Community Corner
Patch Tips: The What, Why and How of Blogging on Patch
Don't let the word "blog" or your unanswered questions scare you. We'll answer your questions and demystify blogging on Patch.
Whether our various pitches for bloggers now and then on Oakdale Patch have piqued your interest, or you’ve looked right past them because the word “blog” seems foreign to you—hopefully these questions and answers will provide a little more clarity on blogging component of our site.
What is blogging?
Blogging means different things on different websites. On Patch, though, blogging is when a non-journalist (usually) decides to write about their life, opinions, areas of expertise, observations or anything else and share it with readers through our website. For example, , a or a .
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See the "Local Voices" section of our homepage to read what our current bloggers are writing about.
Do Patch bloggers have their own website?
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No, you don’t have your own site on Patch like you would on Blogger or WordPress. People can click on your name and see all of your posts, though. Some bloggers who already have their own sites on other platforms choose to blog for us to draw new followers for their existing sites.
What is the time commitment?
Bloggers can write as frequently as they like. We don’t have any requirements or expectations.
Do you have standards for what you allow, and don’t allow?
Yes, all blogs are reviewed by an editor before they are posted. Here are our guidelines for what we will not approve: “We reserve the right to remove objectionable, inaccurate, or inflammatory material and, if necessary, suspend or revoke blogging privileges. Disallowed material includes propagating conspiracy theories…”
Do bloggers get paid?
No.
Why would someone do it then?
Everyone has different reasons. A blogger from a church or nonprofit might want to get the word out about their organization, as well as getting their message out to a bigger audience. Someone who is interested in politics might want a larger platform to discuss issues and get their opinions out. Most bloggers just do it because it’s something they enjoy.
Do you have to use your real name?
Yes.
How do you become a blogger?
Just email Patty Busse at patty.busse@patch.com with a little information about yourself, and what you would like to blog about.