Jul 6, 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.
  • We discourage leaving links without a more substantive message or question. These are often overlooked by other bloggers, and we 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.
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    1. Really great post. I love make-up and love your piece on make-up. I would just recommend jazzing it up with a photo or too to keep people’s attention. It will also help to grab their attention in people’s feeds. Good luck to you!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I really liked how well you thought this out. You clearly weren’t spouting things off spontaneously. You knew why you believed what you were saying, and that’s something people can respect even if they don’t agree with your opinion. I think it may serve you well though to shorten your future posts or at least sprinkle more pictures, lists, and subheadings in to help your readers work through all the content. Readers love to read, but only when writers make it easy for them! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Sara, not boring at all. It gives insights into a place (both the hospital and the condition) some people will never experience or know about.

      I agree with Leisel about breaking up the paragraphs to make them easier to navigate, but the content is compelling reading, descriptive and not at all self-indulgent.

      I hope you have, or will, find peace of mind in your life.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Hello everyone!

    I’m still fairly new to blogging and would love some of you gorgeous people to have a little look at my blog and give me a little feedback?

    I’m a teenage Christian girl blogging about lifestyle, fashion, beauty and all sorts of other things 🙂 thank you so much, I will be sure to return any follows or feedback!

    Lots of love,
    Graciellen xxx

    Liked by 1 person

  7. This forum was created for me. I am a published author, currently working on my second book on relationships. I’m still pushing hard to get followers and of course sales with my first book. I am very much open to honest criticism. I have several blog websites. For the purpose of word press, linked to my Amazon account, my page is:
    http://www.chocolateismsofjacquelinerbanks.com
    I welcome feedback on any of my 17 blog posts. I just published a new one today titled: Vacation Time. I look forward to your feedback.

    Liked by 3 people

  8. Hi everyone! I’ve recently changed the theme of my blog and added 2 reviews of Netflix series. I’d love feedback!
    artisticviews.wordpress.com
    Thanks,
    Valerie

    Liked by 2 people

    2. The theme is nice, crisp, and clean. I like the large pictures at the beginning…definitely captures attention. I think the reviews are a little heavy on the narrative side versus the review. Perhaps more critique of the characters or script would be more appropriate for a post titled “review.” Or maybe you could just call it a summary? Just a thought.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. The layout looks great! My one (very minor) critique is your header pic. I find selfies to be a little unprofessional looking as your main pic. When I scrolled down, I saw lots of other non-selfie pics you could use, as well as lots of great inspiration and motivation! Keep it up!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Hello! I am Aye from PH. I just started here in WordPress. I am an ambivert – a mix of introvert and extrovert. I mostly talk about my travels, adventures and cats. If you could visit my page and give feedback on my page, it will be greatly appreciated. I will hit you back also as soon as possible. 🙂

    http://ayelaniton.wordpress.com 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  11. I would welcome feedback on the style of my blog. The most recent post is typical of my style. In particular, are the images large enough? Although I try to describe places and things I see, the pictures are integral to the blog.
    Any other constructive comments on the writing style are also most welcome.
    Thanks to anyone who takes the time to review and respond.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Bulldog Travels, you have some great photos in your Mont St Michel post. Maybe too many? I’d suggest finding fewer images that summed up the place for you. It would have more impact on the reader I think. It’s a magical place, isn’t it?

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Bulldog
      I loved your piece. I caught your infectious excitement reading about your expectations and your reaction when you finally saw it. Your writing and photos make me want to visit. And I will. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Love your blog. Looks like we have the same theme. (Hemingway.) I too have a travel blog. Check it out if you have a moment. Keep it up! Love to hear other people’s opinion of our fair country… 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The interface is nice and simple.
      Though I have one advise: try to use the ‘Read More’ tag on all your long posts. It’s very tiresome to scroll through the blog when all big posts are expanded like that.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Hey everyone. Its been a while since I posted, been working on something else that has got me distracted. But a little visit and reading won’t hurt now will it?

    Anyway, I write about my journey through life past present and future. Pass by if you have time! Follow if you like what you read…

    https://sykestings.wordpress.com/

    I will return the favour!

    Later!

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Hi everyone
    I started a blog 2 weeks ago as a place to put on my very random thoughts that I have.
    I have 2 questions
    – does having random thoughts make a blog difficult to follow? I’m hoping I have a writing style but I worry having a variety of opinion pieces and short stories and such all on one space may be too messy perhaps.
    – once I’ve written a lot of my thoughts sometimes I want to just blog about my day but I worry that’ll make the whole thing messy.

    Any advice from people who have similar blogs and how they keep them uniform? Or advice from people who read musings blogs and what sort of things makes them want to subscribe.

    Thank you!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Sometimes it’s hard to find and equal balance but I think if that’s what you enjoy doing then that’s what you should do! When you first start a blog it’s hard to think that you’re writing for anyone other than your readers but I promise, if you change your mindset and write what makes you happy and about the things you want to write, then you will be happier and more confident about your content. Write for yourself, that’s the best way.
      The solution would be to add an about page, explain in there that your blog is open minded and full of your thoughts, musings and interests. Maybe categorise your posts so that each one sits somewhere and then add those categories to a menu on your blog somewhere. That way, you’re organised and know where to put stuff and people who visit will know what they’re going to find 🙂 hope that helps – faye

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Hey there! I also have a personal-type blog, and my suggestion is having a sections of the post where you talk about your day, and towards the end of the post, any random thoughts. Hope this helps!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Messiness can often times be authentic and relatable. Perhaps starting a daily thread of your daily happenings while giving a platform to specific hot topics or blogs that are really important to you. I would also appreciate any feedback you have for my blog. I have recently switched from blogger to wordpress and haven’t imported my older posts yet. http://www.jonathanhankins.wordpress.com

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for the feedback. I’ve just had a read of a few of your posts – beautifully written and very reflective – now following!

        Like

    4. I agree with them 😀 it is your place and besides, your followers will follow because they liked something about your blog. And truth is, the number of your followers will always change (it’s a plus or minus thing) but just dont mind that. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Hi lovelies!

    Return from vacation post aside, I would love any feedback on my blog!

    Here are some specifics I am looking for, if you have thoughts on any of the following:

    -Layout: is it pleasing? Are the posts easy to read?
    -Post schedule (which you can find on my About page, or by scrolling through the posts): is this a combination of content that you would like to follow?
    -About page: is it too short? Should there be a section on me (the author) or is it best to keep it about the blog? What other information would you like to see?

    Or, how about this post: https://littlelitterateur.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/i-am-obsessed-with-book-bargains/

    I’m very proud of it, but let me know if the layout of the post could have been better, if it’s content worth reading or if you lost interest, etc!

    Thank you so much for helping my blog continue to get better! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I really enjoyed your book bargains post! I love browsing through used book stores, you can find the best treasures in them!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I think you have a great start on your blog. I would recommend you enlarge the photos you use. They were pretty small on my screen. You might think about including a photo in all of your posts just to capture people’s interest. You might also think about using some additional widgets down the side to help organize your posts as they grow. I love the currently reading widget! It looks great. I like your blog. I think you have a great start happening. Keep it up!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Looks like you have a good start. Perhaps just see where it takes you. It is always good to have some sort of a theme but I wouldn’t let that tie you down. You could also think about having more than one blog if your interests take you in separate directions. I love to blog about travel so I am probably biased… Keep it up! And have fun. Connect and follow lots of other bloggers to gain inspiration.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Mia,

      I agree, off to a good start. Just keep putting good and honest content out there and it will begin to take form. Sincerity is the best way to get a blog noticed. Sincerity and maybe a few purdy pictures.

      What is your goal in blogging? Are you looking to gather a bunch of followers or just wanting a story-telling kind of journal thingy? Monetization?

      When I started wayyyyyy back in October of 2014 (I know right), my girlfriend told me to come up with three keywords or elements that should be present in every post I write. I decided on: Helpful, Humorous and Inspirational. I say them to myself before beginning every post. It helps maintain consistency.

      So what are you looking to get out of blogging?

      Like

    3. I like your blog, and your concept is very intersting – cooking as a way through loss.
      Beef up your about page – use that to explain the common theme that will appear in your blog, and explain even more who your are. your readers want to connect with you!
      p.s. do you mind reviewing my blog too?
      http://www.thehonestroot.com

      Like

    2. Hi Riley! I briefly looked at your fiction piece. One thing I’d say in terms of feedback would be to really add in concrete and descriptive detail. When you talk about a corpse grabbing the characters arm, you say she would once have been beautiful. That’s an intriguing statement, so maybe describe facial features or descriptors that would have led your character to that assumption; showing rather than telling. Happy writing!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback. I knew there was something missing but I couldn’t put my finger on it. You nailed it. I appreciate the advice!

        Like

      1. Hi April, thank you for the great feedback. Really appreciate it. I love your site. What a great concept. Quite like the layout and format too.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. I’ve been having some questions about the direction my blog has been taking. I seem to switch between How to’s and more personal posts. My girlfriend has also said that I tend to jump around with subjects which may be an issue for some readers.

    My blog is about urban farming, and my posts usually reflect whatever success or disaster is popping up that particular day. Does this come off as disorientating or confusing to anyone?

    I’d love to hear your thoughts as fellow bloggers!

    yours,
    James
    Mind Your Dirt

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So let me start by saying the topic of your blog isn’t something I would normally be in to. But, clicking on it made me interested in what you are doing. I love your photos. Your cartoons are funny and captured my interest. Your dog with the blue eyes is beautiful. I did find that it jumped all over the place but that made it interesting for me. I love it and think you should keep it up.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much! I’m glad it’s approachable to people outside the subject matter.

        If I could figure out some way to make it jump around less I definitely would. I just don’t know how to do that. The three posts in a row about all these damn grapes was as close to story telling as I’ve gotten, but that’s an exception to the rule.

        Thanks for your input. Now I’m gonna check out your blog…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Maybe see where it takes you. I know some of the stuff I have posted about I never thought I would post about in the beginning. I also followed a lot of other people and got inspiration from them. I say just don’t worry about it for a little while and see what you feel like writing about and what excites you and what gets a lot of comments or likes so you know what readers reliably enjoy.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. As someone with similar interests and a similar tendency to bounce among them, I don’t find your handling of differing subjects to be jarring at all. I like your writing style and enjoy your articles for both their explanations and for the character you lend them.

      As a farmer, urban or otherwise, one can’t always know what he’ll be focusing on from day to day. As a writer, one must write what’s on his mind. Given the two I think it’s natural that you’d have a flexible focus.

      Don’t worry too much, I think you’re on the right track.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much. I’m beginning to feel that I may be on the right path now. Can you guys both come tell my girlfriend that please. I tried explaining the same thing, but she’s the blogging expert and I’ve only been at it for 10 months.

        Liked by 1 person

  25. I have a soccer blog, and as it is currently the offseason there is less to write about, so I am focusing more on my blog design and static elements.

    I recently changed some things in the sidebar, removing some categories and rearranging others. Is there anything you would like to see there that isn’t there? Or something you think I should drop?

    General formatting advice is welcome as well – the colors, use of images, header, etc. and of course, is it easy to navigate?

    Finally, my about page is solely about the blog. I write under a pseudonym and I haven’t included any information about me personally. Should I include information about me, or keep it all about the content of the site?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks! I’ve set my blog to have read-more on all posts for the front page but for some reason, it doesn’t work! I’ve double checked it and it’s still switched on but it’s just not showing. I’m not sure if it’s some thing to do with my theme? I’ve tried writing posts and including the read more link thing but I always forget lol. Thanks for your feedback !

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Here’s a person after my own heart. I love books and reading. And, I love collecting old books whether travel related or not. Below are a few links I have posted about it in the past you might enjoy.

    I totally love the idea of reorganizing by rainbow color but I would NEVER be able to find anything on my book shelves. I tend to organize by topic. 🙂

    https://bulldogtravels.wordpress.com/2015/03/28/sacramento-antiquarian-book-fair/

    https://bulldogtravels.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/travel-from-the-comfort-of-your-couch/

    https://bulldogtravels.wordpress.com/2014/10/20/powells-city-of-books-portland-oregon/

    Like