AOL buys local plays Patch, Going

AOL has acquired two local companies: Patch, which is a neighborhood news network, and Going, a social entertainment events site. The Patch acquisition may have you scratching your head, but there’s an easy way to explain it: Patch investor Tim Armstrong is now the CEO of AOL.

Patch has always been fascinating to watch because it launched after Next Door Media, the neighborhood news network founded by my wife and me in Seattle. Patch has 5 sites, a massive staff, a big technology investment and lots of press. Next Door Media has 5 sites, a full-time staff of one, off-the-shelf technology and no press. We’re not as flashy, but it appears we’re driving a good deal more traffic and advertising. (There, I feel better.)