Nov 17, 2014 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for advice, feedback, and friendly blogging chatter.

Have you just published a new post and are dying for some feedback? Did you recently start your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

Tap into the wisdom of The Daily Post blogging community and leave your question here in the comments. Others can then click through and offer input either on your site, or in the comments here (feel free to indicate which you’d prefer).

To help us make the Community Pool a productive space for discussion, here are some tips you might find useful:

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.

  • While you’re not required to, we encourage everyone who requests feedback to also reply to at least one or two other bloggers who need some help. Spread the love!
  • The Community Pool comments section can get quite big — and starting duplicate threads doesn’t help. Thanks for not posting the same question more than once!
  • If you’re looking for quality feedback, be as specific as you can. Questions about a particular post tend to draw more comments than ones about entire blogs. Questions about specific design elements are more likely to be answered than ones asking for general layout advice.
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  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
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Photo by Brian Cantoni.

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      1. Hello Lena,

        Our new website is a market place for online advertising services. One of the services we plan to offer is product reviews via blogging. Please visit http://endorsebug.com We love to have you be one of the first sellers to offer blogging services. You can set your own price that you would charge. Let me know if you have any issues.

        Like

  3. If anyone would like to give me some advice on my blog or have any tips that would be amazing! I’m new to blogging so anybody who wants to contribute some of their knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

    Like

  4. Hello humans!
    My blog is about a month old. It is all about me, a dog who lives in New York.

    My People and I have been wondering whether the font used in this theme is too hard to read, especially in the color scheme chosen. It is fairly light and sans serif.

    Here a couple of recent, text-heavy posts for reference:

    http://albertsnewyork.com/2014/11/17/book-review-the-new-york-dog/

    http://albertsnewyork.com/2014/11/13/the-leap-that-landed-me-a-home/

    Other feedback welcome also. Thank you for your time!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I agree with Shreya, you’re adorable Albert. I loved the pictures of you reading the book, as well as your El Greco shelter shot.

      As per your questions, I like the font, but feel the text color is a little light. If you can darken it, that would be great. Also, on the book review, where you have the image of the book cover, the text really scrunches up close to it on the right side. I don’t know if your theme lets you specify image margins or not, but it’s something to think about.

      All the pictures of you, are fabulous.

      Like

      1. Thank you, Mr. Bor Bor Igmus, that is helpful feedback! I will ask my People to look at the settings and see what they can do. Thank you again for taking the time to read.

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  7. Hi there people of the pool, I currently write two blogs on very different subjects. The first is at http://www.forayintofashion.com and as the address suggests is about all things fashion inspired. The second can be found at http://www.lenahedges.wordpress.com and is about nose and tail art. As both of these are quite young I would really appreciate some feedback on them and how I could improve them and gain more followers. Thankyou for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Lena

    Like

  8. Hi, I have recently started a blog around paternity leave, specifically additional paternity leave in the UK. I would really appreciate some general feedback or builds about my design and content. Specifically I am interested in peoples experiences of using social media and RSS to increase traffic and also increasing traffic in general.. I hope you find my blog interesting and maybe even useful… 🙂 Thanks….Any feedback greatly appreciated..
    http://funkydaddy.wordpress.com/

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  9. Hey everyone I’m new to the blogging world. I’m starting out with different topics that has been suggested to me. Check the couple post I have

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    1. Not giving us much middle ground to work from there!! Its a tough thing to write about something so personal and post it on the internet. Whether you are being self indulgent/annoying is completely beside the point, as is whether its self indulgent and annoying. I hope it made you feel a bit better writing it. You are brave even posting it. Its well written and saying I enjoyed reading it isn’t probably the right thing to say, but it invoked both empathy and sympathy.

      Hope that helps x

      Like

      1. Thank you for that. Sorry for offering two outrageous extremes to choose from! My intent was to be extremely candid about my journey but I worry about turning into an internet complainer. Hearing that you enjoyed reading it is absolutely the right thing to say! Thank you again.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I think because you worry about means you are definitely less likely to become an internet complainer!! Everyone needs an outlet, I know that sometimes it feels better just writing it down. If people read it, its a massive bonus! Good luck, the world needs more doctors with your obvious empathetic mindset xx

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Sorry, but I recommend not asking for feedback before you have any content. You also don’t really have a layout where anything on your blog is visible other than the title. If you need help, I’d be happy to answer any questions. I’d recommend a different theme because yours makes it hard to find other pages, even if you were to have more.

      Like

  13. I just wrote a post in a story format w/ dialogue, it’s a recollection of a true event. I’m breaking it up into segments, and the first two have been posted (titled “Gran Carambano,” they’re my two most recent postings). As I have probably 3 more installments before the story is complete, I’d love some feedback or critiques on what I have so far so I can improve in the next chapters. Thanks!!

    Like

  14. Hi everyone,
    A little while ago I chose to change my blog’s theme to Bushwick as I liked the layout but some people find it unclear. I’ve searched for different themes but struggled to find one I like just as much. To further improve my blog I have changed my static front page to my recent blog posts and added menus/widgets. I would really appreciate some feedback/ constructive criticism on whether this has improved the layout of my blog.

    http://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/

    thank you 🙂

    Like

    1. The layout in general is clear enough. It’s reasonably easy to find posts one is looking for and to just browse around. However there are two things I have noticed:

      1) My browser shows your blog title as follows:
      Infinite
      Daydreame
      r
      Reducing the font size by a tiny bit should make this look a lot better!

      2) When I click the Menu icon n the top right I’m overwhelmed by all the widgets, the categories just disappear. I’d suggest de-cluttering this whole section and limit to a few select widgets. A calendar for instance doesn’t seem to be so vital in this place to my eyes.

      Writing-wise I don’t have any criticisms, I especially enjoyed your quick, but to-the-point introduction on your About page 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for such useful feedback. I will definitely correct the title font size and the amount of widgets. I must admit that i got way too excited over the amount of widgets available and i agree the calender isn’t necessary. I’m glad you liked the about page 🙂

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    2. I agree about font size but I think that should be smaller on the whole thing. Clearly not too small, but the restricted window because of the image on the left makes it harder to visualize paragraphs. However, it looks appealing so I would keep the theme.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I really enjoy the positive vibe you have on your blog. As far as I’m concerned, you absolutely cannot go wrong when you focus on kindness, love and gratitude, as you have in your blog. Please keep sharing your loving attitude with us!

      Like

  17. Hi all.

    My last 2 posts have been to break the silence surrounding miscarriage and I will be doing another final piece tomorrow. It’s written in a bit of a different format. Please take a look and comment under both or either one just to let me know if you think they’re effective, helpful or just if it helps you in any way.

    http://ARealMummyDiary.com

    Thank you x

    Like

  18. Hi all! I’ve been blogging now for a few months and just hit my 50th post milestone. Virtual HR Advisor is geared toward employees at the workplace. The fundamental goal is to encourage and provide tools for professional development. I would love my fellow bloggers to take a look and critique some of the content and the blog aesthetics. I’m pouring a lot of time and energy into it and want to make it the best resource possible for its loyal readers/followers. Many thanks and please feel free to follow!

    http://www.melissatirado.com

    Like

    1. As a senior HR manager I found your blog most engaging and informative. The timing of posts seems spot on and the infographics make it work… Followed for some inspiration in my present work free life… Thanks..

      Liked by 1 person

  21. I switched paths and did a complete overhaul to my blog because I really really wanted to start a photo blog. I spent a lot of time trying to find a good layout for photoblogging as well as did some research on what kind of content works. I have been a hobbyist photographer for quite a while and I am excited about photo blogging but I could really use some feedback on the chosen layout, the content and any other suggestions one might be able to offer for a photo blog! Thanks so much in advance!
    http://www.truthtonic.net

    Like

    1. I really enjoyed your pictures! You’re very talented. What type of camera do you use? The layout and design of your website is really good. It’s got a very welcoming vibe to it, so good choice on the scheme.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for looking and taking a minute to comment, most people do not want to take the time Lol!
        Also thanks so much for the kind words, I have been in love with photography for a looong time so I thought I would start posting them and interacting with others on the subject!
        Many of my photos are actually taken with my iPhone since it is always attached to me 🙂
        However I do also own a Canon EOS Rebel T3i DSLR and I have a collection from that camera as well. I am really looking to branch out and use my DSLR far more often to practice on more professional skills but I will never totally give up the iPhoneography 🙂

        Like

    1. I think your blogs are really good and a fun read, but the bright red background with white letters was a little hard on the eyes. Your content is good, but maybe switch the color scheme?

      Liked by 1 person

    2. First, I want to say that even though I don’t know you, I’m proud of you for being able to recognize and implement those necessary changes in your life. It takes courage to do that, and even more courage to write about it.

      I would like to add, though, that you should not feel the need to apologize for your lack of blog posts. Post whenever you’re inspired or have something to share and don’t feel stressed when you don’t deliver. Every time you write, it’s a gift to us readers. There is no pressure and we’re just happy any time there’s new content for us to enjoy.

      Great work. Keep pushing forward and keep writing when the inspiration comes!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hello there, I would actually consider chronicling your progress. Be it on a daily or as-you-feel-up-to-it basis. I believe your journey would make for a very compelling read, especially for so many others who go through what you do. And since it’s such a personal issue, it might be easier for you to write about it than, say, about other topics.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Ok so I just started my wordpress account and I wanted some feedback. I only have two posts lol but it’d be nice if anyone read it and told me how they feel about it. Thanks!

    Like

  27. I just published a poem on my blog, I’d really appreciate any feedback on it or my blog in general, as I am still new to blogging and am trying to raise awareness. Thanks x

    Like

  28. Heyy Hi. I could use some help and feedback too. Please do visit my blog when you can. Also I need help as to how can I get sub categories on my Menu bar. Plus how do I get my current posts into a certain navigation bar? Please help..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I enjoyed reading the post. I disagree with you about the fact that a ‘completely random hologram’ might, at some time in the future be acceptable as the performer at a live event – though I can imagine a hologram as an additional element, as a Gorillaz-style comment on fame. We could bet on it and wait for the future to arrive to see who wins. I like your idea though. even if I don’t agree.

      Now, this may sound really sad, but I also really liked the way the orange colour climbs up the side of the screen on your Home page – it’s mesmerising. It reminds me of something, but I’m struggling to remember what. Perhaps your Home page has just hypnotised me! Very much like the photo on your About page

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      2. True. I don’t find it offensive and for a lot of people, if they went to a big stadium, they might get a closer experience of a performer if there were moving holograms scattered through the crowd, rather than a distant figure and giant screens either side of the stage.

        Like

  30. I’m new to this blogging thing, Thought I’d put my cock-eyed view of the world to work for me instead of always feeling like the crazy one at the dinner party standing behind the potted plant in the corner.

    http://jaeatwitsend.wordpress.com/2014/11/17/shame-old-politics/

    I’d love comments on tone (going for goofy) and layout. Don’t bother to edit my grammar. Grammar rules are like Speed Limits, they’re fun to ignore.

    Like