Oct 26, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for feedback, advice, 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).

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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  2. Hello guys,

    My name is Gareth Presch the founder of the World Health Innovation Summit – social enterprise, community interest company. We support the sharing of knowledge to improve healthcare around the World. We look to collaborate with our communtities.

    Here’s our blogs – https://worldhealthinnovationsummit.wordpress.com/

    If it’s of interest and you wish to contribute drop us an email cumbriawhis@gmail.com as we welcome guest blogs.

    #togetherweinspire #WHIS16

    BW,

    Gareth Presch
    Founder,
    World Health Innovation Summit CIC

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I just took a look and followed your blog very quickly. First I love the simplicity of your design coupled with the one or two word topics, which is very effective. I also like your topics, and as you explained in your thank you post, I like to think most of us bloggers appreciate someone who is speaking openly and honestly about things in their life. Anyone who doesn’t is probably not being honest to themselves so keep going!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Hi everyone – what with the British clocks going back and technical glitches all round I’m incredibly late to the Pool today 😦

    However, I’m hosting a Tea Party – it’s a Meet and Greet featuring recipes from other bloggers. Pop along, leave your link (doesn’t have to be a recipe) and make new friends. Sharing would be wonderful to help keep the party going. Hope to see you all there 🙂

    Monday Munchie’s OCTOBER Tea Party!

    Like

    1. I think your post totally works. I don’t mind short posts. The post gets you thinking. That’s all that is necessary. I have seen one word posts with photos that I liked! (FYI, I have been to Sandwich! Very pretty area.)

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I love how you tell your story and incorporate the recipe in it! It brought me back to some of my memories of Mom’s cooking and made me want to give my kids the same kinds of memories. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Britt ~ I adore your post! I love how you are dealing with your not so great days and know that you are an amazing person to be around because of your outlook on life. Keep it up!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Aw, Brie this made me smile! Thank you so so so much. Those words keep me going and knowing I can encourage others even when my bad days are difficult helps me just as much<3

        Like

  11. Hi, All. I would love to learn more about how to share my blog, which centers upon personal narratives inspired by my education and experiences (Unlearning: Confessions of a Scholar Mom), with a wider audience. Facebook has allowed for a healthy following, but I would like to grow in new ways 🙂 Would love to hear what has worked for others! As a side note, I am not on Twitter and have not explored Google+ for my blog. Thank you! https://unlearningwordpresscom.wordpress.com

    P.S. It looks like ending my posts with a question is a good place to start for comments, but I am hoping to learn additional ways to increase my visibility!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. This is fantastic! I was cheering you guys on the whole time I read ❤

      I use facebook, twitter, pinterest… I have Google+ but haven't managed to break out into it. I have found that different blog challenges, posting in things like Community Pool and website dropping (for my none social media friends: I mention it while on the phone and then send them the link) are how I share my blog the most. I am trying to get educated on "#" "tagging" and what not. Right now I just use those things for fun and hope I stumble on using them right 🙂 I hear the most important thing is to keep writing ❤

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Lauren,
      I loved your blog! I get a very elegant vibe from your layout and posts. You’re definitely doing a great job and adding a question at the end of your posts do help. I think the only thing I’d suggest though, is if you used categories to help organize your posts. That way viewers don’t have to scroll all the way down and you also don’t get too much clutter. Other than that, I encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing 🙂 Cheers!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Loved your posts. Keep writing! As a fellow writer, I’m going to give you a follow. It’d be awesome if you could also check out my blog and give me some feedback as well.

      The only thing I’d suggest is if you updated your About page. That way viewers can better understand what you blog is about and also connect with you more personally. Your work can become more intimate for readers. Other than that, keep up the great work 🙂

      Like

      1. I read a few of your blogs and they seem amazing! I also followed your suggestion and updated my about page. I’m a newbie and really don’t know much about wordpress. BTW thanks man!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. You need something right at the top to tell us what you write about…. give us a context so we will want to continue reading. “Lost in the dark” doesn’t tell me what your blog is about.

      Like

  14. Hey guys! I was wondering, when you promote your new blog post on twitter, how many times should you post that tweet? I mean, there are so many tweets out there with the same hashtags, like “#writeon” #amwriting” that your tweet will most probably get overlooked! But you don’t want to irritate your followers, repeating the same tweet over and over again! Also, any particular hashtags that can be used, other than the ones I’ve mentioned? Any advice, tips to promote a blog would be appreciated! Thanks! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    2. While everyone on the web can view your site (as long as it’s a public site), only signed-in WordPress.com users can like your posts. This helps us reduce spam and encourage interaction between bloggers. That said, anyone can sign up for an account in order to be able to like others’ posts — there’s no requirement to actually have a blog or to publish anything.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Hello, all of you bloggers & blog followers out there in blog-o-vision land…I do hope all of you have enjoyed Dream In Music’s 2015 Holiday Expo that offers ideas on how to make this holiday season memorable; Now, this week, I plan to bring back some past posts in time for Halloween, as hopefully as well as a few other usually fun surprises. If you have not followed my blog yet, then I very well suggest that you do so at http://www.j2w7.WordPress.com., and just hit that little button called “Follow”, and then get set for all of the fun things to come!-JW 🎃

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Hello everyone. I love writing and I’m new at this so I really need your help and encouragement. I write mostly on life issues with a goal to inspire, motivate and educate. Pls pay me a visit and tell me what you think:
    amyloaded.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi,
      I enjoyed reading your two posts so far. You’re doing a great job. I’m not sure if you are open to suggestions/advice because you didn’t ask for it. Would you be interested ?

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Hi,
      I love meeting new writers and I did comment on yours before. Asking if you’d be open to suggestions. So here we go 🙂
      I think because your blog is more for writing than visuals, perhaps you can change your layout. Because the one you’ve chosen is more suited for photographers. I think your blog would be more suited with layouts that are more writing style. I hope that helps!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Leisel! Had a right nightmare yesterday after WP somehow decided I was spam! Otherwise I’d have been able to leave an earlier link.

        Like

      3. They don’t know why it happened, said there wasn’t a problem and then repeatedly told me they’d fixed it but hadn’t. I’d only left one link! Sorted now, but wasted an evening trying to solve it. Grrr!

        Like

  23. Hello ,
    I am very new at blogging, although I am young I hope you will consider looking at my blog. It is nothing amazing or artistic ,but it is simple and i write every Wednesday. URL: Pingieblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I really like the design of your blog. 🙂 But I think you should add some information to your “About” page. In my opinion, it is always nice to know who the behind the blogs are. 😉

      Like

      1. Thank you so much for looking at my blog I just started and I am so happy for your feed back thank you again. Please share I really want to start interacting with people around the world as my gold if you don’t mind 😂😊😃😀😄🙂

        Like

    2. I enjoyed the layout of your blog. Very eye catching 🙂 So far so great! The only thing I’d suggest is if you sort of explained in your About page what exactly your blog is about or an idea of the things you want to write about. That way viewers don’t feel so lost when they visit. I wish you the best of luck!

      Like

    3. Definitely flesh out your About page. Other than that, I would highly recommend adding pictures to your posts to help break up the text and make it easier to read.

      Like

  24. Hi guys! I’m new to blogging, so I hope someone will take a look at my blog. If you have can you give some feedback to my posts? I don’t know if I have to write more above my posts or just leave it like I am doing right now. Thank you!! puckspictures.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. While your photos are lovely, I’d love to hear more of a story behind your posts. I think I was about a year older than you when I went to Italy. Excellent, isn’t it?

      Like

  25. Hello all! I recently published a poem and would love to have some feedback on how I could improve it. I also recently finished my first “geek” quilt so I encourage you all to come check it out. Feel free to look though my other poems, longer stories, and other crafty stuff. Thanks everyone!

    What am I?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The anger in your poem is palpable. Your use of specific visual images is good. (I think your page would be more attractive and easier to read if you only use one font, preferably not the script font.)

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Loved it! As a fellow photographer, I’m going to give you a follow 🙂 I’m quite the amateur so I haven’t been able to really focus on a category for my photos but looking at your blog definitely makes me motivated to work on it. Your pictures are very elegant and I wish you the best of luck 🙂 Cheers!

      Like

    1. Minimalist, stylish and easy to use. Refreshing to see a blog dealing with politics and the realities of living in a major modern city. As a former Londoner with an interest in such issues I wish you every success with it Kerri.

      Like

      2. Thanks. One other thing – I would recommend using categories and tags on your posts. It helps people find you and it also helps the search engines I believe. 🙂

        Like

    2. I liked it. The layout is very clean and crisp. I prefer a minimalistic layout because it looks professional. Your content itself is great. Definitely enjoyed reading. I’m giving you a follow to see what else you write 🙂 It would be awesome if you could also give me some feedback on my blog. Thanks and cheers!

      Like

    3. I use the same theme, so I’m partial to its simplicity. Don’t be afraid to enable the LIKE button. Readers will often want to pat you on the back without leaving a comment.

      Like

  29. Hi every one, I love this post, I’m very new to the blogging world. I’m a visual and contempory artist, I would love to share what I do with everyone. Reviews and critics are welcomed, plus, I would like to answer any questions regarding any of my art, and also good advices are welcomed too,,, ohh here’s my page http://www.artsbyken.wordpress.com please feel free to check it out,,, peace

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hello,
      It’s always a joy for me to find artistic people and so I’m glad I stumbled across your blog. Your artwork is great and I love the contents. Also enjoyed reading your About page. You’re doing a great job 🙂 I went ahead and gave you a follow!
      The only thing I’d probably suggest is.. Because your blog is more of a visual concept rather than words, it might be better for you to choose a layout that best showcases your artwork (you can take a look at my blog for example. My layout is meant to showcase visuals so you can see my photography clearly).
      Or, if you like your layout, then what you can do instead is just enlarge your artwork so that they can seen better. I hope that helped 🙂 I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Fellow artist, heck yeah! One suggestion, try formatting your text a little better… punctuation, capitalization, paragraph breaks, that sort of thing. It will give your blog more of a professional feel.

      Would love to see your images a little bigger in your posts. You may also wish to consider adding a close up shot or two to show your attention to detail, which is clearly impressive.

      (Also, did you intentionally publish your phone number??)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks,,, I appreciate your advice,,, I will definitely look into it,, and figure out how to get the close up photos….lol,,, yes I did put my phone number,,, I don’t know if its a wise idea or not…

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Hola my fellow bloggers. I’m a new blogger and writer, to a degree. So bare with me, I am looking for bloggers to interact with. Feedback, reviews, and constructive criticism is very much need, wanted, and appreciated. So check out my blog if you have a second to spare. I just have finally posted my first piece of content of many more to come. This is the link to it below. https://insomniacbloggin.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/first-post-extremely-nerve-racking-it-is/
    And regardless of what you choose to do or not do, thanks for being a part of the community. 😀

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you man, I know I only have 1 but more will come. I appreciate you taking your time to check it out. I plan on heading to your blog soon, just trying to touch up all the crazy settings for my site!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. It’s a good start, but I would recommend checking over your writing before hitting the Publish button. Saw a bit of wonky grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Why add your spam tracker to your widgets?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for the advice, I have been in the midst of creating myself a sort of guideline and checklist to follow before I publish content. The reason for the spam tracker being placed on the sidebar was a mistake, I’m learning how to develop everything and customize it. I’m in the process of a cleaning up what I do have for now. If you spot anything else then feel free to let me know! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person