What is Patch? If you're a reader that's told a friend not yet "in the know" about a story on Patch, what did you say?

It is a news Web site, yes, but with your help, Portsmouth Patch is so much more. 

We are a place to have your voice heard, while staying informed on the latest news and events in your community. We are also a place to promote your own special event, announce your news and opportunities, show off your achievements, and build your community.

And it is up to you, dear reader, to make this site more. Here's how:

Post your event-

Our calendar is 100% free and easy to use. Just click on the "events" tab above and select "Add Event" at the top right of the page. Fill out the fields below. If you've made an event flyer that you can access on your computer, this is as easy as copying and pasting the information. You can even upload the flyer when you're done!

Your event now appears on our newsletter on the day it occurs and it's on our radar. 

Remember when selecting the location for your special event that Portsmouth Patch aims to have a directory listing for EVERY business and non-profit in town. If you're not there, let us know!

Which leads us to the second best way to make the most of your experience...

Claim your listing and use the directory-

Are you the owner of a small business that doesn't currently have a Web presence? Claiming your Patch listing gives you a place to list your services, hours and photos and gives our readers a chance to find you. Click on the "Places" tab above to find your business or non-profit organization. If we've somehow missed you in the directory, just click "add it" and we'll be sure to get you in there. 

If you're a reader that just happens to know of an incredible Portsmouth restaurant or shop, submit a review and give the owner the credit they deserve! The business listing will be linked to future Portsmouth Patch stories and events that take place at the location. 

Go ahead, brag. Send us your photos

While we can't be everywhere at once, we would like to!

If your event was something special and Patch wasn't able to be there, we can still tell everyone about it. Announce this to everyone by posting an Announcement by just clicking "announcement" on top of the homepage.

You can also e-mail me photos at sandy@patch.com and send us news from your girl scout troop, little league team, local charity or church gathering. Your news may appear in "Five Things You Need To Know" or we may even contact you for more information.

You can also add photos to any Patch article by clicking "add photo" beneath the shots we've featured.   

You're in charge. Literally.

We aim to provide a forum where residents can discuss the issues that face our town and cultivate an understanding of the many different perspectives to represent our community. 

Our terms of use, however, prohibit defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane or offensive language as well as comments that are threatening and harassing, or that promotes racism, bigotry, hatred or physical harm of any kind against any group or individual.

Variety is the spice of digital life, and we truly hate to censor anyone. Help us decide which content is appropriate by "flagging" any comment that you find offensive. If others flag the content as well, it will automatically be removed from Portsmouth Patch.

Through dialog, photos and and connections, Patch offers readers the rare opportunity to take part in the news, while helping to create it. This is your community, and this is your Patch. Share your story with the digital world.