10 Ways You Can Use Concord Patch in 2012

It's a big year, this 2012.

No, not because there is a movie spelling the world's doom, or even what's sure to be a high-intensity presidential election. It's a gigantic year because you can get involved and share in all things Concord like never before.

We have certainly grown and changed since we started back in May 2010. So even if you think you know how to use Patch like a pro, here are some more tips.

Here are 10 ways you can use Concord Patch to stay informed — and more importantly, inform others:

• Add photos to our brand new . Have some pictures from a game at Emerson Field, or snapshots from a family outing? Now you can share them with everyone else in town — and have them in an easy spot for your friends and family to find.

• Follow every step of a story. Use our follow-up feature to know when we post a new story about a topic you're vested in. Just click on the "Keep Me Posted" button at the bottom of your desired article.

• Seamlessly tell neighbors about a great shopping or dining experience. Who better to trust with a review of a business than a neighbor? You can rate businesses - good or bad - by going to their Places page and sharing your thoughts.

• Share an opinion by commenting on stories. What you think matters, so tell the rest of us what is on your mind.

• Let us know about a great story. Did you attend a fantastic school event or an exciting theatre production? Email a write-up and a picture or two to Chris.Tanguay@Patch.com and we'll post it on Concord Patch.

• Want to share your ideas on a regular basis? Become an expert and a go-to source by becoming a Local Voices blogger. Let us know your idea and we'll set you up right away.

• Post announcements for free. The old days of paying a publication to run a wedding announcement are history! Now you can tell the town when you get married, have a baby, graduate, or make the honor roll. 

• Know before you go. Wonder if traffic is backed up at the Rte. 2 rotary, or where you should fill the gas tank before you hit the road? Always check our Traffic & Gas tool before you get stuck in a jam.

• Give us a piece of your mind. Thank someone or let us know what you think of a topic by submitting a Letter to the Editor that we'll publish on the site.

• Get your news delivered every day. Wake up and have Concord Patch in your email inbox with the latest, freshest news around. Select Patch Newsletter at the top of our homepage to sign up and get patched in.