Patch friends:
One year ago I asked the Patch.com editorial staff (not the current staff) if I could become a Patch.com blogger. While it took them a few months to work out their technical kinks, they finally gave me that right. I was pleased to have the ability to contribute my opinion and thoughts conversation on a site which provided local news, some professional opinion writers, announcements and blogs. Due to the competing demands of my personal life, I did not get to write that introductory piece before the Patch.com format changed and blogging became a universal right.
I think it's great that everyone can post their opinions and thoughts. However, I lament that "Local News" is no longer a primary piece of Wilton's Patch.com. In fact, when I click on the "News" menu (scare quotes intended), I cannot find an article that is intended to be purely newsworthy and written with a journalist’s intent. Instead I find every blog entry submitted opinions, rants, recipes, announcements and a nice community discussion. That's not what I want or expect from "News". There should be a menu, tab, option or other separation for news and opinion.
So, as the title of my article indicates, I am saying goodbye to Patch.com. Not that I won't check in from time to time to see what the radical left and right are ranting about, or what tips I can find for pet grooming, but the site will no longer be on my daily list of must-check-to-be-informed destinations. If I feel the need to just throw a topic out and see who is willing to bash me, I may even post in the future. But the thrill is gone.
I look forward to seeing some of you around town. Maybe we can continue our conversations at CT Coffee, Caraluzzi's, Wilton Fencing Academy, one of the schools, or the many other places I frequent.
I didn't write this because I thought anyone was waiting for a post from Brian Kesselman. I wrote it because I think there are other Patch.com readers who feel the same, and I wanted to give a (daily)voice to that group.
To the editors: I make one last plea that you consider the notes I and like minded readers have sent in the recent past.
- Add back some local news reporting.
- Change the format to differentiate between news and opinion.
- Police your Terms and force users who make personal attacks off the site, permanently.
- Determine a user registration strategy to eliminate multiple pennames and anonymous bashing. (The public doesn't need to know everyone's name, but you should be able to verify their identity or not let them on.)
- Generally enhance the site's professionalism.
Having said my piece... Wilton and Non-Wilton contributors, are you ready to rumble? Let the comments begin.
