When I'm out on a breaking story, one of the first things I do if I can is snap a picture on my iPhone and upload it to Facebook. Facebook and Twitter will most likely get a quick update before I get to a location where I can sit down to write the story. So while you're finding out what's new with the people in your social network, you also can find out what's happening in your neighborhood in one glance. Have you liked Woodridge Patch on Facebook yet?

When I'm working on the story, I've got a group of experts I call for background information. They may not be quoted in the story, but as I start my research, I like to reach out to people with expertise in the areas I write about. Have you ever wanted to know whether you could sue somebody for something or whether you should see a chiropractor for that shoulder pain? Well, now you can ask that question on our site, and an expert from Darien or Woodridge will answer. Of course, no advice on our site should replace a professional service, but sometimes you just want someone to weigh in on your…