Dec 22, 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).

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Photo by Brian Cantoni.

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    1. I loved both of your posts so far! I’m so glad you are following your dreams and enjoying your college experience. It’s nice to find another college student blogging about their life experiences. Your blog looks great! I love the theme. I am now following! 🙂

      Like

    1. In regards to your layout: For me, it is too busy. Your background has too much going on that it makes it difficult to maneuver through your blog. Maybe making your background a solid black color or choosing a different theme will make it more blogger-friendly. Just a suggestion!

      Like

      3. I don’t know if I’m the best one to ask on this one as I haven’t been trying to get a lot of traffic to my blog yet.

        But my suggestions for you would be to put your post out into social media. If you have a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., share your blog onto each site! Encourage others to follow your blog and explain to them why they should follow. I know that there are “Blogging 101” courses on The Daily Post’s site that may help you. Check this one out!
        https://wordpress.com/dailypost/courses/blogging-201-branding-and-growth/

        Like

    1. Your blog looks really good. I love all of your pictures. They really help you tell a story! Your theme is so simple, which makes it perfect because it allows me to focus solely on your photos and writing. It looks great.

      Like

    1. I will leave some comments on your blog! For now, I am trying to reply to nearly all comments posted on this thread. I just wanted to say that I LOVED your candy cane post! It was beautiful and brought a lot to my attention. I am now following you and will go back and look through your blog more after I get through these and will be leaving many more comments! So far, I LOVE your blog!

      Like

    2. I’m sure this will sound corny, but your post was very deep. It was written beautifully. I looked through a couple other posts and you have a great style of writing. It’s very genuine and honest. The theme of your blog also works very well with your posts. I love all the visuals. Well done.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Evening all, I’m using the holiday period to redesign my blog a little and any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
    I already have a new page under construction to make the short stories easier to find, however, one of them is a little long so would you prefer to read a short story in one long (but complete) post or two smaller posts? It’s currently in two posts but I worry the extra clicking is putting people off.

    http://nothingtoritehomeabout.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/barry-and-the-lost-princess-part-one/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think the layout of your blog is beautiful. It looks really good.

      As far as your question about your short story goes, I can argue both sides. For me, longer reads are hard for me to commit to reading, so breaking it down into two smaller posts makes me think that it is not too long and I will have a break in between to do whatever I need to do before I read the rest (I am a very busy person).

      However, if someone commits to reading your short story, they will, more than likely, read the entire thing. They can easily take a break on their own time in the middle and then they won’t have to go through the hassle of making it through two posts.

      In my opinion, I say combine it into one long post!

      Like

    1. Hi!
      I think you are starting very well and the bread looks very tasty! I would recommend that you just keep on posting for a while, maybe do the Blogging101 class, and see in which direction your blog develops before you personalize more. Everyone loves on about page to go to when they first come upon a new blog, but maybe you need to know first if you are going to share more recipes or if you are going to have more of a journal or both before you can write that page. Or maybe you do know that already! Anyway, the pictures of that bread made me hungry!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for taking time to visit my blog! I am quite confused to write a ‘about’ page, but you are right.. I should do that.

        I am planning to use this blog as a platform to share my creations (cooking and arts), my travel experience and my thoughts. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    3. The bread looks delicious and the recipe and instructions seem very easy to follow! Your first post looks good.

      As far as your theme goes, I feel like it is a little bit too plain. I would try a new one. I went through 3 or 4 different themes before I decided on mine. Just keep trying new ones and you will find the perfect one!

      Keep up with your posts! I have been trying to blog every day (I haven’t been able to achieve this haha). I blog most days and I feel like it continues to come more and more natural. Just keep up with it! I’m excited to see what your blog turns into. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for your feedback. I will experiment with themes for sure, may be once I have couple of posts published, I will get a better use of these beautiful themes 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Hi Anuja,

      Your pesto bread reciepe sounded and looked delicious. You didn’t over complicate the instructions and the accompany pictures were a treat. As per previous comments, the only thing is perhaps to add an about page.. Nothing extensive, just a little bit about yourself.

      Hope that helps and happy holidays 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I think it’s cool to document your development through your writing! Don’t edit your old stories! I’m a novice blogger, but I would assume this can only attract a wider variety of viewers who can relate to the different stages of life! Those stories reflect how you really felt at that age.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks! I do want to try and attract more people to my blog posts, but there’s an unexplainable fear that I seem to carry with me of people discovering them. It’s a confusing state of mind. I love reading old things I wrote, because most of the time I can clearly see what works and what doesn’t. Thanks for the feedback!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. I think “Trip Down Memory Lane” is very relateable. We all have those moments when we look back at evidence of our younger years when we thought something was so cool, but we cringe now.

      I saw that you have categories so that’s helpful since you’ve been blogging since Jan. 2014 – almost your one year anniversary.

      I’ve been writing to other bloggers that their blog is their blog so they can write whatever they want, because that’s what makes them special. I’m not sure what you mean by changing the type of content you post. Is it creating another blog entirely, or create another category and posting stuff under that category? I think creating another blog would be too much work, but I’m not you and I don’t have your schedule. If you’re adding another subject, then I’m sure you know to create another category.

      Like

      1. Yeah, it’s been nearly a year! Although you’d think I’d have posted more in that space of time. Hopefully next year will be better!
        By changing the type of content, I meant I wasn’t sure if I’d decide to post just short stories, or just observations, or if I’d keep it as it is.
        Thanks for the feedback!

        Like

  10. I haven’t been to a community pool in a while! What do you think of my last few posts on umFlight.com? Also general things? Yes, I know. More Pictures. I’m working on that!

    Thanks in advance,

    John

    Like

      2. Yeah, totally didn’t expect stuff on drones and planes because I have no exp. with that stuff, so I’ll comment on stuff I feel I am qualified to.

        Asking a lot of questions: I see that you’re trying to get people to comment to (1) get comments on your posts, and (2) get some direction on what to write about next. Usually strong (thought-provoking, emotionally provoking, etc.) or controversial material gets people to comment, but I can’t imagine something more controversial to say than a low-quality, no-fun plane is good and full of fun, and vice versa. Other than that, I can’t help you with commenting.

        You mentioned pictures were an issue? I see the opportunity to post a few (or 6) on “Tis the Season Buying Guide 2014.”

        Under “Why Do You Fly RC Planes?” I will comment on your choice of words. “It can be” this, “It can be” that. If those reasons are not “all the time,” then it’s understandable to keep what you have. Otherwise, I would suggest being affirmative about them.

        You’re complaining about 20-30 page views per day? I’m looking at a lot of 0’s for mines.

        Hope this helps.

        Like

      3. I’m not complaining about 20-30 views a day. I just mentioned that I thought that I would have more when I started. Definitely NOT complaining!

        The Why do you fly RC planes and buying guide posts were actually written in a short amount of time…

        Thanks for all of the feedback!

        Like

  11. Beginners help! When you don’t have many followers or posts, how do you know if you’re on the right track? Does posting more frequently help or hurt your fan pool? I have so many stories, but don’t want to bombard the few followers I have! I would greatly appreciate a little feedback and will offer my novice feedback to any commenters! Happy holidays bloggers!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. One thing about Blogging you have to understand-Don’t let the ‘lack’ of followers discourage you from writing. You just continue doing your thing and be active on Community Pool and things will get better.
      Through Community Pool you get noticed just like right now.
      Visit more blogs and give your opinions and share the love. You’ll get everything back in return. 🙂

      Cheers!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi!
      I cannot be sure since I have only one blog and couldn’t try different frequencies of posting but I think the general advice is to post frequently and on a regular schedule so that your readers know when to expect a new post. I think it kind of works for me. From following other blogs, I can say that I tend to be a little overwhelmed when they post more than one time per day .. but it is totally up to personal taste of course and the most important is that you enjoy writing your posts! Tagging efficiently also helps to find new readers and build a small community so that your first readers don’t feel obliged to always comment and like.
      Wishing you lots of fun and success with your blog!

      Like

    3. As a beginner blogger as well, here is what I have to say. Don’t worry about the followers. Post what you feel. Post as much as you want. Honestly, I don’t post more than twice a day, but that is only because I only have time for about one post a day (other than today, which I am devoting to replying to as many of these comments as possible). Post all your stories in one day if you want! But you never know when you are going to run out of things to say. You might want to slowly go through them in case you hit a day of terrible writer’s block. I looked through your blog, and it looked really good. You are definitely on the right track. Building up an audience will take time. If you are really worried, you can always promote your blog/posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about it though. You are doing great. Just make sure you are adding tags and categories to your posts so that others can find them easily.

      Also, visit more blogs! The more feedback you give to others, the more you will get in return. Sometimes I will spend a couple of hours perusing other bloggers’ pages and I will find one I love that way and they almost always at least look at my blog in return.

      I hope I helped! Happy blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Your blog looks pretty good! I love your posts and how you incorporate pictures to help tell your story! One thing I would suggest is making it so that your readers have to click on your posts to read the entire thing. Their is an option for this when you are writing a new post. Your posts tend to be lengthy, so doing this will allow your reader to easily look through the titles to choose a post to read rather than having to scroll through each and every post! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I just posted on this one, and it must have gotten deleted somehow! Anyways, I LOVE your blog! It’s well organized and easy to maneuver! You have a great variety of posts and it doesn’t get redundant. Your theme is PERFECT! I am now a follower. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hi,

      I think the stuff you post is useful to parents and babysitters of young children.

      Quality of posts: Really good.
      1. The pencil case had 8 steps and you posted a picture for each step, so I found that very helpful. I like cookbooks with pictures of every step so I know that I’m browning something to the right color.
      2. The lips are more complicated. I understand that lips are individualistic so I understand why you only post one really good example of realistic lips (excellent, btw).
      3. Everything in DIY tends to be really short – good.

      I didn’t pay too much attention to fashion, but I read your latest one and I think you should link those 2 to the stores’ sites or to the products’ pages directly.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Leanne, thank you so much for taking the time to provide me with some amazing feedback! I am really glad you enjoyed the DIY posts and thanks for the tip on putting the links to clothing brands I talk about. I really appreciate it.
        Thanks again,
        Callie

        Like

    2. Two posts since Sunday and how many people know about your blog? What is the goal of your blog? It looks sparse – not even an “About” page for strangers in the pool. IMO, if this blog is for yourself, like for many of us here, then don’t worry about likes and comments. For others, it’s about exposure (branding ourselves) and that’s when we want the likes and comments. I’m relatively new here, so take whatever you want and discard whatever you don’t.

      Your first one isn’t titled in the title line. From what I can tell, it has feminism/giving proper credit to the female counterpart, a story written in the form of poetry, and you reference a “god.”

      Your second one is about a horrific attack in Pakistan and telling it to your readers like you are a field reporter. I know it sucks, but what I tell other bloggers is that if you don’t add something (more directly) to show more of yourself and your opinion, then it’s not really yours.

      I got a tip from YWWP: http://goo.gl/HfMbNK. Maybe this would make you feel a little better since I had the same problem.

      Hope this helps.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thanku ma’am for your concerns and suggestions..i am really honoured that you gave a look to my blogs..and yes i write for my own content..whatever comes to the brim of my heart goes to my blog…thanks a lot…just a question that how did u find my blogs, i mean are they juvenille …because i am simply trying to express my feelings……plzz reply and thanku

        Like

      2. You’re welcome. I’m glad WP approved my comment. I appreciate your respect, but call me “miss” because I’m not old enough to be called “ma’am.” More young people need to learn to be respectful to their elders.

        I do not find your blogs juvenile; I find them very mature. The attack in Pakistan is adult stuff, and if you’re talking about it as if you’re an adult, then it shows your maturity. Another one might be the kids in Syria who pick potatoes in these huge sacks, since most of them are the sole breadwinners for their families. We don’t like to look, think, or talk about it, esp. during this time of year, and IMO, it’s adult stuff. IMO kids shouldn’t deal with stuff they have no control over, but as we see, many kids are making huge differences with their own charities and raising money and awareness for others.

        For SHE, I also think it has a mature aspect to it, since feminism is so important, to me anyway. I like stories and poetry (poetry is underrated, IMO), so I think it definitely also takes skill.

        For expressing oneself, I tell others that as long as you’re expressing yourself in a manner than doesn’t hurt yourself or anyone else.

        Other stuff:
        1. “Life in Folds” – I would recommend Buddha’s teachings so no one suffers.
        2. You can effectively express your feelings. I would suggest that you proofread your posts. Ex.
        don’t use “u” use “you”
        don’t use “i” use “I”
        don’t use “Dont” use “Don’t”
        Check your spaces after each word and punctuation mark.
        These are the small things that I think also deserve some attention. Without appropriate proofreading, I think it looks sloppy, like if you’re going to a wedding with a wrinkled suit or tux.
        3. Put some stuff in your “About” page
        4. Your tagline could be “whatever comes to the brim of my heart goes to my blog”

        Good luck. Don’t hesitate to ask more q’s.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. thanku miss, how about to go with “about” page.
        please whenever you find any flaw in my blog ..it’s an earnest request that plz comment below my blog itself..so that it saves your energy and valuable time because it feels bad that you write such long replies just for my betterment… again thanku miss…i will surely correct my blogs from next time onwards..

        Like

      4. How about you create a “Contact” page and I’ll send whatever corrections through there? But I think you should be less dependent on me, since I’m sure you’re capable of doing stuff like proofreading yourself.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Bryony,

      I read your post and thought it was well written. You remind me of my younger sister actually as she would have similar anxiety attacks. Blogging is definitely very therapeutic and it’s certainly helped me to get some of those troubling thoughts out of my head and onto digital paper. Even if you don’t get the likes or comments, it should still be enough if it makes you feel better.

      BTW, I couldn’t see a place on your blog post where I could like it, or comment. Maybe I missed something?

      Aidan

      Like

    1. hey courtney! i love the visual appeal of your blog. images > text! thats great! i was wondering in case you have thought of adding filters to your images to make them more catchy? i personally do not encourage photoshoping or changing human photos, but for some of the street or nature pictures, filters might just add the oomph factor to it. just a though. as for the text, it was great reading the bit i did. i really enjoyed it!

      Like

  18. hi everyone. i had a question regarding the font of my blog. http://silentlyscreamsthescotch.wordpress.com/
    when i type in any font, other than pre font, there is a lot of gap between the lines ( more than double spaced), so the only option i have is to type in pre font, that makes the text single spaced. however the issues with the pre font is it shows up all messed up when viewed from a mobile device. any idea how do i fix this? the 2nd and 3rd song on my blog are pre font and will show up very weird on a mobile phone.
    the only way for text to show up properly is if i c/p it, which means i have to first type it out in notepad and then paste it here. quite a hassle! please help!

    and of course any other constructive criticism or feedback about the blog is welcomed! thanks a lot!

    Like

    1. At the top-right corner of the large text entry field, you’ll see tabs labeled “Visual” and “Text.” Click on text when you want to type and click back to visual (the default setting) when you want to deal with pictures and such.

      Like

  20. Good day! I already published 3 blogs, all of them usually focus more about reflections. They may not sound great, but I hope you could pass by and spare some time to read them. I would love to hear your feedback or suggestions. Thank you and God bless 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    2. I am unable to see your blog. I clicked on the username, but it takes me to a page saying it hasn’t been used. Perhaps you could reply to my comment with a link to your blog and I will look over your posts. 🙂

      Like

  21. Can someone please give me some feedback on how to better my blogs? I have posted a few now and am a carsalesman, so I’m trying to create some excitement and gain followers. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow, what a unique blog idea! I think an ‘about’ page would be helpful. Are you there to help us not get ripped off, make sure we get the best deal possible? This would be great to know right off the bat. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I would say add some pictures. I am a very visual person, so I am automatically attracted to things when I see visuals. This will allow you to reach out to a broader audience. It doesn’t have to be every post, but it might prove to be worth it where you see necessary! 🙂

      Like

    1. Hi Semite,

      Initial feedback – would be nice to see some images or at least a different theme which is more appealing. It’s hard to focus on the good content, because of the background which is a little plain. I know you’re trying to keep it simple, but even a white background might be better. Just my thoughts. Good luck!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey Aidan!
        Thanks for the feedback. I know what you mean. The background is a little dull. I’ll work on that and the images as well 🙂

        Like

      1. Hey! Thanks a ton for the feedback.
        Okay, I’ll try my best to do that.
        All my blogs are mostly based on real-life experiences and so are the characters. I’m glad you find them interesting!

        Like

  24. I am going to work on a new post tonight, but I figured I’d post two things I published recently. The first here is my latest poem: https://alanjryland.wordpress.com/2014/12/19/any-number-can-play/

    The second is an account of some of the funny things I’ve encountered while working customer service. Have your own funny stories to share? Drop in and tell me!

    Enjoy and share your thoughts! https://alanjryland.wordpress.com/2014/12/20/5-funny-stories-from-my-continued-time-in-customer-service/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The center-column text and simple film graphic are not doing you justice! And please know that nothing hurts the heart of a reader more than full-justified text. Left-justified makes the peasants rejoice. Last, you must put the customer service stories first. They are hilarious. Perhaps add an apropos pic to each story.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I need to make some changes at some point soon, I just don’t know where to begin and my schedule’s been so wild and busy! :/ I must figure something out.

        I think I’ll pin the customer service stories at the top of the page!

        Like

      1. Awww. I’ve done that! It sucks! Please share your thoughts! If it was too long, you can sum it up in a couple of quick points if you prefer.

        Sorry about that. :/

        Like

      2. I think it was just enough. If you’re self-conscious about the length of each story, I think it’s because of the small font and because you numbered them (so they’re indented), they just look longer. What I learned from lots of editing is if you don’t repeat (except for intro. and conclusion), and you’re not confusing your readers, it’s good.

        Liked by 1 person

  25. I just started my blog and I would like some feedback on what to do and not to do. I would really appreciate it if you do give me some feedback. Thank you!! 🙂

    Like

      1. The header is beautiful, but it was a little too big. It took up a lot of space on my tablet screen, and I had to scroll a bit before I got to the content. For the blog entries, it’s important to put yourself in there. The entries came across a bit generic, and I didn’t get a sense of who you are. Blogs are like fingerprints, and your individuality is what will make you succeed. Last, if you write about health, people will want a measure of expertise behind what you say. Otherwise, put in a disclaimer that what you write about has worked for you personally.

        Like

    2. Hi Maaserwa,

      I like the heading which really catches my eye. Suggestions – Align your images better, take them in from the margins, and maybe wrap the text around them.

      As for ‘what to do and what not to do’ – choose your own path. Too many copycats out there so don’t be afraid to try something different. Focus on the content first and see what resonates with people.

      Aidan

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I noticed the images weren’t aligned too but I have no idea how to fix that. I tried to fix it but it wouldn’t work. Other than wrapping the text how else do you think I could fix that?

        Like

    3. I personally like the off-center images. I think they look come. but it is also a matter of opinion.

      The header is great. I can’t tell you what not to do because there isn’t necessarily anything you SHOULDN’T do if it’s something you like. The only thing I will say is to just keep writing. You can write about anything your heart desires. Just don’t give it up, especially if it is something you are passionate about.

      Like

      2. It would be harder for the readers to find your post. Look up a tip on tags (I think you can find it in your admin page, where you actually place them), it’s suggested not to use more than 15 per post.

        Like

    1. Yes. Consider blogging “me time” and best to you in this new experience. If i undestand correctly, it seems that you want a place to organize your mind, considering your balancing of duties. Journaling can be a great councelor, therapy even. In time, you will find your audience, the blog friends that are like you with similar thoughts.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you very much. I think that is exactly what I feel. I almost don’t care if anyone else reads, its just nice to be able to write it all down 🙂

        Thank you again for replying!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Your blog looks great so far! It’s always hard to start up. I should know, I started up only a couple weeks ago. Your posts are great so far. Keep it up!

      And always offer your opinion! I always offer mine, even though I’m new as well. They might even be appreciative!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Pick a different theme or, even better, change the name of your blog or add some spaces to it.

      Your title is a big hunk of letters that are hard to decipher because they’re not split into words. Also, the title doesn’t fit in your theme; I can’t see the “onimo” because it’s off the side of the page.

      Like

    2. Hi Elise,

      I’m not a huge fan of the theme. I would also like to know more about the posts before I click in. Perhaps an image which would draw my attention would help because I’m a very visual person. Just my suggestion.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I agree with the other bloggers about the name. If the name is confusing, people will not take the time to read beyond it.

      But more than anything aesthetic, it is vitally important that your blog be positive. I’m glad that your goal is to have a new beginning, and in order to do that, try to leave out the assumptions that your work is a failure. You can write about serious, even tragic topics, but assuming that the reader doesn’t like you will isolate you from the very thing you are reaching for – connection to others.

      I found the Sony blog pretty funny 😀

      Like

      1. Thanks for the reply, I just strugle with english so I have this huge complex about sucking in this blog too, I’m already using a new theme tomorrow I will put entries with pictures/ So you suggest I change the name of the blog to something more simple?

        Like

    1. Hi Elly,

      I’ve not seen Harry Potter (gasp!) so can’t really comment on the content. But I’m sure you’ll get lots of interested visitors!

      Constructive feedback would be the theme. I wouldn’t be the biggest fan. The left half of the screen is the only place where the content appears. The right remains the same throughout – it just seems like you could maybe do more with the space here. For example I have to scroll through posts, but if it appeared on a wider page using some of the right hand space, I might not have to. Little things.

      Hope that helps!
      Aidan

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Interesting poem. For the blog entry, make sure to check grammar and spelling. Also good to break up text into several paragraphs. Big chunks of text can be daunting.

      Last, make sure you place every entry in a category. Readers will give you only seconds to get their attention.

      Liked by 2 people