When I moved to California at the start of 2009, my mom did something that surprised me — she got a Facebook account.
Soon we were chatting daily, sharing photos and commenting on each other’s status updates. We were keeping in touch better than we had in years. After that I started friending aunts, uncles and other adults I hadn’t interacted with much since I went to college.
Facebook originated as a college-only social network where students could connect with their classmates, friends and clubs. Now it is available to anyone over the age of 14. Through Facebook, users can connect with not only family, friends and colleagues through status updates, photos and more, they also can stay up-to-date with their favorite organizations and products.
That’s where we come in.
On June 30, the Sequim Gazette established a Facebook page. Less than a month later, we had more than 300 fans. Users can “like” our page to connect with us and other locals through links to stories, photos and other topics of interest. There is also opportunity for discussion on the page.
This week we would like to launch a new way to connect with the community. People who “like” our page will be able to upload photos to a fan album for the chance to have it published in the Gazette.
Here are the rules: Participants must be 18 years of age or older, all photos must be original works of the participant, photos must be taken on the peninsula and cannot be older than two weeks. By entering the contest you are giving the Gazette permission to publish your photo, should you win. Winners will be chosen by Gazette staff, notified through Facebook and will be credited in the newspaper and on the Facebook page.
To find the fan album to go to boxes on the left hand side of the page and find the "Photos" box. Click "see all" next to "photos by others" and upload photos by clicking "add photos." You will then be taken to your own Facebook photo albums where you will select the photo you wish to share.
I hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to share their perspective of life on the peninsula through their photographs.
Questions can be e-mailed to awinters@sequimgazette.com.
