Apr 6, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

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. You do a good job of crafting imagery through your words. Also like the whole strike through of the first sentence in all your posts. Suggests there’s a little more than what you’ve revealed

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for your kind words. I checked out your blog as well. I love the humor and subject matter. I’ve always been interested in traveling. Congratulations on the publication of your travel guide. 🙂

        Like

    2. The writing is sharp and concise. People will not get tired of that. Graphics, graphics, graphics. Remember…blogging and writing are two related but distinct activities. Blogging is about building community and writing assists in that process, but so does eye candy. Encouraging interaction (asking questions, making comment posts easy) lends to this goal as well. I need to hear this as much as anyone: writing is ONE part of blogging. So, spruce up the joint! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for the compliment and also for the advice. Your blog definitely has eye candy. It is visually pleasing and well organized. I enjoyed reading your fictional work, but I really got a feel for who you are by reading your more personal posts (commentary). Keep up the great work. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Hey Fellow bloggers ! It’s been about two months since I started my blog, and I’m satisfied with my progress so far, but now I’d like to shift gears, I’d like to know more about how I can improve my content, I want to make the reader feel something whenever he/she reads my post, I try my best, but I know I can be better with the proper advice and guidance. So, please a proper feedback is appreciated 🙂 thank you !
    Here’s the link to my blog-
    https://inquisitivemindandstubbornheart.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you 🙂 It means a lot that you took the time to read my poems, I’ll admit i I am a wee bit proud of them ! I hope to write more naturally in the future, after which I hope you get moved by the other posts just as much !

        Liked by 1 person

    2. First, great title for your blog. Second, there’s a lot of honesty in your writing, so that will touch people. Keep practicing and I’m sure you’ll find your groove

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Hi I’m Janice. I recently wrote a post that didn’t do so well. I have had an otherwise engaged community lately, but this post received very little reaction. Please check it out for me. I’d love some feedback. Please comment directly on the post. Thank you! Here is the link: http://wp.me/p5jxvv-JF

    Like

  5. Hi there. I’m blogging about what it’s like to move home at 60 and look after my 94 year old mother.
    But somehow, I’ve got duplicate menus of all the earlier posts listed side by side. Does anyone know how to get rid of one of the lists?? Would appreciate any advice!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There are three footer sidebar widget areas on your theme (Syntax). I took a quick look and it looks like your Footer Sidebar 2 has the same widgets as Footer Sidebar 1 (except the Twitter widget).

      You’ll want to go to Appearance → Widgets and drag the widgets in Footer Sidebar 2 (Search, Recent Posts, etc.) to the Inactive Widgets area at the very bottom of the page.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Don’t sweat it Janet. Same thing happened to me. Huge audience, hand-picked post and embarrassing results. Nothing wrong with the about page. Sometimes only a few members of a large potential audience are actually paying attention

      Like

      1. Hi Ben,
        Thank you for trying to offer me some badly needed perspective. Ten people came over from the host blog, and not one followed. That is why I am assuming it’s the About Me page.
        Janice

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Congratulations on your progress and English language skills as well. Very crisp design. Enjoyed your book reviews. Se tu sei mai interessata nella possibilita di fare un altro, il mio libro di viaggio/umore e disponibile 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi Everyone! I started my blog not that long ago and would love some feedback on layout and content. I’m having trouble getting followers even though I’m using social media to get the word out there about my blog. I know there are a lot of other blogs like mine, and I’m trying to think of a way to make mine a little different to draw more people in. Any feedback is welcome, please comment back to this post. Here is the link https://funandfollylife.wordpress.com/ Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think your blog is absolutely lovely! The ideas are fun and attractive and easy to do. It does take a long time to attract followers. I think it took 6 months for me to get to 100. Are you going out and meeting other bloggers and networking? That is the key. 🙂 http://lilypupslife.wordpress.com/

      Like

      2. funandfollylife Reply

        Thank you for taking a look at my blog! I haven’t really met any bloggers or done any networking mostly because I’m not sure how to start doing that. I do have a Pinterest board, but it is linked to my etsy site not my blog

        Like

      3. well i would set up a board just for your blog. Put the pics of your ideas on there. Underneath put your blog’s addy. Then people can see your ideas and go to your blog. Also put a Pinterest button on your blog so people can get from your blog to your Pinterest site. To meet people, just click on a blog’s address. Go read what they have written and try to make a positive comment. Many of them in turn will read your blog back. If they like what they see, they may follow you!

        Like

    2. Had a look. While social media can definitely help, relying on that to draw new readers is not an exact science. By making your post titles engaging or teasing, you might knock over a few who are on the fence. Hope this helps

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hello everyone, I hope you’re all having a lovely day!
    I’m desperately looking for some more followers to join my blogging family and provide some feedback on my culture blog – I’d be very grateful if you could check out my posts and leave specific or general comments to help me improve 🙂

    https://dinosaursandwoodlice.wordpress.com/

    Many thanks! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Becky. Thanks for alerting me to your presence (90% of the difficulty). Am now following. Your title is catchy and original and you’ve done a good job with your About Page. Would like to see more under Travel (I do blog about travel after all)

      Liked by 2 people

      1. thank you very much for your kind words and following my blog, I will hopefully be posting more travel posts soon!

        Like

      1. thank you very much, I’m glad you can identify with it! I am grateful for your feedback, thank you

        Like

  17. Hello lovelies! It’s been a while since I posted here, but I’d LOVE some feedback on one of my posts, ‘Poetry Corner, Adeiu Mr Clarkson’.
    I’m considering making it a weekly feature, writing a brief couple of lines about the most prevolent news story of the week, but am not sure if:
    a) people want to see something like this
    And
    b) if it’s even poetry!

    Anyway, you’ll find the link here: https://ashleylianne.wordpress.com/2015/03/29/poetry-corner-adieu-mr-clarkson/
    Be sure to send me your links, so I can return the favour!
    Thanks guys,
    love, Leigh x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, I just read your post and I really liked it. I think poetry is subjective and takes a lot of forms so I’d definitely consider it a poem. And I’m not sure about anyone else, but I’d be interested in seeing more writing like it.

      Like

      1. Thank you so much, it’s reassuring to know I’m not writing total rubbish!
        I do believe poetry is arbitrary, but some people can be pretty opinionated on the matter.

        Like

    2. Yep, I like it. As Sarah says, poetry can be almost anything you want it to be, personally I rarely ever write rhyming poetry, it’s mostly about creating the rhythm, which this definitely has. It’s definitely an interesting thought to do news related poetry, I ‘d love to see how you do it 🙂

      Like

  19. I just started my blog on First Time Home Buying which is advice for anyone who is looking to buy soon – would love for some feedback on the layout – it’s hard to figure out the best navigation so that people can follow along and I can get exposure

    Thanks! younghouseandhome.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Hello, I am just a starter and would love to have some feedback on the appearance of my blog. I think it kind of the style of what I want it to look. Since my writing is not something fantastic, what I know it isn’t since English is something I am learning and dare not to say mastered I won’t make it my priority yet. My blog is going to be something of a journal keeping things like memories, conversation or little stories that I’d like to share or see again. https://littlethinginlife.wordpress.com
    In advance I’d like to thank you. <3<3<3

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi, I just had a look at your blog and I found the couple blog entries I clicked on quite interesting! The pictures you paired with them really drew my attention in. My only suggestion would be to maybe change your blog appearance a little so you can see a bit of whats written in each entry before clicking on it but that’s up to you!

      Like

  21. Hi everyone,
    I had such amazing support last week when I came onto Community Pool simply to offer help I thought I would do it again this week. Don’t get me wrong I’m sure I’ll need you’re help soon enough. Til then….If you have a question about something try to make it a specific quesion. Thanks

    Liked by 3 people

  22. Hello fellow Community Members! Hope everyone is doing fabulous on this caffeine-filled Monday afternoon 🙂 I just gave birth to my Baby (PuraVidaBackpacking.com) on Valentines Day (February 14th) of this year and would Love any feedback you may have. Since there are an overwhelming number of us that want feedback, I will return the favor to those who give me a helping hand if feedback is what you are looking for. Thank you in advance.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I believe we are on the same path in life. I have caught the travel bug and hence started a blog to keep up with where I have been and where I am going with my dream trips. I was not aware of how much time it takes to maintain a blog either. I’m very much behind but it is still my passion to bring my travels to others. I can’t wait to hear your stories from the road. Whether they be short trips or your 2 year RTW trip.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hello Tee!

        It’s nice to virtually meet you 🙂 I’ve looked over your blog and I agree, we are both learning to navigate the spaces of Travel whilst Blogging, which are exciting processes that can become very time consuming. Since I was working over 70 hrs/week with my day job(s) + blogging, I’ve been working on ways to become more efficient on my day-to-day activities/responsibilities. I’ve been figuring out ways to better prioritize to gain back a few hours of my day. Nonetheless, it’s all a learning process and I look forwards to following your experiences as well. You just keep writing 🙂 Feel free to contact me for anything.

        Like

    2. Hi! I’ve just had a look at your blog and I really liked what you wrote about going for the trip that you want sooner rather than later. It struck a chord in me because I’m also struggling with the same thing at the moment. 🙂

      I finally started my travel blog last year but I haven’t been very good at updating it, and I’m also still feeling a little shy about putting so much of myself out on the big, bad interwebs. It’s a little ironic considering that I make a living as a freelance writer.

      I’d love to get your thoughts on my blog as well. I’m over at https://lakadditolakaddoon.wordpress.com/. Good luck on your journeys; I look forward to reading about them. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Good Day Marnie!

        Nice to virtually meet you 🙂

        First off, thank you for looking at my blog. I’m excited to take on the adventure and exploring a little more of my passions.

        I’ve taken a look at your blog, and, I have to say, it is amazing! What already exist on your blog is a fabulous work of Art that I would love to see be explored some more.

        It seems that you are trying to explore with photo essays? Let me just say, the photography and writing is there 🙂 You have a perfect medium between photography and story-telling that really allows the readers to capture the experience with you: the pictures capture the physicality and beauty of the experience and, your words, your emotional and personal journey in these (photographed) places/spaces.

        My recommendation: keep posting these photo essays because they are beyond this world amazing!

        In terms of being shy, I completely understand. There’s a sense of vulnerability that comes with posting in an online platform. I think, over time, you can gain more confidence as you familiarize yourself with the platform and your readers, especially if you “get to know” your active followers. I recommend you post as you feel comfortable while challenging yourself a little more every time.

        It was wonderful going through your blog and I look forward to following your experiences. Feel free to reach out in the future.

        Also, loving those emojis!

        Pura Vida!

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Hello Bloggers!!!!

    I’m Lazarus, I blog about some pretty heavy stuff- my experience in life, and about mental health.

    I am a suicide attempt survivor, as well as a suicide survivor (my dad and other family members). I would love to get to know more people on here who are going through the same.

    Thank you for noticing 🙂

    http://lazarusandlithium.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I enjoyed your perspective and your honesty. I’m told that I suffer from survivors guilt (will have a post up about it later this week) and like to hear the stories of those who have also been through tramautic events and how they dealt with them.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Kristin. Your site is very professionally laid out with a great header image and manageable posts with attractive pictures. I too run a travel blog and would actually be interested in a collaboration if you’re up for it. Am now following

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Hi all the bloggers! Happy Monday! My name is Dayae and I blog about my daily life in America, usually with my cultural perspective. I might have some grammar errors but would welcome any feedback about the topic or my writing in general.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Melissa.

      I like the layout of your blog. It’s clean and easy to read.

      As for the social stuff, that really depends.

      I often don’t scroll all the way to the bottom of a new blog I come across so it might be missed. But I also like how the widgets you currently have on your sidebar show the kind of content you have on your blog and make it easy to access.

      So if you want readers to see your content first I’d keep things as they are. But if you still want your twitter to be easy to see maybe put a twitter link/button under your picture, but not the whole feed which would push your content links further down.

      Sorry, that was a bit of a “yes, but also no” answer there, but I hope it helps.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks, Miriam! Clean and pleasing to the minimalistic eye was/is my ultimate goal with the layout.

        Like

  28. Hi everyone.

    I’ve been mulling something over and was wondering if anyone had some advice.

    I’ve noticed that a lot of people have pictures of themselves on their blogs either on the front page or on their about page. I’ve never been a fan of having my picture taken so there are very few on my social media. But I also know that blogging is largely about personality and people want to know about the bloggers they read.

    So, do you think it’s necessary to have a picture of yourself on your blog?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. When I first started, I didn’t have my photo up, bc I attempted to be anonymous. That was a lot of effort, so I gave up, but I don’t think it’s required that you have a photo. I follow several blogs where the writer is fairly anonymous, or doesn’t share photos, and it doesn’t hinder their content, style, or personality. However, I think being able to put a face to a writing personality is great!

      Like

      1. Thanks Melissa. It’s not anonymity for me (that’s my real name up there after all) I just don’t like taking pictures. But I’ll certainly think about it.

        Like

    2. Hi there,

      I’m in a similar boat as you – real name and no picture of myself. To me , blogging does have an emphasis on one’s personality but I believe one can be personal in one’s writings, so you don’t have to put your picture up.

      Like

    3. Hi there,

      I’m in a similar boat as you – real name and no picture of myself. To me , blogging does have an emphasis on one’s personality but I believe one can be personal in one’s writings, so you don’t have to put your picture up.

      Like

    4. No I don’t think you do, as long as your blog and what you write reflects your personality, it’s a small piece of you…yes you can have a picture but it doesn’t have to be a picture of yourself, maybe something that tells something about you…I think it’s really important to have an About page, so your readers get to know you a little bit…picture it’s probably a choice not a necessity 🙂

      Like

      1. Thanks Julia. I do struggle with how much of me gets into my writing since I write about film and come from an academic background in which your writing is meant to be impersonal. Hence the question about the picture.

        Liked by 1 person

  29. Hello All, I’ve just published a new post on my blog and would love some feedback. I’m very new to this, so I’m particularly interested in how the post flows and whether you find the topic interesting. I know that it is specific to restaurants in the Washington DC area, but would you be interested in a blog like this for your home town? Any other comments are also appreciated. You can find it here: http://jillsurbanfoodcrawls.com/2015/04/06/orange-line-metro-food-crawl/

    Thanks!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I don’t really know Washington DC, but I would advise to maybe pass some of the cities vibe to your blog, pictures, colours, maybe background…Washington is a very exciting city for those who are not living there…make them want to come and live the excitement :), …just a suggestion:)

      Like

      1. Thanks for the great suggestions. Photography is still one of my weak points, so I will work on adding some more dynamic images to the site.

        Like

  30. Hi –
    I’m so happy to find a pool of others working at the same stuff I am. I would love some feedback on the visuals/general set up of my site – thinking I should make it more appealing, more inviting, but not sure exactly how to go about it so any suggestions would be fantastic – just on the overall page itself or anything specific that jumps out at you. Wanting to drive more traffic to the page and not really sure how.

    Also, here is my latest post, any thoughts or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

    Old Age and Marilyn Manson

    Randi Jo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ll give you my two cents on the overall look of it. I would like the header better if you enlarged the picture to the full width of the header, tagline too. Provided the image doesn’t get grainy or distorted in the process.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Your blog looks good, add pictures to your posts, people are visual 🙂 Write some more about yourself, we want to know you and what you write:)
      Traffic you can get by sharing your blog and posts through social media, like Facebook, Twitter, Google +…
      Get involved in projects like this one….Writing 101, Photography 101…on the Daily Post…and you can meet a lot of other bloggers!
      You are on the right track so just a few bits here and there and your readers will follow:)
      Good luck!

      Like