Pros
Many, many of the reviews of Patch on this site are either out-of-date or misdated because they cite business practices that have not been in place for more than 2 years, yet carry dates within the last few months. Perhaps this is because this site makes reviewing a condition of use, so that people are reviewing a company that they haven't worked for in years. Or perhaps something is mysteriously broken about the dates on this site. Either way: if you are considering working for Patch, pay attention to reviews from current employees and understand than any reference to "AOL" is out of date by at least two years (when AOL spun off Patch.) For context, AOL spent a great deal on Patch and it didn't work -- the company lost a fortune -- leading to lay offs, ill-will, recriminations, and eventually, the spin off of Patch as a private company. Since then, a much leaner Patch has rebuilt its business model, its site, its editorial strategy and almost everything about the company. Patch is currently in the black -- unlike a great many digital media companies -- and growing. Traffic is up 60% year over year and Patch has opened new sites in Austin, TX, New York and Illinois. I can say from experience that working at Patch is intensely rewarding. The people are great, and the mission - creating hyperlocal content, as opposed to chasing one viral story after another - feels meaningful and ennobling. Patch editors work very hard, but the culture is positive and supportive. If you're curious about working at Patch, the best thing you could do is just email any of the editors whose bylines you see on the site and ask them. They'll tell you first hand about their experience. It may or may not be for you, but it couldn't be more different from the experience of editors at Patch before Jan 2014, when the company became independent.
Cons
Call a current employee and ask. The culture is open and candid, and they will tell you about their experience.