Ready to Blog on Bristol-Warren Patch? Here's How to Get Started

One of our main goals at Bristol-Warren Patch is to make our site a place where readers can follow local news, share their events and announcements — and discuss important topics of the day.

And the best way to get your opinion out to Bristol and Warren readers is by starting a blog.

You don't have to be a wordsmith, nor do you have to write extremely thought-provoking essays every day.

If you are frustrated with town government, it's an opportunity to vent. If you volunteer your time and wish there were more people in Bristol and Warren  willing to donate time to a good cause, use the platform to highlight your work and the positive impact it has on the community.

You can also show yourself to be an expert in your business field by discussing important topics.

Most importantly, you'll be joining the many other local voices who add variety and lively debate to what we at Patch call our "virtual village green."

Our blogging platform is the future of the traditional op-ed page in the newspaper — plus, it's your work, so if you have another site (or Twitter feed, or Facebook page), you can post your blog on Bristol-Warren Patch and promote it elsewhere.

"Okay, I'm sold," you're saying. "How do I start a blog on Bristol-Warren Patch?"

Glad you asked! Here are the ridiculously easy-to-follow instructions:

Steps to Starting a Blog:

1. Use your Patch profile to sign in — or create a profile. [You can also sign in with a Facebook account; follow the link for info.]
2. Find the Start a Blog link on our newly-updated front page. [Or click the blue text.]
3. Click the "Post on Patch" link.
4. Write your first entry. Be sure to add a photo or graphic to make your blog stand out.
5. Hit "Save and Preview."

Now, before your entry appears, there are a few other

Things to Know About Blogging on Patch:

1. Your blog posts will be reviewed and approved prior to publication, typically within 24 hours after you post them.
2. By signing up to blog, you agree to our Terms of Use, which basically means you plan to post original work and behave yourself.
3. Patch also has a Privacy Policy that explains how we use the information you provide to us.
4. You should also review our Blogger Terms to understand how Patch works with bloggers.
5. You must be 14 years of age or older.

Bookmark this page as a reference, and email Editor Joe Hutnak at joseph.hutnak@patch.com if you have any questions!