Happy Birthday to...Us

One year ago today Mauldin Patch was born, the newest addition to Patch's network of over 800 sites nationwide and the first in the Upstate region. Today, the site looks a little different than it did then (notice the landscape behind our navigation bar), but it's still dedicated to giving you all the news that matters in Mauldin, fast and free. In the coming days, weeks and months there will be some more changes, all of which are meant to make the site even easier to use and share.

I'd also like to use the occasion to thank the thousands of readers who have made Mauldin Patch a part of their day. I've had the good fortune to meet so many of you in the past 12 months and enjoyed getting to know you.

What have been the biggest stories in the last 12 months? I'd have to say the elections--both of them. For the first six months of our life it seemed just about everyone had an opinion on the . But, Mauldin residents also , struggled , gave input on a r, and .

If you're new or relatively new to our site, have a look at all the ways you can contribute to the community. And once again, thanks to all our readers and friends.

1. Social Media Engagement

You can "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MauldinPatch. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Let's start a conversation.

2. Send a Letter to the Editor

Patch would like to invite every member of the 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 e-mail it to me at shawn@patch.com.

3. 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 and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story. 

4. 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. Visit http://mauldin.patch.com/questions and ask a question, or answer someone else's.

5. Post an Event 

Have a special visitor to your church or organization? 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 events to our site athttp://mauldin.patch.com/events/new. 

6. 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 me.

7. 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 are not for advertising. 

8. 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, email us at directorysupport@patch.com. If you own or manage a business or organization in our directory, claim it at http://mauldin.patch.com/search/listings.

9. Upload a Photos 

Upload videos of sports or silliness, food or fun. 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 contact Eric Clark at Eric.Clark@Patch.com 212.274.2359

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