Traffic is picking up at csfreshink.com. Through the first 10 days of January, we doubled our page views over the same period in December.

That kind of momentum is a good sign and it points to something we’ve expected: A social network similar to Facebook made for residents of the Pikes Peak region will thrive here.

We’ve set a goal of adding 100 accounts this week, which would bring the total to 817. We have about 85 to go.

We’re going to need your help. If you haven’t signed up, please do. Then, ask your friends and family members to join us.

• Talking about neighborhoods: The Web site csfreshink.com is many things, but the “communities” contained within it comprise a key part of the foundation. These communities are geographically defined — “Briargate” for instance — and allow neighbors a place to gather online and share information important to them.

There are 16 communities on csfreshink.com representing all areas of the Pikes Peak region. It’s a good idea to join the community where you live, but feel free to join as many as you wish.

When you post information — a story, blog or photo — post it to the community where it is most relevant. For instance, a story about Rampart High School basketball will do well in the Briargate community.

Of course, you are free to post stories to as many neighborhoods as you wish. If Rampart played Fountain in basketball, you could post the Rams’ basketball story in the Fountain online community.

To post a story, simply place your cursor on the word “Stories” in the main toolbar at the top of the csfreshink.com main page. Then, click “Write your story.” You’ll be directed to a menu that is easy to follow.

• Casting a larger net: Once you post something to csfreshink.com, we’ll repost it to our Facebook accounts and to Twitter. This will give your stories and photos more exposure.

You can do this, as well. Simply look for the “Share” link at the bottom of each story or blog page. Click it and you’ll have the opportunity to blast your story to all of the major social networks.

In the meantime, please follow us on Facebook at Powers Fresh*Ink (use the asterisk), West Fresh*Ink, Fountain Valley Fresh*Ink and Briargate Fresh*Ink.

Colorado Department of Corrections inmates Mark Iverson, left, and Jack Servis worked on fishing rods they had put together from raw materials. Iverson, who is a group leader, said he was working on a deep sea rod; Servis, a bamboo rod. The rods can sell from about $500. Photo by Carol Lawrence, The Gazette