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).

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  1. Hi all , I’m new , in fact very new . To the extent that I’ve only written one post . The blog is going to document on how we dealt with loosing our mum to cancer , how we dealt with it and mainly about our travels over the next 12 months with her ashes . I’m not really sure why I decided to blog it , just hoping that maybe if one person reads it and can take comfort then that’s good enough for me . Our aim is for it to be humorous as that’s the type of family we are . Well any fees back in my 1 post would be nice 😊https://2welshgirls.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Ruth and Lucy – first of all, I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. Secondly – I’d guess that your idea to take her ‘overcoat’ to all the places that she’d wanted to visit and to the places that she loved is a perfect plan. It’s a gift to her and a gift to yourselves.

      I think you’re right that your blog will be an inspiration and comfort to other people. Bereavement is a land without maps, even though many people will try to tell you how it ‘should’ be and how long it ‘should’ take to travel through it, your map is you own. Even though you’re sisters, your maps will be different.

      It’s clear that you’re writing from the heart, so your words will connect with readers. There’s a real skill to writing as if you’re sitting down chatting over a cup of tea, and you have that skill.

      All good luck with your blog and your travels – if you contact radio stations on your plans to travel in the ‘deep south’ you’ll reach even more people. Are you going to put one of those clever mappy tracking things on your blog? (I have no idea how, but I know it’s possible!)

      Best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 3 people

      1. A clever nappy tracking thing sounds intreasting and that I will look into . Thank you so much for your message . It means a lot to actual get comments from people , who actually think what we are doing is a good idea and we are not just nuts . I also like the idea of contacting radio stations , to be honest , that’s wasn’t something that we thought of doing . But mum was a people person and we just want to spread a bit of mum , her happiness , her meaning with everyone . . Thank you also saying that i seem to have some sort of skill with writting . Due to be dyslexic (not using that as an excuse ) I struggled through school etc and was put down so to have a comment like that has made me really chuffed . So thank you again for your comments and your support xx

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Yes, you do what I think a lot of people with dyslexia do – you use words without wasting them. Your enthusiasm and your story shine through, partly because they’re not covered up with word weeds.

        I’ve met so many people with dyslexia who were misunderstood and wrongly judged at school. Met a man the other day who is learning to read and write at the age of 55 because he’d given up at school, long ago, when he’d been called stupid and beaten for not ‘trying’ to read. He only found out that he’s dyslexic because his grandson was tested and something clicked, so he got tested too.

        You’re far from ‘nuts’. As a mum myself, it breaks my heart to think of the day my kids are left as orphans. I’d love it if they did something like you’re doing with your mum’s ashes. There’s a great healing power in moving with purpose – I suppose that’s why people go on pilgrimages.

        Have a look on Song of the Lark’s blog. You’ll see that she’s doing something like you – but through music.

        Good luck with it all
        Elaine

        Liked by 3 people

      4. You’re a wordsmith. Spelling correctly doesn’t make powerful writing. You transmit emotion and humanity. That’s what makes your writing powerful.

        Yes, get a friend to read over your blog posts for typos. Everyone should do that anyway, dyslexic or not. Your challenge is simply spelling, not clarity. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Ever look at a photograph and have a piece of music come to mind? Something that fits what the photo is about-the mood, the weather, the object in the photo. That is what my blog Soundtrack Of A Photograph does. Finding the connection between my own photos and the music that I love. Newest one is about something I call the Queens Curve, and a song by Paul Simon.

    Photo Shuffle-The Queens Curve

    Liked by 3 people

    2. That’s a great topic to write about. I think I tend to go the other way more often, personally, in that I have songs that remind me of specific memories, but I love the concept you’ve got there.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you for the comment! The idea came when I was having a bit of a crisis. I have been taking photos for year, but one day I jotted down what my passions are, because I wanted to do something else and different.At the top of the list were music and photography and I knew I was on to something. Appreciate the comments!

        Liked by 3 people

  4. Good Monday morning beautiful bloggers! Hope everyone had an amazing weekend and is well rested and ready to take on the last week of February! I’d like to take a moment to invite you to have a look at our blog. We’re looking to do a little re-branding and would generally appreciate some outside input on the subject.Our aim is to tie the two main aspects of our lifestyle together more seamlessly. Hand crafted reclaimed decor and whole (sometimes homegrown) foods both affordable, and from scratch. Any thoughts or ideas you’d care to share would be seriously considered. Also thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope to hear from you all soon!

    https://gaiascure.wordpress.com

    -Jeffrey

    Liked by 3 people

  5. Hello blogging world people!
    I have been blogging for a few months now and really enjoying it all along! My posts are mostly poetry, short stories, sometimes long stories (of 3 – 4 parts), book reviews and other ramblings of mine. I’d be thankful if you’d check it out and let me know how I can make it better!
    Thanks in advance.
    Have a wonderful week ahead.
    Syeda.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Hi there fellow bloggers! My name is Mark. I am now weeks away from the release of my debut psychological thriller novel! I need as much support as I can get so please do stop by if you can. Each and every follower has a huge part to play in my books success so I would be forever grateful. Take care, Mark.
    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Hi Mark,

      I had a quick look at your site – best of luck with the debut novel. I would suggest connecting some social media widgets to your sidebar to help promote your site/novel.

      Best of luck with it!
      Aidan

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi Aidan, thanks for stopping by and thank you for the recommendation! Adding the widgets to the sidebar is not something I have thought about but it’s a great idea! Thanks again, Mark.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Hi bloggers. I run a blog call Misstery blog and it has become a very positive thing in my life. I blog about many different things from serious topics to beauty posts. I just hit 115 followers, and it would honestly mean the world to me if you could check my blog out. I am within such a loving, supportive and down to earth community and I am so sure you will be welcomed with loving arms. Have a great day!

    Liked by 3 people

  11. Hello friend’s, I’ve returend to this forum once again to seek out fresh eyes for my blog. It’s about my photography, both digital and film, landscape and street mainly but dabbling into other thing’s as and when I feel I can.

    This week I resurrected a photography series I hadn’t posted about for over two months, it’s street photography taken on black and white fil around the city I live in. I’d love for a fresh pair of eye’s to take a look and maybe if you’re interested check out the rest of my blog too.

    Feedback is always welcome 🙂

    Street Photography – Cardiff Streets 10

    Liked by 3 people

  12. Hi I am completely new to this scene and would like for people to check out my blog posts and give me some feedback on my blog so that I can further improve on anything which is needed and which could be developed further. I would really love the support and any constructive criticism towards my work. I wouldn’t also mind if you left some future ideas that i could use which could possibly pull in more readers. I a sorry that this so long but thank you and I look forward to hearing what you have to say. I would appreciate it if you could check out my post called make it your own and inspirations thanks and can you give me some feedback for the layout of that post thanks.

    Liked by 2 people

    3. Hi Mozalfa – I looked at your Make it Your Own post and it’s generous and full of useful information.

      I started getting a bit lost after a while because the ‘how to do it’ photos were underneath the blocks of text, not next to it. For me, that separated the words from the images and I kept having to scroll back up to remember what I was supposed to be looking for.

      How does it look on a mobile? Is it easy to follow?

      All good luck with your blog
      Elaine

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you for commenting and reading that post it was really long, the channels are pretty awesome and I am greatful for them being there

        Liked by 2 people

      2. No problem at all 🙂 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

      1. Whoa! That’s awesome! Not too many of us out there with these double digit siblings 🙂 what’s your family’s ratio of boy to girl? Can I ask age range! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 hope you enjoy!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. HI Mary – your blog looks great! It helps that everyone is so good looking… About 1 in 10 of my posts fit into the humorous parenting category. This is the only one currently posted that I think fits the lighthearted nature of your site. I’d love for it to get some add’l reads. It hasn’t gotten much play on my blog – it was the 1st piece I blogged on my new site (a few months ago). If you’re only looking for new unposted stuff, PLMK.

      Hi, I’m Jeff

      Liked by 3 people

    3. Hi I really like your blog and I love the style of it. I could relate from the first story I read about enjoying kids. It irritates the crap out of me too so you aren’t alone! Thanks for sharing your stories

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you! It is fun! I’ve had a couple siblings marry people who were an only child. I love their perspective when they first become part of our family. It’s pretty neat to watch them embrace the craziness slowly but surely!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I like the content and loove the photos! I can’t thinking of any other improvement except maybe separating the text into more paragraphs for people who read on their phones. Thanks again!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you! That means a lot 🙂 I never thought of that because I’ve always just thought of my content being seen through a computer. I will definitely put that into account. I appreciate the feedback!

        Liked by 3 people

  18. Hi Everyone, I am fairly new here. I started my blog this month, so I have plenty to learn. I would love you to take time to visit and read, feel free to share your thoughts. I am growing a community and would love to have you a part of it. I will take time to visit some of the sites that are posted here as well.

    Lyf Mindset Strategies

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I gave you a follow because your content is strong and the overall look of your blog is great. I love the background! One thing-at some point if your theme supports it, you might want a Home Button and an About Me menu choice at the top of your posts. Your categories are great, but a link to the Home page and some bio information about you are good things to have. Otherwise, can’t wait to read more! 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks Robert for your input. Initially I chose this theme because the About me was at the top, but when I saved it, it was not there. I am sure it is a matter of me knowing how to customize to include the things you have mentioned. However, I do appreciate your input and value your thoughts. I have followed your blog as well.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Thank you for the follow. Don’t worry, you will sort this stuff out in time. When in doubt, there are YouTube clips for just about everything on WordPress that gives you trouble. The Dashboard has all kinds of useful stuff and has ways you can reorder your sidebars. Something I never thought about was that the “follow me” link on mine was buried all the way at the bottom on the sidebar. Someone told me to get it up to the top, and since then I have gotten a lot more followers. Keep going! Planning on reading some of your stuff properly this evening.

        Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks for taking time to view and check out my blog, I really appreciate you. I have viewed your blog and find it insightful. As I was admiring your header, I didn’t expect the neat surprise. I wish you the best on your blogging journey. I will follow your progress.

        Liked by 2 people

  19. HELLO everyone! I’m only 17, but love writing and am thinking about a career in journalism. My blog is about new stories, but I’ve tried to focus on positive ones, because everyone sees the day-to-day gloom and misery of the normal news.
    https://newsatwhenblog.wordpress.com/
    Please have a look at my blog, follow, comment what you think (I LOVE comments, so please do leave some if there’s anything at all you think I could do better.) and like if you thought the article was interesting or good.

    Thanks, have a great day!

    Liked by 4 people

      2. No problem at all! 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

  23. Hi all. I’m new and have just written my first blog.it wont be published till the end of March then followed by everything else I .The reason is…I’m going to become a granny, it was very surprising for my son too.I’m in my early 40s and my son will be 25 later this year.year. I’ve recovered now and I figured well since its going to be such an exciting time i might as well just blog my journey. My mom recently passed and we’ve had lots of trying times since as a family. Starting out 2016 being hopeful of good things to come. ohimagranny.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi from one photographer to another. I enjoyed taking a look through your blog, you’ve got some very nice image’s on there, especially the park one’s with the lovely vibrant Autumn colours, personally I think the close up shot of a pine cone with the lovely shallow depth of field and bokeh was very nice. One thing I would be interested to see more of is your about page, it say’s very little, for example what equipment do you use? what type’s of photography do you enjoy most? Do you have any influences?
      Just and idea 🙂
      Anyway, followed and I look forward to seeing more.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you so much for the advice!!! I will definitely be adding that in!
        Also I’ve been able to look around your blog and it’s awesome!!!
        Thanks again and look forward to seeing more from you as well.

        Liked by 3 people

    1. You mean on the stats page? If you go to the “days” part and just below the bar graph on the right it should say “countries”, clicking the little arrow will expand and deflate that little world map.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. If I had pets, I’d be convinced to try the wipes out after reading your article! I like that you set the main points apart.

      One thing I would suggest is adding a really easy to find summary section, for people who are just interested in your opinion on the wipes and not the whole backstory. I think your final paragraph summarizes it well and could even be moved to the beginning for greater emphasis.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you! I really like your advice, I went and looked over my post again and saw that you were right…my last paragraph would fit nicely at the top for a quick summary. Thanks again, I really appreciate the feedback!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I agree with Sandra about throwing in a para summing up your thoughts on the product. That being said I also enjoy reading back stories in reviews rather than just a clinical why-i-like-this piece.

      Perhaps you could add a listing of Pros and Cons? You also mentioned other similar products don’t measure up. Could you perhaps say what makes this one better?

      The 5 star rating system might be a good idea as it is universally understood. Maybe you could make it your own like instead of

      5=Excellent,

      you could say

      5=Holy Cow! You must buy this NOW!

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Hello! My blog is a mixture of very random things to issues which I feel strongly about. I post quotes that reflect how I am feeling or just some thoughts that I want to share with you. I talk about things that are not usually talked about.
    I recently got nominated to do a quote challenge and I share some really personal things in that post. I would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to read it.

    Quote Challenge #day1

    Maybe while you’re there you can check out my blog too. http://www.strikedbyepicness.wordpress.com

    Much appreciated. Strikedbyepicness x

    Liked by 4 people