The new year is upon us and in 2013 you'll see Bloomfield Patch become even more engaging and interactive for users as we strive to make you more Patchy, and more part of the experience.

Here are 13 ways to get started or more involved in 2013:

1. Comment on an Article

Providing accurate, timely news about the community is our No. 1 priority, but without your input, that news may as well be nonexistent. We believe news is a conversation. Share your thoughts and reactions to our articles by posting a comment directly below each story.

2. Start a blog

Talking fashion, law, cooking, politics and even motherhood, bloggers in our Local Voices section offer experience, opinion and expertise on a variety of topics. But there's always room for more.

If you're interested in sharing your thoughts and expertise, get started here.

3. Send a News Tip

At the bottom of the homepage, under "Contribute," there's a link that says, "Send us news tips." Tell us about stories we should cover. Your tip will be sent straight to Bloomfield Patch Editor Art Aisner.

4. Post an Event

Do you know of a big game at the local park, a school play or a Mom2Mom Sale in the neighborhood? Is there an open house or graduation ceremony coming up? If it's not on our Patch calendar, it should be.

Add events to our site at http://bloomfield-mi.patch.com/events/new

5. Post an Announcement

Post births, engagements and wedding announcements. Tell us who made the honor roll or share school awards, social notes and thank you shout outs. If you're looking for volunteers or searching for your lost dog, we welcome you to call on your community for help.

Post at announcement at bloomfield-mi.patch.com/announcements/new. 

6. Sign Up for Newsletters

The daily Bloomfield Patch newsletter brings you the morning's top news, plus a listing of that day's upcoming events. You can also sign up for a weekly newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Click here to sign up.

7. Claim Your Directory Listing

Check out our business directory, with a listing for every locale in Bloomfield —including restaurants, shops, parks, churches and more. Even better news for business owners: You can claim your listing. Just go to bloomfield-mi.patch.com/listings, find your listing and click on the "Claim this Listing!" button.

8. Review a Business

Don't be shy about sharing your thoughts; we want to hear them! Love a restaurant? Hate a local retailer's service? You can review businesses listed in our directory, too.

9. Upload Your Photos and Video

Upload videos and post photos from local events, or send in a snapshot of your best holiday recipes. You can post directly to any article, or upload general shots from the community to our Pics & Clips Gallery.

Not sure how to get started? Here's a quick how-to. 

10. Advertise With Us

Give your business the ultimate boost. For all advertising queries, please email Robert Cucheran at robert.cucheran@patch.com.

11. Facebook, Twitter and Apps

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for even more Patch news. Immerse yourself in our content and actively contribute and engage via social media. Our apps for iPhone and Android allow you to take Patch with you wherever you go.

12. Send a Letter to the Editor

Express your thoughts or concerns about anything that might be stirring up conversation around town, and we'll post it. Make sure it's not longer than 300 words and email it to to Bloomfield Patch Editor Art Aisner at art.aisner@patch.com.

13. Keep reading Patch!

If you love Patch, keep on clicking into 2013 and beyond. If you really love Patch, tell a friend to get on the site and start contributing. We love serving the Bloomfield community, hope you'll continue to help make Patch the place to learn and hold conversations about the Bloomfield area.