Jun 2, 2013 / Community Pool

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. Hi, Brett,

      I love this post! I was totally engaged the whole way – what crazy signs! The only suggestion I have is to lose the intro paragraph. Start with, “The sign I discovered…” The title to the post is the introduction, and the story is told through the great descriptions and commentary.

      One small editing/typo note: “But a theme titles ‘the sign says’ would not be complete…” I’m thinking that the word “titles” should be “titled.”

      Excellent job! Thank you for sharing it in the pool! Have a great day.

      -Judy

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      1. ah thankx Judy, correct on both counts and worst typos are those that become real words as well so well spotted – really appreciate the feedback! changes made!

        Like

  2. Hi.

    http://skillcode.wordpress.com/

    You can read a lot about the background in the About pages. (The old one is linked trough the new one)

    I would love some feedback about the type of articles I write about, and would really love ideas on what topics I should be focusing on. I enjoy doing Daily Prompt for inspiration and learning more about writing, but I feel like there is more than I can currently see.

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  3. Would also be great to get some comments on my second blog, Brett Andy, where I share some ‘deep thoughts’ in a similar vein to Jack Handey – i used to just write the thoughts and for the last few posts have included random unrelated pictures as well which I think enhance the effect [In the Jack Handey quote books they used to do this as well enhancing the randomness of the quotes with the unrelatedness of the pics] so would dig to hear what you think on the look of it now vs. if you scroll down a bit and see the quotes by themselves – http://brettandy.wordpress.com

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  6. I posted a poem last night, and I’d really like some feedback. I just used a device I’m not usually fond of, and I think it really worked.

    Dive

    Additionally, I have a lot of different content on my blog: poetry, short stories, updates on my novel, current events, and religious issues. My question is are these topics too much for one blog? Should I split them into two pages, an artistic page and a serious issues page? I hope that my organization works well enough that I wouldn’t have to make a second. I’d appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

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    1. I really like your blog’s title. I always dig alliteration and it even taught me a new word! Haha and as far as content – for me, personally, I am much more likely to follow a blog with creative content if there are other forms of content present as well. So I like that you have everything on one blog.

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    1. I object to the question.

      The only way you’ll be able to write a worthwhile blog is if you focus on things that interest you. In my opinion, your best post is “A Medicated Society” because the topic’s importance really comes through. (Not everyone can write on that topic from a first person perspective.) And the raw vegan blog sounds like a great idea; it’s not a topic I’d choose to read but I hope the right readers would find you. Just be sure to proofread your posts thoroughly.

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  9. Hey! 🙂 I’ve done a lot of work lately to update my blog – made a new header, added buttons, set the menu up with more categories and would love to know how it looks/how easy it is to use and understand. Thanks! 🙂

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    1. You blog is very easy to navigate! The drop down menus are perfect. The green color really emphasizes the health food focus of your posts. The one thing I would offer with constructive criticism is about you blog header. I find it very busy and I think you would do better with just the title of your blog. The objective and bullet points are fabulous, but I think they’d be better featured prominently on your sidebar.

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  10. Hello everyone 🙂 I’d love any feedback on my blog, particularly about the writing style and content, as I am in high school and still developing those skills. Thank you all so much! – Catherine

    neverstationary.wordpress.com

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  11. Hi everyone,
    I set up my blog on Wp.org les than a month ago and re-worked everything.
    I am done with layout changes but still working on improving the content (re-working old posts).
    Any kind of constructive criticism is welcome whether it is about the layout, design, content, overall feel and impression.
    My website – http://toraveabout.com

    Have a nice day. Thanks in advance!

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    1. Hi there. I feel like your layout is very user-friendly and navigable, and your content is well-written! No criticisms from me!

      Like

    2. It’s very clean and beautiful. I think the only thing I would say (since you’re asking for feedback) is I would limit how many posts are seen per page (in your settings) and reduce it to 5. I like it when I scroll down and it comes to an end rather than load and keeps adding content.

      Other than that, like I said, it’s beautiful and easy on the eyes!

      Like

    3. I like your blog too. I like the colors and the the way that the blog is. You really put a lot of time, effort, and money into this blog. Very awesome content-its legible and easy to follow. Wow!

      Like

  12. I celebrated 5 years of living in NYC this week! Which coincides directly with 5 years of blogging. In honor of this milestone, I am planning a series of posts where I hi-lite what I was doing today/this week 5 years ago. My first summer in NYC was incredibly memorable and life changing.

    I’d love to hear feedback on my first post like this. 1. If interest is maintained. 2. If it feels like I’m just recycling old posts. 3. If you think this idea for a series is a good one, or if it sucks!

    5 Years Ago: NYC Dating Initiation

    Thanks community!

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    1. As an old cynic from London I enjoyed this a lot. I like the idea of how you felt five years ago compared to how you view the same things now and I’d hope you’ve enough material to keep you going for the next five years. I do think it will be useful to ensure that there is a link back to the original post but also don’t forget that you’re still moving on and have new things to say. I shall enjoy following you.

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    1. I think your writing style is great! You seem to have a large number of followers who comment and agree 🙂 As a States sider, I adore blogs with UK flare.

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    2. I checked it out and really enjoyed it. I like your writing style and the questions you pose. The discussion the post facilitates in the comments is interesting!

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    3. HI there, I liked the post, very thought provoking. Your writing style is real and I can relate to what you’re saying.. Good job with the blog!

      Like

    4. I loved the post quite frankly. I was axle to follow your writing easily. It was clear and concise and it made me think! Nice job! Idk how you found those pictures but I loved it!

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  14. I have a general question. I have used the gallery feature a few times. I don’t keep a blog specifically devoted to photography, but photos often help to tell the story. It seems like the gallery feature improves loading time and looks tidier than half a dozen large images.

    When you visit a blog, is it an annoyance to have to click an image to make it larger? My other option would be to have full-sized images, but fewer of them.

    Thanks for your time!

    Like

    1. I am of course drawn to your blog because of the name- kindred blog titles! I think the gallery images work very well most of the time. When it is obvious what is in the picture, it is a great way to display. The only problem I had was when I couldn’t really see the subject of the image- I found this to be an issue in your most recent post with the baby birds. Small criticism. Your blog is wonderful!

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      1. Thanks for the feedback!

        I will see what I can do to correct the issue for the next bird post. They’re nearly impossible to see at the thumbnail size.

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  15. My blog is ww.bluebeadpublications.com. Do I can off as an amateur or shrill? Perhaps a nasty combination of the two. I feel my blog struggles here bc my tone is off.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

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    1. If your blog is “struggling,” it might just be because you’ve written fewer than 15 posts since you started your blog in November. I think it would be hard to build an audience when you write so sporadically.

      I don’t think I would call your blog “shrill” even though you have some strongly worded opinions. There’s nothing inherently wrong with writing in that style. However, if you’re trying to attract an audience of spirituality seekers, your tone probably hinders you in the mission you laid out.

      Like

    2. It’s tough to say how often and I doubt there’s a right answer. However, if I read a blog post from you today and don’t see another for several weeks, I’m not going to remember the author (you) well enough to realize “hey, I’ve liked this person more than once. I should follow her blog.” I may remember the earlier post after a few weeks, but I probably won’t be able to identify you as the person who wrote it.

      Like

  16. I’m new to WordPress and relatively new to blogging in general so any feedback or advice on the aesthetics of my page or the quality of my content would be greatly appreciated! There are posts regarding feminism, political correctness, television, dinosaurs, et cetera, so if you’re interested in any of that, check it out.

    iamvelociraptor.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. Chelsea,

      I like the fact that you have your twitter page up there, the photo in your header and your missions statement. I think you have some really unique ideas!

      Like

    2. I love how your blurb indicates your POV. Although we approach things differently (I am a conservative male), I didn’t feel alienated or judged. Good Job!

      Like

    3. Love your blog, I just hopped around to check out the articles. Whedonite, loves dinosaurs, quotes Alanis – yes, let’s be friends. 🙂

      My only advice, since you asked– is to brighten up your page a bit. I was happy enough with it when it loaded… until I started reading. It doesn’t seem to match. You’re funny, you have pizazz! The dark design didn’t seem to suit your words. Some images or life on your sidebar would be pretty great too, people like to see at a glance what you’re all about. 🙂 Also, in the same vein as letting people know what you’re all about at a glance… a tagline would be nice. 😀 Something that fits your particular brand of wit and force! 🙂

      Welcome to WP, it’s always good to have another dino-lover around! 😀

      Like

      1. Thanks so much! Very helpful feedback, I will get started on implementing some of your tips ASAP! I’m really glad you enjoyed my blog and thanks for the welcome! 🙂

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  17. My blog The Maverick’s Manifesto strives to give you the courage and tools to create beyond the confines of conformity. The Maverick’s Manifesto gives you a defying path with principles and beliefs to help you create work that is challenging and interesting.

    Like

    1. You have great stuff that is very helpful on your blog and you are scheduled it seems which I believe many would be enthused about. The 2 items I could see some improvement on-and this may just be me. I am a hurry to the point type person and having to click for every article is slow to me. Maybe it is your theme though, I do not know much about themes other than the 2 I have used. They are all so different in how you can post. The other thing and again I can color overdo so I hope someone else chimes in here; adding some color or maybe an image above each set of posts that goes with one of the articles might help. In a manner that works for you. You have great wisdom I think a lot could learn from.

      Like

      1. Thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate it. I agree with you about adding colour and an image and I am planning on adding those, plus a few more details To make the blog more appealing visually for readers. Again, thanks for your input!

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  18. Hi Bloggers!
    I’ve been thinking about changing the name if my blog because it doesn’t really reflect what my blogs about (or at least that’s what I think I could be wrong) I’m not sure what I would change the name to. Could you let me know what you think? If you have any name suggeestions let me know! Thanks!

    http://www.msperfectpatty.com

    Like

    1. I checked your blog out after you gave me some feedback, and I really dig it. I agree that your title doesn’t accurately reflect the content of your posts, as I think your posts are much more centered on realism and inspiration rather than an unattainable ideal of perfection or something superficial. I’m not very creative though so I can’t really think of an alternative, but I hope this helps in your consideration of a new title!

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    3. I agree, your blog title doesn’t match the content. Bumblepuppies’ idea is pretty good — it goes better with a blog about inspiration and improvement, and has the added bonus of being something a lot of people can identify with. Who doesn’t want to perfect themselves? Aren’t we all works in progress?

      By the way, I’m sarcastic and cynical, and exactly the kind of person who wouldn’t like a blog like yours — and I found myself enjoying it a lot despite myself. 🙂

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  20. Hi, all. Just wondering if I could get some feedback — I don’t know if there’s a decent mix of subjects, or if it’s all over the place, or if it’s too much “about me” to be of any interest to anyone else…?

    Also, I was shooting for a clean, easy-to-read look, so I went with a simple, straightforward theme. Good idea, or bad?

    Thanks!

    — Karen
    http://somanyfeebs.com

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    1. I found your blog interesting and funny. While it does center around your personal experiences, I feel like the humor with which you write about your life makes it interesting enough to appeal to a larger audience for sure.

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      1. Thanks so much! I’m relieved to know I’m not too far up my own butt for anyone else to get what I’m writing about.

        (Funny timing — I was just looking at your blog, and commenting on a post of yours from a couple of weeks ago.)

        Thanks again!

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    2. Your simple theme works fine for the most part, so I only have one suggestion. A “header image” doesn’t have to be a traditional image. You could have a big white rectangle as the header image and, depending on where your theme puts the “image,” your front page would look much better without losing the simplicity.

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    3. I found your blog quite appealing. It’s visually clean and well-organized (in my opinion) and your sense of humor had me clicking through the posts.

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      1. Thanks for the feedback and the kind words!

        I was just reading your blog — lots of food for thought. I love that kind of thing. And the post about Dan Brown — well, I’ll leave my comment about that on your blog.

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  24. Good evening WordPressians, if anybody has an affinity for nonsense and/or poetry bullshit I’d really appreciate you taking a moment or two to explore my blog. As a whole it’s experimental, so my question to you is: “Is there anything that jumps out to you that could make my blog more accessible to a person who’s not well-versed in dealing with abstract poetry?”

    http://topicsofnonotenonsense.wordpress.com/

    Like

    1. You have some great content that is getting lost because the theme is not exposing it to advantage: the b/w graphic in the left hand sidebar that obscures important info, the summary (only) of the latest post (that has some good content and hidden pix worth flaunting) with previous posts taking up valuable blog real estate underneath. You’ve got some great title hooks but need a visual to get the reader to click on the post – some sort of option to draw people further in. You might also want to use some widgets rather than the links in the top menu. An about page is a big bonus to get your readers to connect with who you are as well. Nothing is written in stone – play with it to see what is most visually appealing and find out what best lets your work shine…

      Like

    2. Ditto the above. You’ve got great content but need a slightly better layout. Keep playing around with it – and post the results in the next Community Pool. after a few weeks of suggestions, you should have found a happy medium for the average viewer.

      Like

  25. Hi, I was just wondering if someone could give an opinion on the categories I’m using (I’ve changed them about 3 times in 3 days already because I keep changing my mind!).

    My blog is mostly about travel. But I also want to write about animals and the environment, fashion, creativity and things that inspire me (and hopefully inspire others). Also – the quirky. I thought about the category ‘Planet’ to summarise travel, animals, environment but wasn’t sure if that was a bit unclear? And I also wasn’t sure how to categorise the rest so any opinions are much appreciated!

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      1. First of all, I love your theme! I’m supposed to use that theme as well but decided to opt for another one. But still it looks great on yours. As for the categories, you might want to be more specific… and don’t be afraid to use more than one word. Like for the Quirky/Random, you may use quirky musings, or random ramblings, etc. Just a suggestion. 🙂

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  27. I have a similar query to several othe respondents here. My first post was April 2nd. While I did not expect a great audience there have been times when simple (read little input) have attracted more viewers/likes, in a short space of time, than those which I have spent a long time organising. With 10.5 million wordpress blogs viewers cannot be every where, but as others have asked, “Is there anything I could improve on?” And more to the point is it normal to have many views one day a very few the next? Thank you, Don

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    1. I have one suggestion. Always use the larger font size like you did for some comments in “Sweet Sugar in Cairns.” On posts with the smaller font (and the really nice huge pictures), I spent my efforts looking for the commentary between the pictures. When your comments take up little space, they get lost between the pictures; if I’m hunting for the commentary, it detracts from the pictures.

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      1. Thank you. I started with the larger font as my eyes are not as good as the used to be, but then changed back as many other blogs I was viewing, at the time, were using an even smaller font, in my opinion…and on dark backgrounds.

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  28. I started a short story series, but it is turning out to be a long story with a point. I’m afraid of making a blog post too long, so I break it up into smaller segments. Any opinions? Make longer segments, shorter segments???? Is a long story okay for blogging? http://www.kristenzuray.wordpress.com, “The Redemption of Adi”.

    Like

    1. If you use the tag WPlongform, you’ll reach readers who specifically want really long posts. I suspect that’s a tiny group, but it is a tag I’ve seen Freshly Pressed pull from.

      Otherwise, I’m inclined to say that a post should be a self-contained unit. Since you’re doing short stories, you might be best off having one story per post and mentioning in each post that the story is part of a series. After all, 10 posts attract more readers than 1 post.

      Like

  30. Hi everyone! I started my blog this weekend, as an avenue to house my articles I write for an online interiors magazine, as well as my own ramblings. I have devised a few topics that reflect me and my interests, they are: Motherhood Mondays; Interiors Tuesday; Wednesday Weddings; Random Thursday; Friday Fashions; My Week in Pics and Sunday Sessions. My question to the Community is: do you think I used the right theme? And are these topics too random (ie. will I alienate interiors lovers, for instance, with a weekly post on weddings?); and am I being too verbose? Should I be focussing more on pics? Any feedback would be wonderful. I want to start out in the right way before I publicize my blog to my family and friends!

    Reid and Wren

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    1. Hi there. First of all, your theme is beautiful. I really like it. As far as the topics, I think you just maybe need to clarify to yourself what audience you’d like to appeal to. If your posts are going to be more focused to interiors folks, the other topics might be an issue, but if you want to appeal to a wider variety of people, I think the topics you’ve chosen will definitely accomplish that. Hope that helped!

      Like

    2. i really like your theme too! agree with chelsea… its so easy to navigate and looks good too 🙂 i missed the home and about, as on a grey background the black didn’t show that clearly. so looked for it.. maybe that can be in a light font, if the theme permits?

      Like