Apr 20, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/redjar/8402178817">redjar</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(CC BY-SA 2.0)</a>

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! We tend to delete duplicate comments asking for feedback on the same post.
  • 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!
  • When leaving comments, please remember not to add your blog’s url as your signature. It’s kinda spammy: after all, your handle links directly to your blog.
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
  • No running on the deck.
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  1. My blog is just 10 years old this June and is a serious, challenging site about gardens. I’d love a fresh eye on it – not so much for the design of the site as the content. Am I covering enough and lively/engaging enough for another 10 years?

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Hey Guys
    I was hoping to try and get advice on a piece I have written, hopefully the start of my first book (fingers crossed). My plan was to post the entire piece on my blog and ask the specific question then, buts its almost 1800 words. Is this too much for a blog? Any better option to get advice on it?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m a newbie, so my opinion may not count…but I wrote an article that was over 2000 words. I don’t think it matters, as long as its engaging and entertaining. As long as the layout is clear, not jumbled and confusing. But I’m sure the more seasoned bloggers can respond to this.

      Like

  3. I can’t figure out how to like the comments that people leave on my blog. I use Google Chrome. I click the star, but it never records it as a like. I would like to show my support to the people leaving comments, any suggestions?

    Like

  4. Hello all! I hope you are having a great Monday 🙂 I write like a diary, just sharing my everyday experiences. Recently I started to work on loosing weight and eating better. Here is my latest experience :-)https://writingoutdepression.wordpress.com/2015/04/20/the-burden-of-knowledge/

    Like

  5. Heya Bloggers ! It’s the community pool again 😀 I’m Jaisal and I like using this pool to expand my mindset as a blogger 🙂 I mean rarely do you get a chance to interact with so many people with minimum efforts 😛
    So, My question to the blogger reading this- ” What’s the one line advice you’d give to yourself as someone who’s going to write his or her first post ?”
    OH AND do paste a link of your first post ever as a Blogger !
    My advice to me would’ve been that I should have done my homework before writing the first post 😛
    http://inquisitivemindandstubbornheart.wordpress.com/2015/02/27/a-new-beginning/
    Here’s a link to my first post !
    Do share your answers and links ! I promise to see them ! 😀 cheers !

    Liked by 2 people

      1. You know, I have a friend who too is a blogger and has the same issue ? I’m trying to help her deal with it 🙂
        All I’d like to say in return is never ever stop blogging and always stay confident in your capability to inspire people 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I liked it because, well I liked it 😛 It’s an amazing post, I love the fact that it’s really well researched. 😀 Keep the good work !

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I agree — persistence is key. I started my blog assuming that nobody would read it for quite a while, and I’ve not been disappointed! 🙂
        Here’s my first post: Hello World ,
        and here’s my most recent one: Chain Gang . I like the discipline of coming up with something to say every few days, finding an image to reflect my message, and putting it out there for the world to judge. So far I have 41 posts and only 18 comments, but I had set my expectations appropriately so I’m not losing faith. Not yet, anyway. Press on; don’t give up! If success is meant to come, it will come, as long as you keep the faith.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Well said ! ALso don’t let those figures dampen you ! I mean this is all just temporary, those figures will change, they might increase they might decrease but you shouldn’t compromise your identity for those figures.
        Which I know you won’t 🙂

        Like

    2. I’d suggest something very opposite to what you suggested. Write your mind out in your first post, that’s the first step to writing well, in my opinion. Improvement in writing skills can follow, you only learn! Another perk of this is that when your genuine thoughts are appreciated, it motivates you.

      My first post is this :
      https://ascintillaofthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/12/26/the-unsent-message/
      And it’s quite different than the rest of the posts!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you Noor 🙂 I’ll keep that in mind ! Also, It’s always nice to feel appreciated, but sometimes that appreciation comes a bit late than you’d expect ! So, never give up and always hold on to the fact that since your work is good, It will be appreciated 😀
        Cheers ! I’d love to see more posts from you !

        Like

      1. It was my first post xD I didn’t even know whether it was a post or a page ! I hope I’ve improved since then ! It’s a timeless piece of advice though 🙂
        Thank you !
        Amazing post though ! enjoyed it thoroughly
        !

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I really like your pictures, and the text that goes along with them. I’d suggest you to reduce the size of or experiment with your watermark more, since it distracted me in many pictures

      keep clicking!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanx for the reminder. I was trying my best to reduce their size. Just learned it 2 days ago. The recent ones are now better looking
        Thanks for taking a closer look.

        Like

  8. Bloggers who regularly utilize media to illustrate your posts! I need your help. My latest post has a bunch of (admittedly poorly shot and quite lame) pictures I took for a little tour through an archives supply catalog. Don’t eye roll — you know you want to know what those folks in white cotton gloves use to keep history pretty 😉

    Anyhoo, I feel the whole thing looks/feels off. Do I center the photos or leave them to the side? Should they be bigger? Should the text wrap around them?

    And, despite the title, it’s totally SFW. Thanks in advance!

    https://findingaid.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/on-archives-supply-porn-or-hollingers-latest-catalog/

    Like

    2. I agree that some of the images are a little small. They seem overwhelmed by the text around them. I scrolled down a bit and found some really awesome images (the one of the archive fire almost took my breath away), and noticed that most of the other images are as wide as the text, and look better for that. On the other hand, you should take care that all the images are crisply focused, and sometimes might need to adjust the brightness or contrast to make them clearer. Overall, I liked your blog’s appearance.

      Like

    1. Hey Cassandra! great blog you got going. I read a couple of your kdrama and it made me finally choose one to watch. i have a friend always snapchatting scenes to me and i’ll finally make the effort.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Well if you ask me I’d say your blog didn’t suffer one bit!! Touching, personal posts and fun to read posts all in one blog 😉
      (I could totally be the annoying sales person wandering from house to house, don’t ya think? 😛 )
      Seriously though good blog!! Keep it up 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Hey Guys! I’m new to this and I’d just like some feedback on my posts and/or theme. My blog is liyahsworld.wordpress.com. Also my blog name. It seems cliche, but I couldn’t come up with anything else.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Hi everyone, I recently wrote a post about the secret for happiness. I would love if you guy’s checked it out and gave me your feedback as i’m new here

    The secret for happiness

    I also wrote a post titled ” Dear,young me” a message to my younger self. I really enjoyed writing it and i believe it may help someone out there

    Dear, young me

    And of course i would return the favor 🙂 have a nice day everyone and thanks in advance 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I took a look at your site and find it very appealing. You seem to know what you’re doing with the whole blogging thing, so I’m now following you to learn more about improving my own blog.. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Janice. I popped over and I have to say I struggled with it. Where’s your home? Your most recent posts? Having a static front page always makes navigation a bit harder

      Like

  15. Wouldn’t mind some feedback on mine, I’m still new to it and don’t really write that often but any feedback is good 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Courtney, I enjoyed reading a few of your posts.
      Keep up the good work. Wake Forest University was one of the 5 out of state schools I had hoped my daughter would have gone too. I lost…
      I am new to this blogging thing and would like some advice from others.

      If you would like feel free to visit my blog at
      https://kildanlove.wordpress.com/

      I keep two blogs the second is one written in the POV of my Chihuahua girl Bella. The link for that one can be found on my main blog if you wish to look at that one too.

      Thanks!

      Like

  18. I’m really enjoying reading the comments and visiting new blogs. I have one too, guys!

    https://monadeporcelana.wordpress.com/

    ^ help i don’t know how to link 😉

    I’m not certain what kid of feedback I’m looking for, but offer what you will.

    When I first started I thought I had a direction, but slowly it went to where it is now. How do I get more readers and get people to interact?

    Like

  19. Hi guys,
    Can u take a look at my blog and give me some feedback. I take constructive criticism too! nonbiasview.wordpress.com
    Thanks everyone

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think your blog looks pretty good…keep using pictures, we always like to associate words to images:) You have categories and a menu, which makes it easy to navigate…I would say you are on the tight track:)

      Like

    2. I like it. I have old eyes so the print size is a tad small. The only big change I might make would be to keep the upper right column or things of your own (maybe the post archive) rather than providing opportunities for folks to leave your page.

      Like

    1. Your blog is delightfully honest and real. Thank you for sharing! I love how you capture a very real and emotional moment in your life, and somehow it translates to something very relatable and moving for the reader. At least, this was my experience!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I like it! Obviously not the experience, but it’s certainly well written. It was the perfect length to hold the reader’s attention, and felt the narrator’s (not to assume it’s your) pain throughout at the abandonment. I would have loved the ending to be ‘I hope SHE doesn’t become a stranger to you, like you did to me’, but perhaps I’m just a little more vindictive 😛

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Awesome blog! Keep up the good work. I was trying to follow it however; I couldn’t find the follow button.

      I would love for readers to come over and take a peek at my blogs.
      I can be found at
      https://kildanlove.wordpress.com/
      The main one is my dumping tank for all my thoughts, my out-loud diaries and much more.
      The second one which can be found through a link on the side widget is written in the POV of my Chihuahua girl Bella.
      Looking for advice on how to get more readers on both sites.

      Like

  23. Hello! I have recently created my blog as part of an assignment for a class, and I am hoping to get some feedback as it is something I would like to continue in the future! Please comment on anything you like, and let me know if you find the format easy to navigate. I am also wondering if the most recent posts (on the very top) are informative enough – I tend to struggle to get my point across when there’s a word limit.

    https://progressiveportfolio.wordpress.com/

    Thanks in advance, and I will gladly return the favor! 🙂

    Like

    1. Would love to see some more information in your posts. It seems like there’s barely enough to dip a toe and then it’s gone before the reader decides whether or not they like the temperature well enough to dive in. Hope this helps!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for the feedback! If you are referring to the latest posts, I would certainly agree! Our word limit was 100 words, and I was torn between bringing myself into the story and making it as informative as possible. The aspect that has always intrigued me about blogging was the ability to have a sense of voice in your writings beyond your typical article. Any advice here on how to accomplish both?

        Like

  25. Hello fellow writers!

    The past couple of Writing Wars peeked a bit of interest. I’m inviting anyone and everyone here to write up their stories in the “comments” section. Short stories, funny blurbs, favorite sayings, continue the story – whatever. Post it on my blog!

    I’m also trying out a little bit of a sub division once again for anyone interested. You can also make a shout out regarding your self-published/published work(s) in the “comments” section. Maybe share a work you want to have published one day. Write about it here – promote, share your experiences/difficulties/achievements! My only request is to be mindful and respectful of other fellow writers. Thank you all!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha yes! Those comfort pjs make me feel like I’m ready to conquer the world :). Thank you darling! I hope to contribute enough to keep my readers happy 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Cute blog! I loved the Apple advice…I myself just crossed over to the Iphone after being a Galaxy owner since the S2.

      I would love for readers to come over and take a peek at my blogs.
      I can be found at
      https://kildanlove.wordpress.com/

      The main one is my dumping tank for all my thoughts, my out-loud diaries and much more.
      The second one which can be found through a link on the side widget is written in the POV of my Chihuahua girl Bella.
      Looking for advice on how to get more readers on both sites.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for reading! And thank you for taking the time to comment :). I used to have a galaxy S3!! so I know the transition all too well Haha. Have you tried blogging 101?? That is a great way to get your blog up and running and spread it efficiently with like minded people. Or tagging correctly can help search engines direct people to you as well 🙂

        Like

    3. Reading the work of someone who writes like yourself is a real treat! I feel like you’re the friend I’d call in a time of crisis who wouldn’t hesitate to tell it like it is. You’ve gotten a new follower!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Aww thank you!! What is your name?? I hope I am that friend to those of mine that are in need! I’m glad you found my blog then. And you can always reach out to me if you need an ear or some advice!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes, lovely! Our blog is run by two students, Sherina and Ceanray. I (Ceanray) am the one who wrote the comment 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Hi Ceanray! What a beautiful name. I love that you guys share a blog. Are you guys in high school or college? Loved the “If my teacher knew” post… Stories like that are always so touching to me.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Greetings all!
    I would love to get some feedback on my geek & game themed food blog, Skill Up Skillet.
    https://skillupskillet.wordpress.com/
    I started in mid-December and it isn’t quite getting as much following as I’d like and I’d like to see what kind of input you guys have. Hopefully I’ll be able to locate this later, eep! Of course, I’ll be happy to return the favor.
    Cheers!

    Like

    1. I love the “Skillet” idea, so cute! I think you combine the elements quite well – there is a great mix of tastiness and tactics with the gaming/baking theme! I hope you are able to find the audience you are looking for, and I wish I had more advice on that for you.

      Like

    2. I really like the theme of your blog, and I can’t wait to try out a couple of your recipes. I would say your blog theme is a bit cluttered, maybe only have one sidebar, and it is quite distracting from your posts.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks both! I’ll see if there’s something I can do about the sidebars in the next few days. Seriously, if anyone decides to try any of the recipes on my blog I’d love to see the results. As in, send me pictures and I’ll feature them in a post.

        Like

    1. Hi, I checkout out your post, and aside from a few grammar/spelling mistakes probably due to your phone. I thought it was really good, and Sweden sounds really interesting.

      Like

      1. Hi, thanks so much. I tend to write super quick so spelling and grammar is not my strong point once I get an idea into my head. I’ll keep it in mind for my next blog post ~ happy blogging.

        Like

    1. Your blog looks very good:) I would add an About page, your readers probably would love to know more about the person who has all these amazing recipes:)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I love your mixer. Following your blog to continue reading the adventures of the snazziest mixer ever. And — OMG!!! Dunkin Donuts squares?!?!?!!!! I had no idea those existed!!! You’ve officially filled my “learn something new every day” quota.

        Like

      2. Well that’s fun. I do have an About Me page…only now I can’t find it. I will fix that posthaste! Thanks for letting me know it isn’t showing up!

        Liked by 1 person