friends might be interested in. Patch is the best place for you to get local news, whether it's tracking a rash of thefts in town, to school updates, to fun weekend events in Cedar Falls. If you see something you think others should read, just click the Facebook "recommend" button above an article or blog to share it with your Facebook friends.

2. Comment. The more voices on Patch, the better. If you disagree, or have important information or questions, add them in the comment section. I'll try to answer questions or follow up on important angles or news you suggest. 

3. Get your news on Patch. Wondering why your child's school event or soccer tournament doesn't get covered? It might simply be that we didn't know about it. Email Cedar Falls Patch local editor Alison Gowans at alison.gowans@patch.com to let us know what you want us to write about. 

4. Share your photos.  Of course, Patch writers and photographers can't be everywhere, or cover as much as we would like, but it's easy to upload your photos of interesting Cedar Falls events. Just click on Pics & Clips at the top of the home page. It takes you to our Neighborhood Gallery where you can easily upload photos and videos. Share your favorite trick-or-treater snapshot, your kid's first homerun, or your favorite pet photo. 

5. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Want to know the back story on the latest Patch news? Or just want to know what others in Cedar Falls are talking about? Like our Cedar Falls Patch Facebook page. Follow @CedarFallsPatch on Twitter for quick bulletins throughout the day. 

6. Get the iPhone or Droid app. Your smartphone is an awesome tool for getting the info on what's going on in town. 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. For information about the Droid app, click here.

7. Shoot videos. The next time you're loading that great video of the Interlude Dance on YouTube, put it on our Pics & Clips gallery, as well. If you also give us a heads up via email that you're uploading a video, we can feature it prominently on the homepage.

8. Add to the events calendar. Have an event you want to make the community aware of? Don't be shy. Post it in our events calendar for all to see. Just click on the box that says Add an Event and start typing. It's free!

9. Share your joy. Did the stork come to your home? Are you engaged? Want to celebrate your parents' 50th anniversary? Our announcements section is the place to do it. Click on the link above or find it under the News tab at the top of the page.