May 30, 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? Are you redesigning your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

The Community Pool is for peer feedback and advice. Looking for more specific information? Check out some of these resources:

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).

Looking for free, self-guided courses to help you get started with your blog (or revive a dormant one)? Check out our current offerings at Blogging U.

To help us make the Community Pool a productive space for discussion, here are some tips you might find useful:

  • 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!
  • 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.
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
  • No running on the deck.

Are you a new blogger looking to share your very first post? We have a special forum for bloggers just like you in our weekly First Friday posts.

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  1. Check out my blog and tell me what you think? Hopefully it can make you crack a smile or too. Ooor it’ll make you want to kill me because of how corny my jokes are.
    I’ll definitely return the favour. Thank you.

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback!
        I checked out your blog and it astonished me that I hadn’t come across it sooner. The theme is lovely but the content is even better. Your poems are amazing. Keep it up!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you that’s so kind! I was just reading your Miranda sings post, I watch her all the time on YouTube and love how they’ve now made an award after her! I think it’s great that you are doing what you want rather than what’s expected of you! 😆

        Like

    1. You seem to have a pleasant personality so maybe adding a bit of color to your header might be nice? Or rather, changing the color scheme so it’s more… Spring-like. I noticed your super adorable Power Puff portrait. Maybe pull colors from that. Speaking of, I’d put that portrait and your “about” blurb at the top of your sidebar, as it’s one of the first things people look for. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hey!
      I have spent the last few minutes looking around your blog. I really like your posts and your content touches on some important issues. You have some great widgets set up in the sidebar too! My main criticism is about the header area. I like the name of your blog, and am curious why you chose that. Maybe you could make an about me page and explain that more? I think your blog could use more/different color. for some reason that colors in your header right now just aren’t working for me. I don’t think they need to go, but rather it might be great if you could find a way to play up that color scheme in your photos and text. Just a thought.
      Once again, your content is wonderful and with a few changes I think you could make it shine even more than it already does! Keep on writing! Check my blog out at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/
      I just followed!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hello!
      You have a great blog going! You have a good main idea and all of your posts fall in that category. Nice theme choice! It shows a lot of your posts while also allowing the reader to read some of each post before clicking. Very reader-friendly. My only bit of criticism is about the header image. It’s a nice image, and there’s nothing wrong in sticking with the default picture. But, I don’t think it really fits with the rest of the site. I think a nice colorful image that somehow represents health could be good and inviting for your readers.
      Check out my blog at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/
      Keep on writing and doing what you love! I just followed you!

      Like

      1. Well, it’s in french, the layout is a bit wierd but I did say so in the first post I made, I’d love to write in english but I don’t feel like I’ve got enough skills to do so, french comes easier to me since I’ve been reading books in french since I was a kid but I prefer talking and browsing internet in english for some reason haha

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello, I liked your post about Australia.
      For reader friendliness, you may add few widgets like Archives, Tags & Categories and likewise. I wonder if your theme supports Menu option. But, if it does then it would be a great idea to incorporate it. Thanks

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I already have categories, but I will take a look at the others, and the Menu option. Thanks for taking a look at my blog, you’ve been very helpful! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Oh my goodness! I love that photo of a tiger (or is it a leopard? I get those 2 mixed up)! Did you take that photo yourself? About your blog, it looks really good. The only thing I would add to it would be a menu at the top with different pages on it. You can check out my blog to see what I’m talking about. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s a leopard! Yes, I did, right before christmas when I volunteered in Namibia, Africa 🙂 I will check out your blog! I’m not sure if my theme supports the Menu option, but I will find out! Thanks for your help! 🙂

        Like

    4. My suggestion would be to put your Categories in your Menu. Also, some people may not want to keep scrolling through long posts. One option is to limit the display of posts on your Home page ( I set mine to 3). Another option is to insert the “Read More” widget after the first paragraph in your posts. That way, it’s faster to find a particular post by scrolling. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I will try that out, thank you! I have never really found the “Read More” widget, is it actually called that? I see your point regarding scrolling a lot, such a widget would be really helpful! Thanks for helping me! 🙂

        Like

  8. Hi everyone! Please please please come and check out my blog 🙂 I’ve been doing it for a short time but would appreciate any feedback and comments of any kind. I can guarantee a sensational reading experience 🙂 If you like what you read then please follow!

    hownowjosephine.wordpress.com

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Pretty nice blog and theme same as mine Widgets are also placed quite well.:) I would like to suggest to feature your best posts on home page of your site through ‘Featured posts’ option in theme customization section!

      Like

  9. Hey everyone! I run a pop culture website and I’ve been writing a lot about Game of Thrones recently, so I wanted to highlight some things about Peter Dinklage, who is one of my favorite actors. This post ( https://popculturalstudies.wordpress.com/2016/05/25/the-man-the-myth-the-dinkles-the-integrity-of-peter-dinklage/ ) takes a look at some of his roles and what they have in common, and basically, why he’s such an admirable guy. I’d appreciate some feedback, so let me know how it is!

    Liked by 4 people

  10. Well, I’m completely new to the blogging game and to be honest I don’t really have a clue as to what I’m doing well or what I’m not! I’m using my blog to write and document trips I take and help out any others who might need a few tips. I’ve tried to write creatively, use appropriate images and make the blog look neat and tidy. I’d appreciate any advice that any more seasoned individuals can give me. Cheers!

    https://80daves.wordpress.com

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Yes, around the world in 80 Daves is clever. Your site delivers as promised. Your posts are packed with helpful information. The photos serve to make the places come alive. Your quirky humor sprinkled in is the icing on the cake. If I ever take a trip, I will surely check your site in hopes that you have been to my intended destination. https://gracelead.co

      Like

    1. Very powerful post. Your poetry is beautiful! I especially enjoyed your blog’s design. Seems very personalized.
      ~A.R.

      Liked by 2 people

  19. Hi! So as a teen blogger I’ve seen many gorgeous blogs with beautiful headers and other artistic elements. Any tips on how to make my own/how you found your blogs style?

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I’m not tech savvy at all, but still I wanted a logo with my blog’s name on it. So I went on fiverr and asked someone to take a look at my blog (writing style, theme, etc) and create a logo for me 😀 You can check my blog out to see what I mean.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I’m looking forward to reading some more of your blog posts later tonight, but I really love your logo and design you have going! I’m hoping to create a logo that fits as well as yours fits your blog!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Oh okay! I’ve heard of the site but never checked it out for some god-forsaken reason 😂 I’m creative but not very artistically talented so this should be interesting 😉 thanks for the advice!

        Like

    3. Hi, Lily! I’m slightly above those golden teenage years, so I get where you’re coming from (in a sense). I think the best way is to do a bit of trial and error and get your hands dirty in the process. You can do them all yourself using free tools available on the Internet (I used Gimp for my logo). Keep in mind the restrictions of a free blog (if that’s your current plan) as you can’t customize it as much as a premium one. There are several tutorials to guide you through designing your own headers and stuff (Canva is a good place to start). As for the theme aspect, keeping your content in mind, play around with the themes available and see the one that works for you. It should obviously highlight your content in the near possible way. There’s no dearth of choices of themes here at WordPress, so feel free to experiment to your heart’s content. You’ll know when it’s the perfect match. Enjoy the process!
      For reference, this is my blog – https://pagesthatrustle.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 3 people

      2. Thank you so much! I followed your blog and am planning on spending some time later fiddling around with some of the sites and tools you’ve suggested (and hopefully reading some more of your posts as well) 🙂 thank you for the feedback! I’ll let you know how it goes 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    4. You kind of have to create a unique style and roll with it; be consistent. With my header, I wanted to portray the kind of laid-back, quirky style of my stories while also emphasizing the whole “personification” thing. It seems to have worked, so I’ve done several other illustrations in a similar style.

      The lily graphic you have is pretty. I’d try incorporating that into more elements of your sidebar.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Okay thank you! It was actually a new addition I made just yesterday because of some other feedback I received, and I am loving it! I’m definitely going to keep it up and make sure my color scheme and illustrations are consistent throughout!

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Bizarre request but could someone let me know if clicking on my name in the comments section takes you through to my blog. I’ve noticed when I click on others comments that it fails and was wondering whether my name directs to my blog correctly? Thank you in advance! 😄

    Liked by 3 people

  22. Hi. Being honest I know that my blog will not be everybody’s cup of tea or idea of a good read. It’s completely honest, raw and sad but aimed at raising awareness and providing a platform for discussion and support. I would be eternally grateful for feedback of any sort. Thank you

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Hi! Interesting read… I didn’t want it to end!

      The only suggestions I have is:
      1. A large semi-automatic rifle is a BIG gun and your scene is actually pretty intimate considering it is face-to-face with only 3 people. A full size 9mm or something like a P238 might seem more plausible. Maybe even something kind of James Bond like, sleek and sexy. No matter which weapon it is, it will remain intimidating within your scene but keep it period correct since, if I read correctly, this was a 35 year old tale.

      2. The last sentence read a little awkward for me… I had to read it 4 times before I realized what was happening.

      I hope you extend on this tale! Like I said, I didn’t want it to end so quickly. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for the feedback! I was on the fence about that weapon, thanks for making up my mind. I also changed the last paragraph.

        Like

  24. Hey, everyone! I just published an article that contains some valuable writing advice. Especially suited for those just starting their literary journey, but I’m pretty sure even the masters may glean some nuggets of wisdom. Do check it out if this sounds like something you’re likely to read.

    The Hidden Layer

    Have a great day!
    -Nandini

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Hi!

      I like your theme and initial set up. That’s one of my favorite templates.

      Definitely use your Category and Tags features!

      One thing I noticed was your social media menu is not linked up to any accounts. You might want to link it up to social accounts or remove it all together.

      Followed you to see what else you post. Keep it up! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      3. From your blog, hover over My Sites (top left, black), click Themes, Customize, Menus, Social Links Menu, add items with info. Or if you don’t want to have social links (like a business wouldn’t want to link to a personal instagram) then you can remove the menu all together. Hope this helps. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    3. As a history junkie myself, I’m excited to see where your blog goes. I’m looking forward to reading your post about Hiroshima. My only suggestion would be to fix up the “text widget” in your footer by filling it with something relevant to your blog.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Hi to all you wondeful bloggers, well, the ones I’ve met so far are 😊

    Just completed week three of a kindness challenge so hoping to promote that, my blog and the hostesses blog too via the link in my collection of three of the weekly posts here

    https://fictionisfood.wordpress.com/category/kindness-challenge/

    Any comments on theme layout, navigation or anything are gratefully received AND all likes, comments or follows will send me in search of yiur blog to reciprocate the kindness and, inevitably lead to a follow.

    Have a great week 🙃

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Your content seems to be good, but the theme (layout, background, etc) reminds me of the 90s. This might put some people off, thinking if your blog looks outdated then your ideas will probably be outdated as well. Which is totally unfair, but unfortunately that’s how people think. So my advice to you is update the appearance of your blog.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for that…I’m still searching for the theme that pops…seems a minefield to explore there and arty is so bit me 🤔 Some say they like it and two people with photosensitivity say none white backgrounds help their vision…thanks for your feedback…it’s panning along my own thoughts too 🤔

        Like

      1. Agreed and adhered to in my writing proper. The challenge topic linked in that one are more self reflective and conversational in tone…thanks for your feedback; I shall keep it in mind 🙃

        Like

  28. I’m a bit of a newbie and I have a question! Is there a way to be notified when your favorite blogs write a post??

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Hello, yes there is. You can enter your email address when you follow their blog and it will send you an email notification.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Cute idea! Reminds me of the Liebster Award which is also a really cool way to network and link up. Hope it goes well! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi! I really like your theme and color choices but are you geared towards young women looking to learn how to adult or men too? I’m a young enough adult woman and I love the look but wondering if men would too.

      I like your topics a lot and can’t wait to see more of what you post. I never had that idea of contributing to other blogs until I read your blog. Might be a cool way to network and grow. Cool idea!

      Like

    3. The French Squid…what a awesome name…I had to go see it for myself.

      But, then, I read the post “The French…What?” and I thought the concept was even better than the title. I’m in my early 30’s. My friends have often joked that university and our post-graduate work did not prepare us for “the real world.” Forget Geology 101 and Astronomy 103… how about “Avoiding Debt 101” or “Health & Pension 103.” Point is…you’ve got a great idea – “adulating with style.” In fact, just the other day a former student of mine asked if I could put more content relevant to college students on my site…so there apparently is an audience. I will send her your website.

      All said, the concept is superb, the layout is great…I do really like the quirkiness of the name, but I am not sure if the name will work for you or against you. I want to read about a french squid (no doubt), but I’m confused how a french squid will help me learn about “adulating with style.”

      Thanks for sharing…I look forward to seeing where you sail off to…

      Liked by 3 people

    4. J’aime le nom du blog!! Je veux lire beaucoup de voi articles.
      I don’t if those lines are right, but I wanted to comment using the little French I know because of the interesting title of the blog. I liked your other posts too.
      Following you!!
      Do check out mine

      Like

    5. Hello there,
      Great job with your blog! It looks really nice, and I like your theme choice (I use Sela too). You seem to have a clear topic to blog about, which is a good start, and you have set up some long-term posting goals too. I noticed that nothing is in the ‘recent posts’ menu button, or at least it when I click it nothing happens. You have some good widgets on your sidebar, and your posts are personal and practical. You just got yourself another follow, and I am excited to see where the French Squid goes in the future. Best of luck!
      Check out my blog about authentic living and thankfulness at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person