May 26, 2013 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The Community Pool is for those of you looking for input, whether on post ideas, writing, blog design and layout, or anything else. If you have a post, page, or idea you want to bounce off someone, leave a comment. Your fellow bloggers can then click through and offer input either on your site, or in the comments here (feel free to indicate which you’d prefer).

Read on for the ground rules and to leave a comment . . .

  • You’ll get the best feedback if you can be as specific as possible about what you’d like people to respond to or where you’re struggling.
  • Please keep all comments civil and constructive. We’re here to help and support one another, not to beat anyone down.
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
  • To keep from losing your place in the comment thread while you visit others’ blogs, right-click on a link to open it in a new tab or window.
  • No running on the deck.

Photo by t_a_i_s.

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  1. it would be helpful, if we had a like or agree button on each comment in community pool. I agree with a lot people have suggested and don’t want to clutter the dialogues with “I concur” messages. Also, I think this would give the blogger a stronger idea of being heard. Thanks!

    Like

  2. Hi all, Looking for a little constructive feedback. I am getting lots of follows but not many comments. I want some more interaction with my readers. Thanks! sububo-types.com

    Like

    1. Jeane,

      I’d like to take a look at your blog but l think you have given out the wrong address because it brings me to a search engine. Is it sububo-types.wordpress.com instead?

      Like

      1. Hi Jeanne,

        I the right URL on something else you commented on here. I was having a similar problem and in reading these posts and responses got a lot of good ideas myself. Here are some things that I would suggest to you: 1.) visit this community on a regular basis and give your own feedback, 2.) search for blogs about things you are interested in and leave comments there–you might find several that you want to follow. I have found that being actively engaged in others’ websites brings those bloggers to you. And make sure that you respond to the comments that you are getting. Hope this helps! P.S. Your layout is lovely, and your use of a photo introducing each piece is delightful!

        Like

  3. Reblogged this on florencecain57 and commented:
    read how I became paralysed from my waist down. cannot turn over in bed helpless and alone.
    I went into Queen Mary’s hospital Paddington London. for a one day minor operation. the surgeon. pierced my bowel. he was not aware of it. I was dangerously ill in hospital for two days. in those two days I complain. they ignored my complain. no doctor examine me. when I collapsed two doctors examined me. they misdiagnosed. my inside turn to pus. I was minutes away from dying. I had to have extensive operation trough my abdomen. be resuscitated two times. I lost some of my intestine. I spent 20 days asleep. two months twenty three days in hospital.

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    1. Hey Little, can I make a suggestion with your poems? Can you make them longer? Or introduce some Haikus? Or Sonnets? That would be way cool. Nice blog 🙂

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      1. Thanks for the suggestion. Some of my poems can be quite long, but it depends on the subject. As for haikus, I have several, and plan on writing more. But I don’t believe that I will be making any sonnets anytime soon. 🙂

        Like

  6. Hi, I actually have a question that I know a fellow blogger can answer for me. I am putting myself right out there as far as my lack of knowledge about blogging goes, but I know there are some kind understanding bloggers out there that will patiently answer my question and not judge me too harshly. I recently subscribed to the Daily Post and am loving it. Basically here is my question: “Pingbacks are always enabled; if you link to the prompt post on your blog, a link to your post will appear in the list below the prompt.” What does that mean and how do I do that? Thank you in advance to any fellow blogger that takes the time to answer the question instead of thinking, “OMG, is this person for real?”

    Medi-chip

    Like

    1. 🙂

      Basically, just copy the URL from the daily post you are writing in reference to and insert it anywhere in your post. Personally, I would either start off or end the post with something along the lines of “This post inspired by the [Daily Post]”

      See the “[]”? Those are the words I would embed the link on.

      Then, magically, your post will show up near the comments section of the Daily Post you referred to, and new people will be able to be exposed to your blog!

      Like

      1. AMPC, Thank you so much for clarifying this question for me. I am technologically challenged and have written a couple of blogs on my deficiencies. I understand the concept now and I appreciate you taking the time to help a fellow-blogger. I will follow your lead and take the time to help out another blogger.

        Like

      2. Glad to be of help! I know you’ll be able to pay it forward -lots of folks just want feedback on how other people perceive their layouts or writing style. No technological expertise needed!

        Like

  7. Howdy! What an awesome concept. Here goes:

    I’m wanting to add a “professional” page to my blog/website that includes a bit of a description of my consulting business, a list of services, and some quotes from happy clients – but I’m just having so many issues making this a reality because I cannot decide how to do it.

    My skill set spans a really wide range and I don’t want the page to look all over the place like some I’ve seen. To combat this, I’ve been toying with the phrase “modern renaissance woman”, but I’m worried that it sounds a bit conceited.

    Also, I just started my business, so I’m still in the formative stages and am feeling super lucky to have 4 clients to date. I will be working with a branding company this upcoming winter/spring – after I’ve had about a year under my belt – but I would really like to get some information “out there” sooner than that.

    Thoughts, feedback, and links to professional services pages you like are hugely appreciated. (Thoughts & feedback on any other aspects of my blog/website are also welcome.)

    ampcideas.com

    Like

  8. in response to the comment by Adrian Peterson about his not agreeing with same sex marriage,I applaud his stand mainly because he has not let anyone make him cower out of what he faithfully believes in. America especially jounrnalist,talk show host and Hollywood have tried to put a muzzle on those who disagree with same-sex-marriage. Thanks Adrian for standing up for what you believe in. I’m with you all the way and the president elect can call and pat whomever he wishes to on the back for committing fornication and homosexuality.

    Like

    1. That didn’t seem long at all — I enjoyed reading it.

      I think what made me continue reading it was that right away I could identify with a lot of what you said about the way people can affect you even if you’re not all that close, the desire to travel and see more of the world, setting goals you can’t achieve right away. I wanted to see where you ended up.

      Very uplifting. 🙂

      As a reader, I would suggest that you not worry about the length by itself. I think it’s like writing anything else — say what you need to say, no more and no less. A short post can bore someone to tears if it’s not well written; a longer post like yours can be an absolute joy to read.

      Like

      1. In an earlier comment, I didn’t link to my blog, apologies!
        I get a good amount of followers but would like to generate more comments and conversation on the topics contained in the post. I try to end posts with questions. I really would love people to respond, but am unsure how to get them to engage with me. I love my readers!
        http://suburbo-types.com/

        Thanks, Jeanne

        Like

      2. Thank you for sharing your insight Karen. I think I’m just not used to seeing posts without much visual fanfare, my work included. Often when I read things online, they are mostly visually pleasing, with pictures and all.

        Thanks for the encouragement 🙂

        Like

  10. I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else
    experiencing issues with your blog. It looks like some of the
    text on your content are running off the screen. Can somebody
    else please provide feedback and let me know if this
    is happening to them as well? This may be a problem with my
    web browser because I’ve had this happen before. Appreciate it

    Like

  13. I’d love to get some feedback on my new blog: http://www.saratiller.com. I’d especially love any advice on post titles and how to use images better. I feel like I’m not getting many readers, and I’m not sure if that’s because of content/writing style, or if it’s just because it’s new.

    Thanks for the help!

    Like

    1. Hi Sara,
      I took a look at your blog and the first thing I noticed was the theme you have chosen. It hit me as being less than welcoming. Your content is very good, but I would skip over it do to the brashness of the look of it. I would suggest trying out some different themes, ones that are more inviting and perhaps a bit more colorful. I changed my theme a couple of weeks ago, started commenting more, and BAM! I am getting a lot more traffic. As far as titles go, think about magazine and newspaper articles: the ones that give a hint of what your piece is about, but pulls the reader in to want more is what is really at the heart of it. I think in changing your theme that will naturally happen. These are friendly suggestions! 🙂 Good luck!

      Like

      1. Hi Lindsay,

        Thanks for the feedback! I hadn’t considered the theme at all! I’m going to try out some different options and go for something a bit brighter.

        Like

      2. Sara,
        You are most welcome! Once you select a new theme–and play around with them, there are so many to choose from–let me know. I would love to see it. The perfect one is out there for you so don’t get discouraged if you have to try on a dozen of them.

        Cheers!

        Like

  14. I am a newbie… I still don’t know how to maneuver everything. When I try to look at my blogsite via mobile phone… It doesn’t look the same way I have it via laptop (Mac). Also, I need suggestions on how to better my site. Don’t be too harsh now. LOL

    Also, I want to start following bloggers and vice versa… Comments, Likes, etc…

    Thankz

    Like

    1. Hello Boss Lady!
      I just looked at your site and can see where some improvements can be made. Those new to blogging–and I’ve only been doing this for a month myself–have a lot of questions and want to know how to drive traffic to your site. Your site is about beauty and fashion, but I think a theme/layout that is a bit softer would entice viewers to look at your blog, read the articles, and provide more “likes”. Since I have been active on Community Pool I have suggested a change in theme to many people: you have to remember that the first thing people are going to see are colors, pictures, and the overall layout. If they are turned off by what they see first, which is your theme, they are not going to take the time to read on. Try on some different themes–there are many available that are geared to beauty and fashion–and keep in touch because once your site is really what you are trying to convey, I will start following you, and perhaps you will want to follow my blog as well: http://www.twirlingofthemuse.wordpress.com. I hope I didn’t come across as harsh, I just want everyone to have a site that is welcoming to new visitors. 🙂

      Cheers!

      Like

  17. Hello everyone! I could use some advice from fellow poets and writers. I just posted a piece on my blog and I’m not sure if it is a long prose poem (which is sort of what I’m going for) or simply a narrative. If you could give it a read through and let me know your thoughts on it I would be grateful. The piece is titled “With You, Without You” and my blog address is: http://www.twirlingofthemuse.wordpress.com. Thanks!!

    Like

  18. I would love feedback on my blog design and general content. Basically just thoughts on how it could be user friendly and what you as readers enjoy reading!

    Like

  19. I’m frustrated. I’m getting a lot of traffic to my site, yet rarely a “like” or comment on a particular piece. I reply to comments here quite a bit, and to those who’s blogs I follow. What am I NOT doing that would help? Thanks!

    Like

    2. Hi Lindsay,
      I loved your piece “With you, without you.” It completely captured the ambivalence of the title. For me, I like the widgets on the right side. It seems a little busy.I found my eyes darting around when I should have been focusing on your piece. Find a way to make your writing stand out more, that’s the jewel of your blog. Maybe even get rid of blogroll or anything else non-essential. Play with it.

      Like

      1. Hi Jeanne,

        Thank you so much for your feedback! I’m so happy you liked the piece, and I am going to see if I can move my sidebar to the right in this theme. Happy blogging!

        Like

    3. Hi Lindsay,
      I enjoyed reading your posts but wouldn’t be likely to comment. I would be particularly unsure about commenting on your poetry because I know little about poems. If you added a related question or asked for some time of feedback, your posts might feel a bit more approachable for non-poets to comment on. Have you tried that technique?

      Like

      1. I am sorry but thats a poor excuse, everyone has an opinion on something, isnt it just politeness, if you visit someones home you comment, read a book you comment, watch a film you comment, you even made a comment saying that you read the poems but didn’t know enough about poems to comment, why didnt you say that on the blog. To many people visit blogs have a quick look and move on, how about just leaving a ‘Thank you’ or something similar. Its only polite.

        Like

      2. Sara,
        I have sort of tried that, but you’re right, giving a little extra help to those not familiar with poetry would certainly be a good idea. Thanks! P.S. Have you made your theme more colorful yet? I will check it out!

        Like

      3. Hi Lindsay,
        Please let me know what you think of the new theme! I am not great with design, so appreciate feedback there.

        One thought: What about writing a bit about the idea/inspiration for a poem in the same post as the poem? It might give another way in to commenting for those of us unfamiliar with poetry. Let me know what you try!

        Like

  20. get six months maternity leaves anywhere in the world….i speak on solutions and attempt to solve commonly known problems..isn’t it brilliant. welcome to my blog Your well wisher program…

    Like

    1. I really like the idea of your blog, however, it is not clear to the reader where you are going. Seems a bit of a mish-mush. This may be your intent, but I would recommend you use some humor and to tighten up some categories to make it easier for the reader to navigate.

      Like

      1. thanks, will surely do that. perhaps, ideas come from different subjects, and thus i cover it. i will add humor, and make categories for better reading and acceptance.

        Like

    2. Cookie, Your work is beautiful and the photos are lovely. I like the layout, too. Agree that right sided widgets work better for my brain, but others may differ.

      Like

      1. Thank you so much Jeanne! 🙂 The thing is, I started off in January with this left sided business, and now it’s gotten so ingrained that pushing the bar to the right makes it seem lopsided, lol. But thena lot of people told me right would be easier to navigate, and I’m all confused. Thank you for your input! I really appreciate it! 😀

        Like

  22. Hi,
    I’m also new to blogging,so would appreciate some feedback please. Address: http:// norilane.wordpress.com/ . Also, if I want something from my post to link to another blog, how do I do that? It’s usually highlighted on posts I read, and when clicked redirects me straight away. Please. Thanks in advance 🙂

    Like

    1. Hi Norilane,
      I like the clean lines and simplicity of your blog. I think use of Categories would be helpful for the reader, especially because you have a variety of topics you blog about. To link, highlight the word you want linked in the post, then click on the link button (looks like an infinity sign) then click to copy and paste your link.

      Like

      1. Thanks Jeanne, :-)I will try that out today. I originally started the blog mostly fit my being journey, but now I just post randomly. Will try categorizing them. 🙂 cheers.

        Like

  24. I like the helpful information you provide for your articles.

    I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at again here regularly.
    I’m fairly sure I will be told a lot of new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Like