Dec 14, 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?

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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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  1. Ho ho ho! Seasons greetings fellow bloggers. I am about to put pen to paper on the very last chapter of my debut psychological thriller novel. I need all the support I can get so if you have the time to stop by you would be delivering the perfect present to a new and hopeful writer. It’s been almost a year since I started this journey and it would be great if you could jump on board with me and join me as I cross that finishing line! Thanks guys and take care. Mark
    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 10 people

  2. My blog is briandeanpowers.wordpress.com.

    I have added photos to some of my posts to break up the text. But I’m not entirely comfortable with the results.

    Should I choose a standard size and placement for all the photos throughout the blog, or just let them vary with each post? Do the photos really make the blog better?

    I’d appreciate your comments.

    Liked by 4 people

    2. Yes, pictures help immensely. Personally I keep my pictures 1-2 sizes (depending), and keep the alignment consistent. Really, it’s going to mean different things for different types of posts. I feel like what you’re doing is working well for you.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I think well-chosen pictures that add something to the message of the post always adds a lot to my experience of a blog. I don’t see any reason not to play around with the positioning or alignment of the images. My view is we’re here to learn and have fun.

      It might be worth trying the effect of using the theme measurements for a full column width (that means using images 656 pixels wide for the Penscratch theme you’re using) to see if you like it. Using full width images can sometimes make a blog look more professional, and larger images often seem more effective.

      I also like the quirky effect of mixing and matching sizes too. It really depends what you feel suits your blog’s character best. I’d guess that the words and ideas in your blog take first place so it probably makes sense for the pictures to be a little less prominent.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. I decided to go with a uniform width of 502 pixels, which is not the full width of the Penscratch column, but about 3/4. A few photos are smaller in special cases. Thanks again for your input.

        Liked by 1 person

    4. I think a picture helps a lot, it grabs people’s attention. I personally prefer my pictures to all be a standard size and formatted the same way unless there is a reason for them not to be. It just adds consistency 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I have started adding pictures to all of my posts, I find it makes them seem more ‘complete’ as well as making the ‘related content’ at the bottom of posts seem a lot more appealing, you can check my blog out Here

        Like

  3. Hey guys, I have recently developed an urge to expand my photography into a bit of videography. I have made a youtube channel with the intention of making a few films for you guys. So what I would like you guys to do is to A) head over to my youtube channel (there is a button in the menu on my blog ) and see if you like what I am making. And B) hit that follow button on my blog to be notified when I make new videos which I will embed in blog posts. Oh and have a look at my photos … it is a photoblog afterall 😉

    Thanks guys. (I have been posting here for a while now and you guys are always super supportive so seriously thanks a million)

    https://joetakesphotos.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 5 people

  4. Howdy!

    I’ve been a little lacking recently in blogging world – would be appreciated if fellow bloggers could give me some feedback on the type of content I’ve been creating? I’m conscious of keeping it as article-based as I can as I really want to become a staff writer for one of the big blogs, so don’t want to seem like I’m using my blog as a diary (not that there is anything wrong with that of course!)

    Thank you muchly!

    And of course… If you do mine I’ll do yours!

    Cheers

    http://thisstuffisgolden.com/

    Liked by 7 people

    1. I enjoy your blog so freaking much, I’d be surprised if you felt your creativity well was running a bit low. I’d suggest stuff, but it’s completely out of my element. Though something along the lines of “We all screw up, but that’s okay” would be a fun read.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I think your blog is well thought out! I read the indecisive millennial piece and you nailed it. It’s amazing the difference I see in older generation workers as opposed to younger generation. Not all negative. Just differences. Keep it up!!

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Hello! I follow your blog and find it quite amusing, I thin your content is great! keep going! So many of us can relate! I’m wondering how to find ways to invite more people to relate to my blog, I haven’t quite figured it out yet! Please check it out and let me know if you have any ideas!

      https://urbandialoguesblog.wordpress.com/

      Looking forward to any inputs!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for the nice comments!
        The only thing I can think of for your blog is to follow similar blogs and try to collaborate with them? Or at least interact with them (but be genuine about it). That should help you connect with more readers – I think! Hope this helps – sorry I can’t be of more use!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you! I have followed several however, my aim is to bring the city and talking about the city to people who are not architects, urbanists or planners. Which is why I am very interested in understanding the ‘external’ view of what makes people in cities click! But I will keep searching! Thank you 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I really enjoyed your post by the way. Again great photos and something different for sure. One thing I failed to comment on before is how colorful those displays are in that church. They aren’t often that colorful and that prolific.

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Allo all! I’m Leisel from Skill Up Skillet, a geeky food blog. Did you know that in addition to being a geek I’m also metal as (censored, because this isn’t SuS)? It’s true. With the holiday season upon us I’ve been getting into the spirit with a Twisted Metal marathon—you just can’t go wrong with remixing Rob Zombie with Jingle Bells. I made Sweet Tooth’s Cotton Candy Fudge to celebrate! Yes, I’m serious. Yes, you should probably be concerned. Recipe: http://skillupskillet.com/2015/12/10/its-time-for-twisted-metal-sweet-tooths-cotton-candy-fudge/

    Also, there are only a few days left to enter my Death Star Waffle Maker blogversary giveaway! I’ll be announcing the winner in a special post this Friday. That’s right, that means there will be TWO posts this week! Get in on it while you still can: http://skillupskillet.com/2015/11/17/skill-up-skillet-is-1-year-old-its-giveaway-time/ (Or just stop by and say hi!)

    Finally, I’d really like to thank the whole WP Community: You guys are always nothing short of friendly and supportive, and several of you have helped me out a TON. I just learned yesterday that I have over 1,000 followers across FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and WP after just a year of blogging. Just in case no one’s told you today: You’re the best person in the world. Thank you.

    Liked by 5 people

      1. Such an original idea! I love it! You should do birthday gigs for video game fans! Or you probably already did? 🙂 Anyways, I love the originality! It’s inspiring!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Hi everyone,

    I published a very personal post on my blog today which refers to my struggle with grief and anxiety. I understand that a lot of people experience similar struggles and it would be a great comfort if you took the time to read the post.
    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/2015/12/14/the-life-of-an-overthinker/

    On a much lighter note, I have recently started sharing some of my writing on Wattpad and am considering starting a weekly blogging feature called “Wattpad Wednesdays”.

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/new-feature-wattpad-wednesdays/

    I would greatly appreciate some feedback on these posts and my blog in general. I hope you’ve all had a lovely day.

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/

    Thank you 🙂

    Like

  11. Seasons’ greetings in advance!
    I had a rather rudimentary query – I was thinking of modifying one of my older posts before submission to an event. However I don’t think the time stamp carries forward.
    Is there any alternative to simply copy – pasting the content into a new file?

    Have a nice day!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. You can manually edit the time stamp if you want to. It should be an option in the post editor, you can update it to the current day and time if you want it to move back up to the top of your blog.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hi Kevin — I’m not entirely sure I understand what you’re trying to accomplish, but I should say that making edits to a post doesn’t change its date and time of publication, nor does it alter its permalink. The last point is important — if you changed that permalink’s date so that the post goes up to the top of your page, all previous links pointing to it will stop working. Just something to think about.

      If all you need done is bring an older post to the top of your page, the easiest way to do that is by making it into a sticky post — you can learn more about it here:
      https://wordpress.com/support/post-visibility/

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Great writing. Never leave it in. Words should pour from you. Sometimes timing is necessary, but what other reason to write than to let it out?

      Liked by 2 people

  13. I’m a writer and have very limited (ok, pretty much no) design or layout skills. I mean, I include an image sometimes and can put in a hyperlink but that’s about it. I know the reverse type on my blog is hard to read. I know the design is pretty basic (which is fine, I don’t need it to be fancy), but I really need some help with a new layout/design. Is there anywhere that has some really basic tips on redesigning my site? Would like to kick off 2016 with a new look and also make it easier to read.

    https://rockandrollmama.wordpress.com

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Have you spent much time looking through the tips here on the daily post? They have a lot of great ideas that you might be able to get nuggets of knowledge from. Also, I have learned a lot from just wandering through other people’s blogs and noting what I like and don’t like about them. Best of luck.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I kind of like that. Nice and basic. I will investigate more. I would like the ability to put at least some pictures as a background or theme or something though. It might be *too* basic as is. I will try to learn more.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. You need to find a theme that is more exciting, I think. Fancy design skills aren’t needed as long as you personalize a theme to the best of your ability. I suggest a theme that’s more centered and has a lot of widget space and has room for a cool header.
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 2 people

    4. Try nuclare theme !! I am using it right now too!! It is basic, simple and at the same time something different! ! Hope that helped! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hey everyone! I just recently rebranded a bit and decided to go for more comedic approach to my blog. I have started to include illustrations by me and was curious to know what people think of the new layout. Do you like the idea if an illustration and a post to go along with it? My original vision for the blog and YouTube channel just isn’t “me” but its a bit of a scary step so, I’m just looking for some input. Thank you in advance 🙂

    http://Www.apparentlyamom.com

    Liked by 6 people

    3. I have to admit, I am one of those people who almost never watches vlogs, so I like the illustration idea better than a YouTube thing. Looks great!

      Liked by 2 people

      2. Thank you 🙂 Im not huge on vlogs either that’s why im trying to change it around. I’m hoping to get my youtgube channel up and running again with new content. Ive been teaching myself how to animate and I think that’s the direction I am going in there.

        Liked by 2 people

    4. What I do is at a link to my blog in the description, and sometimes I promote a new post in the caption of my thoughts (telling people there’s a link in my bio). Unfortunately you can’t post links on photos, and clicks from instagram doesn’t show up in the referrals.
      For me it’s been the easiest way to connect with strangers with similar interest, so I think it’s worth, even though it has it’s downsides 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. You have a good start. I suggest you create your ABOUT page so people know something about you. Also, I think you could spend time investigating the widgets available with your theme. Good luck.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. Hii, i like your blog alot! I think you should add an ‘about’ page !! It has various advantages , like it ll get you more views as well as help you connect better!!
      Cheers!

      Like

  20. I am just wondering if anyone would be interested in reading the results of a 2.5 year blogging experiment I just finished at https://3danim8.wordpress.com/. I have not completed the analysis of this experiment because it is going to take a couple of months to do. If someone could review my final article titled Epilogue (https://3danim8.wordpress.com/2015/12/09/epilogue/) and give me some encouragement and/or motivation to finish the work, I would appreciate it. Currently, I’m in need of a sustained energy recharge but I also need to know that there is some interest in these findings.

    Thanks!

    Ken

    Liked by 5 people

  21. Hi friends! My name is mckelodeon, and I run the nerd lifestyle blog, Nerd•ily! As most of you know, the next Star Wars movie debuts this Friday, so I have compiled a list of tips on how to prepare for this momentous occasion: http://nerdilyblog.com/2015/12/14/how-to-prepare-for-the-force-awakens-premiere/

    Also, I am hosting my first ever giveaway on the site! The prizes (yes, plural) are all Star Wars themed. It’s kind of a photo contest, but a raffle at the same time. If you follow one of my social media sites, submit a picture, use #nerdilygiveaway, then you’re in! All the deets can be found in this link: http://nerdilyblog.com/2015/11/30/nerd•ilys-first-ever-giveaway-extravaganza/

    Happy Monday! And thanks!

    Liked by 4 people

      2. Nope. I enjoy watching movies and staying alive. Yeah, I realize how cynical that sounds. Will probably wait a week or two. It’s generally not a good idea to confine me in a crowded room, I’m afraid.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Anne, I like your Zuki theme. Are you trying to be like Cassey Ho? Nice use of pictures on the sidebar with the instagram integration. Clean and easy to find topics.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Sweet story. Needs a teeny, tiny bit of proofing, with a few times the pronoun is unclear “he” could be the kid or the grandfather, and a couple of commas I thought should be added. I would like to see just another couple sentences about the end. But a nice story.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Something like an about page, or a widget in the sidebar that introduces/your blog. It says on your blog it’s under maintenance, so you already seem to have something to work on – your plan for updates seem great 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    7. Love the Christmas look! What I think you need to add is a link to your posts so they’re all there as an archive. I know you have an achieve link, but that just leads to a page with posts linked in, which could get long as you continue to blog, and that page serves the same function as the recent posts widget, you know? Just a suggestion…
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Loved this writing. Very descriptive. Only nitpick I could find is “She stood bare foot glued to the ground, her eyes open wide, her face could feel every breeze that came and she felt as if she could smell the salt of the sea that resided meters below from where she was.” should maybe be two sentences. Separated at wide, and her. Seems like two distinct sentences there.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hey Josh I read your story. Wow it certainly took a dark turn, reminded me of a Clive Barker short. Your layout is clean and easy to read with no distractions from the story. I’m going to follow your blog so I can read more of these.

      Liked by 2 people

  29. Hello guys! I hope you’re well. Today I’d love to get some feedback on one of my recent posts: http://annesmiles.com/2015/11/19/bedtime-yoga/
    It’s about bedtime yoga (how to wind down before going to sleep).
    I’d like to hear what you think of the content – If you are new to yoga, do you find the post easy to understand?
    I’d also appreciate feedback on things like the formatting and pictures
    Thank you very much 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I thought the formatting and pictures were great. I also tend to do a little bit of simple yoga stretches about a half hour before bed.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I enjoyed your post Susan 🙂 It’s great how you extracted such an interesting piece from just one picture. I also agree with you, that rose is certainly the one that captures my eyes the most.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I felt a bit weird writing that bit, so I’m glad you agree! This post pretty much wrote itself – the picture just seemed to extract thoughts and the cool thing is that the people who have left comments have been really thoughtful too.

        Liked by 2 people

    4. I looked at the photo for a few minutes. I’d say the faded roses did not seem beautiful to me, but they did have me thinking about aging and the years past youth. That’s what art can do, and art doesn’t have to be beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m glad you got something out of it – and thanks for your kindness in replying. It has been so interesting to read the different responses left on this post. I’m pretty sure a rosarian would agree with you about the roses!

        Liked by 1 person