13 Things You Need to Know About Gig Harbor Patch

Gig Harbor Patch launched a little more than 18 months ago, and we hope the site has been a one-stop destination in keeping everyone up-to-date on what's going around town.

In honor of Friday the 13th, we've prepared this little reminder about 13 cool features on Patch and how you can stay informed.

We've built Patch so that you have plenty of opportunities to comment on stories, share your opinions, post blogs, upload 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 Articles

We subscribe to the idea that "news is a conversation." Much of our reporting will emanate from what readers tell us in emails, 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. Ask a Question

So maybe you want to know when that pothole is going to get fixed, or maybe you're a local expert on native trees just dying for someone to ask why their allergies are so bad this year. Patch's Q&A section is the place for you to ask your questions and show off your expertise, all while connecting with your neighbors. Visit http://gigharbor.patch.com/questions and ask a question, or answer someone else's.

3. Post an Event 

Do you know of a reunion, blood drive 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://gigharbor.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 Akiko Oda, the editor for Gig Harbor Patch.

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. Just remember, our Terms of Service say  announcements  should be for personal use and not for advertising. 

6. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Gig Harbor Patch newsletter brings you all articles and announcements that have been posted in the last 24 hours. It is delivered to your email every day. 

7. Claim Your "Places" Listing 

You might have noticed that our Directory is now called "Places". 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://gigharbor.patch.com/places.

8. Local Voices

Do you have a blog that needs more eyeballs, or are you interested in contributing to the local conversation? Patch wants YOU to blog for us! Have an interesting hobby, business or perspective that you want to share with your neighbors? You can blog about it on Patch. Patch won't own your blogs, so you're free to add it to our site, link back to yours and share with friends and family. Go to http://gigharbor.patch.com/blog/apply to get started today.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video 

Upload videos of the Gig Harbor or Peninsula 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.

10. Advertise With Us 

For all advertising queries, fill out this form at http://gigharbor.patch.com/advertise.

11. Review Restaurants

Do you want to be the first to tell your friends whether the new restaurant in town gets a thumbs-up? You can post a review of your favorite (or not-so favorite) restaurants at http://gigharbor.patch.com/restaurants. Or, search to find what you're craving -- you can filter results by cuisine, price or seating accommodations.

12. Social Media Engagement

You can "like" us on  and follow us on Twitter at @GHarborPatch. Read our content and contribute via social media. And don't forget to . Let's start a conversation.

13. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch would like to invite every member of the Gig Harbor 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 email it to Editor Akiko Oda at akiko.oda@patch.com.

The more Gig Harbor 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.