Berkeley Patch is still in its intial year, having launched in May 2011, but we're very proud to be part of the Berkeley community and appreciate the warm support we've received so far.
We're working hard to provide a service to the Berkeley residents and local stakeholders by sharing news and information, events and announcements and provoking thoughtful conversation. We want to remind you why we're here and what this site is all about.
Berkeley Patch is a community, which means you're the vital part.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and share information, from commenting on stories and engaging in conversation, to sharing your opinions, posting photos and announcements, and adding events to the community calendar.
We hope that our site will strengthen the community, but we can't do it without you. So, here's how you can be a resource to fellow Berkeleyans.
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, reactions and any pertinent information to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.
2. Post an Event
Do you know of a book signing at Berkeley bookstore, a local band playing a gig in town, or an art exhibit at a nearby 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 your event to our site at berkeley.patch.com/events/new.
3. 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 require that announcements should be for personal use and not for advertising.
4. 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, e-mail us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at berkeley.patch.com/listings.
5. Review Businesses
Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets two thumbs-up? Appreciate your local hardware store? Discovered the best place for vintage clothes in Berkeley? You can post a review of your favorite (or least favorite) business on any listing at berkeley.patch.com/listings.
6. Social Media Engagement
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/BerkeleyPatch and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Berkeley Patch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Share stories with your friends and followers and enhance the conversation.
7. 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 Berkeley Patch editor. You can also always email berkeley@patch.com.
8. Sign Up for Newsletters
The daily Berkeley Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It's 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. The first time you visit Berkeley Patch, you'll probably see a pop-up asking you to sign up for the newsletter. If you don't see it, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Newsletters" under "Goodies."
9. Upload Your Photos and Video
Upload videos of talented street musicians, high school football games, or even breaking news like fires. Post photos from local festivals, or send in a snapshot of your best spring recipes. We invite you to share the memories that you've caught on camera with the rest of the community. Click on "add photos & video" below any story or add your best Berkeley pictures to the Berkeley Patch neighborhood gallery.
10. Send a Letter to the Editor
Patch would like to extend an invitation to every member of the Berkeley 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. Try to keep it short — under 300 words — and email it to berkeley@patch.com.
The more Berkeley 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 who feels that way.
For all advertising queries, please e-mail our Berkeley Patch ad manager, Chris Beaver, at chris.beaver@patch.com.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to make Berkeley Patch more useful? Let us know in the comments.
