Feb 8, 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. Well, friend, that IS original. Your style was like a fishing net – it kept me trapped, navigating through your posts. Good job!

      Liked by 2 people

    3. I like the way you read into what your child has made – likening it to a goddess, by explaining the ability to give and take life – that was neat. This is something that could be just laughed off as silly, but you see deeper than that. Nicely done!

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Hey everyone,

    This year I started a book challenge on Goodreads for 2016. My goal is to read 20 books this year. I’m currently working on book number 5.

    I never really talked about the books I read, and I never been one to review art. But I sometimes finish a book and end up having so many emotions that I just want to talk about them with somebody.

    I just posted something trying to do that. I never written about books before and I can only hope to get better at it.

    Well here it is, It’s personal view on the book Midnight in Mexico, and the struggle I face as I desperately try to find hope in a country I want to love. (https://thenovembersun.wordpress.com/2016/02/08/outlook-midnight-in-mexico/)

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I cannot help but feel extremely identified with that post.

      Even though I consider myself Spanish, I have Venezuelan roots, and two years ago I finally visited where my parents were born. (Maracaibo)

      Goddamn. That is all I can say.

      And anytime I read any book that is just slightly related to such feelings, I just go sleep. I can’t bear it.

      Strength, Jesse. And your review isn’t half bad – in fact, it is way more interesting than what I’ve seen in other sites.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks Craver,
        and indeed I feel like we have to stay strong and hope for the best.
        I’m currently saving up money, so my friends and I can take a trip to Mexico during the summer. I still want to see beauty of it all.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Lindsey,
        I try to neatly organize the content on my blog, so it wouldn’t be scattered everywhere, and readers can browse through it easily.

        I think my greatest fear for my blog is having too much stuff about different things that I wouldn’t know how to label it.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I love to write about so many different things and even write poems and I kept thinking that a blog is only supposed to have one main idea and topic and I am learning that sometimes the mind is just too large and curious to just focus on one thing.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. True. I remember starting my blog with the intent of only posting short stories and poetry, but then I wanted to talk about social issues, then I wanted to talk about a conversation I had with a friend, and so on. I think to limit what you post is limiting your writing.

        Liked by 2 people

    6. Hey there! I’m very excited to follow you a) because I, too am doing a goodread challenge b) just by reading your first review it seems as though reading and your selection of books is a highly personal thing for you, and that’s pretty cool.

      I look forward to hearing more from you. Happy blogging! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Just by having the purpose of inspiring others with your website, you have earned all of my respect. Inspiration is what all of us need to live a somewhat entertaining life.

      Your blog is wonderful. Thank you so much.

      -Dream

      Liked by 3 people

  6. Hi everyone!

    I just published a new post about reticence and insecurity, and why I want to change my attitude towards people. It’s about daring to stand up for yourself, and honestly: it’s a rather personal one, so I’m very anxious about it. Any form of feedback would be very much appreciated: http://theunsalted.com/2016/02/08/amount-of-future-fucks-given-zero/

    Warning: I use excessive language and a lot or irony in my posts.

    I’d be happy to look at your site as well.

    Love,
    Cam

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I love irony.

      And I know what having to apologize for something every now and then feels like – in fact, I am currently writing about such a thing.

      I have also had a wonderful time reading through some of your posts – some of which made me laugh, some of which made me think. Very interesting.

      Keep up the good work.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. A) I absolutely love the background picture for that post in juxtaposition to the title.
      B) The irony in your blog name is great since you seem just the right amount of salty.
      C) The apology when not needed is something you actively have to try to stop. It is something that definitely gets better with aging because you learn what really needs an I’m sorry and when there is absolutely no reason to justify yourself. It’s hard to do as a woman because we think we need to justify ourselves to others. The only one you need to justify to is yourself.
      D) I like your slightly salty tone. You might enjoy my post My Uterus is Elderly (but She Still Likes to Party). Slightly salty as well.

      My Uterus is Elderly (But She Still Likes to Party)

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback! I’m happy you liked it, and thank you again for the C) – part of your response. You’re absolutely right. I read your post as well, and I love the fact that you’re brutally honest, without losing a sense of humor. Nice reading material!

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Overall, your site is enjoyable. I like your personal observation on your relationship with Chance. I can so relate to that knot in my stomach when I fear my dog, Matayo, is in a dangerous situation. My site is my photo journal of nature in general, though I do have posts of Matayo in the mix. http://naturecalls7.wordpress.com If you only want to view the photos of Matayo, visit the About page and select the Matayo category from the menu.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Please feel free to take a look at my latest post: The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth…comment, like, follow, whatever floats your boat 😉
    www. wordsmithobservations.wordpress.com
    I’d be happy to check out you guys’ blogs, too!! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Hi everyone I am still blogging away to daily prompts but I sometimes get confused about where to go or where to post. I have not known how to get to this community pool for instance. .. With the courses, there are ping back links to post your work. I still only got here because an email came through. I wouldn’t know how to get here otherwise. I only have my Android Phone and it is limited. So any feedback to be able to come back here would be greatly appreciated. I am also unable to follow threads on my phone, that makes it very difficult. Cheers Jx

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, but posts don’t happen very often. I only get Bens email and i am unable to follow threads on my phone. Makes it incredibly hard to do courses… it’s the Wp app. I think it needs a lot of tweaking…

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The Community Pool is a post on The Daily Post, a WordPress official blog. That is accessible on an phone, but honestly, blogging in all aspects is better on a computer, though it’s not impossible to do it all on a phone.

      Liked by 2 people

      2. @Jodine, many public libraries have computers available for people to use (for free). Depending on your schedule and if you have a nearby library, you may be able to get some blogging done that way while you wait to get your PC fixed.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. As long as you’re using the WordPress for Android app on your phone, you should have access to all features in the Reader, including getting all posts from the blogs you follow, like The Daily Post (I’m assuming you’re following it since you get our posts via email). The app also lets you comment, publish posts, and manage your account as you would on your computer — in fact, over the past year or so, the number of features that are still unavailable through our mobile apps has been dramatically reduced. If you haven’t already, I hope you give the app a try — it’ll make your (blogging) life that much smoother.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. In the future, thank you for not posting these offers here. We’d like to keep this as a space where people engage with one another and offer each other meaningful feedback, and these types of comments don’t often contribute to that goal.

      Like

  16. Hey everyone! I would love some feedback on my blog! I have been trying to focus in on something specific to write about on my blog and would love your help! I write about my life, fashion, my travels and some poetry. I would love if some of you could check me out! I will be sure to check your blogs out as well. I am always looking for people inspiring and intelligent people to follow and look up to!

    https://simplylindseyrose.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Hi Lindsey. Left a comment on your forgetting/forgiving post. Regarding a focus for your blog I don’t think anyone can suggest this for you – it should be something you decide for yourself. Do you have a passion for something?
      Maybe you would benefit from reading some blogs in the areas you are interested in to get ideas. Best wishes.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi! Your writing is fabulous! I can sense your happy style all throughout your writing😃 I know you mentioned you’re looking for people to look up to. I’m on a mission to share with the world whole foods, because I’m allergic to wheat/rice/oats. I would hope you would check out my blog, maybe follow if I appear inspirational!
      http://fondufondue.com

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Hello Everyone

    Just a quick question please, I updated my Profile image a few days ago through Gravatar – but for some reason it’s not appearing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Also, I previously posted about suggestions to improve my blog and received some really helpful feedback. I’ve implemented those suggestions now – namely to work on my ‘about’ page and would be really grateful for any feedback.

    Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Hey inquisitive bloggers! Check out my inquisitive blog if you’re an inquisitive person. Newbie blogger? Go to my Newbie Bloggers tabs page. I mean, you won’t find awesome tips and tricks to blogging on regular blogs. Guess that makes me an irregular blogger!! 😀🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Hi I’m very new to blogging and I would appreciate some tips.

    https://matthewroselaw.wordpress.com/

    I have a couple of questions:

    1) how can I organise my posts so that they’re easily navigable? I’ve experimented with the ‘pages’ button but I don’t quite get it.

    2) how can I increase my readership? I primarily write for myself but it would be nice to get some debates going. I don’t really understand how to navigate WordPress to find content I’d be interested in.

    Any pointers?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Helll Matthew! I’d like to try help answer your questions. Hope it helps!
      1) Yes pages can work, after you make pages you can go on to “menus”. There you can organize the drop downs of your site menu. Umm if you don’t understand what I mean, you can head over to my blog (www.randomsyra.com) and see the drop down on the ‘life’ menu. Other than pages it can also work with categories.
      2) To increase readership, what I think is you can try to connect with other people with the same interest. Head over to your ‘reader’ dashboard, and search up some tags!

      Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, just ask away 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Regarding organization, you might consider selecting a different theme. Your current theme, cubic draws attention to the photo rather than the writing. For an example of a blog using a theme that is more text based, see my blog: http://gracelead.co Also, it might help to make your post title and an invite to join the debate be the lead in to the post, moving the photo under those.

      Liked by 3 people

    3. I use a few categories to organize. Not too many, but some general things that my post will fall into, that appear on the side of the page on PC or at the bottom on mobile. I think of it like clothing drawers. This post goes in the sock drawer. This post goes in the pants drawer.

      Liked by 1 person

    4. 1) categories help, and then when you customize your site you can add the categories to your top menu.

      2) finding other bloggers on WordPress with things that would interest you… try the Tags.

      Example…
      https://wordpress.com/tag/2016

      That’s why tagging your posts with tags that fit with your post is important. It helps bring in some traffic. And communicating with other bloggers too. So leaving the comments option on your post is always a plus.

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Hi Matthew,
      Welcome to blogging!
      My tips for expanding your readership are:
      1.join Twitter
      2.embed it in your blog (see widgets),
      3.get involved in WordPress by reading and commenting on other blogs
      4.participate in WordPress’s Daily Prompts to help introduce you to new readers.

      I don’t do the last one very often anymore, but I did when I first started out.

      I have a new blog also: https://disabledanddivorced.wordpress.com/
      Wishing you luck!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Your drop down under “My Sites” on the top left of your page has a “Customize” tab. Widgets is one of those options.

        I messed around with adding and taking widgets away to see what happened, and I didn’t break anything, so I hope you’ll enjoy fiddling as well.

        Liked by 2 people

  24. Hello everyone! I just got back around the worpress atmosphere. Come visit my blog https://www.randomsyra.com
    Oh and if anyone has ever wondered about migrating to your own self hosting site, but still wants to connect to wordpress, I can help you out! I figured some things people don’t say on the “step by step”. See you 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Helll Matthew! I’d like to try help answer your questions. Hope it helps!
      1) Yes pages can work, after you make pages you can go on to “menus”. There you can organize the drop downs of your site menu. Umm if you don’t understand what I mean, you can head over to my blog (www.randomsyra.com) and see the drop down on the ‘life’ menu. Other than pages it can also work with categories.
      2) To increase readership, what I think is you can try to connect with other people with the same interest. Head over to your ‘reader’ dashboard, and search up some tags!

      Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, just ask away 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Hey I’ve just started out. I could really just use any feedback on the posts I’ve done so far. I don’t have much of a following at the moment but currently doesn’t bother me as I’m new

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello Anonymous. I enjoyed the distinctly real and down-to-earth tone that you’ve set with your initial posts. Your stories are all of ours on some level. I would humbly suggest considering a different layout than the Cubic. It seemed a bit Spartan and slow to load between pages. Loved the SpongeBob pic. Welcome to the community.

      Liked by 3 people

  27. Hello,
    Hope you all are having a good day! 🙂
    I own an art blog and it would be great if you all could view my blog and give me a feedback. I really want to what else I need to focus on and how I can improve. I have been studying fine art in school for the past 2 years. I’m going to college this year and I want to continue studying fine art. All feedbacks are welcome. Please do comment on the works I’ve put up, and help me reach my goal. 🙂
    Here’s the link:
    http://www.mehrsartblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    1. some really really nice work there. especially liked the portraits and the watercolors. I like that you have a little sentence or two along with the pictures of the artworks. makes it more personal.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Awesome post on homeless youth! You put a lot of work into that. Well done!
      Do you follow “Gotta Find a Home”? Maybe sharing your latest blog post with them in comments could help your readership since their audience is interested in homelessness.

      Liked by 3 people

      2. 🙂 Are you on twitter? I ask because sharing my blog there has helped this last year. Using hashtags there has helped like minded people pick up on things I am doing. Homelessness is so important. I hope more people have eyes on your pg this coming year. I tweeted your post 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Hi everyone,
    I’m a cyclist from Melbourne, Australia. I started my blog a bit over 12 months ago, then took a break as I completed my thesis. I started it as a way of improving my overall writing skills and now that I’ve got a bit more free time I’m planning to get stuck into it. Basically my blog is intended to be about all things cycling. Places I ride, things I see, product reviews and general cycling related topics. My main issue is traffic and followers. I’m only 10 posts deep but I’d really appreciate if you guys could have a glance at my blog, suggest ways I can make improvements both visually and content wise. Any tips for improving traffic would be greatly appreciated too. Follow along if cycling is an interest of yours.
    Thanks in advance!

    https://thatmelbournecyclist.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hey,

      A really good friend told me the same a few weeks ago – you’ve just started the blog seriously, you won’t get much traffic so soon. Just keep working hard.

      About your website – so far so good. Short, to the point posts with graphic support. I enjoyed your “Climbing tips, tricks and my own habits” post the most.

      – One thing that really disappointed me is your about page. What do you study? Do you like other things besides cycling? How old are you? What is your sign of the zodiac? (You don’t have to answer any of those – they’re just to give you an idea.)

      — You NEED a follow button if you really are looking for followers. I couldn’t find any. Also, social media – twitter, facebook, etc, might help a lot.

      – Tags, categories, tags, categories. Use them – they’re your best friends to publicize yourself, and they help keep your blog tidy and clean… because you want to have a tidy and clean blog, don’t you?

      Happy blogging and good luck!

      –

      Liked by 4 people

    2. Hi – I think DreamCarver has it right – patience is key. Once people find you, I’m sure they’ll follow you. Your photos are inspiring and well-placed. Your words are informative and enthusiastic.

      The only thing I’d think about doing that you’re not doing is to provide links to the mountains, cafes, equipment etc that you talk about. Unless you’re aiming at Melbourne cyclists only, you need to help the rest of us to know what and where you’re doing. You’ll have readers from around the world who might be coming to visit Australia and might want to visit the Cog Bike Cafe or take up the Strava climbing challenges, but would have no idea how to find them. Salsa Cycles have some great videos and their information builds on your own.

      If you link from within your posts you’ll keep your readers with you, and they’ll appreciate the fact that you’re making life easier for them. It’s much easier to get in the habit of linking now, while you’ve only got a few posts up.

      Hope that’s a helpful thought. It’s easy to forget how big the WordPress world is when you’re writing about local details.

      Best wishes

      Elaine

      Liked by 2 people