The fact that you are reading this short article means you have already taken the absolute first, crucial step in using Marietta Patch: You visit the site.

To get the full benefit of Patch and to make it the premier online community for Marietta and only Marietta, there are many other activities and steps for you. The most essential steps involve registering, liking and following.

First, register. That means signing up with Marietta Patch at the "Sign Up" button near the top right of the home page.  Click on the link, and a box pops up that asks you to provide your name, your e-mail address and a password. The registration defaults to sending you the daily Marietta Patch e-mail newsletter; you also can get the weekly newsletter and breaking-news alerts. Unclick the boxes if you do not wish to receive those e-mail messages.

But don't worry. We have a strict privacy policy (we won't sell your information) and standard terms of use (keep it civil and clean, folks). This registration process allows you to add announcements, write reviews, upload pictures and video, comment on stories and share your thoughts on the issues most important to you in the shout box on the home page.

Second, like. Go to the Marietta Patch page on Facebook and like it. We update it several times a day with story links, calls for comments and more.

Third, follow. Go to the Marietta Patch feed on Twitter and follow us. See where Marietta Patch is at various times during the week.

Yes, it's that easy. After those three steps, you're already becoming a Patch pro!