Nov 16, 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?

Did you just start blogging and you’re not sure how to get going? Has your blog been dormant for a while but you’d like to give it a jolt of life? Join our free Blogging 101 course (or any of our other offerings at Blogging U.).

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. Your layout looks nice and professionals! My guess is that it is just easier to press a ‘like’ button, than write ‘comments’ which takes thinking and writing.:-)
      Best of luck and keep going!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hello,
      I really liked your blog. The header image along with the sentence underneath was great! I enjoyed browsing through all your contents. I encourage you to keep up the great work 🙂

      Like

  2. Good morning everyone
    My name is Jess Melancholia of The Bipolar Compass.
    I’m a crazy Bipolar molecular biologist with a passion for raising awareness and ending stigma associated with Bipolar Disorder.
    My blog is a little over a month old and I’d love some feedback on layout and design.
    Thank you very much!
    https://bipolarcompassblog.wordpress.com/
    Enjoy!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Look, another person who isn’t afraid of 4-letter words! Hi! I love your setup so far, can’t really think of anything to add, subtract, or tinker with. Will have to show your blog to a former teacher of mine, I think it may help.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wow! I’d love it if you did that. Lemme know if you get around to it. Thanks for following/commenting!!! :-).
        P.S. You’re Nightmare Before Christmas sugar cookies look awesome!

        Like

  3. Hello All, I am Reenu and I started blogging about a month back. I am gradually getting some traffic there but no likes. I wonder if it is because of the layout where the audience find it difficult to locate these buttons. Could you pls. provide your feedback. Thank you!

    Mom's Resumé

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Lovely post 🙂 I thought it was really good. I’m not sure why you’re not getting likes but I thought it was well written. I don’t think it’s the layout because I found it to be clean and elegant. Your menu bar isn’t hard to find and all the social media links are well organized. So, I’m not sure ): But I hope through this community pool, your likes can increase. I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hello, I am a photoblogger from Germany who wants to share his passion for photography with the world. The main language is german but all post related with the weekly photo challenge from the daily post is also available in english.

    I really want to know if you like the overall design of the blog and my photos.

    The blog: https://superlapsedeluxe.wordpress.com/
    The latest entry of the weekly photo challenge: https://superlapsedeluxe.wordpress.com/2015/11/09/weekly-photo-challenge-ornate1/

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I like the design and you have some really good shots. There’s a pic called ‘heinerfest’ very abstract lights, something I’ve experimented with a little myself on a few instagram pics. The fireworks and Ferris wheels are great too. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hey there! Even I am a photography lover and it’ll be a pleasure to explore your blog 😀 You can join me at my blog… Cheers!

      Like

    1. That was amazing how Steven helped u to get to the show…I really liked the pictured featured in the post. You can join me at my blog… Cheers!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi! I loved your blog. I can just see how much passion you have. It literally screams through your posts and your blog haha. Which is a good thing 🙂 I really liked the layout you chose. It makes your blog look clean and simple so I didn’t have any trouble navigating around. The pictures are all great as well. I would just like to encourage you to keep it up 🙂 Cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hey, just checked out your blog, I like the writing tone and the speed at which you carry each post. You don’t ramble too much haha! I also really like the little photos you include in each post. Keep it up! ❤

      Liked by 2 people

  8. I’d love some feedback on my latest attempt at flash fiction, it’s a piece from one of my WIPs (Ashes) and it’s in the perspective of an unknown man who is obsessed with the woman he desires. I wanted a delicate balance between flat-out creepy and the fact that he doesn’t see it that way, so I’d love to hear if I pulled that off or what I could improve. Thank you! 😀 https://moonstonemaiden.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/my-raven-girl/

    Liked by 3 people

  9. Hey guys! This is Mark, a soon to be self published author with your help. I am not far off finishing my debut psychological thriller novel. I need all the support and feedback I can get so please do stop by and check out my blog if you have the time. Thank you in advance, Mark.
    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Jennifer,
      I really enjoyed looking through your blog. The layout itself was a great pick and I loved the header image! I also had fun reading through your most recent posts. I think you’re off to a great start 🙂 The only thing I’d recommend is making categories. That way older posts don’t just vanish under an ocean of newer posts. By creating categories, you can organize your posts into all of them accordingly 🙂 I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Your blog is beautiful! I love the layout you chose! It really brings out the finesse of your pictures and the elegance you carry. Great job 🙂 The posts itself look stunning! Definitely appetizing haha. Keep up the great work and goodluck!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks a lot. Your words are truly inspiring. I am new to this world and quite nervous. Please do visit my blog post when you find time and I will try to keep posting new recipes!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I am short on time because I have to make it to work, so I can’t give the appropriate time that your blog deserves from me, but I will put a side a time specifically for you. As a person who herself has let depression and “bad thoughts” take over my life a few times I am really interested on reading and learning more about people who have or are going through the same. I followed your blog and I look forward to reading it!

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Your blog is beautiful! I love the layout and the pictures! I found it to be very elegant and clean. You have talent 🙂 I would just encourage you to keep up the great work!

      Like

      1. Thank you! 🙂 … I really appreciate the feed back! I took an quick look at you blog and I really liked it,, I’m looking forward to having more time and actually take a good look at it!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much!! I was checking out your blog and you just gain a follower, I am going to try and read it up and down, I am always looking for tips and hearing from others on well being, also I love how the post are short, I don’t know why that cached my attention

        Liked by 1 person

    3. It was good. A great read 🙂 I can sense much passion and personality from your writing. Keep up the great work. 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. Especially because your blog is new haha. Goodluck!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hi everyone,
    I published a post called ‘finding inspiration’ this week which I hope my fellow writers and aspiring authors can relate to. It would be wonderful to receive some general feedback on things such as my writing style and blog layout etc as it all helps me to improve.

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com

    (please continue reading…)
    Last week I published a post to help make a difference to someone’s life. It was based on a girl with a rare medical condition who dreams of meeting Jessie J. Please help contribute to this campaign and share my post or the photo in it. Let’s help make a small difference together.

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/2015/11/04/lets-make-a-difference/

    Thank you 🙂 x

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I read your first post and thought it was amazing, your writing is superb as is your content, I absolutely loved the theme and layout although I couldn’t find a button to like it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! It’s so encouraging to read such lovely feedback. Sometimes you have to click on the title of my post to like it at the bottom but that even took me a while to figure out 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey there! Even I love writing, travels and photography and those pictures on your blog are beautifully captured… You can join me at my blog… Cheers !

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I love your layout and your photography. The site is clean and well-organized, by the looks of it! I love how you’ve separated all of your categories into neat little tabs. Also, totally following your site and your Instagram. I’m a sucker for good pictures. 🙂 Keep up the good work!

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I very much like the look of your site. The theme works well for your material. I especially liked your ABOUT page… I have a sense of who you are and why you post.

      I guess I’m sounding like a broken record, but I wish people would use a larger font for easier reading.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. I found you! Dude I couldn’t respond to your comment last week and I looked for your original post on the Community Pool but it took awhile. I couldn’t find a way to get in touch with you on your page? I have much to say, way to much for a comment. That just will simply not do.
      And man, you and a few others have been giving very helpful feedback, suggestions, and praise the last 3 weeks since I popped up. I’d imagine way before that but that’s the timespan I’ve been on so that’s all I’ve seen, so thank you. I’m sure they all appreciate just as much as I do!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey buddy! Thanks man. I appreciate it you went through such a trouble haha. I’m grateful. Really.
        On my page, you can go to my contact category if you want to say anything 🙂
        And again, thank you. Your encouragement really is appreciated and valued highly. You’ve definitely brightened up my day! Cheers, my friend!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, Alexander, I read through a couple of your posts, they are very well writen and I understand you are writing a novel? I did notice that your tone was a bit sad, which I assume is because that’s how you were feeling when you wrote the last few posts. I think for readers, they want to see that there is some resolution – so my suggestion is to include more updates and thoughts on the novel writing process, and include in the post one or two things that seem to be going well with the book.

      Mind reviewing my site too?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I very much like the layout and look of your site, it’s crisp and easily navigable. Your articles are well done as well, comprehensive and professional. Your language is clear while remaining casual, you avoid writing too clinically or to informally. I honestly don’t have any suggestions, I think your site is great the way it is. Keep up the good work.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Wow, thank you so much!! That really means a lot to me! I’m glad you like the way I write and the layout. Took me a few tries to get it how I like it, but I like it too!!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Your writing seems really creative and I like the content and your choice of works. I wouldn’t worry about hitting a slump, I did too just last week, I think it happens to all of us!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I think that sometimes we just need to write something that is completely unexpected to get us out of a slump, especially if you’re participating in NaNoRiMo. (I hope I spelled that right; I get confused.) I agree with April that some of your most recent posts are a bit sad, but sad is okay. There’s nothing wrong with it. When I get into a slump, I try to think about the closest thing (like a concept), because the problem usually lies with the fact that I shoot too far in some cases. Maybe look up some prompt ideas? Some of the WordPress-run blogs have great topics to choose from for those participating in NaNoWriMo (is that it?). Either way, good luck! Your writing is solid, and you convey great imagery! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    4. “I am a pilgrim in an unholy, beige land”. I dig your style. Do you really feel like it’s a slump or more a burn out from participating in the unpronounceable acronym challenge? You said it yourself in one of your recent posts about the novel writing group; quality over quantity.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. It’s more that I have a problem connecting to an audience. I’ve never written for anyone but myself and I have trouble gauging what might attract people and what might drive them away. I’m still in the struggling writer phase of my career and am at a loss for how to move ahead.

        That aside, there is absolutely no question that I’m a bit burned out. This month is a something of a test, I’m trying to see how much I can honestly write before it starts turning to page filler.

        Thanks very much for your comment and your compliment.

        Like

      2. I get it. Writing is such a solitary activity. I’m just rediscovering it after a decade of trying to be all “normal, pay the bills”. I do think if you write true to yourself the audience will follow. If it’s not one readers thing, it will be someone else’s. You have to be your first audience for a piece so you have to dig it yourself. And hey, just noticed we are from the same region. Pleasure to meet a fellow central Pennsylvanian with an artistic bent.

        Liked by 1 person

    5. I’ve been writing for decades and I still have no idea how to connect with an audience. But here’s the thing: every time I’ve tried to guess what will please others, it doesn’t work. So, just do what’s important for you.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I think your content is good and your writing, the photos work, the only thing for me was the theme as it seemed a little bland but as I’ve said to someone else, I think when it comes to themes it’s personal preference.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Hi, I write a lot about books, beauty and nails. I would appreciate any feedback in regards to my posts whether this be one of my book reviews, or a beauty post, whatever takes your fancy. My blog is pretty easy to navigate so take your pick of topic and here’s the link: driftinglexi.wordpress.com
    Thank you so much in advance!

    Liked by 3 people

  22. Hi all, I have a question about crediting sources. I have an entertainment blog, https://popcorninmypurse.com , and I am often uncertain how to credit my daily schedule info. For example, telling people when a show is coming on tv, a movie is coming out, etc. Critiques and reviews are my own, and if I do pull information about a show or film from a particular article, I always acknowledge it, but I don’t know how to handle it with the rest. On any given day I get info from Twitter, Entertainment Weekly, IMDB, and websites for channels where shows are coming on. Do I just do one statement somewhere on my site to let people know what my sources are or is it unnecessary if it’s something that’s common knowledge from various sites, tv promos, and other places? I appreciate any advice on the right way to handle this. Thank you!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The standard for citing sources online usually falls under APA guidelines. Purdue Owl has a website dedicated for learning how to cite. If you don’t want to be too formal, hyperlinking is an easy alternative, and you can simply say, “…which came from this source (hyperlink).” I do that with any image that I use which I have not taken myself, and if I use anyone else’s website or information in a post. Hope that helps!

      Liked by 4 people

    2. Hey! I just followed you!
      In regards to your question, I think dates and really general information like such doesn’t need to be cited. You’re not stealing facts or trying to pass of the information as being your own, you’re just sharing general knowledge that doesn’t affect people. I mean, if you really want to cite everything then go for it, but I wouldn’t worry about it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks! That’s how I feel too, but I’m still new to blogging and want to make sure I present myself the right way. 🙂 If I ever pull a direct quote or something specific to a site, I note it, but I feel like dates/times/channels gets tedious and would look messy to cite it on every other line. I appreciate the follow and the advice!

        Like

  23. Oh, cool. Anyone one who’d like to read any of my poetry pieces, is welcome to discuss or criticize. I also wrote a couple of short informational pieces that may benefit from scrutiny. huesabo.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Your poetry pieces looks nice!
      Try these basic tips to improve your blog:

      1. Insert a relevant picture with your post. They work like icing on a cake.
      2. Update your About page as soon as you can.
      3. Your current theme is your own choice though but I would recommend using another one. Once again, if you like it, then there is no need for change.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi,
      I enjoyed reading through a few of your posts. Especially your most recent one. Great job and lovely writing! I think you’re off to a great start. 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 they can connect with you more personally. I wish you the best of luck 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    3. The theme you are using is very cold and uninviting. It is not a good vehicle for your writing. Perhaps you could experiment with some others.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, I’m very new to this site and rather unfamiliar with the interface. I’ll definitely be making some more changes soon… haven’t even been successful at updating the about section as yet.

        Like

    2. Nice work you have started up and it looks great. Polish it up a bit and you will have great following. Consider these tips:

      1. Place your posts under Categories.
      2. Insert Like, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest buttons
      3. Write an extra paragraph about the latest episode you had recently watched. Not a lengthy one, but a brief about what you liked in that episode.
      4. Insert space between text and pictures.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I think it’s great! Everything looks clean and concise. Your About page was a joy to read as well 🙂 I think the only advice I could give is if you made the pictures a bit bigger. That way the visuals can really stand out as the reader looks through your content. Other than that, you’re doing great haha. Goodluck!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hello fellow TV fan!
      I’m not loving your theme, or the use of a static first page because I had to do some clicking to do some more reading, and perhaps people won’t know to do so, so perhaps look into other themes.
      Other than that, maybe add pictures in posts, but I’m excited to read more from you.

      Like

    4. Hi,
      I can’t quite critique anything because you only have one post. Which isn’t a bad thing 🙂 Perhaps though, you can place your About post as an actual tab next to the home button. That way viewers can easily access your “About” so they can see what you’re all about 🙂 I hope that helps. Goodluck!

      Like

    2. Interesting blog I’m sensing from you. Polish it up a little and you can get many likes and followers. In last week’s Community Pool, I gave these tips to a new blogger, just like you. I hope these will help you out too:

      Okay, lets understand what Category is:
      Let say your blog is about your pet, your favorite places in your city, your thoughts, etc, etc. Now whenever you write a post & publish it up on your blog from any of the above mentioned, you will “categorize” it. For example, if you have written a piece about your pet, you may categorize that post as My Pet Adventures (just a suggestion).

      Now Tags on the other hand are bit different from Category. If you are writing a post about your favorite pizza joint for example, inserting tags like Pizza, Pepperoni, Italian, Crust, etc will help a lot for that post to be seen by not only bloggers but anyone who searches those words on search engines.

      If possible, attach a picture too with your post. It works like icing.

      These are just examples. Play with them and you will learn more and more!!

      Happy Blogging!!

      Liked by 3 people

    3. What helps me is writing down all of my ideas I have for blog posts, that way I never get stuck. The “like” buttons are typically on each individual blog post or page, and are located at the bottom by the comments section. I’m not sure if there is one that you can place on your home page, but you can also add various share buttons to each post through your WP Admin application. Hope this helps! Good luck!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. First, congratulations for tackling a subject so difficult as the recent ISIS attacks. Your willingness to respond publicly is to be commended.

      You have a few grammatical errors in your post. While they aren’t grievous, any mistake can undercut your message. You might want to spend a few minutes reading your post out loud to yourself to help, often hearing or saying a phrase is all one needs to know if it’s correct or not.

      I hope this helps, keep up the good work.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. One of the things I do when reviewing/editing, is read the blog in the Preview screen. I’ve most likely been staring at a post for hours by the time I’m ready to edit, so even the change in font and layout helps me notice spelling/grammar errors. As I am reading through, I make the changes in the edit post window.

        Additionally, finishing a post, and then stepping away for a few hours (or until the next day) will help you look at it with fresh eyes.

        Liked by 3 people

    4. Hello,
      I sense sincerity from your post. I don’t want to draw any conclusions but I feel as though you’ll be quite raw and personal in your blog. At least that’s the vibe I’m getting. Especially from your header title. Please update your About page soon so I can see what you’re all about 🙂 You’ve piqued my interest!

      Like