Oct 27, 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. I think you should somehow pop-out the “Nerd versus Jock” story cause it was quite the last thing I saw on your blog.
      Story is OK, but not good. I understand that you are going to continue this story? Maybe it will get better, but try to end your post with something intriguing. Make me want to read more (subscribe and wait for more). Right now i read your story and was “Meh… That’s ok” and maybe I will stumble upon your blog again and read it again bot for now – no.

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      1. Yeah I published it on wattpad originally it’s not one of my best, I don’t like writing romance as much so I’ll have to work ok that. Also, thank you for the feedback, maybe ill publish one of my better stories first to attract followers.

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      6. @dizzyevenings I just visited your blog and I love the clean layout. It would change the look of the blog but I would consider adding a few good photos- one per post? Just for a little visual interest. They should be high quality (off the net with credit if you are not a photographer?). I don’t have anything against the image free, white, clean scheme you’ve got going now, but you can probably tell from my blog that I’m into the visual/photography aspect of posts! I’d also suggest maybe editing some minor spelling errors etc. just so they don’t distract the reader. Overall nice blog with a clean finish.
        Best,
        -Emma
        http://feelingtangerine.wordpress.com/

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      7. Thank you for feedback. I will consider the idea of adding some visual side.
        About the spelling errors – I try my best. I am not native in english so google is helping me with some words 🙂 But i will try to get better.

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      8. @dizzyevenings- Great, good luck with the visuals. I guessed about the language, don’t take it as criticism I was just letting you know what I noticed, everyone knows how hard it is to do well in a second language!
        Would you take a look at my blog if you have a minute?
        Thank you!
        -Emma

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  2. So… can anyone give me the story on SPAM followers? I just don’t get it. I wish there was a way to block them to get a genuine sense of my readership, but it has gotten out of control. Anyone?

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    1. I liked it, I think you’re posts are spot on for the audience you’re trying to reach, and you can tell that you’re being yourself.
      My website is katelynngilbert.wordpress.com

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    3. I agree with KATELYNNGILBERT, you just need to find that audience 😉
      I took a look at your about page, and I have one suggestion- in my opinion it’s good to mention how often you post updates so readers know when to return if they are not following. Overall it’s looking good, I would probably not follow as it just does not relate to my interests but if it did I would probably keep coming back for more 🙂
      Keep up the good work!
      -Emma
      http://feelingtangerine.wordpress.com/

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      1. @jungleheroes I really liked the layout of your blog and as a writer I really enjoyed reading your work. I also liked the idea of a weekly photo. All in all keep up the good work. Would you mind taking a look at my blog
        Katelynngilbert.wordpress.com

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      2. @katelynngilbert I like the overall layout of your blog, however I have a few suggestions. I like your about page, and I would add a photo for more color! The top of the page looks like it says your name and maybe has text under it but on my computer I cannot tell the white text from the background. Maybe this was intentional? It looks like your blog is relatively new from the posts so I can’t tell the story you are trying to share with your posts. This is probably because there are not many yet! I suggest more posts with stories as opposed to reblogs or short updates- just more interesting in my opinion. I personally dislike stereotypes such as “Nerd” or “Jock,” so I found myself approaching that page unsure of what I would think, but I liked the sound of what I read there. One nitpicky fix (maybe a typo): “At school she was the most introverted person in class, she don’t raise her hand and the teachers knew not to call on her.”
        I’d personally change don’t to didn’t, maybe this is just part of the voice here though.
        Overall nice work, it’s clean and has potential : )
        thanks for stopping by my blog!
        -Emma
        http://feelingtangerine.wordpress.com/

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  4. Hi all, I was wondering how one would acquire a copyright ‘badge’/notice. Also, how do ‘pingbacks’ work for the daily prompt? When I participate in the daily prompt, I would like to include a list of all who contributed. I regularly get ‘pingbacks’ and I would like to do the same for other blogs. Advice and feedback would be greatly appreciated!

    Also, please feel free to check out my blog 🙂 It’s a work in progress, but hopefully I’ll get there. Thanks!
    http://wingingitandwinning.wordpress.com/

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    1. Just checked out your blog- I liked it. The poetry is interesting, but I like it better when paired with prose (either before or after) to give context… maybe a description of when you wrote it, what you were feeling, what it would look like… Just add a little story. Overall nice job.
      I’m also looking for feedback if you have a chance 🙂
      http://feelingtangerine.wordpress.com/
      Best,
      -Emma

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      1. Thanks so much for the feedback Emma. I gave this some thought and I agree – there does need to be a bit of a background. I usually hold back for some unknown reason, but in future I will add more detail. I think that some poems need explaining, while others speak for themselves 🙂 I really appreciate that you took the time to check out my writing. I had a look at your blog and I really enjoyed the photography, the design, and the content. Overall, I think you have done a great job! I look forward to reading about your travels.

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  5. Good morning to everyone. I am curious how people are integrating with the changes caused by this new healthcare law? Has anyone been able to sign-up yet since the website is having so many issues, and what new costs has anyone been faced? Is it cheaper or more expensive? I have learned that the new law doesn’t really go into full effect until January. I have posed this question on Inspire and gotten some interesting feedback.
    Thank you for taking the time to provide some feedback.

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  8. Hey all! My I’m Ian and I’m really new to blogging. Take a look if you have a second, and please leave some feedback. It would be greatly appreciated! I’m going for a blog that helps people and makes them feel good after reading it! Perspective | Life through the eyes of a 20 year old College Student
    http://ian0baker.wordpress.com/

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    1. I checked your blog Ian, you have great intentions from what I have read, your writing comes from the heart which is your biggest strength in my opinion, so by all means keep at it and your blog will benefit those who read it.

      P.S. Try to check your spelling every once and a while 🙂

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      2. Hi Ianbaker45, I would like you to review the articles I have written on my internet message delivery service. Once you get to the site http://www.rememberpeople.com click about us top right and a toolbar will pop down and click articles. Thank you Will
        You seem to be an experience writer/blogger and I would greatly appreciate your feed back.
        As a gift for your time please send that special occasion video free. All you need is an email to send to.

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  9. I’ve already commented on the Pool but I’ve attempted an overhaul of my blog. Feedback on the layout and the content of my posts would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys(:
    perceivingalife.wordpress.com

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    1. Don’t think about the number of followers, but think about their opinion. Don’t expect to have tens of followers who would keep you busy with reading their comments and would make you feel better with the huge number of likes they give you. Rather think about how many people will actually learn something from your blog and benefit from your experiences. Blogging is not as some bloggers think all about being popular, NO, it should be about your dream as a blogger for a better world.

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      1. Thank you for that and maybe I should have clarified a little better. My objectives in blogging are not only about sharing myself as a person but I want to learn about people all around the world. Its being able to find those people that I’m finding difficult. I’m not concerned with a popularity contest. I could care less about that. I just want to make a difference. I feel like I have good ideas and opinions (while not everyone may agree) I just want to express those and make it count.

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  11. I’m relatively new to blogging and I think its cool to post real life events for my facebook friends to review. However, I do not have the time to research on making my page reflect my words… How can I swag out my page like others I see on here? My Profile pic to my left looks like Tetris… I need swag bad!!!

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  12. Hey!!! Would anybody be interested in checking out my blog and giving me some feedback on what you think about it so far? It’s still a work in progress but id like to see what would make it better or what already works!!! Thank you so much xxx

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    1. Your blog is great! I enjoyed it. You might want to include a brief explanation of your challenge at the beginning of each post for those who didn’t read the intro. Have fun!

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  14. Looking for some feedback on my first post… advice on, opinions of, statistics on, hope for, destruction of America’s education system. It’s only one small fraction of what I could write, but it would help to have input.

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    1. I left a comment on your blog. Your writing style is easy to follow and understand. I would appreciate any feedback on my blog you can offer. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I read your most recent post. It doesn’t seem too long to me. It actually seems just right. In the future, if you aren’t sure about the length of your post, read it and decide if every sentence contributes something meaningful. Make sure you aren’t just repeating your point or rambling about something off topic. Stick to your purpose and offer helpful information in every sentence.
      best wishes!

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      2. I completely agree!
        If you happen to have some time, I would appreciate suggestions on my blog. If you notice anything I commonly get wrong that should be edited, please let me know. Thanks!

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      4. Your blog is clear and concise – I have no corrections for you except that you might want to add a link to the Lessons Plans site in the CLEP para.

        Good use of serial commas too! And I love the novel resources. Might try some out, just for fun.

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    2. I really enjoyed your Halloween post. It had what every good story should have: a beginning, middle, and end. I didn’t think it was too long at all. What’s more, it made me curious to read on. Two thumbs up!

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      1. Thanks so much, Marianne! I was just playing around with that, trying to see how tightly I could write and still tell the whole story. I had good material!

        I think my bigger question now is whether or not I’m brave enough to write about the other stuff on my blog, posts like the Vulnerability one. Thanks again!!

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  17. Would appreciate feedback about how to get more traffic on my blog to get our story out, as well as info on how to add more specifics to personalize it- example: I really want a menu on the right side of the screen so someone could simply click on the title of the blog for that day to read it, as opposed to having to scroll through each previous day. VERY new at this- any help appreciated! http://www.bringinghomehaiti.wordpress.com

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    1. Your blog is really great. I love the openness you write with. Yes, a side menu would be helpful. Also, I love your about page, but a little more about your beliefs would be nice. Keep up the great work!

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  18. Hi everyone, creating a new blog (first time blogger.) I would appreciate feedback on my layout, content, and a suggested target audience. Specifically, I am trying to see what people like and what needs to be improved so that I can create a great blog. If anyone has any tips they would like to share or has some spare time to check out my blog, I would really appreciate it! Thanks so much! amazingopportunities.wordpress.com

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  22. I am not really looking forward for a review, but everyone reading this must know, that this video is going to teach you so much about living life to the fullest…I came across it just some time back, and I just know, it is worth sharing, worth falling in love with! Watch.
    “You don’t need to know you’re dying to start living.” :’)

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  25. Feedback is always, always appreciated! I write about beauty and self-esteem. My biggest concerns are always that my thoughts aren’t coherent and that I am writing too much so my readers lose interest. I also find that I do not get many commenters. I would like for my posts to be more inclusive and a space for communication.
    Any and all thoughts are welcome.
    Thank you for your time!

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