Note To Self: Quit Calling Patch An Online Newspaper

When I'm trying to explain Patch to someone who's never heard of it, I often describe it as "your community newspaper online," but that's not really accurate.

I worked for newspapers for years, and Patch is more than a newspaper online. At a newspaper, editors and reporters decided what was going to be in the paper the next day. We were paid to make judgments about what people wanted to read. 

Patch = Community Center

A colleague of mine says Patch is like a community center.

Just like at a community center, anyone can post their flier about an event, a benefit, or something important to them on the center bulletin board. 

Yes, you can find out what's going on around town at a community center, but you also change or influence what's happening there.

The Patch editor is the receptionist at the door, directing you to the parts of the community center that you want or need.

Good Stuff On Patch This Month

I like that analogy. So, let me direct you to good stuff this month in the Urbandale Patch community center:

• Honor your lost loved ones for Memorial Day by posting their photo and a little about them
• Do you know someone who is an unsung helper, volunteer, or community hero? Nominate them for our new .
• Support some local businesses by telling them which is your favorite place for ice cream, frozen yogurt or frozen custard in our eighth

What do you want to see on Patch? Tell me in the comments section below.

More Good Stuff 

• Former school board member Cynthia Munyon won $100 in the for the photos she uploaded of daughter Catherine Dilley and Tommy Weaver. But the back story on that photo gallery turned out to be much more interesting: remember the dozens of a couple no one recognized? Turns out of himself and his date to dozens of prom galleries across the country. No one is quite sure why.
• Speaking of photos: This week Patch will have professional photographers standing by to answer your questions about taking a better picture in  
• Lastly, graduation season is upon us. How can Patch best reflect what's going on? I'd like your feedback. Would you post photos of your graduate on a Patch page if we provided one? How about a community bulletin board that allows you to send them congratulations? Or to post invites to graduation parties? What would be most interesting to you? Tell me what works for you in the comments section below.