Aug 24, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

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!
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  • 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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  3. Hi everyone. I am a new blogger, writing primarily about child sexual abuse, domestic violence and moving past that, breaking the cycles and living a full life. Am feeling like my writing is a bit stilted, and not sure if the design makes a difference or not? Would appreciate any feedback. Am really loving the WP community. Thanks so much.

    Liked by 3 people

      2. Your site is lovely. The only quick recomendation I would make is to see if you can shorten the view of your posts on your main screen. In other words, if you can shorten them so more show it might encourage people to click on more of them in one visit. Your site, is like mine, users have to scroll all the way to the bottom of the post in order to see the next one. I can’t fix it in mine with the theme I am using but perhaps you can in yours. This just might encourage readers to read more of your word.

        Also, I might suggest the use of images in your posts. I realize the words in your posts are most important but it might grab the readers attention if they are visual.

        Best of luck in your work.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thank you for the feedback; I really appreciate it. I’ve thought the same thing and have tried, but it seems they only appear that way if one clicks on a particular category, but on the main page, they go on forever. So yes, I’ll need to look at some other themes, because I agree the scrolling forever can be tiresome. I’ve been playing around with images, but so far haven’t liked how they looked – again, could be the theme I’m using. Thank again, I really appreciate it.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. You are welcome. I have the exact same problem. I am afraid to change my theme because I like the way it is. But, maybe some day I will be brave and try something new. Let me know how it works out for you! Good luck.

        Like

      5. I found another theme which allows me to do what we discussed, which is to have partial views of posts, rather than an entire page of full post, etc. It’s called Gateway. I’m liking it. Still playing around, and will need to play around with adding images.

        Liked by 1 person

      7. I like it! It is crisp and clean and modern looking. Thanks for confirming what I suspected. I guess it is the Hemingway theme that was holding us back. My problem is that I have so much content at this point that I am afraid to change it now! Good on you for having the courage to change it.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Love the topics you write about! It requires a lot of courage to share such intimate details of your past experiences. I admire that. The layout is also lovely. Best of luck to you on your journey!

      Like

      1. Thank you, I appreciate it. It’s taken a long time to get to this point where I don’t care who knows…but my hope is that if someone reads just one thing I share and is helped in some way, then it’s a beautiful thing. Thank you.

        Like

  4. My husband and I started a blog a few months ago to document building our new home together. Recently I’ve started the writing and adding in personal bits to help people get to know us! My viewers have increased tremendously but I sometimes wonder if I write too much. Please read my last couple posts and send recommendations! Should I break my posts up into multiple posts, etc.?

    Thanks! -M

    Liked by 4 people

      1. I love the look of your blog. I think it couldn’t hurt to break the posts down to shorter bits. All the research I have read says to keep them shorter but I am a firm believer in doing what feels right. If you feel good about what you are writing it will come through in your posts. I look forward to seeing the progress on your house. Good luck with your blog.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. I liked it. I don’t know if it’s possible to blog “too much” as long as you’re not doing legions and legions a day– and you’re not. After all, one of the best things about blogs is being able to savor them at our leisure…

        But… from glancing around your blog, I really didn’t know where to start. I read your interesting description here so I headed over, but maybe you could put a page like that on your blog, too? A guide to your story, and a quick visible explanation as to what’s going on? Because the charm value alone makes me want to read and support. My husband and I used to blog together, too.

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Hello! I like your posts. maybe you could add an about page with a blurb about yourself? I didn’t see one. That might help you connect with bloggers better.

      Like

    2. I prefer mobile phones for shooting photos, so if you’re going in this direction then you could check out these (in the following order):
      1. iPhone (with a waterproof case)
      2. Galaxy S6 Activ
      3. Xperia Z3 or Z4

      Like

    1. Great photos! Great topic. Perhaps just a few more words about the site and what you enjoyed most. I am visual and love the photos and don’t need a lot of words but I would love to get a sense of who you are through the writing.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback! I’m glad you liked the pictures and I agree that I probably should have wrote more about Ephesus itself 🙂 Usually my blog posts are much more focused on the writing than the pictures, but I was a little bit too eager to just get this post published haha.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I’ve just checked out a few of your posts and you have some great photos! I really want to road-trip around America one day and I love Ireland (especially the accent haha) 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Hi everyone, first came around these parts three weeks ago when starting my blog and was very helpful. If anyone has some time, would love some feedback on my humor blog. Thanks!

    societycamp.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

      2. It wasn’t a joke.
        Comic Sans is definitely not suited for a header text, and even less suited to be viewed over an image.
        But then, its just my opinion..

        Like

      5. ah no worries just had me worried, as comic sans should never be used, def agree on that! Thanks for the feedback. Your blog looks great by the way. I use to live in India, so some of the posts really brought back some memories. One suggestion is adding a plugin for an easy follow button, couldn’t find it as wanted to make sure I ‘d see your latest posts!

        Liked by 1 person

      6. yeah- i’m having problems with that recently. I even posted a question regarding the very same matter in this week’s community pool.
        I’m glad you liked my blog. For now, I think you could just click the follow button on the black (or blue) WordPress banner on the top, (or on the bottom right corner) of the page.

        Like

      1. Thank you so much ! I try to remain neutral to allow readers to form their own opinions. I’m not here to sway individuals to choose sides but rather just to inform them about what’s happening. 🙂 thank you again!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi, I just read your post. It is very interesting and as former law student in France, I loved how you present the case.
      This said I thought the post was a little too long to be text only. I think I would have enjoyed pictures to breathe some aire in the page.
      My other thought was that you stayed neutral throughout the all post until the last two lines. A little hint of what made you talk about this case would have been nice.

      I hope this helps,

      Have a great day,

      La Duchesse.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I did add a picture based on your suggestion. Thank you! I’ve never thought of including why I chose to share the posts that I did but I think that’s something I’m going to implement in my posts going forward! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Bonsoir tout le monde,
    I have a severe case of a header dislike. Ever since I have launched my blog in late 2013, I have always struggled to find a design I like for my header. And all blog with Twenty Fourteen Theme I have watched seem to have the same issue. This is starting to drive me crazy so any insight would be very much appreciated.

    https://wordpress.com/ laduchessederat

    Thank you so much in advance for your help,

    La duchesse d’Erat

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Writer’s block sucks! I have no ways to combat it, but what I do when I do have ideas and drive is write a lot and save posts as drafts so if there comes a week where I’n dry creatively, I’ll still have a post ready to go. I currently have about six drafts, which, if I needed it to, could last me a month or two if I really space things out.
      I hope that helps! Happy blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the input. Your approach sounds like a good strategy. I’m not a prolific blogger so the “block” doesn’t usually affect my posting (inertia is what slows me down).
        Where I find the trouble is in my fiction writing and it’s usually because I have too many ideas floating in my brain at one time. So it’s difficult to focus on just one idea when they are all clamoring for my attention!
        Best of luck with your blogging!

        Like

      2. I do have an ad-block like setting on, but that shouldn’t affect it. The social media buttons on the bottom of posts are stationary, I’ve never once had them disappear so I don’t know what’s happening with you….sorry….

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Sorry, I wanted to reply up.
        once I had my own social media buttons disappear from my wordpress because I had ad block on. when I turned it of, they magically reappeared.
        in the meanwhile, everyone could see the buttons besides me.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. If you are a fan of country music, please feel free to check out my blog about my adventures and experiences in making my way into the music industry as well as concert reviews and news and updates on my favorite artists. I would appreciate any comments or feedback! My blog visits have been low lately and I’m wondering what more I could do to entice more new readers and followers? Take a look and perhaps help me out? I will be sure to check out some of the blogs already posted on here! Thanks in advance!

    http://www.countryheartbeat.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. This is great! I love country music as I went to school in the south, this is really great stuff! The best way to increase traffic and to get readers to be heavily involved in the blog community, Follow people, respond to comments and be interactive with other users, usually the action is reciprocated!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Yes I did check out your posts, I think you have great content, your pieces are fun and friendly and very well-written, plus the site itself is visually pleasing and well-put together, really a great job in my opinion.

      Liked by 2 people

  17. It was very enjoyable this past week publishing new posts for my blog, Dream In Music; At the moment, I am still planning new drafts to be turned into all-new posts, but posts from the past week are still here at my blog, as well as previous posts! All you have to do is go to my blog, which again is called Dream In Music, and just search for past posts by category. Have a wonderful week, all you bloggers and blog followers out there!-JW

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I just checked out your blog and left a comment. I love the content of the first post. I never have enough time to do all the reading I would like. The only idea I have for you is to incorporate some visuals. It might draw people in to want to read more or to spend more time on your blog. Keep up the good work!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. A more specific tagline could be helpful from the perspective of a first-time viewer. I get that your blog is about books, but perhaps you have a specific angle? That’s very minor though. Your theme works very well, and I like your posts!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you Emma.
        I really appreciate that.
        I do tend to have certain angles but I do not want to confine myself to a specific one in case I decide to pursue something different in the future. You might have noticed if you read the post on my Liebster Award that I wish to create an environment that is conducive to all Readers. Thus, the lack of a specific approach as I don’t want to target specific readers.

        Like

    3. WordPress seems very glitchy today because I had left a comment. Oh well. I followed your blog because I want to delve into it more (you had me at Agatha Christie!) But one suggestion I might make is that you add tags that might be seen on your home page. I see that you have them on individual posts, but for someone that may stumble on your blog who may not go digging, they might not realize what ‘Weekly Wonder’ or ‘3 Days, 3 Quotes’ is all about. But if I see a tag on your Home Page that says Agatha Christie or Walt Whitman then I am more likely to spend some time. Just a thought, otherwise, well done.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for that feedback!
        I greatly appreciate it.
        I must confess, The Agatha Christie series are written by my partner, Pallavi. I’ll pass on your comments though.

        I will look into the Tags idea. It is really smart.

        Glad you enjoyed the blog!

        Liked by 1 person

    4. I really liked this and have left a comment on your page. I really liked the layout of your page. it was so clear and easy to read.

      Liked by 2 people

  20. hey everyone!! the daily post used to be one of my frequent haunts when i was deeply addicted to blogging, and i’m beginning to slowly get back into it after a very stressful school year…any hints and tips about how to slowly find your writing self (and audience, of course..heh) again? i’ve written a post about why i got back into blogging, in case anybody’s interested:

    https://jumpingintothefog.wordpress.com/2015/08/23/regret-reminiscence-and-resurrection/

    thanks guys!! any tips would be greatly appreciated :3

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I’d suggest just reading blogs. Immerse yourself in endless blogs to read and comment on them to get yourself into writing and thinking mode. And challenge yourself to post once or twice a week or how often you can do just so you stay with it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thanks for the tips :3 i’ve definitely been exploring the deepest depths of wordpress, and will continue to do so! it’s amazing how so much awesome content can be found so quickly…thanks again!!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I recommend following some wordpress blog pages dedicated to helping new bloggers. They will give you new ideas and challenge you to do things you have never done. Also, when you follow lots of other bloggers you can get ideas off of their blogs for new ways to improve your own.

      What do you mean when you say “get around the pages?”

      Like

    2. I enjoyed it too! Like Leisel mentioned — a few mistakes here and there (remaining I think just a couple typos that tragically happen-chanced to correctly spelled, but incorrect words). Anyway, that’s mostly beside the point — you have a really nice efficiency in your storytelling and an interesting way of ordering the details. I’m looking forward to more!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Many thanks. I appreciate it. Every time through I find things to correct or play with. I’m hoping to keep it together as a start jumping around to more places. It helps having more eyes to see the issues. 😀

        Like

    1. Hi Jen,

      You’re blog is organized and clean looking. Browsing through some of the posts, I even got a bit of an old-fashioned feel from it. One thing I noticed that you don’t have are social media buttons to list social media accounts. That will be helpful to grab more of an audience, even to draw in readers you might not connect with via WordPress.

      Good luck on your blog quest!
      – Nicole
      http://www.nicoledigiose.com | http://www.sprangled.com

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I wrote an essay about her for one of my college math classes – yes, we had to write an essay in a math class! She’s a fascinating person and that biography looks like it would be worth picking up.

      A little constructive criticism: I would recommend giving your posts a quick edit, or having someone else look them over for you, as there are some small errors that were a little distracting. For example, “illusive” refers to something “illusory” – not real. You want the word “elusive” – hard to track down. In another instance, you have a period after a parenthetical aside even though the sentences continues after it. Just small things like that.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. I often wish I had more DIY skills than I actually do. Neat projects, and I love your step-by-step photographs. You make everything look do-able even for DIY novices.

      Like