13 Things You Should Know About Edgewater Patch

Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch launched Dec. 9, and we're pleased to say that the response from the community has been fantastic.

Here a few things you should know about us.

It's important for you, the reader, to recognize Patch as not just a news source, but a place where interaction is encouraged and where the community can play a role in producing content. Think of us as your online water cooler—a place to meet and converse about hot topics in the neighborhood. 

Here are 13 things you can do with Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch, aside from simply reading articles.

1. Comment on an Article

Most people don't simply consume the news. They also talk about it with friends or family, or even strangers online. We'd love as much of that conversation to take place on Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch. Your comments will help us learn what's important to you, and that will help us to improve our reporting and content. So next time you read an article, please write in the comment box at the bottom. 

2. Ask a Question

Are you confused about what's open and what's not during Christmas Eve? Got a question for other readers about the best boat launch in Edgewater? The best riding ring in Davidsonville? Our Q&A section is a great way to get quick answers about what's on your mind. Just log in, post a question and either a Patch editor or someone else from the community will post an answer. It's that simple. 

3. Post an Event 

Is your school having a bake sale? Is your church hosting a special concert? Let the community know, by posting the information directly into our robust events listing. 

 Feel free to add events to our site at http://edgewater.patch.com/events/new. 

4. Send a News Tip

News doesn't just come out of thin air. The best stories are those that are pitched to us by readers. If you have a news tip, click on the link in the bottom right corner of the Patch site. Your tip will go directly to the email box of editor Mitchelle Stephenson, who offers a 100 percent guarantee of a quick response. 

5. Post an Announcement

If something special has happened to you or someone you know, announce it to the world. We accept announcements for things like school awards, athletic championships, or even just simply thank you's and notes of congratulation. We also encourage readers to post calls for volunteers. It's important to know htat our Terms of Service say announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising. http://edgewater.patch.com/announcements/new

6. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered via email every day at 6am. There's also a weekly newsletter, which shows a big chunk of the content produced over the previous week. It is delivered every Thursday at 10am Look for the Follow Us and Newsletter links in the right column of most pages.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing 

If you hadn't noticed, Edgewater Patch has a very robust directory of all businesses, schools, churches and civic associations in town. It's more than just a list of address and phone numbers. We provided detailed information such as products sold and hours of operation, and have photos of every establishment.

If you happen to own or manage one of the organizations listed, you can "claim" that listing and gain the power to add content, upload photos and make it your own little portal on Edgewater Patch.

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://edgewater.patch.com/search/listings.

8. Shout It Out!

One of the newest features on Edgewater Patch is "shout box," located on the right side of the homepage. It's a simplified version of a comments box. Whatever you "shout" will go directly into the stream, right on the homepage.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video 

The editors and writers of Edgewater Patch do our best to attend as many events in the community as we can. But we can't be everywhere. That's why we allow readers to post photos and video directly onto the site. If your child's Little League team won a big game and you have photos of the celebration, post them here. If you attended your 40th high school reunion and want to show off a group photo, we'd be happy to have it on our site. 

10. Advertise With Us 

We view Edgewater Patch as a service to the community, but there are bills to pay. Ad sales managers are being added each day. For now, email sales@patch.com to get hooked up with someone who can help you promote your business.

11. Review Restaurants

Our directory listing has scores of restaurants, and we encourage visitors to tell the community about their dining experiences. Go to http://edgewater.patch.com/restaurants. You can search for the restaurant and kind of food you're looking for, and we make it easy for you to write a review.

12. Social Media Engagement

If you're not following us on Twitter or a friend on Facebook, what are you waiting for? Click here

13. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch encourages everyone in and around Edgewater and Davidsonville to submit letters to the editor on important topics. We'll post all letters that are well-written and free of libelous, defamatory or innaccurate statements. Letters should not exceed more than 300 words and can be sent directly to m.stephenson@patch.com