Nov 2, 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).

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.

Show Comments

971 Comments

Comments are closed.

Close Comments

Comments

  1. I love the theme of your creative blog – it looks great! You most recent post seems like a great idea – setting a schedule for myself has made me much more likely to reach my goals so hopefully it works for you too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That looks delicious! I will have to find a recipe with American measurements, though! (What is a “dl”?)

      On another note, I found it very hard to read your site title and tagline. The black font blends in too much to the chocolate swirls in the picture. I had to highlight it to be able to read it. I would suggest maybe picking a lighter colored font to increase legibility!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hello Alex!
        “dl” is deciliters! 🙂 Sorry for not having the American measurements, but I’m not used to work with those. But I guess I’ll have to think about that, so people could read my recipes easier!
        Thanks for the advice; I’m definitely going to change the colors!

        Like

    1. Hi, I read your post and hope you can find the youth you’re looking for. I can direct you to a site who work with youth daily, you might want to bounce some ideas off them or maybe they can help you round up. There name is one bridge of hope and they answer questions for youth on there site. I hope this helps you out. Thank you for everything your doing!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hi bloggers! I write about sustainable living and shopping, from a friendly, no-guilt perspective (i hope!)
    What I need feedback on is the tone of my writing – is it engaging? is it interesting? is it friendly and helpful?
    I also get other people to write guest blogs sometimes. Do you think this adds value to a blog or detracts from it? here are two examples: 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/
    Thanks! And I will of course return the favour!

    Liked by 2 people

    3. Hello,
      I really enjoyed going through your blog. The layout is very elegant and organic. I especially liked the font you chose. You have great eye 🙂 The visuals you used also bring depth into each post. I think you’re doing a great job! Keep up the great work 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I have experimented with some music posts recently (https://habitatforheavyhearts.wordpress.com/category/music/) which have essentially been comments on a single track; these were generally getting posted on the last Sunday of every month. However rather than do that I was thinking of putting out an album review once a month (or two). I have posted my first one up today called Hydroponic Garden.

    Historically when I have put up music reviews (either track or album) before they have not been very popular, hardly gaining anything in terms of comments or even likes.

    I imagine this is just done to people having many different tastes and either not liking what I post and not saying anything, or in this day and age of rush rush rush, I wonder if people have time to listen to a track, (let alone a whole album).

    So I have a few questions around them.

    1, Do you think that they work?
    2. Can you relate to the posts?
    3. Do you like the music put up so far?
    4. Do you prefer the album or the track posts, or neither?
    5. What, if anything, is missing?
    6. Any other comments you may have.

    Thanks for your feedback

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi all. A couple of years ago I decided to see if I could create a website of my own and proceeded to semi-learn wordpress and wrote a few short stories and some quirky poems. The idea was I’d use it to practice for a future book idea I have floating around my construction tech noodle. The problem is I can get no constructive criticism as friends and family seem to be the only audience I can get to comment. while I’ve written on several topics my favourite stories I’d love constructively critiqued are The Fish Story, The Curse of H E Ballard and Professor of BS Is the English Language in Decay?
    btw- I’d be happy to exchange critiques if necessary
    oh ya the site is http://wtfdad.com

    Like

  9. Hello there! I am writing a blog about cities and would like to know what you think about the style and length of my posts? I can’t decide what people are more motivated by, picture and few words or actual discussion? I’d love some feedback!

    Here is a short type of post: https://urbandialoguesblog.wordpress.com/2015/11/01/no-im-not-just-talking-about-any-kiss/

    A long-er one:
    https://urbandialoguesblog.wordpress.com/2015/10/24/who-will-be-the-botero-of-the-future-colombia-private-interventions-in-public-life-part-ii/

    Please check them out! I’d love some REAL feedback on what might be missing, how can I get people more involved?!? As what I am looking for is for people to tell me about their cities and similar or interesting projects they’d like to read about.

    Thank you for taking the time!
    Best,

    Like

    1. Just followed you!
      Your posts are very friendly and outgoing. And your theme looks awesome!
      You’re very positive and very inspiring – your blog mission accomplished! 😉
      I would try to have your categories more handy to the reader so we can venture through your writings. All categories are interesting, but we have to forage for more. Just a thought.
      Regardless, it’s a great blog 🙂

      Welcome to check mine out too (I’m new at this, hehe): https://piecemindblog.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

  11. My goal is to bring awareness for animals front and center, to my local community and help others do the same. I create bold, thought-provoking flyers to help you leave a mark of compassion wherever life takes you. I leave my flyers in any public place, when people are least expecting to encounter this type of awareness.

    I am looking for constructive feedback on how to improve on my site, any and all comments welcome!! So how am I doing? Would you ever take part in this type of activism? Why or why not?

    Welcome

    Like

    1. I’m a new blogger as well. I started at the beginning of this year and have very few posts myself.
      Maybe it’s not great advice to say this, but it helps me: You don’t have to post on a schedule – at least until you get a good audience. I’m posting when I can and when I feel inspired.
      So don’t feel anxious for not using it.
      Just gather some subjects that you can potentially write about. Start them as drafts, and keep working on them until you have something finished that you’re proud to present to the blogging world!
      Don’t be anxious, nervous, or frustrated! Blogging is fun if you love it 🙂

      I hope this helped! 🙂 You’re welcome to check out my blog at https://piecemindblog.wordpress.com/

      By the way, we have the same theme! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, Bianca! This is nice to hear your outlook on posting/writing only when you are inspired. I guess I am worried that because I typically do not write much and I am often guarded with those around me, I will not keep with this. I’m hoping to open up a little here and hopefully discover/explore some new thoughts in the process. I already see some benefits to writing and posting. Hopefully that will keep me inspired.

        I plan to swing by your page shortly. Thanks again!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. @simplyoveranalyzed
        I’m all for learning on the go! So just experiment until you can share your thoughts in a way that you find satisfying and comfortable.
        Glad I could help 🙂

        Like

    2. Just a suggestion:
      Go to Settings>Sharing, and select the checkbox – Front Page, Archive Pages, and Search Results
      Now if someone visits your blog, he/she may like the post without opening the post separately. It will help you get more likes on the blog.

      Thank me later. haha! 🙂

      Good luck.
      Aakansha.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank You! I appreciate your feedback and I have already made the change! Also, thank you for your kind response to my post. I hope to be by your page shortly, so be on the lookout for some of my thoughts! Thanks again!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Add some pictures! They’ll bring colour to the page and make reading more enjoyable. I’d also suggest adding more to your About page, as that’s where people go to get to know you/your blog.
      Good luck with NaBloPoMo!
      Happy Blogging!

      Like

      1. Hello, IAmDonovan. Thank you for the response. I will try to add a little color here shortly. It does look a little like a newspaper. Also, I have been trying to find out what I want in the About Me… I guess I’m not really sure where I want to go with the blog. I’ll be sure to put something there. Thanks again for the feedback.

        Like

  13. Hi everyone,
    My most recent posts are about NaNoWriMo and my monthly favourites. I would really appreciate it if you checked them out and gave me some feedback on my blog in general. I would also value any comments about your personal NaNoWriMo journey or monthly favourites.

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/

    Thank you 🙂

    Like

    1. Okay, I’ll start by saying that I LOVE YOUR THEME. The layout of your blog, along with the color scheme, gives it such a fun aura. Super awesome and super inviting!

      I absolutely love your Travel category!
      I think some of your pictures could be smaller, and you could write a little more about your experiences in those places. I love reading about experiences in foreign countries, so I would love to read more 🙂

      Feel free to check out my blog too! I’m a new blogger, and you seem a little more experienced, so I’d love to have your feedback 🙂
      https://piecemindblog.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for such in depth and positive feedback! The funny thing is that I used to write much more and have smaller pictures but then I got lazy and started posting from my iPhone. I will definitely take your feedback on board and check out your blog too 🙂 x

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You can always draft what you do from your phone and edit it on the computer later.

        You’re welcome and thank you! 🙂

        Like

      3. Hi, I’ve just checked out your blog and I immediately liked the simplistic layout. I also really enjoyed reading the post that I have just liked, because it was not only about an interesting topic, but also written really well. Good luck with the rest of your blogging journey 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi everyone!
    I just started blogging this year.
    I love to write, to share my opinion, to inspire and motivate others.

    I just published a post earlier today and will have another one tomorrow morning, and I would love for any comments on them – my style, the content, the overall theme of the blog, the organization of the blog, etc.
    If you could please comment on my page, that would be great!
    Don’t hesitate to leave your blog’s link on my page as well (Advertisement? YES!).
    Thank you guys 🙂

    https://piecemindblog.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Bianca,
      I love your blog! I like that it’s very simple because it looks clean that way. It doesn’t look messy 🙂 I enjoyed reading your About page and also a few posts and I think they’re great! I can tell you’re a very introspective person which is an awesome quality. I really do wish you the best of luck 🙂

      Because you told me not to hesitate 🙂
      https://pebblestonesteps.wordpress.com
      I would also appreciate some feedback on my blog as well! Thanks in advance!

      Like

      1. Thank you so much, John! 🙂
        I just checked out your blog and I love it too!! I like that all pictures in there are original. And I checked out your Instagram which also has really awesome photos! I’m definitely following you both there and here!
        Your blog is also simple, but very organized. I enjoyed reading your “musings” and travel posts. I LOVE travel blogs by people who don’t only travel. And yours is awesome!
        The idea of the blog name is also really intriguing and inviting!
        Thanks for your support and good luck to you too!!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You’re welcome Bianca!
        And wow thank you! Your comment is so thoughtful and encouraging. You have no idea how much it means to me haha. I appreciate it 🙂 I’ll follow you back!

        Like

  15. I was interested in your blog simply because of your name… 👍👍 … stopping to check out your blog now.

    Like

    1. This is a link to the main site, I suppose your 50th post was the “Natural Causes or Medical Neglect.” It was quite impactful and well-written. It’s different from what you usually write, but still has a place in your blog. Well done.
      I’m sorry for your loss. 😦

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I loved your blog. The concept of it is just awesome! I really liked the one word campaign. I think you’re doing a beautiful thing. Your layout is elegant and minimalistic which is always a plus for me. Your categories help viewers navigate through your blog easily as well. I think you’re doing great! I gave you a follow 🙂 I wish you the best of luck!

      Like

      1. Thank you so much John for the kind words, it’s really encouraging to hear that. Appreciate the follow and best wishes. P.S Checked out your blog, great work plus you take amazing pictures 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I don’t think there is a way for a guest to edit, though that would be a good idea to make guest blogging easier.
      Also, just a suggestion, consider moving your About link higher up on the page, or your Meet Me widget above Recent Posts.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you very much for the suggestion, I will definitely do that 🙂 I hate writing about myself…lol However I do realize it is important to readers.
        Ok, I wasnt sure if you could so they could edit their work to look the way they prefer. Thanks so much for answering @IAmDonovan

        Like

  21. Greetings, fellow literate humans–I’ve written a poem! The poem is dedicated to all the doodles I drew over the years when I should have been writing more poems.

    Ode to Doodles

    Feel free to rifle through the rest of my blog for more random stuff. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Hello fellow bloggers! I’m new to the game(blogging) and I wanna improve on it,I have just 606 pageviews now. I love inspiring others but now I think inspiration is what I need. Blogging is becoming a part of my life for real and that only,makes me so happy. Can I get more inspiration from the more experienced ones? Help a bro…:)

    Like

  24. Hey swimmers!
    I’ve been blogging for almost a year now, and would love some feedback on my layout. I personally do like it because I prefer a minimalistic presentation, but what do you guys think? I’m not quite sure what is exactly considered a good theme for “blogging.” Thanks in advance!
    https://pebblestonesteps.wordpress.com
    I’m also definitely willing to check out your guys’ blogs as well!

    Like

      1. Thank you so much. I appreciate the feedback! I took a look at your blog and I loved it. The visuals are great as well and enjoyed reading through a few of your posts. Definitely looking forward to seeing more from you so I gave you a follow 🙂

        Like

    2. Hi, John. I like your site. At first, I was confused as to the purpose of your blog. I traveled to the’About’ page and read your bio. The very last sentence gave me a feel for the purpose of your blog. Perhaps consider putting that at the top of the page, or in bold.

      Once I found that, my interest was piqued! You write in a voice that’s easy to follow and relate to, so I was eager to read more!

      As for the layout: I like it. My only thought: you’ve paid for a premium theme, why not take advantage of your theme’s features? I’d love to see a bold, striking logo at the top to help create some kind of visual interest and cohesion among your posts… something to differentiate you from all the other white, one-column blogs out there!

      Another idea is to utilize the theme’s portfolio capabilities to organize your blog’s content and use that as your main landing page. Your blog is diverse and broad (which is great! so is mine), but I really think it would help viewers know exactly what your blog is about, at a glance. Remember, our attention span is really, REALLY short these days.

      I’m following you! Looking forward to more. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Wow. Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback, Sonya. I’ve had a few good comments here and there but this really just blew me away. I’m truly grateful for you taking the time to write this out for me.
        I also took a look at your blog and it was wonderful. I love your pictures and the layout of your blog. I just had to give you a follow back 🙂 I also followed you on Instagram!
        As for the layout, yes you’re right I did pay for a premium theme but I’ve had some trouble learning how to use all of its features. I figured out how to do a portfolio style which I applied onto my categories except for Home. As for the logo at the top, I have no idea how to do that. Would you mind guiding me?
        Thank you so much for your suggestions. You’ve been a great help 🙂

        Like

      1. Thank you so much! That means a lot 🙂 I also checked out your blog as promised and I like it. The visuals really help bring depth into your blog and I love your content for each post. I wish you the best of luck on your blog and also your aspirations of photography and journalism! Cheers!

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Hey dear, I want to start blogging or take blogging as a full time job but am still new and am having some difficulties, please can you help me? Thanks.

    Like

    1. I really like it! I wouldn’t have been able to tell that you are new at this if you hadn’t said so. I really like the colors you chose and the positivity in your posts. 🙂 I also thought the gif in your welcoming autumn post was pretty cool too.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I’m new at this too, but I really enjoyed your blog. The colors are perfect, bright and cheery, but not too bright that it hurts your eyes 😉 I like that your posts are short, but not too short – I need to take notes from you. I fear my posts are too long .

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Hi everyone! I am Doroteja, I started a blog a couple of weeks ago and it would really mean a lot if you could check it out and let me know what you think of it. Advice/feedback, etc. is welcome!!!
    I hope you check it out, and I hope I hear from you: https://dksstyle.wordpress.com

    With love, Doroteja

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi Doroteja,
      I like it! Your layout looks professional and clean. Your posts are all great as well and the visuals definitely help bring depth into your posts. Your About page is well thought out and descriptive which is always a plus for me 🙂 Keep up the great work!

      Liked by 2 people