Feb 2, 2015 / 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.
  • We discourage leaving links without a more substantive message or question. These are often overlooked by other bloggers, and we frequently remove them to make the comment reading experience smoother.
  • Please keep all comments civil and constructive. The idea is to have fun — it’s a pool, after all!
  • 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 Brian Cantoni.

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  1. Hey guys, I just started my blog a little less than a week ago. I guess I am a little confused as to where I want to go with it. So far, I have been treating it as a journal, just talking about some significant things going on in my life currently. I have been told that treating it like a journal is what some people choose to do with it, but I feel kind of silly writing in that context. Not to put myself down at all, but I don’t think a lot of people would really be interested in following a personal journal of someone they do not know, ha. Any advice on how I can make it more interesting or useful? I love to write and really want to get back into it and improve my skills, so I don’t wanna give this blog up.

    Thanks,
    Nicole

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Nicole,

      I recently answered a query similar to yours. Here’s my personal advice (I am not an expert, but a fellow blogger who is learning to capture his audience).

      “… I think initially you’ll want to just write/ post about whatever you think will represent who you are. If you’re too focused, it might limit your writing and inspiration. So go for it and soon enough, with the help of your wordpress site stats, you’ll see what your audience tends to like and you can cater to that!

      Definitely make use of tags as well – and make sure to build your community of readers to get a better idea of what your blog should be about. Getting involved with Community Pool is a great start 🙂 ”

      Best of luck!

      -Ryan

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Hi Nicole!
      I personally like your blog! If you don’t feel like making it into a journal type blog than maybe change your posts so it can be relatable to the reader without making it sound like a diary. I would change the layout a bit by putting a header image instead of it saying “uncategorized”.

      Anyway you have a good start to your blog! Keep it up!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Hey everyone,
    I have just recently gone public with my blog by sharing on Facebook and telling my friends about it. I am now blogging consistently and would like some feedback on my writing, the style, the overall feeling of the blog and, of course, anything I can improve on.

    Truly looking forward to your pointers to come!
    Thanks,
    Nicolle 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for the feedback Ben! I have often considered it but was unsure if it would take away from the mood. I will be sure to search for the right kind of graphics!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Ben, took a look at your blog. I instantly loved it when I saw that elephant on the ‘O’ of your banner! I enjoy your format and really appreciate numbered lists especially with the topics you discuss.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey there! Thanks for the feedback and the follow 🙂 I had to do the same, I really like your layout and “Looking in the Mirror” was wonderful! Somehow the simple background made me feel like I was somewhere else!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey Ben, thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed reading it and that you like the layout! I really enjoyed going through your blog…your topics are unexpected and gallop through so many thoughts and emotions. An awesome read! Happy to say I am glad to have found a new author, unknown to me, Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis…certainly a great leap away from Coelho!

        Liked by 2 people

  4. Happy Monday everyone! I recently filled out a page named “Ceramics” and manually moving over galleries and linking to past blog posts. The idea is to make it more of a portfolio of my work – instead of another blog feed with the categorized content.

    http://mccallistersculpture.com/ceramics-2/

    I’d like to know:
    (1) as an end user/reader, if this structure makes sense or is it misleading?
    (2) Does it hurt (SEO/ spam wise) to have link backs/ pingbacks of my own posts in my own site?
    (3) Did anyone else structure their site like this- if so please share a link and I’ll make sure to check it out!

    Any and all info would be great – thank you in advance everyone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Mike,

      I really enjoyed visiting your blog and ‘ wait up’ in particular resonated as I too am learning/practicing to slow down, be more patient and enjoy the simple things.

      You might like to know that when I clicked on your link it took a few good seconds for your blog to load. I am in an area where Internet is not that fast and the wooden background loaded first and I had to wait a bit for the rest to appear – needs a little patience 🙂

      Although I am not a coffee user I love your theme and how the coffee break threads through your design and writing. Makes me wanna take a coffee break over a nice chat with old and new friends alike.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you Gabi, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I wrote a post a few weeks ago about getting back to the simple things in life and I’ve loosely developed my own philosophy around what it means to live simply. It wasn’t my intended theme when I started the blog but I guess it’s taking on a life of its own!

        It’s funny you mention the background as I was noticing the same this morning. I might see what I can do about speeding that up…. not everyone is patient 😉

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hey Mike, I love your theme!! I don’t say that often, but yours just matched so well with your blog name. I especially liked the “try some different blends” along the side – very creative and fun. Great writing as well, I look forward to reading more!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much Sherina, I really appreciate that 🙂 Funnily enough, I’m not a *huge* coffee drinker but I think it’s a nice theme for “catching up”. I hope you keep dropping by 😉

        Liked by 1 person

    3. I enjoy reading your blog, Mike! Patience is a virtue that constantly needs to be practiced in order to become an expert! I like your idea of practicing while driving – it’s one of the challenges I realllly need to overcome! Great post 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Driving is my big one too 😉 Although I’m much better than I was a year ago. It can be a difficult thing to be patient all the time, but you’re right, practice helps.

        Like

    6. I am hooked to your blog Mike! Its a good addiction, along with coffee!

      About patience and driving … Some places I have driven I said would either drive you insane or develop your sense of humour! My own solution is hummable music. Always. It works when I drive in mindless traffic, drudgery of daily chores, being lonely … And if I have the option, a good read always makes me smile. Like just now! 😃

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Please, stop to send hundreds of emails at once because nobody would/can read it and moreover it fill completely the inbox.
    For the people which work with Webmail is even worse!
    Thx.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Sam, I checked out your blog. I really like the idea of balancing your life with time in the gym. Have you thought of taking Blogging 101? It easily walks you through all kinds of great ideas for your blog. Mine was seriously plain and boring and now I think has a bit more energy since the class. It’s an idea if you’re looking at themes. http://lilypupslife.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m so glad I found your blog!! 🙂 You have a great voice in your writing and it’s so enjoyable to read, and your 4-1-1 page is so fantastic! I blog about similar themes so I am so glad to find someone else who does, too! I also live in Canada and love the Ocean – so many coincidences!!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Very good. You write with purpose. What may seem like a journal blog actually has messages and life-lessons for all. Followed.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Hi There!
    I’m Callie and on my blog Imaginationem I post about mainly fashion and DIYs.
    If you could provide me with some feedback on the appearance of my site and the overall quality of my posts, that would be great! Thank you!!!
    Callie
    http://imaginationem.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you’re onto something Kate. Travel blogging is all about having a fresh perspective or niche. Your posts cater to a specific audience that would be interested in that region as well as out of towners (like me) who might be inspired to visit. Very nice job

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Hello. I did a recent post about a local deli. I feel like the post was too short. Does anyone have any feedback about the food post? And if anyone likes fashion, feedback on the fashion posts are welcomed too. Happy Monday 🙂

    3FReligion.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The pictures are wonderful–for the most part really nicely written…but if you could have added a little more about some of the flavor of your meal…the pictures made me drool and I think with a little more description your words could have done the same:) If I was in the area I would want to head there for lunch:)

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I love the idea behind your post. It’s really well written…and right up my alley 🙂 I would put more breaks into it in the form of shorter paragraphs. I was told no more than 43 words per paragraph…seems arbitrary, but it is a bit easier to read. It flows great!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi! Very interesting blog, looking to be on the same lines as my experience, trying to deal with the world as a 20-something by writing about it! Particularly liked your rant against the NYC Pastor from a couple of days ago, nice assassination of all of the ridiculous points. Keep it up 🙂

      Ben

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much! It was a difficult choice to make because I have many favorite bands, but The Cranberries speak to me like no one else. 🙂

        Thanks for reading and commenting!

        Like

    4. Hi,
      After reading a few of your blog posts I really like your writing style and the way everything is structured. Your overall layout is really clear too 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    7. OMG. I love your blog. 15 REASONS WHY IT’S HARD OUT HERE FOR A B*TCH was my favourite. You’re a great writer.

      Perhaps you should create a ‘recent posts’ side widget that will allow readers to see your other posts without having to scroll all the way down.

      Also, well done on that text to your ex. Check out a post that I’d written a while ago: 20 Things you realize in your early twenties – http://bit.ly/1uTnioq

      Let me know what you think.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! I’m glad you liked that post. Happy to hear you appreciate it. 🙂

        Unfortunately with the theme I currently have, I can only have widgets on the bottom. That’s the one downfall of the theme, but other than that I love it too much to change it right now. Maybe someday I will. 😉

        Thanks for reading and commenting! I’ll be sure to check out your blog as well!

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Hi everyone! It’s my first time posting here, so I hope I get this right. I appreciate the community here!

    I would love your feedback on my blog’s presentation, especially the Menu and the sidebar. (Ex: Does the widget arrangement make it inviting to click different links? What kind of impression does the welcome photo make? Does anything seem “odd” or “off to you?)

    I’d like to improve my bounce rate and figure out what people like most when they visit my site.

    http://trulytafakari.com/

    Any comments you have would help tremendously. Thank you!
    -dara

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I am having an issue with my bounce rate as well! Unforunately, my job has blocked me from visiting your site, but I promise to take a look at yours when I get home!

      Like

    2. Hi Dara and thanks for sharing. I think the theme and widgets work great. And your writing is engaging to boot. Loved your short description of yourself. Thanks for sharing

      Like

  22. Hello fellow bloggers,

    I started my blog ‘SharingIt’ only a few month back, I am very much a beginner, so any comments and feedback are really appreciated.

    My intention is to post daily a small post so at the end of the year I will have 365 notes of good things, no matter how small or how big. I believe life keeps me so busy and occupied that sometimes I fail to note all the good things that happen so this is my attempt to pay attention to the good things in life.

    I would love some suggestions on how could I engage with other bloggers. yes, it’s great that I have good things happening every day but it would be mega great if I could hear about all sorts of good things happening to other people too. So please have a look and let me know what you thing.

    Gpoppyblog.wordpress.com

    Much appreciated,
    Gabi

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Clever idea. To engage more bloggers you took a positive step by sharing here. I would also suggest following and commenting on blogs with subjects you enjoy. You’ll find that by sharing the love (some of it) comes back to you

      Like

    2. I love the idea of your blog is not only entartining and fun to read but it’s also beautiful memories that now you will remember for ever .Good job and you definite earned my follow and I would really appreciated if you checked out my blog and gave me your feedback on the theme , tiltes , writing and overall my blog and any advice for how to improve it as I am new here , thanks 🙂

      Like

    1. I took a look and really enjoyed your blog. Your theme is excellent-as are your pictures. I have written quite a few posts about traveling through India and could relate to both your photos and descriptions. Thanks for sharing.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. One of my greatest challenges is to make sure that I’m not too wordy. Having the “gift to gab” isn’t always a gift. So even though I try to express my ideas I want it to be relevant, timely and engaging. I want readers to come back for more and more. I’d really like to end some thoughts with “cliff hangers”. So any feedback you can give is greatly appreciated. My main blog is Lose the Weight:My Journal for the Journey and the other is Your Blueprint for Life, the blog connected to a podcast I do on Blogtalkradio. Thanks for your feedback.

    http://www.losetheweightjournal.wordpress.com

    http://www.yourblueprintforlifebroadcast.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

  28. Hi all, i have started blogging for the first time last week.

    https://yokeshsharma.wordpress.com/

    It is about evolution of thoughts and ideas in society. Its more of a philosophical work. People who are into exploring the origins of beliefs of human ideas.
    i would really like if someone gives me any kind of feedback about the kind of content i am posting. I will be very thankful you.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I really like the way you set out at the start what you mean by immortality so the reader is aware of what YOU mean by it. And I REALLY like the credibility references to support the points you make. All too often bloggers make outlandish claims backed up by somewhat flaky ‘evidence’. Nice and clear layout, easy on the eye.

      Like

      1. thanks, there are more such topics to come in future 🙂 Before this i used to have all these ideas in my head, then a friend of mine suggested me to write them down and i think it was a good choice.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you need to set up “pages” to do that. Everything in all categories will show up on your home page, but you could add a “Blog” page and a “Recipes” pages and then link your posts to the correct page. Then if I click on “Recipes”, I would only see your recipe posts.

      Liked by 1 person