Jun 13, 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. Maybe use less pictures — though they are nice photos, they overwhelm the text part of your post because there are so many. You could also add a little more text to alter your photo/text balance, too! 🙂

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? (Click on my name! 🙂 )

      Liked by 3 people

    2. That sounds like it was a truly amazing trip! I do feel you perhaps did overdo it with the pictures however i wouldn’t say get rid of them you could perhaps have the bulk a the end and just one that are the most relevant in the main bit. I do like the way you broke it up and felt it was structured reasonably.well! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Additional images will break up the text and add more color — and color is a good thing! 🙂 If you have other posts on similar topics, link to them in the first post (i.e. if you write about fishing, for example, in two posts, link them together so interested readers will see both). There are many reasons why people don’t follow, so it’s hard to say what exactly they’re thinking.

      Liked by 4 people

      2. You can ask your friends for permission to use theirs, or you can always take your own photos. I use the website Flickr, and search for photos licensed under Creative Commons (this means I can use them for free, as long as I give credit to the photographer).

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Hi, I just had a read of your latest blog. I can definitely feel your passion and sincerity in your writing! Similar to previous comments, I suggest that you break up your writing into sections using headings. And ask questions to your readers at the end of post to drive engagement. Good luck!

      Liked by 2 people

    4. From personal experience, I sometimes like posts but don’t follow because those individual posts resonate with me but perhaps the blog topic as a whole isn’t something I’m interested in. So maybe that’s one reason why. But don’t feel disheartened by it. Just focus on writing what you’re genuinely passionate about and engaging with other bloggers who’s stuff you like. You will eventually find a community of like minded people who are interested in your blog. Also, I think it’s better to have a few really dedicated followers rather than a bunch who aren’t really engaged with your blog 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you very much for your encouragement. I guess its because I so passionately want to help as much of the world as I can touch discover true health through my writing. When you know you have something amazing to offer and the world in general does not realize it, it can be frustrating. I know it takes time and patience though. 🙂

        Like

  5. Anyone interested in checking my blog out and giving feedback? I am aware its a bit been there done that however i love writing and i will start coming up with more original ideas …. I hope… Anyway, I only started the other day as well. i am also looking for someone who can possibly give me tips on getting better at it . Thanks 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    1. One good thing to do: proofread for grammar before posting. Little things like capitalizing “I” and proper spelling make people take your writing more seriously. 🙂 You can also add pictures to your posts to add more color!

      Would you be willing to look at one of my posts?

      Liked by 1 person

      2. You can pick! 🙂

        I took creative writing courses in college, and one of the first things my professor said was that writers who pay attention to grammar will always do better than those who don’t. I can’t say for sure if he was right, but it seems like good advice! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      3. I believe it’s good advice although my grammar isn’t perfect i prefer reading something with good grammar because it is like the person cared enough to put in the effort. Your post seem really down to earth, seriously there’s not enough people that do those sorts of posts, it’s refreshing to see it’s interesting and it’s quite original.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. If I were you, I might change your blog’s theme. Right now it doesn’t really lend well to the type of content you’re putting out. Try finding a theme where the posts are all visible, instead of one where you need to click boxes to get to your actual content. I hope that made sense. If you want help, I’d be more than happy to point you in the direction of some great themes.

      Like

      2. Ecto, Baskerville, Hew, Suits, and Highwind are just a couple that I think look pretty good 🙂

        Like

  6. Do you have cats? Do you ever think about what they think about like what they’re lives were like before you brought them home? I did one night, and wrote a poem about it. This weeks poem is “A Question for My Cats.” Included is a photo of my little pride. Stop by and check it out. Please leave any likes/comments/feedback on the post page. Thanks in advance for reading.
    Drew

    A Question for Our Cats

    Liked by 3 people

  7. I am turning 30 in September, and last year I wrote a list of 30 things I wanted to do before my birthday. I have to say, I haven’t been very successful achieving all those goals I wrote down, but I am in the quest! One of my goals was to write 150 posts in my blog. I am way behind, but still would like to share it with all of you and it would be incredibly encouraging to hear your thoughts and ideas. Hope you stop by!

    http://www.theperfectfitproject.wordpress.com

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hey Monica ! Hi five , even I was born on September , but won’t be turning 30 instead will be 18 😉 … Anyways loved you blog , will be following it , hope to read more of your posts .
      -Ism

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! I love watching people on YouTube talk about their monthly favourites, so I thought it would be a nice edition to my blog 🙂

        Like

      3. Pretty much all beauty related YouTubers. The most popular are zoella, Tanya Burr etc …however, if you just type in ‘May favourites’ then I’m sure you’ll be spoilt for choice haha

        Like

  13. Hello All! I am a second time new blogger. Okay in other words and to make more sense I started with Word Press in 2013 and without much time wrote two blogs that I thought were pages and then in May 2016 wrote a new page. All related and intended to help me grow in my business relationships and to also be a blessing to those that may need extra help in my area of expertise. I am not trying to promote but really do need to be a part of a community that can help me learn. I wish I knew of First Friday in 2013 but am just beginning again so here I am in the Community Pool and need help so I don’t sink too far. Here is my link. I would love feedback and plan to spend some time with the Tutorials and all of you here in the Pool. Thanks in advance.

    Is it okay to miss a credit card payment?

    Liked by 3 people

  16. Hello all,

    I’m an avid reader, creative writer, nature lover and tea sipper that takes photos and paints them in words.

    Feel free to check out my blog “Painted in words” if you are interested in nature photography, prose, poetry, reading and bullet journaling:

    https://nashrahs.wordpress.com

    Thanks,
    Nashrah

    Liked by 3 people

  17. Hi! I’m a ballet dancer and a foodie. I write real stories of dancing in the rehearsals, to dancing/costumes/make-up in the performances. I also include some food recipes that keeps me fueled. Wheat, rice, and oats give me eczema, so all my delicious recipes are free of those! Hope you comment, follow, etc. I can check out your blog:)
    https://fondufondue.com/

    Liked by 4 people

  18. Hey, I’ve written my latest post on how to plan your week more efficiently! I’ve borrowed the Agile technique, which is what all the large tech companies use. This is the first time I’m offering bonus content with my post too. My goal is to gain more subscribers so I’d appreciate any feedback on why you would or wouldn’t subscribe to my blog 🙂 thanks!

    http://www.tinaparkblog.com

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Your writing is well structured, in depth but not a load of ramble, well explained, you express your opinions and your writing is interesting and it connects with the read whilst being informing.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. WOAH. I love this! I’m super disorganized and have post it notes EVERYWHERE, I like your idea of putting them on a day of the week 🙂 great post!

        Like

      2. Hey, thank you so much for your lovely and constructive feedback – really appreciate it! Can I ask: would you subscribe to my blog? Why or why not? I’m focusing on growing my mailing list at the moment. Thanks!

        Like

  24. Curious about semantics for two part posts? All my posts tend to run ‘long’ for blogs at 1200 to 2000 count. I’ve never considered breaking any up before but the piece I just finished in rough draft form ended up about 500o, a proper long essay/short nonfiction story clocking in at 9 typed pages. Have people had success with multi-post pieces? What’s the best way to handle it? Thanks!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I’ve never split up posts but have a blogging friend who will have Part 1, 2, 3 in three successive weeks and I think her readers enjoy the anticipation. I know I do.

      Also, on your breaking up with fb post, I like your personifying of the site moving in, bringing its toothbrush, and clearing out a drawer. Your writing is engaging and you definitely have style.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for the kind words on my style. I broke the piece into 2 parts where there seemed a break that also might leave an anticipation. I’m going to try scheduling them a week apart. We’ll see how it goes, fingers crossed and all. It’s all one big experiment anyway.

        Like

    1. Hi, Roberta — your comment has been held in moderation because it contains so many links; comments with that many links are frequently spam, so they get help in the spam queue. I’d recommending sharing a specific post that you have particular questions or would like specific feedback on; your comment will be published, and you’re more likely to get a helpful response! This is a space for folks looking for feedback, and we do ask that you not use it simply to share new links/links to every post you publish. That way, it stays focused and helpful, and everyone can get the help they’re looking for.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Okay. I understand and I didn’t know that. I’m quite new here and maybe I misunderstood the rules here. I have seen others publishing more than one link and thought therefor that it was allowed. Thank you for letting me know.

        Like

    1. hello i visited your blog, and its obvious you just got here i welcome you to this community and hope you enjoy it i suggest you start posting blog post or add a about page of a small description of who you are if its okay with you, and am here for any support you may need! i love the short note i read on your blog and my heart goes out to you xx

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks FofoFl’or, means a lot, I will have a look at what you suggest and have a go at setting the “about” page up later in the day. I may be taking you up on your offer of support sooner rather than later, haha

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I read your blog and first must say Bravo! for not letting him take your life from you. On a blogging note, Word Press has a two week “Blogging University” for free. I’m on day six and seem to be learning quite a bit. Best wishes to you. Your strength is encouraging!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Owning a dog with anxiety, means a lot, I will definitely check the B/U out, I so need as much help with all this as I can get.. haha. x

        Like

    1. i agree whole heartly. need to enjoy life more. most things work out on there on. sometimes we need to bring the shovel the mountain will not move on its own. but i feel the way u do … worrring will not make it better acturally it makes it worse. BREATHE 🙂 blessings all

      Liked by 1 person