Oct 5, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

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.

Photo by Brian Cantoni.

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    1. I got a security warning when I tried to load up your site. Took a moment to get past it. Though you should know. Other folks may not see it. I am surfing wordpress from work at the moment and we have stringent security here but I thought I’d mention it just so you’d know. The background (tiled pictures really? That’s so 90’s) is very distracting. You want your background to be neutral or at least not eye catching in anyway so visitors can focus on your content. Your content is interesting.

      Like

      1. I got a security warning too, so maybe you’d like to look into that. Really interesting concept.

        Like

    1. I’d say you are doing it well. I liked your post comparing photography techniques to writing. I love your theme and the way you can highlight quotes so clearly. And the image on your latest post is lovely – how did you create that?

      Like

      3. Ah it’s actually five separate photos I collaged together in Photoshop. Three are landscapes, the other two are closeups I took of interesting things I saw while traveling.

        Like

      4. You can see the individual images I used are here in the order they appear in the cover, r to l:
        http://melindakucsera.com/2015/09/16/curse-breaker-1-1-22/
        http://melindakucsera.com/2015/09/11/curse-breaker-1-1-13/

        Breaking Curses

        http://melindakucsera.com/2015/09/11/curse-breaker-1-1-14/http://melindakucsera.com/2015/09/15/curse-breaker-1-1-20/

        I’m thinking about including them inside the kindle edition. Since I’m doing all the layout and design myself, I can do that. They support it. I’ll decide that once I finish editing, if I ever finish that! I’m glad it arrested you. I found the cover striking but then i created it. Thank you confirming that it’s not just me. The cover really is good!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Hibguys, my blog is is called warped intentions.WordPress.com it is about the journey through eating disorder challeneges and attempt at recovery please check it out all support is helpful.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Hahaha you got me there love using my phone to write sometimes 😉 warpedintentions.WordPress.com

        Like

    1. Hi,
      After reading a few of your posts I can get an idea of what your blog is. But even still, I think you should make an About page so that readers can know exactly what your blog is about and it can also help readers connect with you more personally. Perhaps even putting up different categories on the menu bar so that viewers can look at your work better would help. I think you’re doing fine though 🙂 I can see it grow. I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hello. I was reading your posts and noticed that all of them were just one long paragraph each. Could you try breaking them up so that the readers don’t feel overwhelmed?

      Like

    1. I loved it!
      I enjoyed the contents of this post and actually also enjoyed your about page. You’re very raw in your writing and how you present yourself. It’s very admirable. As a fellow writer, I’m going to give you a follow 🙂 It would be awesome if you could check out my blog too. Any feedback is definitely welcome. Thanks!

      Like

      1. Thanks a bunch!
        I checked your blog, and I will again once I have some spare time. Your writing interests me greatly in some way. It’s very polished, but also very real, and that’s a wonderful combination. I’ll give you a follow as well 😀

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I enjoyed the post. I definitely related to many of them. I liked the visuals you used. Definitely adds depth into your posts. I think you’re doing great 🙂 Keep up the great work!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I love the colour of your blog! I do think the header should be showing more, as the pen is almost completely cut out and the glasses aren’t really recognizable at first glance.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Loved it.
      I enjoyed how genuine you are in your posts. The contents are all great as well. I tried looking for an About page and couldn’t find it ): If you have one, I’d love to read it. I went ahead and gave you a follow 🙂 Would love it if you could give me some feedback on my blog as well. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your work! Cheers!

      Like

      1. Hello John. Thanks for your feedback. I noticed the About page was missing, I was shocked when it wasn’t on there. I fixed it now. If you click on Home. The About page should come up. You got about over 20 blogs to choose from.I will work on getting the About page properly fixed.

        Liked by 2 people

    1. I enjoyed your blog very much and was kinda surprised to find out that English isn’t your native language!
      Anyway, in response to your comment, here is my blog: lunasimaginationigloo.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hey… I was hoping to get some help… I have a blog (https://smoresandsundresses.wordpress.com/) and my problem is, my site was initially for camping advice and tips, but I now want to broaden it to family activities, so I created another page, Family Life. Is there a way to add posts to this page like I can on my main page? Or am I stuck with it the way it is because I don’t own the domain and run WP as a downloaded version
    ? I’d like to be able to update both the Home and Family Pages with new posts frequently. Any advice? Thanks in advance!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Hello everyone!
    My blog is less than a year old and would love some feedback. Any type of constructive criticism would be really appreciated. Whether it’s about my layout, photography, or even the contents of my posts. My blog consists of my writing, travels, and just my daily musings! Thanks guys!
    https://pebblestonesteps.wordpress.com
    I’d be more than happy to check out your guys’ blogs as well 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Agreed that the overall look is nice and clean. Let’s me know it’s really about the words, whic you twist together in a lovely way. You have a new follower 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I really like the layout of your blog! You’re a really coherant and interactive writer 🙂 I know that’s probably not very helpful but the compliment will just have to do 😉

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Hi John! It’s very nice to meet someone who writes and shares the same passion as me. I too write about experiences and the little things in life. Plus, I love photography.

      John, can you please do me a favor? Don’t stop writing! I’ve read a number of your posts and I will say this again, it’s beautiful and really well written. I feel very connected with your posts-it’s like you’re reading my mind! I also think your photos are great!

      My blog is https://asyrafmutalib.wordpress.com/ and I’ve had it for about 4 months so there isn’t much to read but I hope you can check mine out and let me know what you think about my writing style, language, and anything else.

      Nice meeting you!!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Your comment is very thoughtful. I truly appreciate it. It means a lot knowing there are people who feel this way towards my mediocre work haha.
        I will definitely check your blog out as well 🙂

        Like

  16. Hi! I literally just made my site about 30 minutes ago and I’ve never started a blog before. I wanted to write just to write about things, nothing too specific! I wrote my first blog which was tiny and I already feel insecure about it. I don’t really know where to start or how to get people to read it.
    hwayblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I liked your blog. Very visual and neat. The only thing I’d suggest is putting titles on your posts and creating an About page so that viewers can understand better what your blog is about. Other than that, you’re doing great 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Welcome to blogging!
      Your theme is very neat, and I love your header!
      The last three posts on the home page are WordPress’ defaults so maybe delete those, but the posts you did write are nice, good start!
      To get readers you have to a) tag posts so they’re findable in the reader and b) read/comment/like other people’s blogs. Getting involved in the blogosphere (like you are here in the Pool!) is a good way to meet bloggers and interact with them, and they’ll do the same for you!
      Happy blogging! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I loved it. Enjoyed your about page and the contents of your posts. The only thing I’d suggest is if you made the pictures a little bigger. The small size is sort of hard on the eyes. Other than that, I think you’re doing great 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hi, just gone through your blog. Layout is pretty simple and that’s the plus point to it. Simple and sober.
      Well, I would advice to have ‘space’ between your blog name. “Peaceful Loving Women”
      You may change it under WP admin/Setting/General settings.
      Also, It seems you are not using tags and neither categorizing your posts. To reach a preferred audience you must use tags and categorize your blog. (Don’t use more than 15 tags). Not using tags will make your posts go unnoticed.
      Also, categories can be added in menu bar too for easy navigation.
      You may also add more widgets by customizing your theme.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s common courtesy to let the author know you would like to link back to their blog. Most will be delighted for you to do so. But in my opinion, still nice to ask.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Awesome, thanks! I have been trying to get a hold of some bloggers, I realize they are super busy, and it takes time. I was just hoping I wasn’t annoying them by asking in the first place 🙂 Thanks for replying, I had googled and googled. lol It kept bringing up “How to link”, ugh!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. You’re most welcome. 🙂 my suggestion is to ask as many authors as possible and pace yourself in your articles. Alternatively, linking to official websites like WSJ and BBC, you don’t have to actively seek permission.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. You can even link it without asking. It is commonly one and in fact a great way to increase traffic.
      However, take precaution that you don’t link to something that’s private or deleted.

      Nice Blog too!

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I don’t think there’s any need to ask before linking through to another’s post or website if you’re recommending or giving them a shout out for being great. If you wanted to use the pictures or reproduce the text you would need permission.

      I would personally ask before reblogging though. I’ve made my own reblog button available and see that as an invitation, but I’m not sure everyone understands how reblogging works, so it’s good to double-check. My latest post has been reblogged twice – one person asked, the other didn’t, but both were equally welcome.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Well, you may link it without permission and leave a thank you note out of courtesy.
      Just for your information, when you link to fellow bloggers post, it’s called ping back and bloggers have full right to decline the ping back. So, if they don’t want it, they may decline it then and there.
      Rest, it’s always good to show your gratitude when you are linking to a post.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Hello Community! ~~~~~~~~

    My website http://MiddleMe.net is about making full use of your 8 hours at work and enjoying at the same time. I touch on topics that surrounds your career and your workplace.
    Don’t worry, I love to make a heavy topic into something light reading, fun and easy on the eyes.
    If you do drop by, leave a comment to say Hi!
    ~thanks~

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you so much! I do hope at least some of the articles will help you to get a perspective what it is like in a workplace and working with very different kind of people from all walks of life. Drop by often 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Hello everyone! Please do check out my blog it’s theprotego.wordpress.com and let me know what you think of it! Also, I just want some opinions on whether the look of my blog is… Um childish? Let me know 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I thought it was really good. Enjoyed your first post very much. The only thing that I’d suggest is if you updated your About page so that viewers can know what your blog is about and also so that people can connect with you more personally. Other than that, I think you’re doing great 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  25. I just started about a month ago and would love some feedback on overall tone, & if y’all have time, the individual posts. I’m getting back into writing after a long hiatus & thought a blog might be a great way to put myself out in the world & limber up the linguistic muscles. I’m learning slowly to get visuals integrated & include tags but how do I know what to chose as a category? Is that just like a main tag or more general like “musing” or “humor”?
    http://sleepingonthediagonal.com/
    Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hmmm…Interesting site. I’m 59 (never married, never dated). Lifelong dream of meeting “The One” has now faded into oblivion. So, what’s original about you?! (Not being rude; just asking!)

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Annie,
      Really like the way you write, so engaging. The content appears to be written sincerely and from the heart so as far as I am concerned it can’t fail.
      Categories are useful as once you have a few posts your readers will be able to select a category and see an index page of posts that relate to each particular category. I write a travel blog and the categories are all countries and places that I’ve blogged about (such as Germany, Australia etc).

      My main site is at https://jwalkingin.wordpress.com/ but the category page for Brisbane is at https://jwalkingin.wordpress.com/category/australia/brisbane/

      Hope that helps a bit.

      Like

    3. Hey I like your site. Interesting topics that affect everyone and enjoyable to read about your experiences. The only suggestion I have in terms of the look is that your paragraphs should be shorter, maybe just 5 lines or so. Its easier to read rather than when you see a big chunk.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. hey Team

    Being Rugby World Cup time i had some thoughts on the tournament so far as well as sport in general: https://brettfish.wordpress.com/2015/10/05/rugby-world-cup-2015-some-thoughts-from-the-fish

    But more importantly i have written another post in my ‘How to be a better ally’ series in the ongoing Race conversation and would love some feedback on this one: https://brettfish.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/how-to-be-an-ally-hand-over-the-mic

    Have a great week and look forward to visiting some of your pages
    love brett fish

    Liked by 1 person