Feb 1, 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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    1. Great post – I like the very practical points/”rules.” I don’t have children, but these seem like good, straightforward guidelines. I was a little confused by the links in the subtitle, but overall nice post.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Kim – your blog is a thing of beauty!

      I can’t think of anything that you ‘should’ cover around reading and writing. It seems to me that people dip in and out of writing blogs and will read your words because your words are very close to your heart, not so much in search of specific subjects. Your personality shines through your writing and if visitors like you, they’ll stay to read you.

      Good luck with your blog. It was a true pleasure to come across it.

      Best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi there, I think your layouts on both blogs are very clean and easy to read. I like the “top posts and pages” sidebar on both – easy introduction to your blogs. On “Look Through My Lens,” you might think about moving the sharing buttons to the end of your posts. They seem a little distracting before each jump. Otherwise seems sleek!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Good Evening friend’s.

    I’m scoping out for new readers/viewers, even if they don’t like what they see. Would anyone care to have a browse of my blog? It’s a photography blog, I shoot both digital and film on a variety of camera’s and post pretty regular. I thought I’d post two type’s of link’s here, have a look at either or both and let me know what you think or, hey if you really like it let me know too.

    First up is a regular medium format film feature series; https://the6millionpman.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/medium-format-five/

    And secondly some digital photography landscape stuff; https://the6millionpman.wordpress.com/2016/01/31/pebble-beach/

    Have a look and let me know 🙂

    Thanks

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Hi there everyone! My name is Andrew and I run a Pop Culture blog and today I posted an ironic suggestion for Superhero movies.

    A Modest Proposal for Superhero Films: Let’s Cut the BS

    It’s a bit of satire, which my site doesn’t usually have. I’d like some feedback on that if it’s not too much trouble. I’m not sure if it fits in with the tone of the site (which I treat as mostly academic) or if it’s even any good. Let me know!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. While I personally know very little about the intricacies of these superhero franchises, I think your blog post read very well and fits in with the rest of your site.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi. Good post. Did have to remind myself that this was satire. Not because of ur writing but because I have seen people posting seriously about this subject online. Personally, as a big superhero fan, I’m not sure that a saturation point will come any time soon as long as the quality is maintained. Cap 2: Winter Soldier was a brilliant political action film that happened to feature superheroes. Hopefully the more superhero adaptations that come the more creative freedom we will see being exercised. Deadpool could be a turning point as studios realise there is more to these films than just team ups and sfx. Glad to have found ur blog

      Liked by 3 people

    1. I really like the idea of your blog – a college student just trying to figure things out. We’ve all been there! Just wish I had written down my own thoughts during that time 🙂
      Your blog also had a nice, clean look to it and was really easy to navigate. Mac & cheese lovers, unite! haha

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Hello all! I would love some feedback on my latest. The post before this was pretty heavy, so I turned back to something a little more light-hearted and likened the recent snowstorm to a weekend torrid affair gone awry. Any feedback about content totally welcome on the post itself, for any feedback or criticism on style, etc. please feel free to comment away on this thread. Thank you!

    Dumped by Jonas: I Get By

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hello Liz and Ross – I think the site looks absolutely great – very easy to use, fantastic and delicious looking images. Certainly functional – the homepage is on the busy side for me – although I’m a kind of minimalist so I’m not sure that everyone would agree. Maybe some difference in font sizing would be worth looking at – the actual content is in a fairly small font and the same as the few sentences above the images so it slightly merges into one. Not quite sure what it would look like without the small images at the top above the header? Might be worth trying.
      Great overall thought

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hey, I’m new to wordpress and blogging all together. I just posted my first blog and it would be awesome if some of you would take a look and give me any advice on anything you think I should or shouldn’t do. Thanks. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Megan – I like the photo banner at the top of the page, but, on my screen, I couldn’t see any posts, only your About page as a banner down the left of the screen. The rest was blank and black.

      Am I doing something wrong? Could you put up a link to your post?

      Best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I had the same experience as singbetterenglish above – a mostly black, blank screen with a banner down the side. I had to actually click on the title “introducing me” in order to be taken to a more normal-looking page. I hope that makes sense.

        I appreciate all the honesty and heart that you’re putting into your blog! It’s really scary sometimes to write with vulnerability, and you’re already jumping right into it! Good for you 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  16. Hello – I have been looking at the daily post advice on cleaning up the look of your blog and am considering changing the theme – I’m looking to try something simple and clean easy to navigate but with the focus on the words rather than all the admin things.
    Would be very keen for any feedback on the existing look – does it work OK for you? What do you think of the general vibe?

    Many thanks, Hannah

    https://hannahkenwayblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I believe a read more insert might be helpful to give it a cleaner look. It can get a bit discouraging as a reader to have to scroll vertical on the page and see full posts. Also, is there a way to make your banner pop more? It looks like it’s a post without some way to distinguish it, maybe something as simple as putting a background color? I changed my entire theme about 3 months ago and it made a huge difference to me. Apparently I was using one more geared towards music blogs. Have fun experimenting.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you – yes I know what you mean about the banner – I’m tempted to change the theme but it takes so much time! Will try a background colour to make it stand out – and yes to the read more, that I can manage!
        Great to have your opinions

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Hello friends. I’m Praxsi. I’ve been blogoing for quite a few months now. I talk about gaming and gaming related topics. I try to be funny, it might be a bit much for some, but I feel if you give it a chance, you’ll enjoy it. I welcome all feedback.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Hey guys, I have just started a teen beauty and life blog. I know I haven’t got a lot up but it would be reallly useful if i could probably have some feedback. Cheers

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Hello everyone. My name is Jess and I’m the author of The Bipolar Compass. My blog chronicles my struggles with bipolar disorder as well as fights the stigma associated with mental illness.

    I recently changed my logo and added what I call a Map Of My Mind in order to help readers follow along with me on my journey. I’d love feedback on the designs. Thanks!

    http://bipolarcompass.com/map-of-my-mind/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I thought the “Map of My Mind” thing was really cool! I’m a mental health professional, and would love to show your map to clients, possibly as inspiration to make their own personal maps. Very creative and insightful.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Wow! What a compliment. Thanks Amanda :-D. If you want you can, just make sure to give me and the website the credit. I have all my stuff copy written.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Jess – I can see why Amanda wants to use your map – I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a clear representation of the world of bipolar disorder in the map and in your words. There’s something very powerful about maps because, as a reader, I can feel myself moving within it and around it – if that makes sense. It’s a physical sensation somehow.

      I hope you keep writing for a long, long, long time. Your words are useful and gentle additions to the world.

      Best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks Elaine. Your comment is so freaking nice and EXACTLY the response I was looking for!!! It really makes me feel good to know you understand where I’m coming from. I absolutely completely agree with you about the power of maps, and allegory itself, on getting a message across to the reader. I’m a visual learner so things like this help me sort out what’s going on in my head. I’m so glad you like it. I plan on writing a book someday so who knows where you’ll see this again😉.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Holy shit these maps are AMAZING! If I had the ability to draw a map like those that would be the ultimate goal. Thanks for sharing.

        Liked by 2 people

  20. If anyone out there is weary of the same old simplistic story about “how to get saved” from the Christian church, consider studying the Bible from a Messianic Jewish perspective and discover what’s been missing in your approach to theology and faith. I’m interested in having people visit/comment on our blog who have a sincere interest in theology, eschatology, soteriology, etc. as well as those who have been “burned out” by church. Would love to hear from you! https://oasisfellowship.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

  21. yup its me again, a guy who cant resist putting his name in these (hopefully this is the last time), anyways i do stuff about gaming and anime

    Liked by 2 people

  24. I certainly appreciate the feedback I have gotten from the community pool. It was worth taking the time to compose a short note. Also, I have followed a few blogs on here that I was asked to comment on. Seems like a win win to me.

    Liked by 3 people

  27. Hi. New to all this blogging stuff but am enjoying it so far. Found some interesting articles from others and a couple blogs I’ve followed.
    My blog is all about films. Currently have about a dozen articles ranging from a review of Creed to a (fake) interview with deadpool and news updates. Keeping it wide open so I can enjoy different types of writing while I find my voice. Looking to use it as a body of work while I also work on other writing ideas.
    If you get chance have a look at a post or two and let me know what you think either here or on my blog. Mainly after feedback on the content. If you run a movie blog I’m also happy to consider you for my recommended site list- drop me a line.
    https://musingsofafilmfanblog.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I love reading about movies, so I’m your newest follower! Plus I’m super excited for Deadpool!
      In terms of your blog, the content seems fine, but the theme makes it hard to read. Because that top bar is so large, it cuts off a lot of the reading screen so it feels really squished. Maybe it’s just me, but take a look at least.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Hi all! I am a new blogger on the block (Lifestyle/London based)- I have only just properly started writting at the beginning of the year and I am trying to be consistent with my writing.
    https://jafinthebox.wordpress.com

    I would love to have some advice on how to make my blog look more attractive – I have used so far the layout Adelle which is free and probably does not allow me a huge amount of customisation but if I could I am not too sure where to start.
    Would some of you also could take a look at my posts too to say – with constructive comments – whether (or not?) I am on the right track format and style wise. Thanks a million to anyone who will take a few minutes to reply, I appreciate it.
    Julie

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Julie, nice work being consistent in your posting! I loved your Tex Mex post – as a Texan, I thought it was so interesting to get an outside perspective on the food, and I was fascinated by your taco “basquets!” I have never seen those before, and I don’t know if we can get them here, but they look like a great idea!

      I also use the Adelle theme on my blog, so I’ve done a little research on customizing. My best tip is anything you want to change, try googling it, and often it’s a question that’s been addressed in a forum before. Googling my questions let me change the font size, remove the pink dots at the top, move the menu links to the center of the navigation banner, etc. Your layout already has a great start. To streamline things, you might think about removing the tags before each jump. I do like the instagram feed on the sidebar. Good luck!

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Hi Readytoyumble! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment to my post, I really appreciate it.
        It was interesting to read that you find answers to most of your formatting question by just googling them. Did you pay for customisation? Is it worth it? Also, how technical did you find the said customisation? Thanks again! Julie

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Happy to help. My site is a little different from yours because it is self-hosted, and I have a little more ability to play with the CSS, without paying for customization. But there are forums to help with customizing free wordpress.com hosted sites as well. Try taking a look here for some ideas: https://wordpress.com/blog/2014/07/25/customizing-adelle/
        And you can search here for specific questions:
        https://wordpress.com/forums/
        Obviously the more you want to do, the likelier that you might have to pay for upgrades. But there are definitely free options to help make your blog more personal!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thanks again, that’s great advice. I might bite the bullet if I see I am doing allright with the blog in a few months’ time. It’s still early days and I don’t want to bite more than I can chew;). When you say self hosted, what does that mean? You have your own blog name (i.e.: no wordpress in the address?). Cheers! Julie

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Yeah, it makes sense to settle into your blog for a little bit before making a whole lot of changes. Self-hosted means exactly what you said – no WordPress in the address, and it functions a little differently in the WordPress world. Good luck with everything!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for your super sweet words Charlotte! I feel I still got lots to learn to make my blog look and feel more personal but reading your comments is really encouraging! Cheers! Julie x

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Hello,

      In case you’re looking for more inspiration on how to customize your blog (using our free features), I recommend reading more of our Customizing series — even those posts not dedicated to your specific theme can give you ideas:
      https://wordpress.com/blog/tag/customizing/

      For more hands-on tips, you can also look at The Daily Post’s design-related archives:
      https://wordpress.com/dailypost/2015/07/29/colors-lines-customization-roundup/

      It’s also worth clarifying that while there are some important differences between self-hosted WordPress sites and hosted WordPress.com sites (you can read all about them here: https://wordpress.com/support/com-vs-org/), having a custom domain — one without wordpress.com in it — isn’t one of them. In fact, everyone on WordPress.com can purchase their own custom domain, thereby removing the wordpress.com ending. You can read all the details here if you’re interested:
      https://wordpress.com/support/register-domain/

      I hope these help! Welcome to WordPress.com!

      Liked by 1 person