This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

13 Ways to Use Royal Oak Patch in 2013

Click, read, comment, post and blog your way through the year.

New Year's Eve was a time to reminisce on the ups and downs of 2012—and we did. But the clock has long since struck midnight and the year 2013 is now upon us.

We've spent the past two years getting you to fall in love with Patch as your go-to source for everything happening in your community. This year, you'll see Patch become even more engaging and interactive for users as we make you—Royal Oak residents—the stars of this Patchy show.

So Happy New Year to all, and with that, here are 13 ways you can use Royal Oak Patch in 2013:

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. Comment on an Article

Providing accurate, timely news about the community is our No. 1 priority, but without your input, that news may as well be nonexistent. We believe news is a conversation. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.

2. Start a blog

Talking fashion, law, cooking, politics and even motherhood, bloggers in our Local Voices section offer experience, opinion and expertise on a variety of topics. But there's always room for more.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you're interested in sharing your thoughts and expertise, get started here.

3. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the homepage, under "Contribute," there's a link that says, "Send us news tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to Judy Davids, Royal Oak Patch's editor.

4. Post an Event

Do you know of a playoff game at the local park, a school play at Royal Oak High School or a Mom2Mom Sale in the neighborhood? Is there an open house or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be.

Add events to our site at http://royaloak.patch.com/events/new.

5. 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.

Post at announcement at royaloak.patch.com/announcements/new

6. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Royal Oak Patch newsletter brings you the morning's top news, plus a listing of that day's upcoming events. You can also sign up for a weekly newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Click here to sign up.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing

Check out our business directory, with a listing for every locale in the city of Royal Oak—including bars, shops, parks, churches and more. Even better news for business owners: You can claim your listing. Just go to royaloak.patch.com/listings, find your listing and click on the "Claim this Listing!" button.

8. Review a Business

Don't be shy about sharing your thoughts; we want to hear them! Love a restaurant? Hate a local retailer's service? You can review businesses listed in our directory, too.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video

Upload videos of a Shrine High School touchdown or your kid's first goal with the Royal Oak Youth Soccer Association club. Post photos from local events, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. You can post directly to any article, or upload general shots from the community to our Pics & Clips gallery.

10. Advertise With Us

Give your business the ultimate boost. For all advertising queries, please email Rob Cucheran at robert.cucheran@patch.com.

11. Facebook, Twitter and Apps

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for even more Patch news. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Our apps for iPhone and Android allow you to take Patch with you wherever you go.

12. Send 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 email it to Royal Oak Patch editor Judy Davids at judy.davids@patch.com.

13. Keep reading Patch!

If you love Patch, keep on clicking into 2013 and beyond. If you really love Patch, tell a friend to get on the site. Share a story on Facebook. We love serving the Royal Oak community, and we hope you'll continue to help make our site the place to learn and hold conversations about Royal Oak in 2013 and beyond!

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The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?