Feb 22, 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. First, I love your site, keep up the good writing! The only thing I might change would be the size of the pop-up. It took up most of my screen and I had to close it to keep reading. maybe a smaller one? Just a thought, keep up the good work!

      Liked by 5 people

    4. Hi,
      I believe I’ve seen you on the community pool before! I don’t know why I’ve never given you a follow because I love your content! Your blog is very neat and well organized and I also appreciate the content of your posts. You have a very familiar and honest way of writing which is something I can appreciate. Keep up the great work! I wish you the best of luck 🙂

      Liked by 5 people

    8. I love your work – the post one Theones we let go hit home with me – I say keep the good memories but let go of the person if you need to

      🙂 Sarah
      Ps love you to check out my blog SaresShares.com and feedback

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I wanted to invite you over to a blogging event I’m holding on a monthly basis, it would be absolutely lovely having you partake as well. It consists of you documenting your life every month through your memories.
        I already posted my writing about my month and I have the rules here: https://thoughtsofasociallyanxiousextrovert.wordpress.com/my-monthly-memories-monthly-blogging-event/ It’d be lovely reading one of your My Monthly Memories posts. Thanks again and I hope you have a wonderful day!

        Basant She
        https://thoughtsofasociallyanxiousextrovert.wordpress.com/

        Liked by 2 people

    11. Hello I’m new to blogging and can’t say I’ve ever seen a FAQ page before. I rather enjoyed it! Your website is well laid out. It’s on the verge of busy but that keeps boring away. I like the placement of the hamburger menu pulldown and your use of quotes.
      Did you always have the write to me page? If not, did you notice more feedback and involvement when you added it?

      http://www.behealedandwhole.com

      Liked by 1 person

    4. As a fellow Ed I felt I had to read your blog( if we don’t stick together then what good is it sharing name’s?), and I like it. Your Deadpool review hit the nail on the head for me, I’m a massive Deadpool fan and felt that the film did it justice but was nowhere near as incredible as some people I have spoken to have made out, merely very good. And I’m glad you mentioned that James Gunn quote as my friend and I discussed that exact same point a few days ago.

      Liked by 2 people

    5. I looked through your Dead Pool Review and I really enjoy the way you write, it has a great flow to it. Something I’d like to point out is that I really enjoyed how you were talking about imitators and how the film was but I kinda of wished you went a bit in depth with the characters and story itself, just a thought 🙂 regardless really liked your blog! Have a lovely rest of the day!

      Basant She
      https://thoughtsofasociallyanxiousextrovert.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 2 people

    6. Hi Eddy, checked out your site and actually really enjoyed your writing. I was also a big Frasier fan and although your post brought back lots of memories it was a little to long I feel. The deadpool review was much peppier and really read well. Even though I thought the movie was complete crap I enjoyed the post. Just off to comment on the site! Mick

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Mick, thanks for checking out my site. Glad you enjoyed some of my posts. I actually agree with you about the length of the Frasier article (I wrote it initially for another site to their specific guidelines, hence the size of it!). While I know positively zilch about cars, you have a nice writing style.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey, thanks for taking the time to have a look at my site – glad you enjoyed it. I have to say I really like your writing style. Had a read through a few of your posts and found them to be very informative/flowing.

        Liked by 1 person

    8. Hey Eddy, just checked out your blog, and am impressed by your writing. Your layout is great and makes for a very readable and easy-to-navigate blog. I like that you also write argumentative and discursive pieces amongst the reviews, and look forward to seeing how many of your Oscar predictions come true!

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Hi 🙂 I checked out your blog cause the question you posted here was exactly along the same lines as what I was wondering! I too am writing very personal stuff, hoping to inspire others or just make connections. I like your style of writing, you can tell its like a stream of consciousness but at the same time still well thought out, and entertaining. I still have to read more of your posts, but I am following you now 😉 check me out at pursuitofmytruth.org. I would love some feedback as well ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hey! Thank you for the kind comments!
        I just checked out your blog – tis very honest, like a diary almost, which is a really brave way to put yourself out there, so nice work!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. Hi Benedict, fantastic Idea and very creative writing concept. I will surely look forward to reading what you have to write each day and I’m sure others will too. That’s the beauty of it – 6 words!.. However regarding your post on cancer.. request you to read my blog cancer warriors on letstalkcancer.net … I’m sure you can positive twist to such situations as well 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    6. I love the idea of six word stories. Very minimalistic yet very inspiring! And if you’re someone like me, it’s also a challenge..

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I like how you have your blog clearly organized into the different categories, so readers can find exactly what they’re interested in.

      I’m planning to start a garden this spring and I enjoyed looking at your garden photos 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. It was very humorous! I could relate to much of it. It flowed smoothly and quickly. I never lost interest – and I lose interest quickly. Thanks for sharing.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I raced off to read your blog! Quite an interesting name you’ve got. A combination of Bruce Wayne and Sherlock Holmes 😉
      Read a few posts and will continue to do so whenever I can! Keep writing! 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    4. I share your same question about increasing traffic…I think you have a beautiful design. Love all of your photographs! Could you add an e-mail sign-up to follow your blog and a Follow on WordPress icon to your home page? Might help add followers and increase traffic?

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Hi everyone, do you binge-watch? That is, do you find it hard to stop watching episode after episode of your favourite TV shows? I just published a post discussing binge-watching, why we do it, and is it good or bad to do so. Would be lovely if you could check it out!

    Of Binge Watching

    Liked by 7 people

      1. Thank you! It is inspired by essayists like Montaigne and Bacon who used to title their essays with an “Of”. The Office seems to be a popular choice, since I had another comment mentioning the same show!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. I definitely binge watch and have often wondered why I get so ‘addicted’ , sometimes staying up all night. How much of it is about the show, versus about me (a way of numbing or avoiding), Ill for sure be checking out your post! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve just been reading your blog and loved the article about your whisky tour round Scotland, always interesting to read about your home country from a different point of view! I like the whole layout of your blog, very eye-catching, colourful and great photography! Happy travelling 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi, I’ve stumbled across your blog a few times and noticed you’d liked post’s of mine before as well, and I’ve only just realised I had never actually followed you. That’s been remedied now.

      Liked by 3 people

  14. Hi everyone. I have an art blog where I post my work and sometimes compare art supplies or show how I made something, such as my own paint. Here – https://artrelatedblog.wordpress.com/

    The blog isn’t new at all, and I’m wondering what I should do with old posts with work nowhere near my current quality. Delete? Do they detract?

    Here’s an old one – https://artrelatedblog.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/red-fox-2/
    and a new one – https://artrelatedblog.wordpress.com/2016/02/16/snowy-valley/

    Also a few days ago I added a gallery bar off to the side with some of the better or more recent work. Does it help people find what I want them to see or just mean they won’t need to bother with exploring the rest of the blog?

    Liked by 4 people

    2. I wouldn’t delete your archives. It’s a record of how both your blog and your work has grown. If you’re concerned that people will judge the quality of your current work based on your past work, you could try adding links to newer examples on similar themes to your old posts. For instance, at the end of your Red Fox 2 post you could write something like, “Two years later, my foxes now look like this” and include a link to another post with the “fox” tag. (I personally quite like the foxes in the forest one!).

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks, and that’s a great idea. I had thought about linking back to old posts, such as a painting that uses a technique linking back to a post that explained that technique, but not linking old works forward like that. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Hey Josh,
      I absolutely love your blog I just had to give you a follow! The layout you chose is well suited. I also really liked the font style. It makes your blog look that much more elegant and artistic. As for your actual work, they are just beautiful! I think you’ve got real talent and I would just encourage you to continue what you are doing. I also like how you weave spiritual themes into your work. It definitely brings a bit more depth into your work and makes it more personal.

      I personally think the gallery bar is fine. It looks good to me. I don’t think it takes away the want to explore your blog more. In fact, I felt more intrigued to look around. So I say keep it! Anyways, I wish you the best of luck! God bless mate!

      Liked by 3 people

      2. No problem, you deserve it! I wanted to invite you over to a blogging event I’m holding on a monthly basis, it would be absolutely lovely having you partake as well. It consists of you documenting your life every month through your memories.
        I already posted my writing about my month and I have the rules here: https://thoughtsofasociallyanxiousextrovert.wordpress.com/my-monthly-memories-monthly-blogging-event/ It’d be lovely reading one of your My Monthly Memories posts. Thanks again and I hope you have a wonderful day!

        Basant She
        https://thoughtsofasociallyanxiousextrovert.wordpress.com/

        Liked by 1 person

    5. Such beautiful work! I’ll be the first to admit I have no talent when it comes to painting. All the more reason for me to be in awe of people like you!

      I loved the gallery. It is like a sneak peek of all the promise your blog holds 🙂

      And I also like how you explained your techniques. Almost made me feel like I could do it myself if I tried. Almost 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for checking out my stuff, though I really think everyone can make art with practice. It is discouraging when a painting doesn’t work out, which happens often even to professionals and especially to amateurs like me, but you just have to keep at it. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I really like how concise and informative that workout buddy post is. It’s easy to read, easy to follow, and not too time consuming to read. As far as constructive feedback, there’s not really much I’d change. Maybe some of the points could have been made into a bullet list? Just a thought. Thanks for sharing.

      Liked by 3 people

  17. Hello everyone!

    In less than 2 hours from now, it will be 12am in my city and date will be Feb 23rd 2016.

    Why am I talking about this?

    Because, this date marks my very first blogiversary!!

    Yuppy!!

    I feel so happy about this but more than that, I feel amazed. Because in last one year, I have made so many great friends through blogging and this is really something I will cherish for as long as I live.

    I can only say thanks here as I can’t truly express what am I feeling right now 😀

    Thank you once again so much to everyone who is following me, liking my posts, commenting on them and for just showing me that world is full of amazing people like you.

    Here is a little present to you from me, a total reverse procedure for an anniversary, but it’s the blogging world 🙂

    To The One In Sky

    Thank you so so much!!

    Liked by 8 people

  19. Hi, I started my blog a week ago and its learning in progress. I would love to get feedback on it from a communication standpoint. I know the direction I am taking it in but blogging as a subject is very new to me. All advice would be appreciated. Especially on guest blogging and how one can reach a wider audience within the blogging community and outside. eg: keywords, tags, categories.. how important are they?

    Please read my blog cancer Warriors on letstalkcancer.net and look forward to hearing from you.

    Liked by 4 people

  20. Happy Monday!
    I have four questions:

    1. Where are the signups for Blogging U? The link above brings you to upcoming programs, I don’t see signups – or a note saying the classes are full. I dove in a bit fast and didn’t go step by Step with Blogging 101.

    2. Tags & Categories – This is how we find articles of interest to us and vise versa. I follow a few (and some follow me) mostly form Blogging 101 I think. How do you find new people to follow?

    3. Likes – why is that button so hard to get to? There are pages I visit that I have to click into “comments” in order to “like”. I am assuming that is why I have more visits than likes? (or – no one likes my writing, which is quite possible).

    4. I had a blogger post my blog on their page one day last week, then post my article under their Facebook. The style of their page makes it look like their original content. I wrote a note and asked them to remove my post, they did remove it and I was told they were trying to “help my little blog” which was great in that I did have hits – but – I did not agree with the way that my article was shared. Thankful they did respect me. I see some writers notate “c” copywrite, etc. Is there a short and sweet explanation on “how to” protect our work?

    – Thanks!
    Laurie
    https://letthelightinreflections.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I have people sharing my blog, but I suppose it’s a bit different if it’s a ‘business’ blog and has your name attached (which mine does). I agree they should credit you with the writing though, it’s just plain cheeky otherwise.
      And I agree with the ‘like’ button, too hard to find.

      Unfortunately, I can’t offer much solution – sorry! 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

      1. I am wondering what the “press this” button is for and if that is what they did (doubting it) I will have to look into what that button is for. – Looking at their facebook page it looked like a link to their own work. They are also a published author which is I think why it really offended me. If I shared your blog on my FB wall it would be from your blog page that reflects your info on FB too.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I think the “press this” is a way of reblogging on their own blog – but I’m by no means an expert! 🙂
        I have to say I’m relatively new to this, but I would know not to simply take something you’ve written without giving you credit.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I just “press this” to a blog on Heroin and it allowed me to write about the blog, why I wanted to share the link and it inserted the link into what I wrote. I am “assuming” and hope that is the correct way to do this. Input is appreciated – I want to do things the correct way.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi LTC I’m glad I am not alone in my questions. Can you copy/paste your blog page here? When I click I go to a page that shows replies and I can’t seem to find your page. Thanks!

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I love your blog, just started following. To find other blogs to follow, use your Reader tab and under Recommendations, you can review blogs and follow blogs that look interesting to you to follow. Join in these community pool posts and look at blogging on the Daily Prompt. I am following you now.

      Feel free to check out my site: susanbodyrenovations.com

      Happy blogging!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi Susan, Thank you. I like your page, I am following also. It fits right in to where I am at right now. I need to focus more on my body. I appreciate the follow – and your help.

        Liked by 3 people

    4. I think the location of the “like” button can vary depending on what theme you’re using for your blog. If that’s a concern for you, you might want to play around with different themes in your editor and see if you like the layout of another one better than your current one.

      You definitely have the right to be upset about someone sharing your posts without giving you credit or linking back to your blog (which I assume is the case since you said it looked like it was that person’s original writing). If they really wanted to help your blog get exposure, they would have properly credited you. I’ve seen a lot of people using Creative Commons copyright icons – you can read more about that and learn how to get the copyright image widgets here: https://creativecommons.org/

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you Alex. I think my like button is accessable, I am wondering if people who follow me are following and just not clicking to read in the blog roll. I’m not sure. I see views. I am trying to read more blogs and spread my wings a bit. I know my own posts tend to be lengthly at times. Some like that, some not so much 😉

        I will check out Creative Commons, someone else suggested that too. Thank you.

        Yes, the way I see it, if someone wants to share a blog they should do it from the writers page (maybe I am wrong). When I looked at their page, it was a front page with maybe a dozen articles on it, nothing to indicated on their page that it was my blog (the link did come to my page – “but still”). Then I noticed they had a facebook page, again they linked my article to their facebook page, from their page and it showed the persons photo (sexy clothing, posture and all) :rolling my eyes and laughing: next to my nice Christian article. haha. Know what I mean? Then they were condescending about my “little page”. I explained I was not ready to have my page explode, it’s my personal work, etc. It just seemed off. When I post things here or FB I always am sure to give the artist credit when I can find whom to credit (some photo’s just do not have any info attached).

        Liked by 2 people

    5. I know some people answered some of these Q’s, but here are all 4 answers:
      1. Blogging U Class signups are on the right hand side of the Daily Post home page, you can’t miss it!

      2. Tags that you follow can be accessed on the left sidebar of your Reader, and by going through tags and following new tags, you’ll find many, many, many new blogs to read and follow. That is why it’s also important to always tag posts you write.

      3. You’re right that some people don’t have the Like button easily accessible on their home page, but clicking the actual post will take you to where you can Like and comment all you want. That is, of course, unless the blogger has Likes turned off.

      4. If someone reblogged your post on WordPress, then it’ll automatically say that you’re the original poster and give a link to your page. If they just copy/pasted it, then it’s a problem. Likewise, if they clicked the Facebook Share button, then anyone clicking it on FB would be redirected to your post, or if it automatically posted from someone’s reblog, then it’ll say it’s yours. Some bloggers do like to show that their work is ‘copyrighted’ with the ‘c’ but it’s not officially legal by any means, they just don’t want people stealing or copying their writing. But WordPress is a pretty chill place so it’s not mandatory.

      Hopefully I answered all your questions fully and anyone else reading understands too!
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 2 people

  23. Hi everyone,
    I’ve just posted a life/career related post. It’s centres around the fact that I’m an aspiring author, so if you’re a fellow writer, then you may be able to relate. I really would love this to be an interactive post in which people can post their viewpoint on life plans in general. Feedback is always greatly appreciated.

    https://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/2016/02/22/saying-goodbye-to-the-classic-life-plan/

    Thank you! 🙂

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Really interesting post! 🙂 It makes you think about what you’ve planned for yourself and what you really want out of life.
      I work full time, and I’m attempting to Personal Train people around that and I probably would have done things slightly differently, had I known that this is where I would end up.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Love your site, it looks great and while I read the post you are asking feedback on, I really enjoyed your post on reading. I left you a comment on your site. Keep up the good work!

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Awesome site Rose, keep it up! I left you a comment on your site. As far as making it more interactive, when you respond to commnents, ask the commenter a question back. If they have checked the box to be notified of comments to that thread, they will come back and answer (generally) this keeps the conversation going.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you for the feedback and if you are around toxic people, DO NOT let them get to you. The problem lies within them, not you. Wishing you the best in everything you do and I hope your day is beautiful~

        Liked by 3 people

  26. I made a blog over a year ago. I post mostly about politics and public policy (my areas of academic research), but sometimes I write about topics of general as well. I have written over the weekend about writing tips in response to a question someone asked me:

    http://cognitivebackyard.com/2016/02/21/become-good-writer/

    I would really appreciate any comment or feedback about the post or the overall blog, and how I can add more flavour and encourage more interaction?

    Thank you.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Excellent post. I recommend audio books for the time pressed. There are a lot of them available in English and other languages in every conceivable genre. I listen to them while driving to work, running errands, cleaning the house and cooking. It really adds up and it has increased my vocabulary. I wish I had thought to buy them when I was studying other languages in school. No one says you can’t enjoy learning! — I’m leaving this comment here because I’m at work and I can’t log into my social networks to comment on your site.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you Melinda for your kind appreciation. I have never tried audio books as a matter fact, so couldn’t really say about anything that I don’t know.

        However, I think audio books will not be very helpful for someone on the beginner level – like the person who asked me that question and whom I responded in that post. As you might have guessed, English is not our native language, although it is the lingua franca of our educated or business class – it is one of our two official working languages. But courtesy to our complex and multiple schooling systems, most people who come from a more humble background find it quite intimidating.

        So, I personally think that audio books wouldn’t really help improve vocabulary of such a person who does not already have some grip on the language.

        But, I appreciate your feedback all the same, I might personally try an audiobook sometime. Can you give me a link to some good stuff?

        Thank you so much for taking out time to read my post, and sharing your thoughts. 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

      2. You’re welcome 🙂 They also have audio books of children’s stories and there are learning modules for learning all kind of languages including English on the site I use– http://www.audible.com

        They have a huge selection of audio books and college level lectures (The Great Course series which are fantastic. They are packed with knowledge and humor.) Most of the audio books are in English but there are a growing number of audio books produced in other languages. I am so tempted to buy translations of my fav books just to hear what they sound like! They have all the best sellers. What genre do you like? What are your favorite books? If you let me know I can try and recommend something similar.

        Liked by 3 people

      3. This sounds interesting, and thanks for the link.

        Well I used to read a lot of fiction and I still find time to read it every once in a while. I mostly read stuff like philosophy, history and political science now.

        But I am a fan of several great fiction writers like Dickens and the Bronte’s. I am also a huge fan of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. So, any classic novel would do 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

      4. Audible has all of that. the Great courses has audio lectures on philosophy, history, poly-sci. There are also books by authors who study/work in those fields too 🙂 and of course there is plenty of fiction and the classics too. Some classics have been recorded so many times, you can pick your fav narrator out of the options and buy that one. Simon Vance has an amazing voice. So if you see anything that he’s narrated, give the sample a listen. You will be enthralled!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Bilal – your blog’s full of helpful hints and good recommendations. Have you seen the free FutureLearn courses on IELTS, run by the British Council? Your friends might find them really helpful and the information’s available for as long as they need it. There are plenty of other good English courses on FutureLearn. It’s worth a look.

      Also, if they find it hard to find time to read, have they tried the 6 Minute English conversation on BBC World service Learning English? It’s another free resource and it’s updated every day.

      Best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hello Elaine,

        I am aware of the BBC World Service Learning English and I have used it personally and found it very helpful and interactive. I was not aware of FutureLearn run by the British Council. I will check that out.

        Actually my post was not intended for people who are just preparing for IELTS, I was trying to talk about English writing skills in general. Perhaps I was not able to communicate that properly in my post. So thank you for hinting that, I will be more careful of what I am implying in my writings.

        Thank you very much for taking your time out to read my blog and for the good suggestions. 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Hi Bilal – don’t worry, you didn’t imply that you were only helping people prepare for IELTS. It was just that it made me think of the FutureLearn courses. By the way – FutureLearn is run by various different universities. The British Council only run courses about English.

        Liked by 3 people

  27. I know that having a lifestyle blog is a difficult balance to strike- you have to have a good amount of topics, while offering enough to engage readers that may only be there for part of your blog. Is my blog striking that balance- is there enough variety in topics while still providing “meat”? Any other recommendations are appreciated, as well. Thank you in advance!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You can get a different domains for different prices. And I am sure they cannot steal your money, as you have to sign up for you domain per year, so they can only charge you a certain amount for it and then you have it for a year. Hope that helps you, have a great day 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    3. Hi Vikki. If you have any concerns, continue to use the free one. That’s what I did, before deciding a year into my blogging experience to buy a domain. Dropping the wordpress extension at the end makes it look a little more professional, but it’s a matter of personal preference at the end of the day.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. Whether or not you get a custom domain is a personal choice; but I can assure you that when you complete a transaction here at WordPress.com your billing information is as secure as can be, and you can always choose not to renew your purchase.

      Like