Jan 4, 2016 / 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.
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    1. Hey Jonathan,
      I liked your layout. It’s a very simple theme but I prefer that. Simplicity is beautiful. I enjoyed reading some of your writing. You’re talented man. Keep up the great work. The only thing I’d suggest is if you created an actual “About” page so that viewers can easily access it instead of trying to find your “introduction” post which will later be drowned by a sea of future posts. Other than that, you’re doing great. I wish you the best of luck.

      Liked by 6 people

    2. I agree that an about me page would help. You could also use pages to split your writing into categories e.g. poems, short stories, excerpts. Another option might be to use tags instead.

      Liked by 1 person

      3. I’ll check those out! And I’m sorry about your loss. I’m sure your blog will help people who have experienced the same thing as you have. Even though people may be complete strangers, there is an inherent sense of connection. We strive to help each other, and I applaud you for that. Godspeed.

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Natalie, thanks for reading!

        I love your layout, it’s very aesthetically pleasing.

        And I’m sure you will be an excellent journalist! I think your PR degree can help you transition to that.

        Godspeed,
        Jonathan Kim

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Evening all!

    Tried posting earlier by phone but it doesn’t appear to have worked.

    Anyway, part of my blog is sharing articles and resources. At the moment this on a page of its own but it’s unwieldy and under-used.

    Reading room

    Do any of you do similar and if so what tools / approach do you use? I have previously worked with Scoop.it and Storify but not sure if they are the most appropriate tool for the job!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hello Anne,
      I loved your blog! The layout is very ascetically pleasing. I loved all your categories and your About page. Your most recent post was wonderful. It’s something I struggle with all the time but I’m learning to do better. The concept behind your blog is definitely inspiring and motivating for me. Keep up the great work and I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you John, I really appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog and your kind words! It definitely motivates me to continue what I do 🙂
        Good luck to you too!

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Just hopped over to your blog and I just had to say, SO CUTE!! Oh my word, the “teenagers” in the room even thought so. (which is huge btw lol) So cleverly designed. The page is great, love it. If I knew anything about games I’d totally sign up to guest post 🙂
      good job

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Looking forward to future posts. From a fellow depression sufferer. I just started my blog a couple of hours ago too hopefully it will be quite cathartic among other things 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. That’s an impressive start! It’s good to see you have already built a supportive community of a range of different people from just one post!

      There’s a whole range of mental health bloggers out there and on Twittter that you might find helpful to connect with to share stories and pool resources.

      For the site itself I see you have a music suggestion widget. If it’s going to get bigger it may help to create a separate page. I use a lot of music and musical references on my blog and set up a youtube account to collect them all.

      It’s not something many people use but I think your audience may like that type of approach.

      Songs and memories

      Liked by 1 person

      2. I do think that free printables are good. Initially I thought that the worksheet was related to learning or teaching a lesson, and then I realized that it’s for goal-setting. I actually used your layout and simply wrote my goals on a sheet of paper. It was a good exercise; I have to put it to use! Thanks :).

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I think it’s good. The topic of study is of interest to me. Especially as I’m looking to complete my doctorate. Very straight forward so the reader knows what to expect.I like it, and I followed!! Looking forward to reading 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Hello Everyone! I have just recently started my blog and I am looking for some feedback. I don’t really know anything about blogging so I don’t know if I am going in the right direction at the moment or not. I know I enjoy writing and interacting with people as well as having a place to share my stories I just don’t know if I am doing it in the most efficient way. Thank you in advance for all your help!

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Hi! I’ve been at my blog since last summer, but traffic is slow lately. It’s mostly just about family, school, and some of the short things I write. I’m working a novel right now, so I haven’t had much blogging time. Maybe someone could look through a few of my posts and point out my weak spots? I try to go for a funny edge and I’m hoping to get pointers on that.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m afraid we do not — we’ve listed a small number of Spanish blogging events, but otherwise The Daily Post is (alas) entirely in English. Which isn’t to say that something like the Community Pool doesn’t exist in Spanish somewhere else — I’m just not familiar with it if it does. Good luck in your search!

      Like

  15. Hi Everyone Happy New Year. I’m always on the look out for new fellow Bloggers to connect with. My blog is still fairly new but the highlight for me is connecting with other Bloggers and feeling inspired by others. If you have time, please check out my blog, any feedback will be much appreciated and I happy to return the favour. Thank you from Debra My blog is https://cultivatingtime.wordpress.com

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Well done for making a start. I’ve had a look. I’m no expert but I suggest you start with an ‘About’ page. Telling visitors to your blog a bit about yourself and what plans you have for your blog. That way people can read it and see if it interests them. Then have a go at writing a few posts. Make connections with other Bloggers by following, liking and commenting. Use your reader to search for blogs and blog posts that interest you. Most of all enjoy. Feel free to check out my More About Me if you are not sure what I mean. Good luck.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you so much for looking, it really is early stages. An about page is next thing to be done – if I can work out how! I have just started looking at other bloggers and need to start building connections. I basically want to post a picture a day, the pictures will all be my own artwork and a thought about it. If you wouldn’t mind looking back in the future and let me know if/how its improving I would much appreciate it 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Debra!

      I checked out your blog, very nice. You’ve been hard at work! Some constructive criticism, offered in the kindest way possible, if you wish. Otherwise, just ignore me.

      When I opened your blog on my desktop the first thing that my eye landed on was the picture on your first post. I had to force my eye from that picture up to the blog title and menus. The sea foam green of the title and menu fonts blended right into the white border across the top of the page for me, so I missed them at first. I think you might benefit, at least visually, from a banner (maybe just a color gradient) or logo that draws the eye to the top left of the page.

      Be careful with banner size. The one on my page is almost too large (I’m working on re-sizing it, but time and all, you know about that.) The banner I’m using sometimes hides the fact that you’ve changed to a different page, and you tend to click again because you think it didn’t respond.

      Here’s a good post (hope this works),

      https://wordpress.com/dailypost/2015/04/29/the-principles-of-design-visual-hierarchy/

      if you haven’t already read it, about how your eyes should move when viewing a page. It’s almost like how your eye should move when looking at a nice work of art.

      I’m a big fan of white space, and you do well with that. So many blogs are so busy I lose the content in the clutter. You might consider just a little darker on the taupe panels on the left and right. It just may be my monitor, too.

      Although I’m not familiar with the WordPress template you are using it seems to suit your content well. Is there anyway to use the left “pane” in this template? It would be nice to balance the center/right placement of most of the content with some left pane content once in a while. I’m working at my desktop right now, I’m not sure how your blog looks on a tablet or phone, but the left 1/3 of my monitor is lonely. ;-(

      Another thing that you might consider is a drop down menu for your categories rather than a multi-line top menu. Again, I don’t know the details of the template, but the one I’m using allows a menu to drop down to other “menu items”. This would allow you to draw the menu up to a single line across the top of the page and add to the visual flow.

      All in all, fine work! And keep it up!

      And I hope that this was received in the spirit in which it was intended. If not, please accept my humble apologies.

      rudyblues

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for taking the time to give such detailed feedback. I do really appreciate it. I will definitely look at some of your points in more detail on my laptop when I can. I see what you mean about the banner and the shading. Unfortunately don’t think I can do anything with the left panel but I will have a look. You have taken some time to give feedback and I really do value it. Thanks again. I will visit your blog. Kind regards Debra

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Nice! A couple of comments, offered in the most constructive way possible.

      There needs to be a way at the top of a page to return to the “front” page. Usually you can click on a blog title and get back to the main page. I think your blog title might be a part of your banner art. I found that I could click the “Reviews” menu item, but only after a little noodling. Don’t know if it’s available in the template you’re using or not.

      After a while I stumbled across the rating system. I think that should be either a top menu choice or a top right side bar text item so that it’s more obvious. I could tell from each title entry what you intended, but I became confused when they changed from the heads to the circles.

      Maybe consider a menu item under the Reviews menu that lists by genre. Then, when I come back looking for good murder mysteries or a highly rated fantasy title I can find just those.

      Fine work! Keep it up! And good luck on 50 books!

      rudyblues

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! The “reviews” page is actually just the front page. And I will definitely make the rating system a separate tab so it is more visible. And I’ve been meaning to add a reviews by title and genre page to help the reader out 🙂 Thank you for the great advice, it is much appreciated!

        Liked by 2 people

  17. Hi Y’all! I’m so excited to begin my blogging journey. This is all very new to me. I am an avid follower of some blogs such as the Unveiled Wife and a couple of others. However, I desire to jump into the blog pool for myself. I invite all here to take a look at what I’ve come up with so far. Please feel free to comment or offer suggestions. My blog is entitled Elegant Embodiment. Thank you.
    https://elegantembodiment.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Joy!

      Love the page, especially the banner. Ready for some of the kindest constructive criticism? I really do mean this in the kindest way humanly possible. Here we go.

      Need to work on that “About” page. That’s the first thing I look at when I pull up someone’s blog. Make it sing and make it sing about you! Right now it’s still the WordPress default.

      I love the colors when the blog first loads, the teal with the banner works great. I’m not a huge fan of the type of page that “pulls up” over the banner, but that’s just because I’m old and don’t like new things (get off my lawn, ya darn kids!)

      I’m working on a desktop monitor, and I must admit, I had to look a little bit to find the blog title and whether there was a top menu because the image and colors set me back in my chair. I wanted to walk in the door over your shoulder and see where it led to. Actually, the line of the tree trunk on the right and the vertical shadow on the left kept me from finding the blog title and the “About”. It’s possible that’s what you intended, but . . .

      I’m not real familiar with the template you’re using, but so far it looks like it’s going to work well with what you’re doing. Again, I’m not a big fan of the “image squares” presentation style (that’s cuz you’re a square, rudy!) I’ll stop back by after you get a little more content up, maybe it will grow on me.

      Awesome work! You rocked it!

      rudyblues

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I agree. I have to try and put posts in only one category. I struggle with that though because a lot of what I write is based on my experiences which often overlap when it comes to categories. I will have to give it some thought! Thank you(:

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hello! I like your blog, just browsing through I see things that seem like they would be interesting to read and I am getting your theme. That said, your tagline could be a bit snappier (I say this after reading your post where you say you don’t want to change it. Hahah!) But I think you could get the same feeling and message in fewer words. Just a suggestion, I still like it:)

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi emmaraffle!

      Great start, especially for just a couple of hours work! And the painting of your little one is beautiful!

      Some constructive suggestions, offered as kindly as I can.

      Maybe consider a top banner that will pull the menu drop down into the rest of the page. He’s a little lonely up there in the top right of my desktop monitor. I almost missed it. Although It might look great on a tablet or a phone.

      An “About” in your menu would serve you well. Tell us about what you’re doing with the blog, what we can expect, a little about you (if you like). That’s one of the first places I look for on someone’s blog.

      You’ve come a long way in a short time! Keep it up!

      rudyblues

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks ruddy blues. Those are on my todo list. I have the completely free version of WP and it seems to have limited functionality, either that or I’m a bit slow. I have actually done a basic about page but it doesn’t seem to show up. I also tried to do a menu but don’t know where it’s hiding! Hopefully I’ll get the hang of it.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I’m on the same plan (free!!). Let me know if you still have issues and I’ll build a test blog using your settings and see what’s wrong. PS: Did I tell you I’m a computer geek? Yeah, sorry, been working with computers since the early 80’s, way geek. Let me know if you need help.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I think I’m getting there I need to spend some more time playing around. The menu is still hiding in the corner, but now has home and about page on it – yeah progress!

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Hi Rudy, I got nominated for this thing called the Leibster award. As part of it I have to nominate other bloggers so I chose you. Here is a link if you fancy having a go. If it’s not your thing no worries.

        Liked by 2 people

  20. Hello Friends! I’m on my second month of blogging and I just created my about me page. It turned it to a bit of a tell my life story in snippets and spill my guts. I supposed I was in a confessional mood. I would love feedback on what I’m missing and what I should take out (or advice on how I should re-work it if it’s too much.) Let me know your thoughts as a reply to this comment. Thanks in advance! http://ourversionofhappy.com/about/

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hello,
      I thought your blog was lovely. I like how the layout is very simple. It’s very easy on the eyes without all this clutter. Your story was very good as well! I love your writing style. It’s very clean and engaging. You have talent 🙂 I would just like to encourage you to keep up the great work. Best wishes to you!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Hi everyone. I have several blogs but today I would like to contact New Zealanders (Kiwis) from around the globe as submissions of poetry that promotes mental health awareness in NZ. It is sometimes hard to find Kiwi poets on WordPress or target Kiwis to encourage them to consider writing for the E-zine. I could do with some advice about this. The site is: http://www.headlinesnz.wordpress.com. The main problem I can see is that it posts my name ‘Jodine’ as the author of individuals poems. I don’t know how to change this to a generic ‘Head Lines NZ’ author name without having to pay… Thank you in advance

    Liked by 2 people

      2. I’m afraid it isn’t — your public display name is an account-wide setting, not one that can be changed per blog. If it’s absolutely crucial for you to have a different display name on that one particular blog, the only way you could do that is by creating a new account, and then transferring that blog to the new account. It’s not a huge ordeal, but it’s also not a couple of seconds’ work (you’ll also have to log in and out of different accounts whenever you want to switch between the sites you manage), so it’s worth thinking about how important this setting is for you.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Well, one way to circumvent that would be to invite your contributors to post their poetry as users on the blog. If you look at our User Roles descriptions, you’ll see that you can determine how much control they have over the publishing process — for example, an “Author” can publish their own posts and add upload media; a “Contributor” cannot — you’ll have to publish their drafts. But once the post is published, it’ll be their name and profile image next to the work.

        By the way, adding (and removing) users to your blog is very easy — you provide an email address, and an automated invitation is sent (note, though, that every invited user who doesn’t already have a WordPress.com account will have to sign up for one).

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Yeah, the biggest problem I see with this is that some of the contributors want to remain anonymous because they aren’t comfortable sharing their identities. ..due largely to the stigma of mental health. So I’m in a quandary. ..A catch 22

        Liked by 1 person

      6. I understand. If it makes any difference, nobody has to disclose their real identity to sign up for an account or for you to invite them to become a contributor on your blog. All they need is an email address, which can be a secondary one (i.e. not one with their name, if they have one like that). My point, I guess, is that while the specific thing you’re trying to accomplish isn’t necessarily straightforward, but there are workarounds to make it happen.

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Thank you Ben. I do need to try something different. ..that could work. I am limited by everything I do on WordPress as I’m doing it from my Android…not all features are working correctly or I am yet to figure them all out. I will feel a lot more comfortable on my PC, but for now this will have to do. Thanks for taking time out to look at my page. 😎 Jx

        Liked by 2 people

  24. Hello everyone! I started my blog last October about being a Navy girlfriend. I always appreciate feedback and love to connect with new people! Feel free to check out my work or chat if you’d like!

    hisfirstmate.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

  25. Does my header look like crap when my site is accessed through a mobile device? I think it looks good on the computer, but I’m afraid it’s to squished when viewing it on my phone. Let me know in the reply here please. Ourversionofhappy.com

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hello,
      I thought your blog was great! I enjoyed looking through everything. Your layout is very clean and concise. I had no trouble navigating. I also loved your categories. Especially the reflections one haha. Your writing is very good and engaging. You’ve gotten yourself another follower 🙂 I also followed you on Instagram and Twitter! Cheers!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey there Tony…. I like what you’ve done so far. I got a good idea of who you are and what you write about. The design is simple and clean. You could add a widget or two, as you have lots of space left in the sidebar. How about adding the TOP POSTS widget? (Oh, and Sherlock was fantastic!)

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hey!! Love your posts. Although, I think, you could change your theme for a better one or just tinker it a bit here and there to make it look more ‘you’ or more unique.

      Liked by 2 people