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Patch Community Guidelines

At Patch, we believe that local news and information have the power to unite a community. We also believe in giving neighbors the power to tell their own stories, share their perspectives, connect with other community members and help keep each other updated about what’s happening in town.

That’s where you come in. We ask that neighbors who join Patch help create a safe and friendly space where all community members feel welcome. By posting on Patch, you agree to these Patch Community Guidelines, as well as our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you violate these Community Guidelines, your content may be subject to removal, and your account may be subject to suspension or termination.

Patch is an extension of your community. Be kind and help make it amazing.

What you can post on Patch?

Ground Rules


1) Be respectful

  • Patch has a zero tolerance policy for racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic or otherwise discriminatory language. On Patch, there is no place for name calling or vulgar or obscene language (that includes masked profanity, e.g., F$%#).
  • The people on Patch are your neighbors. Treat them as such. Always use clean and civil language, even in heated debates.
  • Thank your neighbors when they post something helpful, informative or kind. If you think any post is out of line, flag it to notify the Patch moderation team.
  • Threats and harassment are prohibited. That includes threats of physical harm against any group or individual.
  • No advertisements for (or links to) junk mail, spam, chain letters, pyramid schemes or similar forms of solicitation.
  • For more information, see the Acceptable Use provision of the Terms of Use.

2) Be transparent

  • Please use your real first name, last name, email address, and home community. Your account may be terminated if any of this profile information is found to be false.
  • You’re also encouraged to upload a profile picture and fill out your user bio, to give your neighbors a better idea of who they’re talking to.
  • Post only your own content – your own words, and photos and videos you took yourself. Any photos and other content you post that is not your own is subject to removal. See Your License to Patch and other provisions of the Terms of Use for more information.
  • Check your facts and avoid spreading misinformation. Cite your sources and tell your neighbors where you got your facts.

3) Keep it local

  • Keep Patch local. Make sure your posts have a local angle and are relevant to the community where you are posting.
  • Patch is not a personal blog or soapbox. Please don’t post more than a few times a day, and please don’t duplicate event or other posts in multiple communities.

4) Promote your business respectfully

  • Patch is committed to supporting local businesses. There are several ways for businesses and organizations to reach their local communities on Patch. However, it’s important that promotions don’t interrupt important local discussions.
  • To advertise on Patch, we ask that you instead post a business listing , an event or classified. You can also pay to boost and share your events and classifieds to nearby communities.
  • For even more exposure, contact our sales team!

Patch will make all decisions, in Patch’s discretion, regarding enforcement of these Community Guidelines, including whether to remove any content or suspend any account.

Still have questions about posting on Patch? Read more in our FAQ section, or contact our support team anytime at [email protected].