10 Ways You Can Use Troy Patch

Troy Patch has only been around since June, but in the past six months, you've let us become part of the Troy community.

We've covered everything from sports to police news, city government and schools, and you've helped us become a better news website by giving us feedback and leaving comments.

This year, we want to continue growing, and we want you to become an even bigger part of the conversation.

Here are 10 ways you can use Troy Patch:

1. Create a profile on Patch.
   If you've never created a profile, it's easy! Simply click on "log in" in the top right corner, then create a profile using your email address and a password. Then you can edit your profile, upload photos and videos, leave comments, create announcements and events and even start a Patch blog.
2. Sign up for the Newsletter.
   The Patch newsletter delivers the day's headlines directly to your inbox every morning. If you haven't signed up for it yet, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on "" at the bottom.
3. Leave a comment on a story.
   Once you have a Patch profile, you can leave comments on stories. Just make sure your comments adhere to our terms of use.
4. Create an Event.
   You can create events that will automatically be added to our community events calendar. Simply click on the Events tab above, then click on "Add an Event" in the top right corner. For a video tutorial on how to create an event, .
5. Create an Announcement.
   If you have something you want to share – like a recent engagement, new baby, graduation, milestone birthday or other big announcement – you can easily create your own announcement on Patch. Just hover over the "News" tab above, click on "Announcements" and then on "Add an Announcement" in the top right corner. For a video tutorial on how to create an announcement, .
6. Send a Letter to the Editor.
   We gladly welcome letters to the editor. Send yours – along with your full name and hometown – to jen.anesi@patch.com. Letters must also adhere to our terms of use.
7. Blog on Troy Patch.
   We're always looking for bloggers. If you live or work in Troy and are interested in blogging on our site, please email editor Jen Anesi at jen.anesi@patch.com.
8. Volunteer.
   If you are looking to volunteer in Troy – or if your organization needs volunteers – head on over to the Volunteer section of our site.
9. Send us a news tip.
   We admit it: we can't be everywhere at once, and we don't always know everything that's going on in this wonderful city. If there's something you think we should be covering – or if there's breaking news like a power outage, road blockage, fire or police incident – please don't hesitate to email us or give us a call/text at 248-202-7375.
10. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
    Social media is one of the best ways to stay connected and disseminate information quickly. If you haven't already, please "like" Troy Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

For more ways to join in the conversation, visit our How to Use Patch Topic Page.