Jun 20, 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).

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  • 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!
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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. Not really fund of amusement parks, I’ve been to a couple in Belgium, and once I also went to Disneyland Paris, you’re post ws very nice though 😉

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Hi y’all!
    My blog is about names (baby, character, etc.). I just wrote a new post called “Many Bellas” about actually-used baby names including the element ‘Bella.’
    Not only Isabella, but Mirabella, Adabella, Bellatrix, Bellamy, and many others. Please check it out! Discussion would be much appreciated too. 🙂
    Link: https://wellinformednamer.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/many-bellas/

    I also have a question – what do y’all think about me adding a name directory page? I have a search function, but a lot of the names mentioned on my site are rare or unheard of and I’m thinking people could peruse the directory and discover new names that way and read the relevant articles from there.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Cool post 🙂 I liked it! And I think your idea of adding a name directory page is super cool, because you’re right — sometimes names are rare and I can’t possibly search for a name I don’t know yet! 😉

      As for suggestions: while I like your background image up by your header (“The Well-Informed Namer”), it is a little dark, and it blends into the words. Not sure if you want to change it (again, I like it!), but not sure if you want it to blend, either. Take a look at it!

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click on my name and choose one 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Alrighty, I’ll work on putting a directory up within the week!
        I am indeed planning an update to the header, but I don’t know when that will be. For one thing, the colors are too reminiscent of autumn too early in the year, and secondly, I made that word cloud when the most recent name data was for 2014, and the 2015 data was released a month ago.
        Looked at your blog and clicked on a link to one of your pieces. I really enjoyed “The Hunt!”

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Omg that was wonderful. Dark and horror-filles, but really really wonderful. Your writing style is one of a kind, I love it.

      I’d also love your thoughts on my blog! I write stories and an always looking for feedback to improve! Hope you find it worth following 🙂

      Fading Away…

      Liked by 3 people

    2. This post about a dark fiction story, covering 3 layers of horror is really good! Honestly, I was half relieved there was no more in the post, describing how Billy was tortured; but also half wanted to read more. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey CurlyGirl,
      this is a super useful and super informative post! I’d definitely rely on it if I ever needed to get around Belgium, and probably forward it onto a few peeps who might find it useful!
      It’s well sectioned too, split up into useful categories!
      Check out The Man in Seat 61, who’s a God at writing these – may be some tips for future ones!
      If you’ve got the time I could sure use some insight into some of my writing…let me know what you think 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi there! I think it’s a good, informative article! Lots of details. Something I was wondering, as I’m struggling myself with it…is it not too travel-guide-like? I personally would recommend it for friends going through Brussels who might need info, but there isn’t much about your personal experience, how you feel about the place, etc.? This is not a criticism at all, but as I started writing about my travels about 3 months ago, I was wondering how to write my posts so they could be informative, but also personal and I’m still unsure about it. Or maybe it just depends who your target audience is? I started writing for family/friends mainly (hence more personal touch) and in the process realised I wanted to see if I enjoyed writing, to maybe make it more open to the world… Otherwise I really like the lay out of your blog (I’m also struggling with that on mine!!). I’ll read a few more of your posts 🙂
      If you’re interested in reading about my adventures in Central America, feel free to feedback too! 🙂 My latest post is about my debut in Leon, would that make you want to read more of the blog?? Also, is it easy to navigate? Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! indeed I think my main working point is to get my personal touch in it, although I find it very difficult in this particular article 🙂 I will take a look at your blog right away!

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Fantastic post! Very well organized. You may want to do an info graphic to summarise- it is a lot of information to take in at once. It also helps your readers share it easier (ie. Pinterest). Wonderful blog, I’m excited to follow you now! Cheers 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice FRIENDS post 🙂 What a fun show!! You did a great job using pictures; however, some of the captions were hard to read (at least, on my monitor). Maybe make those larger in the future so everyone can see them easier? 🙂

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click on my name and choose one 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I checked out a few posts — nice blog 🙂 I love country living! Great job using pictures (but not too many) to draw readers in. Looks like your blog is off to a great start!

      Would you be willing to review one of my posts? Just click on my name and pick one 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hey, your blog is great! All of the pics are so good, and they make your posts very personal. I especially liked the post on sugar cookies. They look very pretty and yummy! I just followed and I look forward to seeing more of your posts! Keep on writing! You can check out my blog about authentic living and thankfulness at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Cool post on crying 🙂 It was fun to read! Good use of images/GIFs — that’s a great way to draw in readers.

      Would you be willing to check out one of mine? Click on my name and choose whichever one you’d like 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! I looked at your blog and think it’s pretty interesting. I think about the differences between genders, genders equalities and double standards a lot too, so can relate to most of your posts 🙂
        I have also one technical question, since we have the same theme, how did you set the posts in your home to not show entirely but with the “continue reading” button?? (if you get what I’m talking about hehe) I’ve tried to set it since I’ve started but can’t figure how :/

        Like

      2. If you edit the post, one of the buttons on the editing toolbar is called “Insert Read More Tag.” (On my computer, it’s in the first row of buttons) Just place your cursor where you want the tag to appear, then click that button!

        Like

      3. Oohh I thought it was gonna be an option to check in the theme’s settings! Thanks so much for the explanation. Spent half an hour re-editing all my old posts haha

        Like

    2. Hey, I like your mix of posts on your blog. I saw that you have certain deadlines for your different posts, which is really nice for your readers. Your What Have I… posts are really neat yet allow you freedom in what you write about. Keep up the great work! You can check out my blog about authentic living and thankfulness at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback 🙂
        I checked out your blog and think that visually is really well designed and great pictures. As for the content, I really like the positivity of it! Good job 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha yeah she was indeed pretty awesome. Thanks for your comment 🙂
        I looked at your blog and yeah, it’s just started, but I was happy to see that we share the same passion for Buffy and I actually watched the video you linked and was really interesting. The dude was super funny also! haha Only suggestion I could give you now, is maybe add a couple of pics here and there in your reviews, to break the monotony of the text, but else you seem off to a good start 🙂

        Like

  9. Hi all!
    I’d love some insight from some constructive critics on my writing – I often write and want to delete absolute everything on completion because I always think ‘Why would anyone want to read that?’.
    If you’ve got the time, check out my blog, pick a random blog post and let me know what you think. Is it engaging? Are the posts too long? Do you care about what you’re reading? Is my style too ‘textbook’. Actually, any comments would be great!

    Thanks a bunch, and happy Monday! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I read your post on Central America. It had a great balance between text and images, good font size, good post length, and I enjoyed reading it! So all good things 🙂 It does read a bit textbook, which doesn’t have to be a bad thing. To make it more personal, add some (not a lot, but some) personal info, such as stories of what happened to you. For example, if you were robbed in Central America, that could be a blog post all on its own about how to stay safe (however, I hope that didn’t happen to you!!). A more personal post may encourage readers to come back to hear more of YOUR stories as well as to read your tips 🙂

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and pick whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  10. Greetings! I have a blog that’s geared towards archives, libraries, museums, and sometimes books. I recently started a feature called “Finding Aid Friday” which highlights finding aids (documents that describe the arrangement of archival collections — papers, manuscripts, photos, films, things that are preserved for perpetuity due to their informational, historical or exhibition value). Each week, ideally, has a theme.

    But I need themes! What weird topics, broad interests, and esoteric ideas do people have that I can look up?

    Here’s my blog (https://findingaid.wordpress.com/). Please have a look, share some ideas, and learn about some archival collections!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Not sure if it’s a good topic, but maybe something about an unsolved disappearance or murder case or something like that? I don’t know if it fits your blog, but couldn’t think of something else

      Liked by 1 person

    3. As someone whose own writing usually involves a bit of research into history things, I think your blog is pretty awesome. I know you’ve done one about political cartoons but maybe you could do one about propaganda? I know that’s pretty broad, but you could narrow it down to whatever era/war/etc. that you’d like. Personally, I dig Cold War propaganda.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I’ve never done a music / artist review before. I’ll be honest I didn’t even research how. It was just a random whim – but I wouldn’t mind getting any feedback on what I could have done better?

    Also, as I always do, I’ll be going through Community Pool to read and find new interesting bloggers to follow – so by all means feel free to join me in my babbling, as well!

    https://awkwardbabble.wordpress.com/2016/06/19/musical-musings-the-weeknd/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Awkward Babble!
      How lucky this was about The Weeknd! I’ve listened to him since he released his very first extended play so I love love love his music, and all the darkness associated with it – so moody!
      Your writing is really great, it’s got personality and really leads one through a telling. Though I’d say focus on splitting up your post into sections or themes, to make it more easily digestible and perhaps think about why your review is useful to others who aren’t so sure about getting into the weekend (consider talking about his music from an outsider perspective instead of a personal one ie more ‘His music is perfect for a late night train ride home.’ instead of ‘I listened to this on a late night train home and it was magical.’).
      Of course what do I know, I’m not a publishes music-critic, but it’s just some generic stylistic tips which may help! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi There!

        Thanks for taking time to read and give your feedback – I really appreciate it and it makes a lot of sense! I really like your idea of segmenting a blog into sections with themes – I think that would help a lot. One of the things I struggle with when writing is having so many thoughts in my head – and sometimes that leaves my blog to lose it’s direction or cohesiveness. I think that breaking it up like that would not only help me keep my thoughts organized, but help me make a clearer point!

        You also make a lot of sense about writing it from a different perspective – and I think you’re absolutely right. Someone will want to know why they might like The Weeknd, not why I like him…

        Thanks again – very helpful!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. No problem! I hope it was useful!
        I know all about the struggle of having so much to say and so many stories to recall and it’s such torture trying to cut them out of my blog posts but for the sake of coherent argument or development of one point I’ve gotta be strict! Isn’t there some quote somewhere about how a very small percentage of writers’ thoughts is actually what gets published…? Or something along those lines… 😛

        Liked by 2 people

      3. I’m not sure if there is, but that definitely makes sense! Sometimes I feel like trying to get from point A to point B in my blog is like trying to catch something in the middle of a tornado lol

        Liked by 1 person

  12. ok guys seriously i would like to know how many blogs did you practiced with before publishing what you are maintaining now?

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Have you ever looked at a photograph and had a song pop up in your head? I combine my photography with the music I love for my blog. My recent one came about because as the weather gets warmer, I find myself playing Latin music more, so the post is about the great Celia Cruz. Let me know what you think

    Heating Up!

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Hey guys! Happy monday!
    I have a new blog (about life, deep stuff, music and more, always with humor) and one of my main intentions is to talk about some serious situations I’ve been through.
    With this post, I’m trying a new approach on how to talk about “something” (the thing is, I wrote it in a letter format, and you’ll find out who’s destined to at the end)
    So if you could please check it out, and let me know what you think, I’d be sooo thankful
    Have a great week!

    https://iamblockhead.com/2016/06/16/a-letter-to-c/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Howdy! You’re more than welcome to seek feedback here, but we’d appreciated if you posted here when you have actual questions or would like particular feedback on a post, rather than using this as a space to promote each new post you publish. Thanks!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Nice post! Great job choosing a relevant image to accompany it 🙂

      Suggestion: Your blog header (thenewleaf2016) blends into the background image and makes it a little hard to see. Might be a good idea to change/alter the image so that your title is easy to see! 🙂

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and pick whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      2. I checked our your posts. Looks good! Good content, interesting about section, decent use of images. Suggestion: don’t bold/italicize/use giant font unless you’re saying something extra important. In your “Who Am I?” post, the giant blue font was a little distracting. Normal font will let people focus more on your words 🙂

        Click on my name and pick one of my posts to check out, please! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  20. Happy Monday everyone!!
    Been posting on my blog for about a week now. Would really appreciate some feedback. I plan to talk about the things i think I know about haha so hopefully it will be enjoyable! I talk about fashion, music, nationality and much more! https://julyh19.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice post! I read your most recent one 🙂 Good use of images, good post length, good content. All good stuff! Keep writing!

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and pick whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  22. https://shonessa.wordpress.com/

    Hi! I am still new on WordPress. But I really want to take my blogging further and genuinely enjoy writing them. Shonessa is all about my point of view in different social issues, my personal life and short poetry on daily prompts. My recent blog was on Father’s Day and how its comparatively underrated than that of the Mother’s Day. What do you people think? Where we are fighting for gender equality we are actually creating more inequalities among men and women. Waiting for your responses.
    Thank you, hope you all had a great day!

    Unending love

    Liked by 2 people

  23. Hi, my blog is about writing. I just published a posts on motivation struggles as a sort of part two to my last post about not putting too much pressure on yourself. I would love to hear thoughts about it.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Nice post. Just commented 🙂 Good length, good use of images, good content. Every writer has been there!! Keep writing, and as you do, more traffic will come through. You’ve got good stuff here!

        Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and pick whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Left a comment. Also, I saw that you’re a fantasy writer? It’d be cool if there was maybe a link somewhere to your works. I’d love to read some of your pieces 🙂

      Like

      1. My babies aren’t quite ready to go out into the world yet. However, I have been thinking about building a page on my blog about my WIP’s. Promo blurbs, character sketches. That kind of thing. I plan to self-pub after I get a “real job,” and my debut novel will then be available as a free ebook.

        Like

      2. I totally get that. I plan to self-pub one day too. I differ from you though in that, rather than wait until the right time, I regularly throw my own babies at people as much as possible while yelling fondly, “LOOK AT THESE IDIOTS.”

        A WIP page would be an excellent addition to your blog. I say, go for it.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Very interesting read. I love the layout and the image you have chosen. The look of your blog fits perfectly with what you’re writing. Are you going to write about your journey into veganism?

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Looks great, very nice choice of theme etc. I wish you lots of luck on your journey into blogging and veganism. I’ve been vegetarian for many years and recently swapped to fully vegan, so it’s great to see the interest growing and people taking the time to research it properly. PS When you get a chance, add the ‘About’ page info, it’s always one the first things many people look at. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I think it definitely fits in the playful tease category. That could easily change if you do decide to “paint a bigger picture” though.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Appreciate the fact that you took out timers read the piece. As far as the bigger picture is concerned I don’t want to extend this scene but I would like to consider this as the centre and build a story around it. This much of bedroom endeavour is enough 😂😂

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Hello All

    Happy Monday indeed and the longest day.

    I have put a new blog post up all about my start into meditation. I wonder how many will consider this as a form or relaxation and to allow the mind to find new story ideas?

    As with everyone feedback and comments welcome.

    http://drawnonwords.co.uk/meditation-1/

    Thanks

    Mark

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Just commented. 🙂 Nice post — short and sweet. Good use of images, too! Meditation sounds very relaxing but I always fall asleep while trying!!

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and pick whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  27. Good Evening fellow bloggers.

    I’ve been out of the loop for a few weeks due to me moving house but my blog is back with a bang and looking for feedback, fresh pairs of eye’s to look it over and hey maybe even a few new follower’s if you like what you see.

    It’s a photography blog, all photo’s taken by me on film and digital, mostly street and landscape but does mix it up a little now and then. Here’s a couple of recent post’s to get your teeth into, have a look and let me know what you like, don’t like…..hate?

    Medium Format : Thirty One

    Street Photography – Olympus OM-D EM-5; 41

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Very nice! I love how dynamic your street images are. I think my favorite one is the image of the restaurant sign. I think my one suggestion would to caption where you take the photos (unless you don’t want to reveal too much about where you live). Great job!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Actually the vast majority of my post’s are tagged with where they’re taken, Cardiff in Wales usually, it’s just not written into the actual post itself. Well except for my street photography series on film which is specifically called Cardiff Streets. Thank You for looking and your feedback though 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Nice photos 🙂 Very cool! One thing: grammar-wise, it should be “Photographs I’ve Taken” without the apostrophe. Not a huge deal, but viewers tend to take blogs more seriously the fewer errors there are!

      I looked through a few shots and my favorite is the summer field. I’ve always been very drawn to nature. I also like the one of the fencing, as well.

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and pick whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

  28. Good evening bloggers!! My name is Mark and I am a self published author looking to spread the word about my love of writing. My first year as a writer has been fantastic and I’ve met some inspiring people who share a keen interest in this new found love of mine.
    If you get the time, please follow and stop by and say hi. Any feedback good or bad is more than welcome and it would be great to hear from you.

    Take care
    Mark
    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Just swung by and commented 🙂 Question: do you have an area on your site with a teaser for your book? It might be a good idea to do so to help draw new people in. (for example, I didn’t see anything right away when I viewed your home page, like a description. Your menu doesn’t link to your short story either). Might be a good idea to connect that so new readers will know more and maybe buy your story, too! 🙂

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and pick whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

      Liked by 1 person