March 29: Five Reasons You Should 'Like' Lemont Patch on Facebook

Are you addicted to Facebook? How about Lemont Patch? What if I told you there was a way to get instant updates about your community, all while interacting with your local editor and fellow readers?

The Lemont Patch Facebook page is really our "home away from home." Every day, I post links to new stories, events and announcements, and also give you the chance to comment directly on our page. It's also a great way for me to stay connected with my audience by interacting with you directly.

If you haven't "liked" our page yet, here are five reasons you should do it today:

1. Interact with Other Patch Fans

One of my favorite things about Patch is seeing our readers become engaged on the site. Even when comments become passionate or just plain silly, it's great to see people actually taking the time to post on our stories. On Facebook, it's easy to comment on our status updates or story links, and much of the time you'll be able to interact with other fans as well.

2. Facebook Friday

Starting this Friday, I'll post a roundup of all the activity on our Facebook page over the past week. I'll not only recap what readers are saying about the hottest issues in town, but I'll also pick my favorite community page.

3. Get to Know Your Local Editor

Another thing I love about my job is getting to know each and every one of you. To give back a little of what you've given to me, I've started a new weekly feature exclusive to the Lemont Patch Facebook page. For the past two weeks, I've posted video blogs of myself talking about where I work, how I got involved with Patch and how Patch started. With these videos, I'll also tell you more about some of our best features, such as the 2011 Election Central.

4. Exclusive Content

Speaking of my videos, another reason to follow our Facebook page is to get access to exclusive content — stuff you won't find on our site. This means extra photos from events, special videos and even deals from around town. One of the coolest things about Facebook is that we can also follow Lemont businesses (like 3 Corners Grill and Tap) and organizations (Lemont-Homer Glen Relay for Life) and share their posts with our fans.

5. Help Make the News

Anyone remember that small snow storm at the beginning of February? You know, the one dubbed "Snowpocalypse?" I, like many others, was stranded at home during the blizzard last month, and had no way of reporting what was going on in Lemont. Thanks to my Facebook page, however, I was able to stay connected. My readers kept me posted all night, telling me about power outages, accidents, snowfall totals, etc. I was able to keep up my without any trouble thanks to you fine folks. When the next big storm hits or the next big event comes into town, I just might need your help!