Day One: The Ten Days of Mendota Heights Patch

It's a season of discovery, and Mendota Heights Patch launched just in time to be a part of it. In the days leading up to the New Year, I'll be writing regular tips on how to use the Patch site and all its features to help readers get the most out of every visit.

Instead of a big, lengthy tutorial, check back here in the upcoming days for a few info bites (bytes?) each day that can be read and tested out in a matter of minutes.

With regular updates and improvements, you can also count on finding new things to do on the site just by exploring the site—I'm learning new things all the time, myself.

Here we go...

Tip One: Comment on an Article

Chances are you've commented on an online post before, but at Patch your opinions can be just as important as the story itself. Mendota Heights Patch writers work hard to get the story right, but that doesn't mean that there isn't more to say. Often times, an article is just the beginning of a bigger conversation. Residents who live and breathe the issues we cover have valuable insight and opinions that we want to hear. Many times, reader comments can lead to additional coverage of a topic that betters serves the community.  

We also have regular features asking for your ideas, nominations, and votes about issues or events around town. Think of these features as fun, easy ways to get involved in the community from the comfort of your living room.

Tip Two: Ask a Question

Both the readers and writers of Patch are local experts. If you've got a question such as how a new development will affect your neighborhood, or what new outdoor programs are available for your kids, post it on the new Q&A feature located on the navigation bar under the masthead. Yeah, yeah the whole site is new, but this is one of the newest of the new inventions from the Patch team. Once you've posted your question, take a look at other postings to see if you can answer the question of someone else.