May 18, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/63057306@N04/5734415538">Beachfront Solutions</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.
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      1. I thought it was funny! I wouldn’t suggest using anti-feminist made-up adjectives. Your readers will know she’s lazy, so don’t lump (or dump) her in with all the women who work really hard for low pay and need alimony. Is there a judge or divorce lawyer you can tell this to? But try proactive measures first, such as finding job openings that she can apply for but choose not to, record her not doing her job or looking for one, etc. to prove you are in the right, and if she doesn’t start acting like a productive human being, then she should have the alimony cut-off right away. Hope this helps.

        Like

      2. Thank you, Leanne! I’m not looking to have her support cut-off, just merely ranting as it relates to the overall sense of entitlement and lack of awareness regarding the situation as a whole. The spousal agreement was in place before me and though I don’t agree with it, the law seems a bit archaic in many situations….this one included. I was also married previously….though we did not have children, I made fairly significant financial sacrifices to support my ex and his schooling. When we decided to end the marriage, I was legally entitled to certain monetary “rewards” I chose to forego….it was a pride thing for me. Thank you again for your feedback!!

        Like

      3. If you see your relationship with your husband as long-term, then you should make a change about the other woman. I don’t mean to pry (but you laid it out there) but I think that the free-loader situation needs to change, because I see it as a deal-breaker. She has all the characteristics of a bad person all over her: she says all sorts of bad things about you where it gets back to her children, who sometimes live with you, and that is damaging to the children. She’s being a bad role model and the points that I address prove she is toxic. Watch Dr. Phil, maybe be a guest on the show. It’s for the kids. They need to know that the family is one cohesive unit. When they children are old enough to play one parent off the other, you’ll see how dirty everything will get (not a threat, just see that something changes).

        Like

      4. Hi again! I don’t consider it a pry….I wouldn’t have put it out there if I wasn’t prepared for the response….good or bad! My husband I have been together for quite some time. I was aware of the spousal support situation going into our relationship and while I think a lot of second wives think, “How bad can the ex really be?” as a kid of divorce with a bio mom who was the epitome of a crazy ex-wife, I was probably better prepared for the high’s and low’s than most. My husband and I have done a lot of work and sought a lot of professional advice regarding how best to navigate these very tricky waters and from that and my own personal experiences from own childhood, I do my best to stay consistent and refuse to be the person my husband’s ex wants me to be. The kids will see that….they already have in many ways.
        As it relates to free-loader status….unfortunately, the laws in my state and many, many other’s tend to lean toward the tradition as it relates to spousal support. We’re lucky she does have a stop-payment date….assuming she doesn’t remarry first, she’ll have been paid longer than they were married, but she could have been awarded payments for life….so there’s the silver lining!

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    2. I like the simple layout of your blog– very clean. Perhaps adding more pictures or graphics could draw the reader in. I’ve been told that “lots of text can be intimidating.” I think you have great content — it’s well written and thoughtful. I also really like the name of your blog. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! I’ve been trying to access yours as well….has it been moved? I love “Runs on Syrup” that’s a great name! If you can direct me to your blog, I’d love to check it out!

        Like

  2. Hi guys,

    I’m most definitely always looking for feedback. I’d love to hear what any of you have to say about a post I just published today.

    It’s called The “Secrets” to Great Abs.

    If you have the time, I’d be honored if any of you guys could take a look and let me know what you think. I’d be happy to do the same for you!

    By the way… I’m planning on changing the format of my site. I’ve realized I want to go a different direction with it. I’m really looking for feedback on the content of my writing but I welcome any suggestions on anything.

    Thanks so much!

    Michael Wheeler

    Liked by 3 people

  3. Hello everyone.
    I’ve started a blog that tries to give people a flavour of my experiences as a relatively new cyclist. But rather than bang on about dull cycling gear and kit I want it to be accessible and light-hearted. I’ve also tried to get in a bit of my music interest. So please have a look and tell me what you think! I’d love to know any thoughts, good or not-so-good!
    http://theunexpectedcyclist.com/
    Thanks

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hey i think your blog has pretty good content so keep going.. However, about the layout id suggest you add some widgets on the sides as your front page looks a bit empty and also adding some nice & bright pictures will also help.. Happy blogging (:

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hello all, I’m a new blogger trying to document my weight loss journey. I know it’s all been said and done before, but maybe you’re on the same journey as I, and we can share insights via WP. Even a simple thumbs up would be a great motivator for me. Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I applaud your efforts. I’ll tell you what I rarely see..I rarely see people be open and honest about their weight loss journey. Ads show the ‘photoshop journey’, not the fact that weight loss is not as ‘cut and dry’ as some celebrities make it out to be. Keep it up, I’ll be following

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey there, what kind of advice are you looking for? You haven’t currently got any content published, as of yet – is this what you want advice on?

      Like

    2. hello! you do not have any post right now… please make some post and i think we can give you advice 🙂

      Like

    1. I love the poetry aspect of it. Though for me the right sidebar images are a little distracting, did the image get cut perhaps? Each day is another day to write and be you!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I absolutely love your theme, :3 I don’t know it’s just pretty. Also your content is actually really very lovely ! hope to see some new posts soon 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Noopur you have awesome content.. Loved it followed it.. Ur n mine writing styles have a lot in common.. Why dont you visit my blog and check it out !! (:

      Like

  10. I wrote a post recently which contained an anecdote; something I’m not really known for doing, over on my blog. Nevertheless, I’m certainly finding my style. You can check that post out here: https://deliriousantidotes.wordpress.com/2015/05/17/egoism/

    I’ll be checking out some blogs whilst I’m over here so I’d be more than grateful if you guys could check out mine, too!

    Happy Monday! I hope everyone is well.

    Like

  11. Hi pool-goers,

    I am posting my novel online, and I posted the last part of the final chapter for the first book, and I have decided to continue into the second book. I planned on posting this:
    https://ellesadventureinchina.wordpress.com/icymi-book-1/
    this Saturday (the day I post) to inform my readers. Do you think I should (a) post it on Saturday or (b) post it mid-week and start the second book on Saturday? Is there anything else to improve it?

    Thanks. Will reciprocate.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It’s definitely very bright! I thought it was a little busy with the sidebars, but you have to post your accomplishments somewhere, right? For content, I’m not religious so I can’t make comments on religious stuff. However, I’m more comfortable with the cultural stuff, like your post on Mother’s Day. I would suggest that you use the “Read More Tag” so your readers can see more of what you have written when they scroll instead of seeing the most recent one then the next one. Lastly, is the “Abuse (Private)” tab or category for reporting abuse?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wow thanks for the detailed feedback!! how do I add the “read more”? (sorry not good with these stuff) and abuse is a private post bc unwelcome eyes aren’t allowed to see it. 🙂

        Like

    2. Hey, you have some good posts, I especially liked the great photos in the Spain post! I think a new theme would liven up your blog more and draw more people in 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    3. First of all, I love the theme but maybe, you can lighten up the blue color… just that! but overall, nice blog!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Hello & good day!

    I recently published a post about a minor problem I’m faced with and I really want to know how you would handle it so if you could just go over to my blog and check it out, it would be so kind of you 🙂

    If you see anything else you’d like to comment on or have any tips on expanding or improving my blog, I would highly appreciate it. I’d like it if you would comment on the posts rather than this thread so to make it easier for me to go through.

    Thank you again

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hello there! First off, your blog is beautiful. All the vibrant colors reminds me of springtime (: My only suggestion to you would be to shorten up your posts. They’re a bit long and most people won’t read them in it’s entirety unless they’re extremely interested. I hope this helps! Keep up the good work.

      If you have time, take a peek at my blog and tell me what you think. Thanks in advance! (www.therealtanasiakenney.wordpress.com)

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I like your format and layout, they are eye-catching and easily navigable. Your posts are well written and informative. I really have no no negative criticism of your blog, I think you’re off to a great start.

      Good luck and keep up the fine writing.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi runsonsyrup! I just checked out your blog… I love how pretty the interface is, but I might suggest changing the image on the left side to make it a bit easier to read the text on top! Maybe you can use the same picture (if you really like it) but blur it out, or fade it to white a bit?

      If you’d like give me some feedback as well, I’d really appreciate it! 🙂 https://cathincollege.wordpress.com/

      xoxo – Cath

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Artesia!

      Kiersten seems so cool and REALLY accomplished! I loved reading your interview with her. As somebody who is personally interested in marketing and communication, I would have really liked to read a little bit more about why she thinks those areas are important, why she’s passionate about her work, and perhaps even how she came to realize that that was what she wanted to do. Overall the interview was great; these are just some questions you may want to keep in mind for next time!

      I’d love it if you could give me some feedback on my blog as well. https://cathincollege.wordpress.com/ Let me know what you think!

      xoxo – Cath

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Hi I’m LB … LB Living Better Travel and Adventure. I would love to find other travel bloggers to follow and I would love your input on my blog. I wasted an inordinate amount of time stressing over whether to merge this travel blog with my current website and have finally decided to keep them separate for simplicity! Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Lisa,
      does your gravatar lead to your blog or website? I clicked on it but I was not sure if I was looking at the travel blog or not – it looked more like a personal/professional website to me.

      Like

  21. Hey everyone, mind reviewing my blog anf telling me what you think? It’s a blog about changing My shopping habits to have a positive effect on the environment and people.
    Could you tell me what you think of the layout and visual, and of my writing style? Can I change anything to make it better?
    http://www.thehonestroot.com

    Like

    1. Hi April,

      I like your project and I think the design of your blog is very pleasant. If I were you, I would try to use featured images more often (in every post if possible) so that your front page looks more structured and more inviting at the same time. I would also interlink the three parts of your ‘about section’, so that readers who chose the first in the drop-down menu can move on directly to know more about you or about what ‘ethical’ means without using the menu again.
      Keep up the great blog and the cool project!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Wow thank you for that suggestion about interlinking. I love it! Do you mean like at the end of the “origin” page, put a link to the “definition” page?

        Like

      3. Yes, for example. Also in the main ‘About’ (http://thehonestroot.com/about/), I would make ‘me, April’ a clickable link to your ‘About the author’ page, turn ‘ethical’ into a link to the definition and maybe add something like ‘Continue to read more about this blog’ with a link to the origin page at the end of that little text.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I LOVE your blog’s content. I think it’s a fantastic project and I’m following! Perelincolors had some great suggestions, but you’ve already got great content 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Hi everyone! I am a fairly new blogger and just uploaded the first of a new series called Monday Thoughts. Please check it out and let me know what you think of my writing/topics! I would love to improve and need all the feedback I can get. See the about me section for my email if you want to get in touch! Thanks.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I love your writing, it’s close to what I like to read about. I would suggest possibly putting more color into your blog, maybe even some pictures? The content of your work is great! I even got a good book recommendation that I am going to check out, I made sure to give you a follow. Check my blog out if you have time!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks so much! Yeah I definitely want to find a better theme but not sure how to make it more visually pleasing yet… Let me know if you have any tips! And I love your posts too; I followed back 🙂

        Like

  23. Evening all! Haven’t been blogging much lately. I’ve been suffering with bloggers block!
    Any who, I have two blogs one is my life and the other about my fangirl side, would really like to start meeting more people on here and could use a little feedback on the fangirl blog, if anybody has the time of be really grateful! Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. When I click on your name it takes me to the Kaboodlemum site, so that’s the one I looked at. (You might want to put in a link to the other blog if that’s the one you really want to get feedback on that one.)

      Kaboodlemum has a lot of good content, I especially the craft section and the home arcade. The little lefty post was a little long, but it’s something that a lot of women have gone through and can completely empathize with you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Boy–sorry for all the typos in that comment 😦 I really wish we could edit our comments after hitting that post button. Anyway, I meant to write that I really LIKE the craft section, especially the home arcade. And please ignore the ‘that one’ at the end of the first paragraph.

        Like

      3. I tried looking at it, but the page wouldn’t load, though it looks like the link should work.

        Like

  24. Me and my 2 good friends just started a brand new blog as a way to share our ideas not only with each other, but with everyone out there that can connect to us. We live in different parts of the country and it is also a way to make the distance between us feel less present. It would be of great help if you guys can check it out and give us feed back!!!!
    Here is the link to it : goombahsrhetoric.wordpress.com

    Also if you don’t mind checking out my personal page as an extra, I just changed the whole layout and I would love to know what you guys think about it.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Hi everyone!

    I launched my blog about a year ago and it’s gained popularity amongst my friends/family in the past six months, but I’m trying to broaden my exposure to people I don’t already know. Any advice? I’ve tried using tags, following other blogs, and leaving comments on others’ blog posts, but I haven’t been getting many results. Do I just need to keep pushing or is there something else I can do?

    And of course, any feedback is much appreciated. Thank you! – Cath

    When one chapter ends, a new one begins…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Just spend the time checking out your blog and I just want to say that I absolutely love how personal it is. You are a great writer and your stories make me feel like I am right there. I love your layout, it’s all really fantastic. It has me thinking I might want to start posting personal stuff on my own blog.
      Have a great day!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hm, I am not sure. Your blog looks good enough to get some audience! For my blog, tags do earn me a few readers per post. Did you check that the tags you used had some activity? Did you check that the number of tags + categories does not exceed 15?
      Leaving comments on other blogs usually works as well, as long as they are not of the ‘Great post, check my blog!’-type. Comments with two or more links are often classified as spam, could that be a problem?
      Other than that, I can only recommend to do one of the Blogging U courses, they are a great way to meet others and form a small blogging community.

      Like

      1. Hi perelincolors! Thanks for your message. I didn’t realize ‘Great post, check my blog!’-type comments were considered bad D: … and what is Blogging U? It sounds interesting!

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      2. They are not very bad of course! It’s just that people prefer comments that show that you have read the post. If they like your comment, they will often use your gravatar to have a look at your blog, even if you don’t ask for a return visit. The Blogging U courses are organized by https://wordpress.com/dailypost and they are a great help to boost and improve blogs.

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Huskurer.esy.es is my new blog, please have a look and let me know what you think. It’s written in Swedish, but that shouldn’t matter to much, with chrome translations etc. Anyway, it’s mainly the features and layout I’d like some feedback on. Maybe some nice plugins missing, or something that can make it more user friendly?
    Much appreciated, thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Hi all! I just started writing on this blog a few months, they are mainly just thoughts here and there that I get the inspiration to write about. I hope to write a book someday (I know this is way far ahead of me) but please let me know what you think about my writing and posts! Any feedback is appreciated 🙂
    Have a blessed day!
    nesswithlove.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve read a couple of your posts…really liked them:) I am a visual person so I like to see pictures next to writing, but that is just my point of view:) You definitely have talent…just keep writing and follow your dream…a book is waiting for you:)

      Liked by 1 person