Sep 7, 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!
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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. I’m still very much growing and shaping my blog, and would love a bit of traffic…(wouldn’t we all!!) I’m just a teenage girl- not surprised if that puts people off- but I write about all the tricky thoughts in my head and hope that someone likes it… Enjoy!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi there, I just visited your blog. It is a great looking theme. It makes me want to stay and look around. You have a great use of photos and memes. I think it will draw a lot of people’s attention once you get some more followers. You have a great start. Keep it up.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hey there. I really like your blog. You have a lot of great photos and a good looking theme. I just tried to follow you through wordpress and I couldn’t find the follow button. Do you have the follow widget on there and I just couldn’t find it?

      Like

  5. I’m trying to create a blog that maps my writing and also provides a mass of great stuff for people to read and enjoy. I’d love some feedback on how my site feels and if it makes you want to read more or not.
    All comments are reciprocated.

    Like

    1. Just out of curiosity, have you tried YouTubing and/or vlogging? You have a great sense of humor, and it seems like your blogging style might be better suited in video format a la Jenna Marbles or something.

      Like

  9. Hello all! And Happy Labor Day! mckelodeon of Nerd•ily here! Last time I asked about the theme of my blog, and decided I’m going to keep it the same. So thanks to everyone for their input!
    My blog focuses on leading a life in a nerdily way, so I talk about pop culture, geeky events, and more recently I’ve dipped my foot into even more tutorials. Thanks to Ben and Leisel, I now have categories to further distinguish the posts that I hope will make Nerd•ily a great place to geek out. So if you could take the time to check out my Crafts, Cosplays, and other categories. If you could give me feedback, I would be greatly appreciative! The links for both these categories are below, but you can also find them in the menu at the upper right-hand corner of nerdilyblog.com. Thanks guys! 🙂
    http://nerdilyblog.com/category/cosplay/
    http://nerdilyblog.com/category/crafts/

    Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you! you might be receiving an email from me very soon about the Pinterest group 🙂
        Also, as I was taking a look at your site, I saw the Female Geek Bloggers button. It sounds delightfully interesting! How would one join?

        Like

      4. Thank you so much! Oh, also, I saw your post about Geek Girl Brunch, and now I’ve joined my local chapter. So thanks for that as well!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Greetings, bloggers–this lowly writer of fantasy/sf novels brings you the worst of all possible tidings: I’ve had a new idea for a novel. Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war!

    Allow me to pique the curiosity of speculative fiction aficionados by sharing some cryptic clues as to what the novel is about; preceded by an amusing anecdote from work. Well, I thought it was amusing anyway…

    Worst-Case Scenario

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Hello!
    I have been experimenting with my theme and header, would love suggestions on it.
    Also have added a page, Reader’s Thoughts, where you may (anonymously or not) send me messages, which you may or may not want them to get featured! It is just an experiment too, am open to ideas!

    Also, happy Monday!

    http://ascintillaofthoughts.wordpress.com

    Like

    2. I like your theme. I think you should go with it. I also love the idea of reader’s thoughts. I think that will be a fun experiment, one I have not seen other people do on their blogs. I hope it brings out some amazingly interesting stuff for you. Best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I like your theme. I think the letters on your header don’t fit right. Plus it is black letters on a dark image. Once you resize your lettering you might think about making the lettering another color so it stands out.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi! Real nice. I can never do these few word story things. And I like how your blog looks, very refreshing!

      Like

    4. I also looked at Imprisoned. The picture there is genius. Do you do your own photography or what is your source? I am writing again after a long hiatus and first time blogging on WordPress so I am interested in these techinical aspects. Your blog looks great… clean and simple.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I wish the images I use are my own. Unfortunately, I do not have amazing photography skills. I guess I should put a disclaimer on my blog..

        I looked at your blog and I was thinking more colour..? Perhaps that’s what you might be missing. Also, consider adding “read more” to your posts so they appear shortened on your blog. That way new readers can easily scroll through your posts.

        Hope this helps you. I’m sorry if I appear officious, though.

        Thanks for commenting!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you for the tips! I have a lot to learn about the setup of my blog. Yes, I can do more with color and I haven’t put any pictures on the first blog yet. So, I will work on those issues. I am looking at the Word Press tutorial now, so I will be looking for the “read more” option. I was really wanting some feedback and you have helped with great tips! Thanks!

        Like

  14. Hi! So I am coming to the pool after quite some time actually because I was having the ‘blogging blues’, you can read about it here https://huckleberryfrienduniverse.wordpress.com/2015/09/04/why-did-i-start-writing-this-blog-again/
    but thanks to wonderful bloggers like yourself, I am back and have just published a post. I would absolutely love your feedback so please check out https://huckleberryfrienduniverse.wordpress.com/2015/09/07/how-tolerant-is-tolerant/
    so I’ll see you there? Cool. I’ll go splash around now.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Interesting blog post. Have you thought about an image or something as a header in your blog? It might really draw attention to the purpose of your blog for your readers. Otherwise, I think it is a good looking theme.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hello! I have so many things I want to share with you all!

    First, I am hosting a Twitter chat tonight at 9pm ET. It’s for people who are influencers on the Internet, which is what we all are! I hope you consider jumping in, even if you’ve never done a chat before (they are super easy). It will be over at http://twitter.com/SocMillennial

    Next, if you are a geeky blogger, I started a Pinterest board where you can share all of your posts in one place and find other great geeky bloggers. You can learn more at http://ageekchicblog.com/geek-blogs-unite

    Last, I always have new content on my blogs and would love feedback. My blogs are http://lookthroughmylensblog.com and http://ageekchicblog.com

    Would love to hear from you and check out your stuff too 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Great looking blog. Connecting with other mothers can only help you as a young mother. It will help you connect and probably give you great ideas. Not to mention you can reach out and help others! Keep it up!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. I know what you mean. I wouldn’t worry about it considering half of us have to deal with it. Half of us will understand and hopefully the other half of us will understand that it is a natural thing required for the continuation of our species… 😉

        Like

  19. Hi everyone! I write the sports blog Soccer, Translated.

    I frequently “pin” posts with game schedules to the top of the blog since a lot of my search engine traffic is from people trying to find times and channels for games. My theme marks those with a “Featured Post” heading, but I’m wondering just how clear it is that there is still new content appearing under the featured post!

    Feedback on that (or any other) design element would be appreciated. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. HEY FRIENDS! I hope this monday has found you well! I blog about living a more sustainable lifestyle and about ways we can use our buying power (yay shopping!) to influence the world for better.
    Lately I have been encouraging guest bloggers to write for my blog, and I’m wondering what you all think of this? Does it add value? Is it annoying? Would you rather just read the original blog author? Here are examples of the two guest blogs I’ve done so far
    http://thehonestroot.com/2015/09/03/the-plastic-trick-3-ways-to-completely-reject-plastic-because-recycling-isnt-enough-anymore-a-guest-blog/

    http://thehonestroot.com/2015/08/27/thinx-underwear-review-aka-life-changing-period-products-for-women-a-guest-blog/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I like it! I like the idea of the occasional guest blog. I have asked the question in the past about reblogging. Is it annoying or fun to do every once in a while? Well, looking at your blog I like the idea of your having the occasion guest blogger especially if the content is right up your alley. Keep it up.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for your input! I think a well-placed reblog can add value to a blog’s lineup, if it is on brand with the rest of the blog, and could help readers discover other material!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I like the idea – especially when the content is a good fit, which these posts appear to be. It’s a great way to add a different voice and perspective occasionally. Also a great way to bring in some specialist expertise.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I think it’s great as long as it’s not done too often (like, whose blog is it, anyway?) and the content is fresh and relevant. I think you’ve done well with the guest blogs you’ve had so far.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, Leisel! That seems to be the sentiment most people share: do it well, and not too often. I guess I’ll just have to be careful about when and who I choose to have as guest bloggers

        Like

  22. hey team

    Two posts i would love to have some eyes on – for the more international of you there is this series i started sharing some posts from Aaron Fullerton [one of the writers for the series Graceland] who battled testicular cancer and writes about it with humour and hope:

    Taboo Topic: Cancer – Journeying with Aaron [Testicular Cancer] – Intro

    And the second is aimed at fellow South Africans but actually works for anyone relating to their country and deals with whether we get stuck focusing on negative stories or take time to be part of positive ones:

    The Difference Being i Don’t See Dead People…

    Would love commentary and feedback on either or both
    Will check some of yours out this week
    love brett fish

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Hello All! I’m a cheeky Physician Assistant Graduate Student who’s writing about by my experience in the field. Please read through a couple of my posts and holler at me about what I can do better (writing, theme, pictures, whatever…). My goal is to document my experience while shedding some light on this new and exciting profession!

    Liked by 2 people

  27. Well I am basically under graduating student from India, studying in vellore institute of technology.

    ” Young wild and free”

    Passionate about writing and love making new friends…”exploring this world” !!

    As the name itself suggest I want to reach out to the world, interact with everyone, share the knowledge to the greatest extent possible and support the world I find writing to be very cathartic, and hope blogging will help me sort through feelings of isolation. Most people don’t get the chance to live as an expatriate. Blogging lets me share the good, the bad, and the ugly of aspects life.” I am blogging rather than journaling because I think, I hope, I have something to offer my readers.

    https://worldreacher.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Hey, I’ve been posting a blog for a short time now, and am curious if the theme and layout work well. It’s about writing and a place for my flash fiction to go. Thanks for checking it out and please let me know any ideas you have for improvement.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Hey ,
    I’m Simon from the blog http://www.thebbqbastard.com I’m blogging for about 3 months now but just recently moved to my own domain. I have some pages that I’m building on. Should I remove them till I have some posts on these subject or not? My opinion: hope they troggen people to follow what will come soon?
    Thx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. All the food looks really appealing and I think the site has a good “vibe”. Personally I hate links and pages that don’t work/have nothing. Really puts me off. I would remove them until the content is ready.

      Like