Jan 25, 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.
  • No running on the deck.
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  3. Hey Bloggers 🙂

    Hope you are all well.

    I do not have a clue what I am doing on here, other than I have just published a post! Wahoo, yes! However, I am unsure if this has just been lost within the wonderful world on blogs, and it is at the bottom of the sea!

    Has it worked? How do I know if anyone has actually stumbled upon my post, whether it been purposely or by mistake?

    How do I follow people?

    Any help, tips and info would be most helpful! I know it may not seem it, but I do know how to turn a computer on, so I suppose I am half way there 🙂

    Thanks Guys and Girls

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You can know whether someone has read your post by going to the “Stats” section in your “My Sites” tab. It gives an overview of which country they originate, which posts have been read and basically any stats about your blog.

      You can follow people easily by first logging in to your WordPress account and then going to another person’s blog. On the top left hand corner, there will be a “Follow+” tab. Click it and you’re done! Alternatively, other bloggers might leave a “Follow with Email” tab in their blogs by which you can simply fill it up and viola — you will get notifications whenever they’ve posted something!

      Hope this helps! Have an enjoyable time 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. WOW! Thank you so much! More than helped thanks! However it shows 5 people have seen my post, does this include me? Am I viewing my own post and knocking up my own views? How incredibly sad if so! This is like your first day at school and awaiting for some one look at you and smile, or say ‘Hi’!

        Thanks again 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m in the same “boat,” first time responding to any blogger. Well I suppose if we browse around for awhile we will learn something. Good luck to you and Happy Blogging! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    4. I am really sorry to say this but I couldn’t help laughing at this comment. Not because I find it stupid but because I used to ask the same question. In fact I still do.

      Keep reading about blogging and join Bloggin 101 course to know and understand more.

      This site (daily post) is a great guide for everything you need to know about WordPress

      Liked by 2 people

    5. Others answered your questions really well, so I’ll just add that your own views of your site don’t count, as long as you’re logged in to your account here and as long as your blog isn’t a private site. As long as that’s the case, those five views are true, authentic views! Nice start… 🙂

      Like

  4. I am a 17 year old blogger dying for some feedback. It’s really hard for a girl to find readers when one is not very active in social networks. Please have a look at my posts and share them to help me find more readers.
    I just want to inspire people and you could help me do that by reading a little bit of my work.

    https://almandyne.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I like your writing, but I think the About Me page could use a little bit of work! You either have one with a bit of info, or you don’t have an about me page at all. Saying “You’d have to be me, and sorry for shattering your illusions at getting to know me” makes me feel like you don’t give a damn…..which I think you really do, but are shy. And thats ok. Nobody has to know everything, but I’m curious as to what got you into writing, for a start. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    2. I really like your writing. Its fresh and kind of like I have hardly read before.

      Since I read the Daily Prompt I realized that you are not using the Daily Prompt’s power correctly. It is infact the best way to get traffic in the beginning.

      Link other Daily Prompt answers to your post, comment on their posts and mention how you found them (daily prompt) this way you will start getting traffic. How to continue getting traffic is something I am trying to figure out myself

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi there, personally, I would suggest tagging your posts. It narrows your post to specific categories by which users who are interested in reading a specific category can then have access to your posts.

      Secondly, you might want to leave traces of your presence after having read others’ posts. This would give others a chance to view your blog either in reciprocity or for interest. 🙂

      Hope this helps!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Getting views without social network is almost impossible. You would have to rely on Google for that and its very difficult to get a google ranking then

      use social networks; they are difficult too but way too easier than Google

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Don’t be terrified. We are all here to learn something and to help other writers/artists. I was scared at one point too but now I have confidence that my words will reach the right person at the right time.

      Liked by 3 people

  9. Hi Bloggers – I’m looking for some specific feedback from someone with some time to kill – I write longish essays on esoteric topics (this one is about Stephen King’s impact on my life). I’d love it if someone who is *not* interested in King would read this essay to determine if it stands on it’s own or if it requires knowledge/interest in King for it to make sense. If you have 15 minutes… http://jefftcann.com/2016/01/26/stephen-king/

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Jeff – I’ve never read a Stephen King book, but now I’ve read you! And enjoyed it.

      Yes, your post stands alone. Just one small thing – as a non-King reader, I’d have liked some thoughtful links to King info in the post – articles that you’ve read or whatever – anything relevant to your knowledge of his addictions and the leaving of them, for example. I had to leave your blog to find that stuff, after you piqued my interest, but I would have been happy to stay with you if you’d provided your own choice of links. Same goes for the writers and books you mention. Some I knew, some I didn’t – but I had to leave your blog to find them.

      All best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for this feedback. I’ve really been struggling with the question of whether to turn this blog into an interactive area (with links to other materials) or just keep it as an online magazine. But I really see the benefit of the types of links you mention. I did this with a prior blog, and now I’m thinking about doing it with this blog too. Invaluable comment – thanks.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I know what you mean – it can get wearing. But I suppose a couple of links to articles or interviews that had impressed you would keep your reader inside your mind – and share a bit of your own choices.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. So I had a look – and I really like the direction of your blog! Seems like you’re out to help everyone live their best lives and we don’t see that enough in our society. Being a good person trumps every other quality, and your blog shows that you really care a lot about this. I like that your blog is so clear about its purpose. Awesome work.

      Liked by 2 people

  14. I recently restarted my blog! I’d love feedback on the content, and I have a specific question on *how can I allow comments from the Home Page without readers having to actually click the Blog Post link to open the individual post. My blog is about my life + nutrition + integrative health. I’d so appreciate the feedback! http://www.bemindfulandhappy.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello Angela 🙂 I enjoyed reading your recent posts. I think you have a calm and confident manner of writing, and you communicate well. You are obviously knowledgeable in your chosen subject. The only negative thing I could think of to say would be that your most recent post on sleep could possibly have been broken up into two posts, or streamlined in some way to make sure simple people like myself can follow your drift…but I may well be wrong there, I have low self-esteem so I find it easy to say “don’t take any notice of my opinion!” I also like the look of your pages – very clean and minimalist feel to it. Well done, and keep it up! I shall follow you on twitter and IG too. I hope you can help ME on my journey to bliss and happiness!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Jude 🙂 I’m so humbled by your thoughtfulness and advice. When I first considered starting a blog, I thought about what I’d like to see more of as a reader. I hadn’t come across too many lifestyle/health blogs that based their information in peer-reviewed science. I can certainly see how some information makes certain assumptions about a reader’s scientific background, so you’ve given me something to think about: How can I stay true to the scientific nature of the information while presenting it in a user-friendly way.

        Never ever overlook the power of your own opinion. As bloggers, we should value even the most critical feedback in order to grow and impact more people. Without forward movement, we’re left stagnant. I’m heading over to your site now – I can’t wait. See you on twitter @bemindfulhappy & Instagram @elosogigi !

        Angela
        http://www.bemindfulandhappy.com

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I cannot consider my writings as beautiful, but all come true from the heart for sure. https://cravingdreams.wordpress.com/

      About your blog, well, what can I say! I usually favor blogs with more graphic content, but in this case, the layout is just OK. And your content is… well, I can’t find a suitable word right now, but it’s pretty good!

      (Please, more paragraphs! I don’t like reading through whole blocks of text.)

      Keep up the good work.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I could use some advice. I started my “cooking and food” blog in April of 2014 without much forethought as to where I was going with it. I recently “finished” Blogging University: Blogging 101: Zero to Hero.

    Here’s my problem. My categories are all over the place and I want to tighten them up. However, I find when I make changes to an article and “update” the article, it has a new post date on it.

    Here’s my question. Do you think it would bother readers (new and old) if it seemed to reappear as an update on the blog?

    http://eclecticrecipebook.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You should be able to change the posting date. But no, I don’t think it’ll matter to readers either way.

      Advice on your blog:

      Ok so I’m going to give you my “first reaction” thoughts from seeing your page for the first time, do with them what you will and I hope you’ll take it as constructive criticism meant to help, not hurt 🙂

      1 – I’m not a fan of the lengthy bio on the side. Move it or lose it.

      2 – I dig the header pic, the background I’m kinda “meh” about. It’s maybe a bit too…busy? I’m just not sure where to look first when I come to your page.

      3 – Your first paragraphs for each of your posts do little to draw me in. None of them jumped out at me and said “READ ME!” They should be more of a teaser, make me want to click and dive in.

      4 – Consider adding a “home” button to your menu. Not everyone knows to click the header to go back.

      5 – The first paragraph on your “About” page doesn’t fit as an intro. When I started reading your second paragraph – about your grandmother – I had to go back and see if “Mormor” was your grandma but no… It’s a sweet thing to know, but I’m not sure how it ties to the story?

      6 – Recipe books? What is this page going to be?

      7 – I’m not sure how I feel about the “I’m Also Here” page. Can you cross-post in your actual blog postings rather than advertising on that page? You won’t have the same readers across the board with these.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. After going through WordPress Blogging classes where it seemed most people were telling each other what they wanted to hear, I sincerely appreciate your straight forward comments, criticisms, and ideas.

        As to #1, since it is a text widget, I am working out how to do this.

        As to #2, I tried a plain background, but it seemed boring.

        As to #3 & #5, thank you. It is something I need to work on.

        As to #4, I tried to add a “home” button but it wouldn’t take. Any suggestion on how to do this?

        As to #6, it is something I will be developing. Do you think I should pull that until the first is ready?

        As to #7, point taken.

        With your comments, I will be working on these aspects of my blog.

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Hey everyone!

    I “launched” my blog this week (aka started actively promoting it and actually told my friends about it). Phew. Nerve-wracking!! I’m doing okay thus far.

    I’m hoping my post on developing a budget (http://thriftyguardian.com/2016/01/11/how-to-develop-a-budget/) will become a “pillar post” but maybe it’s too bulky? Should I break it down into multiple posts? Or does it read fairly straightforward?

    I would also love feedback on my blog overall (www.thriftyguardian.com). Does the color scheme scream “AMATEUR!!”? What is your first thought when you come onto my page?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. First thoughts… eye catching! You have an easy to navigate and clearly themed blog. It’s great. Take the time to check mine out! danielespagnolo.wordpress.com

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I love the layout of yours! And it’s very pretty, has a warm feel to it that is very welcoming. I’d edit your “read more” tabs so it stops at a point where I’m actually wanting more.

        Example: Your most recent post, I’d have the “read more” right after the end of your first sentence 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Your blog is clean and easy to maneuver around. I like the peaceful blue background, but to my eyes, the purple stripe is not a clear enough contrast.

      I have attempted a similar concept of designing my budget, but excel is not my friend. That being said, I have used excel for a template, made columns for bill received, bill name, bill due date, total balance, amount due, how paid (online, by phone, automatic withdrawl, or snail mail with check #)

      Like you, i like paper, pencil, and calculator. When I have all my numbers in, I use my calculator because I have always had problems with the calculation aspect of excel.

      I also have a second sheet with headings: groceries, gas and car repair, pets, eating out, miscellaneous.It made me aware of what I spend after the bills are paid.

      The additional piece i like, that most of us forget, is your “things to consider for your budget.”

      I also like the impact your first paragraph makes and your use of visuals.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Hey fellow writers, bloggers, activists, and friends! I have been writing an activist blog for a few months now, and I am completely in love with the art of it. Because a lot of my posts focus on “stick it to the man” content, I receive a lot of private messages, as opposed to comments to view. I have a piece, called Doorknockracy, that exposes a lot of the corruption that takes place in canvass operations in the United States. I have received over 800 views, yet no commentary. Most of the commenting I receive ends up on Facebook, as I use it to help advertise my blog. I understand it’s controversial content, and many may not want to participate in my “say it like it is” style, but is there any advice to help start that dialogue?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. To help start dialogue, I guess I’d suggest ending your posts with a question (related to the topic) that is fairly easy for people to answer and they’ll be more inclined to comment. Make people think during the post so they want to reply and discuss with you. I hope that helps!

      Liked by 3 people

    1. like your style, telling the story simple and plain, you don’t want to sound pitiful, just like chatting with someone. look forward reading more of you

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Nice blog! I like how you tell your stories like you’re just talking to someone you just met; love the one abour figuring your shit out… sometimes I feel exactly the same, but not changing city, just jobs…

        Liked by 3 people