Oct 12, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

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).

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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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Photo by Brian Cantoni.

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    4. Wow that’s really powerful stuff, and a topic that most people don’t like to discuss… thank you for sharing it!
      Your writing style definitely appeals to me, it’s a little similar to my own. I look forward to your future posts.
      Cheers, Em

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Hi everyone! I posted a new blog on the weekend-https://robpatdoy.wordpress.com/2015/10/10/soundtrack-of-a-photograph-say-it-with-love/ and have really been loving my new shorter Photo Shuffle series. Pretty happy with the look and layout of my blog after a long time of not being so happy with it, but I am always happy to hear feedback and suggestions!

    Liked by 3 people

    3. Hello,
      Your blog is awesome. I love the idea of pairing music and photography together. It’s beautiful. I gave you a follow because I also share the same interests in music and photography. I’m looking forward to seeing more work from you! Keep it up!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Good morning everyone!
    I’m a first time blogger (ever!) and I’m really nervous about it. This was suggested by my friends and health professionals that I keep a journal of my moods and thoughts. Honestly, I’m asking for some support and comments. I blog about my Bipolar Disorder and I hope I can raise awareness on the condition and shine some light on some of the misconceptions and struggles of the illness. Hope to hear from people and I’m more than happy to return the favor! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    2. Love your candid posts. I can appreciate what you are going through as I have people in my life suffering from similar afflictions. Keep up with the writing as I hope it helps you cope. Best of luck.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much! I’m hoping there are more people like you that are willing to listen and support. Looking forward to reading your blog 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Love the clean look you chose for your blog (easy to read!) and your posts are an interesting glimpse in to a life I never lived. I’m following you now, keep up the great posts, I love reading them!

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Hi all! I am hoping to get some comments from Dutch readers (or people who can read Dutch)… I started my blog 6 months ago because I decided to run the New York City Marathon 2015 which will be in 3 weeks whaaaaa!!!!. I am a bit sorry now I didn’t write my blog in English but who knows: maybe there are some Dutch / Belgian / South African readers on this page. I will of course read some of your blogs: hope to find some good ones!

    This is the link to my blog:

    http://runhedwigrun.com

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I wish you did too 😉 I noticed we use the same theme for our blog (funny to read a totally different story on a page that feels like it’s your own)

        Like

      3. I started following you (love traveling too and I really like your pictures!) I’m thinking about writing at least 1 blog in English after running the marathon on november 1st so you can at least read 1 of my stories 😉

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Just gave you a follow. I am excited right away to see where you will go next. I would love for you to follow me as well. Morocco wow! Such exciting locations you have visited. Good for you!

      Like

    2. Hi,
      Welcome back! I definitely enjoyed your blog. Traveling is a recent passion of mine and looking at your blog is a serious motivator. I went ahead and gave you a follow 🙂 It would be awesome if you could also give me feedback on my blog! I look forward to seeing more posts from you. Cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Looks cool, love your language-skillset (I’m still struggling with Italian, just don’t seem to have a language brain!).

      Morocco, sweet! I’m off to Ethiopia soon, gotta love the African continent 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading your future travels!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. woops, I know if you click on the name of the commentor you go to the site, but here is my site I forgot to link. lol
    bloggerjintz.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

      2. While writing a new post on WordPress, there is a section on left side titled TAGS & CATEGORIES. Here you can mention both the tags and categories about the post.

        For example, if you have written a post about your pet (if you have any), then create a category for it. Give it any name you like in “Enter your categories below” section. You can enter more than one category but that would only be appropriate if you have more than one similar kind of categories.

        Tags are related to the post you have just written. For example, if want to share a funny story about your pet, then you can use tags like funny, humor, my funny pet, etc.

        I hope this provided you some understanding about categories. You can check mine and other blogs to get a clear picture.

        Happy blogging!!

        Like

  9. Hello everyone! I hope all is wonderful in the land of Oz. 🙂
    Saturday kicked off another prompt for Prompt Stomp! Check it out here: https://themomhood.wordpress.com/2015/10/10/prompt-stomp-week-2-door/

    Also, Writing 201: Poetry is going great. Although I haven’t written poetry in a loong time! I Would love if you would take a look! (Link is for entire poetry menu) https://themomhood.wordpress.com/category/poetrycreative-writing/
    Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
    Cheers! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    2. I loved it! I looked through a lot of your travel posts because I recently fell in love with it. Your blog is a definite motivator to travel more. I wish I could find a follow button on your site but I couldn’t ): Would you mind helping me out with that? Thanks!

      Like

  12. This is the first time I’ve really tried to write “well” and did some creative non-fic writing, and drew something to go along with the post. It was a fun experience, and it made me realize it feels great to kinda stretch my writing ability this way….so I would really LOVE some feedback on what people think about my writing…if there was anything that bugged you technically, something I could improve on, something I could have expanded more on. Or if things were too descriptive, etc. I would really appreciate it 🙂

    17 Years of Cold Feet

    I think it’s a direction I wanna take my personal blog to more….to exercise more creative non-fic writing, and hopefully stuff like this, which isn’t all about me.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. I enjoyed the story a lot. Captivated me the entire way 🙂 I would encourage you to be confident and strive at expanding your creative writing abilities! I wish you the best of luck. Cheers!

      Like

  13. Hi Everyone, I am brand new to the world of blogging.

    30 and Learning…

    I started writing just last week because I thought I have a story to share that might resonate with others, or even start a conversation. But my visitors are mostly people I know. I am looking for some unbiased feedback- is my story worthwhile? Is there a way I can make my voice reach further than just my circle of friends?
    I am going to continue writing. In fact I have been working on my next post in my head for last 3 days now. But it would be assuring to know I am not talking to myself 🙂

    All feedback welcome, preferably on the blog!

    This is a great community.
    @Loudthoughts… I didn’t read everything but whatever I did, I really enjoyed, I’ll be back.
    @drakes1… I have often wondered about what people think too, good luck on your first publication!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I enjoyed your first couple of entries. You genuinely do have something to say, and a perspective that is not out in the blogosphere much, so well done and I will be following you so I can read more. So you are definitely not talking to yourself! A couple of things going forward you may want to do. You definitely will want to fill out your About page section. It doesn’t have to be much if you prefer, but just the basics, and if you wish, include your social media contacts if you plan on sharing this via those platforms. Also, I love the photo in your header, but I was wondering if you composed this on a smartphone or tablet, because on the desktop your title shows up as 30andlearningbl….and the letters og show up on the second line. Maybe your theme will allow you to make that header smaller so that all fits as one line, because it looks a little off.

      Other than that, I look forward to reading much more from you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Robert, this is encouraging! I will fill out the about section soon, I am still getting used to all aspects of ‘being on the web’ 🙂 I added the photo just this morning, so maybe I need to reformat the layout. I was out of town for the weekend but I will definitely have something new to share tonight!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Your welcome! Excellent news on something new to share! WordPress can definitely be a little daunting at first. Actually it still is and I am learning something all the time, but this is a great place to come for feedback and coming across other blogs to get ideas from. I’m sure it is just a minor tweak that needs to be done.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hello! I took a look at “Today I learned that I do have an Opinion” and “How I Lost Everything.” The “Opinion” post was a little vague – since that was the first post on your website I read it before being familiar with the story your blog is telling… I was a little thrown off by how vague the conversation about your employer being confident was, I think that that specific post might have benefited from being a little more clear-cut.
      But after reading the “How I Lost Everything” post I have a greater appreciation for your blog. Quite a story to tell, I hope it has a happy ending.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the feedback, Andrew! I am still green with WordPress, so I will have to check if there is a way I can change the sequence of posts. I try to insert hyperlinks to related posts so that when new visitors like yourself read without the background they aren’t completely lost. But maybe I will try to include a small opening paragraph along with an about me section that stays on top.
        I am sure there will be a happy ending, I just don’t know what it is going to be right now. It is comforting to know that I have company on my journey 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I think your blog looks really promising. Thank you for sharing your story, I think others will enjoy it in time when they discover your blog. For publicity make sure you put lots of tags on your posts (15 max) so when people search your posts come up.
      Also so when people go on a blog they want an overview of what they are going to be reading about first, so it would be a good idea to write an ‘about ‘ page (it is the most popular part of most blogs).
      Generally though, the content is really good! Keep it up!
      My blog is:
      https://thebloggeronthemount.wordpress.com

      Like

      1. Thank you for the encouragement and advice! Looks like I have work to do to get my blog ready for bigger audience than just my friends.
        I visited your blog- very impressive! And I think this is where I will be go when I am running low on faith 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    4. The story is great! I enjoyed your posts very much 🙂 You’re off to a great start. Keep it up!
      The only thing I’d suggest is if you updated your About page so that viewers can better understand what your blog is about and connect with you more personally.

      Like

    5. Hiya, your blog looks really promising 🙂
      I can totally relate… I’m also recently 30 (well, not so recent anymore but still), and just started blogging a couple of weeks ago.
      It’s a new world but everyone here seems really nice and helpful, so I think it’s gonna be a blast!
      Cheers, Em

      Like

  14. At the start of 2015, I began my blog (http://pickingupthetabb.wordpress.com/) to talk about issues surrounding my move to South Africa. I’ve been trying to keep it live by posting something new every week or so, and each post is published to my Twitter and WordPress accounts. Since most of the content is personal, I’ve not expected huge traffic. It seems a dull post draws about twenty reads, but a post with lots of breaking news (such as https://pickingupthetabb.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/why-i-want-to-move-to-south-africa/) may draw up to 300 reads. I recently tried an experiment where I produced a post for every day of my trip to Cuba, and that seemed to draw lots of attention (https://pickingupthetabb.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/my-week-in-cuba-arriving-in-a-different-world/). Am I setting my sights too low to be thrilled with 300 reads of a particular post?

    Like

    2. Your pictures are stunning! I feel like such an amateur photographer in comparison to you haha. Thus, I’m not sure if there’s any real constructive feedback I could possibly offer. Perhaps, you could separate your gallery to different categories so that it doesn’t get flooded. Categorizing your pictures to sub topics can help organize the look and also make it easy for viewers to navigate. Other than that, you’re doing great and I’d just urge you to keep it up 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I appreciate the compliment! Thanks for the suggestion and I’ll look to implement that when I get a chance.

        Only compare yourself to you because we’re all different and have different styles and subjects.

        Thanks again, and happy shooting.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Hey everyone, me and a friend of mine started a blog a few days ago and we’d like to see some critic or comments on our posts, sadly we only write in german..
    We write about a lot of stuff, movies, music, cosplay, fashion, makeup, gaming and maybe about our stories and daily life! We hope to get some feedback and maybe find new friends!
    Here is the link to our blog: https://lyraruby.wordpress.com/

    Have a nice day and stay fluffy, Ruby 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Hey everyone! I put out some new material recently. Here’s my shorter essay on Fargo and the nature of spin-offs: https://popculturalstudies.wordpress.com/2015/10/10/and-now-for-something-completely-different-fargo-fx-and-the-art-of-spinning-off/

    And here is my longer post about one of the more misunderstood characters on Game of Thrones: https://popculturalstudies.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/mother-of-madness-the-cersei-lannister-scene-thrones-fans-choose-to-not-remember/

    My blog is all about pop culture, striving to take a deeper look at the shows, movies, books, etc. that we love. Feel free to take a look! https://popculturalstudies.wordpress.com/

    Like

  19. I created my blog arranator.wordpress.com to showcase my life and my views on a public platform like coming out as gay yesterday on Facebook.

    It makes you feel accepted and allows you to express your opinion and way of thinking to a greater audience.

    If you could follow, it would very much appreciated. It is a sociology student blog.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Gave your blog a follow because I like what I saw on a quick look and I want to make sure to read your work in depth when I have a moment. I think overall your page works for your blog. You are a writer, so there really is no need for loads of visuals or distractions. No complaints about your ‘about’ page either. It gives you exactly what is needed, so I would say just keep writing!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I definitely loved what I read! Your About page is just what it needs to be, really, so there’s nothing to fix in my opinion. The Grave was really good and it’s a shame it ended so quickly if you ask me. It’s also refreshing to find someone who writes about writing and doesn’t come off as a pretentious know-it-all.
      To sum it up, please keep writing!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Kathy,
      I absolutely loved your first post. The look of your blog is very enticing as well. After reading your first post, I was immediately drawn to hit the follow button 🙂 The only thing I’d suggest is if you made an about page. So that viewers can understand what your blog is about and viewers can connect with you more personally. I’d really appreciate it if you could also take a look at my blog, perhaps even a follow? Any feedback is definitely welcome 🙂 Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi,
      I enjoyed your post very much. The contents were great. Perhaps if you made an About page it would help viewers understand what your blog is about. Other than that, you’re off to a great start 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Happy Monday!

    I am a soon to be self-published author of children’s books. My blog is about child development, early learning, early literacy and my experiences with writing and self-publishing. I love nature and photography so there’s a bit of that on my blog too. Please take a look at
    https://cindyscreativecorner.wordpress.com/ I would love to get your feedback. I’m happy to take a look at your blog too.

    Thank you!

    Liked by 3 people

      2. Your blog makes it easy to understand passages from the bible in a way that relates to people today. The layout is easy to follow and the photos are really good! My only suggestion is this: I personally find it difficult to read white writing on a black background so for someone like me, changing this would make it more reader friendly.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thank you for your feedback, I’m pleased you liked it. I will definitely look into that – I’m not quite sure how yet as it goes against the theme, but I’ll do some research!

        Like

    4. Hi!

      As a mum to a 2yr old I would be interested in reading your blog, I’ve read a few posts which I’ve liked and I also gave you a follow😊

      I’m aware of how tv influences kids at such young age but i always find myself succumbing to her requests for “My little pony” 🙈

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I loved it!
      Your pictures are great and I definitely enjoyed the contents of your post. The only thing I’d suggest is if you made an About page so that bloggers can better understand who you are. Other than that, you’re doing great! Cheers!

      Like

      1. thank you for your comment. yes, swim gives us a sense of relaxation and fun. plus the heat of the sun and cold water. 🙂 hope you could go for a swim.

        Like

  26. Hello everybody,

    After the absence of more than 2 months, I’m back in the blogging world. Although, the world didn’t noticed my absence, the person inside me kept on pushing me for a comeback. So here I’m !!
    I have wrote this little poem (it’s actually the very 1st one I’ve written): https://hammadrais.wordpress.com/2015/10/12/up-above-the-world-so-high/

    Do check this and other posts of mine. More great stuff coming soon (I will announce about it)

    Thanks for your time

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Thanks for checking out my blog! I enjoyed your poem and also your post about the cheapest ways to cure a bad day. The best part about your blog? It is really easy to find as you have it all sorted according to topics. I liked that!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for checking out my posts. My blog is filled up with random stuff, so there is something for everyone I suppose. If not, then please do let me know about it.

        Like

    3. Loved it. Keep up the great work. Your poem was beautiful and I enjoyed your other posts as well 🙂 You’re doing great and I’m glad to hear you’re giving the blogging world another shot!

      Like

  27. I found a number of new wonderful bloggers today. Will be looking forward to read them continuously. Its time to say good night all of you. Meanwhile, you can keep visiting this little place of mine and I will reciprocate the same tomorrow morning for sure…:)

    About Me:

    Liked by 3 people

  28. I tried commenting last week and I didn’t get much response. I’m looking for feedback about the focus of my blog. I’m worried I’m covering a bit too much – I want to write about world issues, feminism, but also random musings that are just entertaining, so it feels a little scattered. Also I’m doing a weekly post about my new kitten :p If someone could have a look at what I have so far, I would appreciate some feedback! As well, if it isn’t a blog you would follow, I’d love to know how I could improve it just in general. Thanks!
    https://flightscarlet.wordpress.com

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Hi! Well, I’m no super famous and professional blogger, but I hope this helps.

      I see no problems as regards the diversity of topics you tackle. I started myself with many ideas in mind, unsure of what would fit best both for me and the readers. I believe that as you evolve as a blogger you will find what you think is best for you in the blogging world. Personally, I don’t mind reading a blog where various kinds of topics are tackled as long as you can make the category button apparent. Also, if you think it bothers the readership you already have you could think of a schedule (for instance, world issues post would be posted on Monday, feminism related posts would be on Tuesday, random musings on another day, etc.). I don’t personally do that but it can be an idea. And finally, you could also try to make the menu bar a little more apparent. Otherwise, I think your blog looks good!

      All the best,

      Giulia

      Liked by 5 people

      2. I’ve noticed it but I couldn’t tell if people do the first time they visit a WP site. You can also think of changing your theme, only if you think that’s crucial. When going through your blog, the only thing that bothers me is that I don’t see the category button. Maybe you could simply put it on top when organizing the menu 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I like the look of your blog, and your header image is stunning. Not sure if your theme supports a different way of doing your menu other than that solitary box on the top left? I don’t think there is any problem with covering multiple topics, but you might want to focus the titles of those menus a little more, or else make new choices. Your blog can be a place where one can stop off and be engaged, be entertained, and get some cuteness with the tales of the kitten, but when one lands on your page right now I did not necessarily get that, nor did I get it from your menu options. Your writing itself is open and honest, and sometimes revealing but in that brave way a lot of us bloggers do about the things we keep inside yet wish to get out. So do please blogging about what you want to!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for your feedback! When you say I could try to focus my menu more, what do you mean? And your comment about the main page — do you mean I should add something there? Thanks again!

        Like

      2. No problem! I think what Giulia is saying something similar.Most of us probably don’t have premium accounts and are bound to the rules of whatever theme we are using. For example, in incorporating part of Giulia’s reply, you could re-title your menu selections to be more specific. When I click on the menu and see ‘Matrix’ I really don’t know what I am going to be pulling up. But if I click on an option that says ‘Feminism’, ‘A Kitten’s Life’ and that sort of thing then I know what I am going to see. There is nothing wrong with how you have it, I just think you could gain more readers with clear buzzwords in your menus about what it is all about.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. I personally like the title ‘Matrix’ (to be fair, that is in part to being a fan of the movies.lol). I had an idea of what to expect when I clicked on it, but I have to agree it can be confusing for someone new to your page.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Hello,
      I think your blog is just fine. You get the message across well and your blog is concise and neat. Very easy for me to navigate and I don’t have a problem finding anything. Keep up the great work 🙂

      Like

    1. I really enjoyed reading that! Normally I’d say some pictures to break up the text but I think diagrams or ‘doodle’ style picture might help just turn the text into something more manageable looking! (If you are that way inclined of course). I like the layout a lot too!

      Liked by 1 person