Jun 1, 2014 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The Community Pool is for those of you looking for feedback, 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 . .

TIP: 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.

  • 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. If you simply leave a link to your blog, it’s likely to be overlooked.
  • 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.
  • No running on the deck.

Photo by t_a_i_s.

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      4. It is truly beautiful. I love the perspective and how he describes life as a work of art, your own masterpiece. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. Hi everyone! I’m quite new to this and still trying to get my voice out there… mainly I’d like advice on what you think of my blog/writing and topics in general? Or any feedback really! I wanna keep going but stuck with what to write about or what people out there want to see. Any feedback would be great 🙂
    W
    http://www.newteacherlife.wordpress.com

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    1. I like the topics, and the insight from a teacher perspective. Write what you feel, not what you think an audience wants, is my only advice on writing. Otherwise, it’s not ‘your’ voice.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi! Firstly, your header is on point–I like the cursive, it matches your theme of teaching. I also like your writing voice, and I like how you mix some personal elements with your overall theme of school and being a new teacher. Your list posts are also fun to read. Not sure if you have a class right now, but I always love hearing when kids say/do funny things, so that would definitely be something I’d be interested in reading. As for things to improve on, pictures and thoughtful bolding of key points help to break up large chunks of text. Also make sure to proofread–grammatical/spelling mistakes undermine your credibility, even if they’re few and far between.
      Hope this helped! I’ve followed your blog 🙂

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      1. Thanks 🙂 I never thought about doing that but I will start collecting some ideas together and see if I can get a post on it! If only I’d been collecting through the year, I’d have 100s!
        Thanks again 🙂

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    3. Humor is always a great start, just keep picturing yourself on stage giving the audience the best of you, then convert it over to text, or just taking a trip to a book store to catch up on a new book to read for more ideas.

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    4. I’m in the same boat. Lately, I’ve become interested in the book, The Letters Of Gratitude. I love the concept, so I started doing it myself, using my own words. Quite a few people jumped on board, but that was because I had my blog linked to Facebook. I no longer have a Facebook account, so my following has dwindled drastically, but I’m not giving up. Think of something you love, and write about it. It’s a start… it’ll get the creative juices flowing.

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    6. Hi saremaj, i had a look at ur blog, it looks like you are in the right track, but a few things to consider: who you would like to be your audience? Students or fellow teachers? If the option is the latter, then mixing drink images with your daily teaching hints is not something advisable. I have a similar issue, i write about art history but love sharing my private snaps and rambling about my day, which frequently puts people off. maybe you could have an entire section outside the main stream of posts under “behind the scenes with Saremaj” . Creating categories and then placing a tab to your personal ramblings and cider photos (ops) on the main menu and preventing them from appearing in your teaching posts would be an interesting option, also hiding the ramblings from the main page would be an option, so that it only shows your posts that focus on teaching and more relevant subjects to your readers. Once they hook up, they will naturally start admiring your private and more personal cider snap, you see what i mean? Im delighted you are a new teacher, i was there too a few years ago. Cheers from new zealand! Please take these as a friendly advice, im just trying to help.

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      1. I’m not sure I fully understand or get how to do it but I get what you’re saying 🙂

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      2. Hi omg, I didnt mean to upset you, maybe i went a bit extreme, my apologies. now you may be thinking im a judgemental person, im actually far from that, haha. oh creating categories is really easy! once you have categories done, simply set up a menu and add the categories you want, these tools are in the dashboard. If I spot a nice tutorial i will let you know. also, dont worry, as long u keep true to yourself, stuff the readers hey. Cheers!

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    1. I don’t know if it’s just me but I found the listing style a little off-putting. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be taking from the post, if you were expecting me to read through it and then listen to all the songs or pick and choose.
      It might be an idea to scale down on the number of songs in each post, and spend longer talking about them, perhaps from a more personal point of view. Maybe give some more information on the band and include pictures of who they are and links to other example of their work.

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      1. Thanks for your advice, I definitely see what you mean, the list style perhaps makes it look a bit cluttered? I’ll definitely take your advice on board for future posts. Thanks again!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Wow, your blog is fairly new! There’s only one post in it! I love the music you introduce. Certainly a good blog to read.

      I noticed that you hadn’t fill in your About page. Love to read who the writer thinks about himself/herself 😀

      Jill

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha, I’m really new to the whole blogging thing, hence the need for advice! I’m glad you enjoyed the music, and I’ll definitely look into filling in my about page!:-) Thanks!

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    3. I Think your music is great, sound like it could great for a motion picture sound track, and just a suggestion, I would have like to here a little more sound effects in the background or on the mute sections on the song. Keep up the great work

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      1. I’m glad you like the music, and I definitely see what you mean about the atmosphere it creates – thanks for your advice, I’ll certainly be taking it on board!

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    4. I just wanted to make a comment here, I too host a music blog that just recently launched. I had the luck of having a few artists help set mine up and a wonderful editor who helps with with the writing. Just some advice, break each song down individually and focus on the one song. The post is a bit cluttered with the amount of songs. Focus on one song at a time and enhancing that particular song per post. Give your audience a reason to continue reading without an overwhelming amount of music on one post. Each post should be informative and capture the audience’s attention. Your writing style is superb and does not need much work at all. The idea is to focus on one thing at a time. Sometimes less is more and in this case it is true. The music is wonderful as I am a very eclectic music listener. As stated before, I also host a music blog and got my advice from some people who definitely know what they are talking about. Always make sure there is content that is fun but informative. Sometimes the cold hard posts are boring and do not reflect how you truly feel. Keep that in mind. I think you are off to a great start and feel you can really do a lot with your blog.

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    5. I like your blog. I love soundcloud, too. I also questions the list style you’ve taken – I don’t really have time to listen to all those songs right now. Maybe you could just do one or two songs at a time and have the poll be it’s own blog at well? Also, the layout you chose doesn’t really seem to fit the blog. it’s plain and you have to click to comment and it’s really annoying. You might want to look for something that presents each post as a square thumb or a scroll-down style that have widgets on the side. Side widgets are really helpful because they give you the opportunity to link to other places on the internet, show recent polls, or tell everyone what you’re listening to. Like this bloguses it for twitter and the like and this book blog includes favorite books, links to old posts, stuff like that. =]

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    6. I actually really like your style. Concise and succinct. Suits my attention span. Your descriptions are inviting and enticing. After a brief look, I want to listen to the tunes. No time now, unfortunately. So, you got a new follower. Nice work 🙂

      Like

  4. I’ve recently branched out from an ‘everything’ blog for almost five years, to a secondary blog of poetry only, and, in a fit of impetuousness, also included a voice recording of the poetry. Would love feedback from others as to look, feel, and if voice makes a difference in poetry reading?

    http://theimpetuarian.com/

    Thanks in advance,
    ~S

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    1. I think your poetry is excellent, you’re really talented – I particularly like ‘The Shell Man’! Using a voice recording of the poetry is also a really strong idea – it adds a completely new direction to your work, and you shouldn’t be afraid to really dramatize your vocal performance

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      1. Thank you for taking the time to look and provide feedback. It’s a new phase for me in writing, and surely for vocal work. I was terribly nervous and I’ll need to get over that 🙂

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    1. Dverse had a great prompt yesterday: ‘How you spent summer as a child.’ I also find that reading a book on a subject I know nothing about can be great to get the creative juices flowing again.

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    3. I understand what you feel. I am trying poetry genre as well. I guess you could try to draw inspirations in your daily life – the weather, a neighbour, a boy, a stranger, a bug, a dog… you know. everything 🙂

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    4. Poetry usually comes to me via a phrase in my head, which I then word associate from. Try words that engender emotion in you, that make you smile, or have impact, and go from there?

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    5. I opened my page the other day to post the stuff I had written over the previous 6 months, I just write what I feel, or as I describe it “I open my head and see what falls out” 😀 How about writing about having trouble writing? Or writing about how you usually write? … Anyway if you fancy a nosey my stuff is very basic, accessible, rhyming stuff , any feedback or criticism would be hugely appreciated .. http://billybograt.wordpress.com/

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    6. My Topics
      Historical events, loveliness in things most people find ugly in nature (so much talk of wind, flowers, sun), a poem that isn’t what it seems (My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun), fairy tales, horror

      Like

  6. Hi all! I just started a new monthly series (today, in fact) of my “firsts,” which will be published on the first of each month. I’ve got a few ideas, but I’d love for people to suggest “firsts” that they think would be interesting to read. My blog represents such a range of topics, so any ideas are welcome, but if you want to get a feel of what my blog is about, the link is below.
    Thank you!
    http://victimtocharm.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. First positive you encounter when expecting a negative. First thing that expands your understanding of a new location. First native of the area you get to know beyond casual exchanges. Just a few things. I like your highlighting of phrases in bold, and the ease of the black & white context.

      Like

    2. * First place that took your breath away
      * First favourite song / book etc
      * First time you were pleasantly surprised to like food you didn’t think you’d like

      There’s a couple more to get you going 🙂

      Like

  7. I’m a writer who is trying to get back into my writing after nearly a 4 year hiatus known as law school and the recover thereafter. I have one urban fantasy story that’s as perfectly polished as I can make it and therefore ready for public consumption. I am posting it in sections on my blog. If you want to play beta group (I’m not a computer person, is that the right term? 🙂 go here: http://amiecuscuriae.wordpress.com/category/my-writing/ and give me feedback on story, character, setting, grammar, whatever, or if you just want to read a good story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello fellow J.D! Congrats on finishing law school! I just finished mine as well. I am heading out to your site to check your story. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hello fellow fiction writer.

      Hmmm, I am wondering whether it might be worth putting links in your Fiction page for easier access to each piece. As it is, it may be a little confusing to navigate.

      Just a thought 🙂

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      1. Link the Fiction page to the parts of the story I have up on the blog? That’s a great idea. Thanks.

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  8. Hey I would really love some feedback on how well the menu at the top of my page works and what people think of the posts under ‘Old Favourites.’
    I will return all comments in kind.

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    1. I find that the menu works well, but the contrast of the photography with the stripes bothers me visually 🙂 Might just be personal taste though. I like your writing under the heading you referenced, particularly ‘Written in Merlot’.

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    2. Besides the font for the menu being a bit to small for me I like it, it has everything I can think of that I would want to see on your blog. I’m not much of a poetry guy but I like “Pandering To My Dislike Of You.” Keep up the good work 🙂

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    3. Your menu actually looks really good, and it’s easy to navigate. Also, I really love your publisher theme that you picked for you blog. It adds a certain charm to it, especially the way you did your templates in the Old Favourites section.

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    2. I like your style, your ability to be “sarcastic and try to find the funny side in every situation” is something that shows in your posts, In my opinion, just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine 🙂

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    3. I love eyes down phone up! You have so many valid points with that post. Oh, and that ‘smart car’, I think it’s a totally stupid idea because we need to be engaged more with the real world! Keep writing! 🙂

      Like

    1. I like your writing, but your blue background makes it hard to concentrate on your writing. In my opinion, your current theme is more suited for photography-style blog. Perhaps you could consider a change of theme to showcase your writing? Just my two cents. 🙂

      Jill

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      1. Yeah choosing a theme has been difficult. I like the simplicity of the one I am using but the writing definitely does not contrast well. Thanks a lot!

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    2. Congrads on your new Journey, My suggestion would be read a lot of books the education system don’t have to offer, it was a life changer for me in my college days, and always write down your thoughts and ideas on paper or whatever convenience for you the mind enjoy being free. your real life will actual start around 25..lol

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    3. Your writing tone is so captivating! I have to say that I did not expect it to be so since I am guilty of judging a book by it’s cover – in simple words, your theme doesn’t quite fit.

      The simplicity of it is sweet but the blue background makes it difficult to read your words. I’d suppose you could customize this theme, or find another minimalist theme that enhances the ability to read your work.

      Other than that, I adore your blog. A new follower here!

      Like

  13. It is my very first blog-site. Any ideals or input would be greatly appreciated ………………………….

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  14. I live in Louisville and can’t figure out how to start my webpage need help. I have a concept. Posting flyers at JCC college soon for help, contact me at kwilliams013566@gmail

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  15. I need help with the up coming writing course. I don’t know how to access the assignments, or how to respond. I also don’t know how to leave a link to my blog in this comment. Guilty… I’m a newbie. Any and all help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

    Like

  17. Hi..I started a blog a few months ago called “shedding Light on Mental Illness.” I would appreciate some feedback on my writing. Http:/www.amygamble.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, Amy!
      I really enjoy reading about the topics on your blog as I find mental health issues very important and need to be addressed. Your writing is relatable and engaging. I am now a follower of your blog, and look forward to reading more!!

      Sincerely,
      Christina

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    2. I think your blog is great, your topics are engaging, the Mental illness topic is great, I speak about the mind is the key to whatever it is you do in life, but people rely on wrong information or a lack of information to keep afloat in life. but wonderful blog.

      Like

  18. Woo! Time to comment!
    So I have this blog for my regular writing: http://alviewaterslife.wordpress.com/2014/06/01/travel-anxiety-and-a-week-from-hell/

    And this is one I want to put advice and self help on: http://alviewaters.wordpress.com

    The one I most want help with is the self help. I was just wondering what topics you, as readers if you were to read, would take your interest? There are like 80 different ways I can take the self help and advice but I want to make sure it’s on a good track to begin with.

    Any ideas? What would you like advice on?

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  19. I would like to have feedback from smoker’s, ex-smokers or other addicts. I am not a writer and won’t even claim to be one, however, my blog is important to me. It’s about my journey on how I gave up smoking after 35 years; my journey to control and understand an addiction. Writing was like a free therapy session, just me, the keyboard and the screen and I hope by sharing I can “pay it forward”. Maybe I can inspire just one smoker to bite the bullet as well. I would feel honored if you could take your time and look it over and please, be brutal with praise and critique. I am a big girl I can handle it (so I hope) 🙂

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    1. Hi, I really enjoyed reading your blog. As a fellow quitter of smoking, I like how you dedicate your blog to help not only yourself, but others are well who are trying or thinking about quitting smoking. I swear, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do, something that I thought would never happen. But it can be done, and I think your blog would be helpful to those trying to quit any habit! Thanks for your encouragement and sharing your story!
      Christina

      Like

  24. Hey everyone,
    I would also like thoughts and feedback on my blog, New3Creation Writing. I recently got back in the writing game and am trying to feel my way around blogging and interesting topics. So far, my format includes general blogs about writing, what I’m learning and a “Food for Thought Thursday” weekly feature that I’m trying out. What should I write about to generate continued interest in writing?

    Welcome!

    Like

      2. Wow well you can be Super Creative with a Mix of Non- Fiction, I have a great fiction writer from the 19th century I think would help you out a lot, I am reading over my notes now for the name

        Like

  25. I recently started two new blogs but have only recieved one comment so far. I would love to hear from you other bloggers. Are my post well written or confusing? Are they boring? Do I loose you in the first few lines. Does the subject matter inerest you? If not, do you at least find the lay out nice looking and easy to use?
    naturallyhappytogether.wordpress.com
    tenyearsingermany.wordpress.com

    Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to help me!
    Rebekah

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    1. I love your page, here is what I use to help me out, Hashtags and use plenty of them until you figure out the ones that work. Keep up the awesome work

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    2. I connected well with the ‘tenyears’ blog. The other one, perhaps consider a less ‘child’ oriented theme, unless children are to be the forefront? Developing a following takes time, and often goes slowly. People will like, but not often comment. Don’t let that deter you though, from doing what you want to do.

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    3. Hi there, Rebekah!
      I’m really intrigued by your blog, and I look forward to reading more closely and commenting 🙂

      What I noticed was the focus of your posts: you have some focused on general advice, such as how to be happy, but then one on *very specific* topics like lice. Personally, I enjoyed your posts about love and happiness more, simply because I don’t have any children yet. It might help if you decide what audience you’re going for (moms, people who want to travel, people interested in philosophy/religion, or some mixture) to help you focus.

      But it works for me, and I’m excited to read more!
      –Mary Claire

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    1. In your most recent post your composition is good, but I would remember to spend that extra second to focus, especially in low light situations, not sure what camera you are using but sometimes manually focusing can achieve better results. (I like to have everything as sharp as possible not sure if you are going for that) I like your timelines revolving around the pictures, gives the text some perspective. Great job 🙂

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      1. Thanks, Sean! I’m using Nikon D3100. It was just my second time using it outdoors. I’m currently composing a post which would show my third attempt. Hope you can take a look once it’s posted.

        I appreciate your words. Thanks a lot!

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      1. Thank you so much! I have been blogging since January and have really enjoyed the community that comes with it! I will certainly check out your post 🙂

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    1. Hi, I really enjoyed reading your blog, although the link above didn’t send me to a certain post. I loved your topics and can sense your humor through your writing! =) I hope this helps!

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  29. I just started taking a blogging course online- however I haven’t implemented any of the advice yet really, I am planning on doing some blog “remodeling” with my day off tomorrow. Any advice based on what I already have would be much appreciated!

    Like