Mar 9, 2014 / 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. So, don’t take this the wrong way, but I think your blog has a bit of an identity crisis. I didn’t get much “gardening” or “Africa”. It’s fine to do a kind of day in the life blog; just let us know that’s what it is. Otherwise, I’d try really hard to get my content to coalesce around my niche…

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    1. The blog looks nice enough but I’m not sure what its subject is. Is is a blog of general personal meditations? Your tagline doesn’t give me any specific idea as to the content.

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      1. I don’t even know yet myself. It is a work in progress…the honing will come for now, I’m just going. Thank you for your thoughts though…

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  3. Shakespeare in the 21st century
    Shakespeare tends to be held in very high standards that is the archetype of skill. Shakespeare’s ability to create amazing plays that become fragments of history has gained him legendary reputation. As a modern interpreter of Shakespeare’s plays I tend to notice or look for symbols that each word has, some hidden meaning. On my recent trip over to England my opinion has been altered. Particularly, a lecture about the different aspects of Shakespeare and the distinctive way Shakespeare specifically wrote his play characters for each of his actors was very enlightening. The main thing that stuck out for me was when the speaker said that, “Shakespeare was an entertainer; people didn’t come because the language was witty but because he entertained them”. This statement really challenged the way I think about Shakespeare because I want their to be more appreciation of the man’s work that I have come to love and value while at MSU. This lecture changed the way my brain processed Shakespeare because the speaker’s different view and opinion altered my romantic and nostalgic views of Shakespeare’s works. History changes throughout time to create something more appealing than the truth. The truth is that human memory is gullible and fragile. By focusing on my “memory” of what Shakespeare really did and what I want him to do I can separate facts and fiction.
    As a 21st century thinker I unknowingly force my views and culture onto what I’m working with. Having Shakespeare as the almighty noble figure I can persuade myself into false pretense. The key fact that the speaker emphasized was that, “Shakespeare wasn’t trying to be a genius, he was trying to get rich” and that “he was a businessman”. Having my one-dimensional view altered, has allowed me to think of Shakespeare in a more complicated light than just a genius that changed the world through his plays. By Shakespeare being a more multi-dimensional figure than simply the total paragon of poetry I am able to connect to him as a 21st century individual. Knowing that Shakespeare was trying to be an entertainer instead of an innovator gives me more insight into the man instead of the myth. The person is valued more than the work and as a modern audience of Shakespeare knowing that he had the same struggles makes the appreciation of his works grow more.

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    1. Hi Carol; I, too, have a series of characters, five actually. They are episodic…and I have no idea where any of them are going.

      I did two things to tie them together. Like you, I put a link at the top and bottom of each story, but I left the link in words, not as a picture (I’ve done it both ways). To keep people from getting lost, I also created a page called MY LIBRARY. A reader who goes there sees the stories laid out by main character.

      If I could offer a suggestion. Find some way to steer the reader. Maybe it is an index or a library or a table of contents.

      On a different note, I am not a fan of stories sliding over the background. Many people like it, but I feel like I am going to fall through, out into space or something lol.

      Thank you for writing, and letting us peek under the covers,

      Silent

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      1. I do have a series of drop down menus at the top of the blog, but I will have a think about adding something into the widgets or redesigning the front page. Perhaps including some extracts?
        Thank you for the feedback.

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    2. Hi Steve; Have you tried looking at the categories? For instance, I am an unpublished author. I follow a number of categories related to that, like WRITERS, WRITING, FICTION, STORIES, FLASH FICTION, etc.

      Inside these broad categories, I have found some blogs I love, and I follow them.

      If there is a map for all this, I have yet to find it. But…since I like to explore, why would I want a map? Then…I would have to have a destination. And that would be no fun.

      Keep writing,

      Silent

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  7. Hi fellow bloggers! Previously in the Community Pools I was asking about my blog’s sidebar and footer widgets and received some great suggestions – you advised me to limit the number of widgets, among other things. I’ve been working on it, so now, what do you think of the current layout of my blog and its looks in general? Any more suggestions for improvement? I’d love to hear what you think! Thank you for any input and happy blogging!

    The blog I need help with is http://www.maraeastern.wordpress.com.

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    2. I read the comments on your post last week which prompted me to clean up my widgets a bit. Don’t know if it helps me, but I really like the way your blog looks. I think you did a great job cleaning it up.

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      1. Your blog looks very clean now – but you cleaned the Follow button too, which maybe should be there? Just a suggestion 🙂 Thanks for the compliment, I’m glad if I managed to make a good use of the advice that I got!

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    1. I think yours is a very creative writing style that comes from within you. I noticed you have a knack for taking every day moments and making them into something creative and beautiful. I would keep focused on those every day moments, or think back into your past to mine stories, rather than getting requests from outside. You’re really writing YOUR story. My two cents.

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    2. You’ve got a really amusing style. I would agree with Jenna, I don’t think you need suggestions from the outside, the every day moments read really well.

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      1. Thank you so much Carol! I enjoyed reading your blog and found a few inspirations as well. 🙂

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    2. I’m new to blogging too and one thing I’ve done is search for blogs with similar subject matter to mine. It’s fun reading other people’s thoughts and then discuss our shared interests. Hope that helps!

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    3. Hi Quion; I think bloggers are like novelists. We all want to have zillions of devoted readers. It seems like there are more writers than readers. What am I offering that fills a need? Why would they read my stories?

      In a story, the first word, the first sentence, and the first paragraph are THE most important in a story. If I cannot hook the reader in the first ten seconds, they will move on. Every writer not named Stephen King or J K Rollings wrestles with this.

      A blog is no different. My advice? Stop worrying about followers. Follow blogs that interest you. Comment on their material. Write the very best comments you can write. Breath life into them. Without being wordy, or long, or hijacking the article, write something beautiful. Cause people to wonder who Quion is? Lure them into clicking on your name.

      When they jump to your blog, what will they see? What sets the hook, pulls them in, and gets them to follow you?

      If I knew those answers, I would be rich and famous. So…when you find out, let me know, okay?

      Keep writing, Silent

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    1. I think your content is really good, but I’m not sure on your design. First of all, it’s not really visual; would love some more imagery. I think the color scheme is good, though. I also would like to see more of your content available when you click on the main page. Sure, you have pages and “recent posts”, but you really only have one post available. I would love to be able to scroll through and see some more of your offerings. Overall, though, I am a fan of the content.

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      1. Thanks for the feedback and you’re right. I would like to try and make it more visual. Are there any good design programs you suggest for people not too familiar with graphic designs? Or do you think a better theme might help? I’m very open to suggestions. That’s a good point too about the scrolling. Never thought of that. Thank you!

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      2. Start with a different themes. Some support imagery and have a more “creative” feel than others. I don’t have much design background, but because I have a very niche blog I chose one that utilized feature images to make the home page pop. There are also just a lot of themes that look more creative and fun and make use of colors. Go into your dashboard and just preview some with your content…

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      3. Thanks for your help! 🙂 I think I might try looking at other themes then and see which ones would help make it more visual. I don’t have much of a design background either. I noticed the layout of your blog and you’re right. It does have a creative feel with how the images pop. You made me a fan of the scrolling idea too!

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    3. Hello. I am not keen on the color chosen but then it’s only my taste.
      I like your writing but it lacks of pictures or photos to break down the text a bit more.
      Also, I would have more articles on the home page (with the “continue reading…”) that way i wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the length of the text and I would have more choices to read from instead of having to go all the way down to click on “older”.

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    4. It seems as if you made changes after the comment above, because it looks really nice to me. I really like being able to see the full list as I scroll down with the pictures to the left (i’m assuming you just added those?). I’m a big fan of the content (I love movies too, and you had me as a follower after the reference to LotR and your nickname ;-)) and who wouldn’t be? Everyone loves film! I look forward to reading more later.

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      1. Thank you for the comment! 🙂 And yeah, after some trial and error with some other themes, I think I found that works well! I’m still playing around with the font choices and maybe the color (I stuck with my original color scheme). But, the other thing I’m concerned with is the location of the page numbers. I would like to move them above my sharing buttons. I’m still trying to learn how to do that with CSS.

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  15. I’ve been writing brief posts meant to be short and amusing. They’ve been getting fewer views, and I am wondering if readers think that is due to the material or them not being the daily prompt. They are my three most recent posts.

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    1. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the content or length. I also wouldn’t get too hung up on doing the daily prompts; I think sometimes people get too meta with their posts about blogging. It’s better to just keep on the path you’re on: writing what you find interesting. Readers will come.

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    2. Hello. Like Jennea I don’ think there’s anything wrong with the content or the length. You have just started writing. Keep on doing a good wrok and the reader will join in. I started reading your articles and wanted to read more. I’ll definitely will comme back. The only thing is that the design looks very serious for a teenager with a good ironic sense of humour.

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    3. I love your blog! And I personally prefer shorter posts. You have a wonderful sense of humour, very much to my liking. Only one thing, the look of the blog is a bit bland to me – maybe a splash of colour here or there would help?

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    5. Hi; What do you LIKE to write about? Follow categories which include articles and blogs you like. Comment on other people’s blogs. Develop friendships and get them to comment on yours. Join blogs which have daily or weekly prompts. And…keep writing. Silent

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  16. Salutations Bloggers,
    I would greatly appreciate any advice or opinions on my blog documenting my experience as a Healthy Narcissist. This is my first blog and I would love to one day share it with friends and family, but not sure if it’s really worth it. I’ve enjoyed reading all the above questions and comments.
    Thank you!

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    1. well.. how about you give us the link 🙂
      When I click on your name it says your blog (haleynicole_lovescoffee.wordpress.com ) doesn’t exist

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    2. that’s better 😉 So, I quite like your blog but I do find your header photo a bit too big. I’d rather see your face – but smaller – as well as the menu and the beginning of the homepage. Not sure I’m very clear there!
      And I suppose, when having a long text, I would not post it entirely and would use the “continue reading…” option to break down a bit the length.

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      1. Thank you! I am not well advised on the functionality on this site, so certain technical aspects, I’m still learning. I will make my picture smaller and I didn’t even know the “continue reading” was an option. Thank you for telling me that. I’m sure that would get annoying to have the whole thing on someone’s feed!

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  17. Hey peeps. I identify as queer and genderqueer and write about memories, my coming out experience, and stuff I’ve gone through. I always try to make it about resilience in the end. You can find my blog at samallen230.wordpress.com. Any comments about my style or about how to wrap up a post would be appreciated!

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    2. Hello there! First of all, you’re doing something great! Keep your writing the way it is. It’s a personal matter so keep it the way it is.
      But, I am not sure you have chosen the right design for your writing. You don’t have any widgets, so far you don’t have a sidebar so maybe I would have chosen a more “zen” design to really put your writing on the spot.

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      1. Hey Murielle! Thank you for the feedback! I’ll look into putting some widgets and a sidebar on the page – I’m not an internet nerd, so it just hasn’t interested me up to this point, but to put my writing on the spot, I’ll do it! 🙂 ~ Sam

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      2. Oups, no!
        What I meant (sorry english is not my first language) is : if you don’t need widgets (and sidebars) and you just want to put your writing on the spot, maybe you should go for another wordpress theme. A theme for writer. 🙂

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    2. I don’t see anything that needs changing simply because it’s too early. Maybe add some more posts and come back in a week or so, so we can have a better idea of where your blog is going.

      @Levi. The thing is, when there’s too much text, it just needs a picture or several rightly placed to break down the reading and make it more enjoyable.
      Or write two posts instead of one long one.
      Wordpress.com gives some good tips about how to make a good blog.

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      4. I did that once. once it was posted it was lost in the crowd of older posts. I thought it was my language or picture or that I simply wasn’t liked.
        Yea for it not being me! 🙂

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  21. Hey everyone! I just started my blog which is about sharing family recipes, kitchen triumphs and disasters, and hopefully some uplifting stories throughout, though maybe not in all. I’d love you you could stop by and give me any constructive feedback.
    http://www.foodfacesoul.com

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    1. A really nice blog, I can’t really fault it, your theme is good, your content better, and you’ve used a combination of images and text, well done, I shall be following you. 🙂

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    2. Nothing to say really. It’s well thought, the theme is good and written.
      As I like to be annoying though, I will just ask you why you had not put a photo of food or something related (like some plates or something) as your header? 🙂

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      1. Actually I do. My header is on a rotation of a couple of pictures, but I’m thinking of taking the sunset picture off and replacing it. Thank you for the feedback!

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  22. Help. I am wondering why my posts are not showing up on here? So I am reposting. Forgive me if I have misunderstood something in posting in this community. 😉

    Good Morning.
    New here. 😀 Learning a ton of great things. I would love for some of you to check out my blog at http://www.live-brave.com. I have been working on it as a whole, and would like to know the following:
    1. From my “about” pages, do you understand what the site is about?
    2. Is the site easy to navigate?
    3. I am wanting to put up a landing page, and need some advice on the “right” content to get people to click to find out more.
    Thank you so much for your time,
    Lesley
    http://www.live-brave.com

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  23. I haven’t been blogging for a massive amount of time, but would definitely love some feedback, on my posts, or blog/theme in general. Please be honest, thank you!

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    2. Frankly nothing to say. Well thought too. Just one thing : instead of leaving “uncategorised” I would start doing some categories.
      My apologies, it’s the former librarian talking…

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      1. Thanks for mentioning that! I totally forgot about that, was on my to-do list, just below remembering I have a to-do list… No need to apologise, glad you told me.

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  24. hey fellow bloggers, it would be great if yall could check out my blog and let me know if the content is interesting and well written, i would appreciate it, thanks in advance for any tips or advice. mommyx4boys.wordpress.com

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    1. Hi there. I’ve just looked at your blog, and you have great content! However, I don’t think the theme is doing you many favours. You should make sure your pictures are placed well, and you paragraph more, but otherwise you’re doing great, nice work!

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      1. Thanks for the advice. I just figured out how to place the pics where i want the other day. And i will take another look at the theme. Much appreciated

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    1. It’s a really well written post about an interesting subject. Good job. I might make the photos a bit bigger, and start out with one for visual interest. But otherwise it’s a good length and easy to read.

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  26. Hi guys! I haven’t been blogging long but don’t seem to get a lot of views on my posts considering my amount of followers. Do you guys have any feedback about how I can make my posts more engaging? I’d love to hear your opinions!

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    1. I actually think your content is really great. Lots of interesting stuff, well-written, and a good balance of types of content (fashion, makeup, makeovers, etc.) I think you just need to keep going! One thing I might suggest is making your posts a little more scannable by using bold, bullets, etc. This is especially important on your longer posts that have several pieces, like the makeover one (eyes, lips, etc.)

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  28. I have been blogging since last year and am not even sure that I am doing it correctly. English is not my home language , but I really try to write it in proper language. I love photography and do take part in a lot of challenges, however I try to make it informative too. Any comments please

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    1. Of course you’re doing it right! I love your photographs and the balance in your posts between copy and imagery. It’s really great.

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    3. Fantastic! Loved the last stanza and you should definitely write more! I think you should have a look into themes and pictures etc. to help create an ‘atmosphere’

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  30. I changed the theme on my blog and I hope it looks more professional. What do you think?
    Thank you for taking a look……….and maybe even reading my post.

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    1. It definitely looks professional, but I’m not sure how much of your personality comes through in it. Does that make sense? I would also like to see links to your published works – are they available online?

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