Editor's Notebook: Patch Celebrates its 100th Site Launch

So this is what it feels like to be a centenarian.

Today is a day of celebration, reflection and forecasting at Patch.com. With Morristown Patch, we've hit 100 hyperlocal news websites throughout nine states.

From our humble beginnings, Patch.com (and Ridgewood Patch specifically) set out to effectively and accurately deliver digital news to communities with lightning-fast speed. Through the tireless effort of (now) 100 local editors living in and reporting on their communities, we're on our way to realizing that goal.

Founded in February 2008 in New York City, Patch first launched sites simultaneously in Maplewood, South Orange and Millburn-Short Hills  in February 2009. Today, we have sites in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, California, Virginia and Maryland. Since the first Patch sites launched, we have collectively produced over 55,000 articles and nearly 1 million photos.

In June 2009, Patch was was acquired by AOL. Since then, AOL has invested $50 million in Patch, and has aspirations to launch hundreds more Patch sites this year.

When I helped kickstart Ridgewood Patch Oct. 7, 2009, our website quickly immersed itself in the greater village life. As per usual, Ridgewood was a trendsetter; it was one of the first 15 Patch sites. Residents quickly embraced us by posting events, sharing photos and reaching out to me with news tips.

As many know, Friday was my last day with Ridgewood Patch. I'll be creating a new site in the Manayunk-Roxborugh sections of Philadelphia; longtime Wyckoff Patch contributor James Kleimann took the reins in Ridgewood Monday. However, I thought it appropriate for me to reflect on our accomplishments on this special day for Patch.

Regarding news, we've covered every major and minor Ridgewood happening over the past year. Immediately, we jumped into: proceedings that eventually led to approval of a Valley Hospital expansion; a referendum campaign by the school board, which the voters affirmed in December; the decline and rise of the central business district; Graydon Pool's potential—and currently tabled—makeover; a Village Council election and death of a beloved council member; and countless community initiatives.

To toot our horn, I think Patch's ability to include videos, limitless photos and relevant documents with our timely news stories sets us apart from any media reporting locally. By providing documents on Valley projects, field turf, budgets and other initiatives, not only has Patch fairly presented news but also provided the materials for readers to form their own opinions.

During the May Village Council election, our several stories and multimedia afforded residents ample opportunities to enter their polling places informed.

Quick-hit stories are important, but I'm most proud of long-term projects we produced. My coverage on a neighborhood dispute regarding a home renovation and flair ups between Graydon Pool nonprofits were my own personal favorites. Additionally, Kelly Ebbels' reports on the downtown business district's struggles expertly put a face behind those empty storefronts. 

What really strikes me about working for Patch and reading other Patch sites is our tremendous understanding of the communities. Not only do we work here, we live here and we care about what's going on. Sure, lacking an office has some drawbacks, but it also empowers us to gain a better perspective on our towns than most reporters possess. 

For example, one day at the Ridgewood Coffee Co., I noticed a list being compiled by staff members and customers on why that day was a good day. I shot a quick video on it, interviewing the list's creator, and immediately posted it. As the day wore on, it quickly became popular and countless people contacted me saying they signed the list and were really happy we noticed it to.

As I left the community last week, it was very touching to receive an overwhelming amount of positive feedback through phone calls, e-mails, comments and in-person chats. Patch will continue to grow and expand going forward, and Ridgewood Patch—under the leadership of its new editor—will cement itself as a mainstay of the village.