Jun 27, 2016 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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. I really enjoyed the post about not wanting to be a serious writer. The title drew my attention and I agree it is definitely hard to actively promote oneself. But do what you love and explore this community for others who share that with you. I think your blog is doing a good job of that. One thing that would help (especially for new readers coming to explore) is that since your posts are long, they can be displayed in short (using the Read More tag) on the main page of the blog. A reader can find something to engage in from your various posts a lot faster and click to read any posts in full. Best Wishes for the completion of your book.

      Like

      1. Thanks for the feedback. I’ve been considering doing exactly that. It’s just that tend to actually read posts on other people’s blogs more when they are put out in full. But maybe that’s just because I’m used to my own blog.

        Like

    1. Variety can be a good thing. I could not stick with any one theme for my own blog. The banner at the top of your site looks great with the categories and pictures. You also do a great job with the photos in the recipe posts.

      Like

  4. Howdy!! I have recently started a new category “quotes” on my site. I would like if you visit and give some feedback on graphics and content .. :)https://thelearnify.wordpress.com/category/quotes/
    Thank you:)

    Liked by 5 people

    2. Hi Aki. I have already been following your blog and personally I am a big fan of quotes. You have presented the little bites of wisdom well with effective use of the theme’s layout. The graphics add a great touch for a welcoming page and emphasize the quotes.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hey MOL!!! This is the best comment of the day!!! thank you so much!!!
        I call it #RoadtoAccomplisments!!
        I really like your blog you have so much informative posts and yes you have also a best collection of quotes 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      1. paminat0r, I love the unique inspirational theme of your blog. You cover some great advice/quotes. It would be great to see more background to understand what is happening in the text where the tips are taken from or draw on real life examples to illustrate just how valid the points are.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Hello 🙂
    I’d love to get some feedback on my latest posts so here are a few links you might want to check out:

    To make you smile > Random Acts of Kindness https://thehighheeledpapergirl.wordpress.com/2016/06/21/random-acts-of-kindness/

    To relate? > 15 Things Only People with Parents from Different Countries Understand https://thehighheeledpapergirl.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/15-things-only-people-with-parents-from-different-countries-understand/

    To talk > Why The Writer Is An Artist https://thehighheeledpapergirl.wordpress.com/2016/06/02/why-the-writer-is-an-artist/

    The favor always gets returned! Happy blogging! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love your writing! It feels very real and very much like why I started blogging myself. With the layout of your website, though, I would include more pictures with your posts. Otherwise it’s a lot of pink…like a lot.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Just stopped by. Great content, great use of images 🙂 My suggestion: maybe get more specific? That sounds a little weird, but here’s an example:

      Your sentence: I had not invested enough time in learning about the issues that I would have liked to make a difference to.

      Suggested: I hadn’t invested time in learning about issues I wanted to impact, such as…. (global warming, self-help, bad grammar, how to bake a good cake, etc etc. — what is it you care about? Tell us! 🙂 )

      This will make your posts much stronger.

      I wrote a similar post recently. Would you mind checking it out? 🙂 https://natalieschriefer.wordpress.com/2016/06/27/lessons-hiatus/

      Like

      1. Your post offers some great advice and is very well written.
        Your advice is very insightful for me and I will definitely apply it to my future posts with some extra personal touches. Thank you!

        Like

  14. HEY THERE!

    We’ve all heard the saying ‘Wrong information spreads like wildfire.’ And to be quite honest, a lot of misinformation stems from the conversations teenagers have among themselves. Which is why, I’ve started The Teens’ Digest (https://theteensdigest.wordpress.com/about/). It’s going to be every teenager’s go-to website and I sincerely hope that it makes them aware in the right manner. Check it out!
    PS: I’m working on my first article which is going to be about Sex Ed 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Looks like it’ll be a cool site 🙂 I look forward to seeing more from you! Something to think about: will you include images in your posts? Images are usually a good thing to add — they add color, keep the reader’s eye on the page, etc. — and diagrams may be good for science-minded students, but sex-ed diagrams may scare some readers away. Just something worth noting!

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Natalie!
        thanks for your kind words 🙂
        yes, i’m going to include images but when it comes to sex-ed it’ll be those cartoon ones that aren’t too explicit.
        also hey, I like your blog too! 😀

        Like

    2. I may not be a teen, but your blog idea sounds great. I can totally foresee other teens jumping on this and even submitting their own articles. You could have a very thriving community.

      I don’t want to be “that guy,” but I think it would be interesting to see something political. Preferably, something punchy and humorous. I know that politics is usually a very drab subject for young people, but it can actually be pretty fun! Plus, it’ll help teens feel more educated and knowledgeable about the world. Where’s the downside?

      Of course, that’s only a suggestion. You’re free to blog about whatever is important to you. But if you ever do decide to touch on politics, I’d be happy to give my support and help.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Sarah! Thank you so much 🙂
        I, too, have been thinking of including politics as an aspect – it’s just not my forte; but now that i see your point of view, i guess it’ll only be an improvement to the blog. if i ever do happen to write on politics, i’ll surely get in touch with you 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Just checked a few posts out. Great content, good use of images, gorgeous portfolio. 🙂 I really enjoyed looking through everything. My suggestion: consider shortening your about section located on the left side of the page. You’ve got a lot of words there, and while they’re all good, I think a shorter about section will pack a bigger punch — and let your art and posts do the talking.

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

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for taking the time to have a look and for your feedback; I did have some reservations about that about section and I’ll definitely address it.

        Most certainly, I’ll take a look now, thanks again!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hey! I checked our your blog. It’s a little busy visually to my taste but all the pieces are there : description of the blog, detailled bio, diverse content, etc. You might consider setting up monthly archives as a dropdown instead of a list, or showing instagram photos as a grid of smaller images. Well done overall!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much for taking a look and for the feedback, definitely good stuff for me to take on board, I hadn’t thought about the archives drop down but that’s an idea that I like. Thanks again!

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Just stopped by! Great advice — moving is so important, especially for those with desk jobs. Great content! My only suggestion: maybe add an image. It will add a little color and draw the reader’s eye in.

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

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Sometimes it’s tough to choose — I go on Flickr and use the filter “Creative Commons” or “Public Domain” to help me find images 🙂

        And thank you!! Much appreciated 😀

        Liked by 2 people

      1. I just poked through your blog — very nice! Lovely images and nice content 🙂 My suggestion: maybe space the images throughout the text, instead of putting them all at the end, so the whole post gets a bit of color. I enjoyed looking through your blog!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi! I really enjoyed reading this article. I’m planning to check out the rest of your blog at the earliest. It looks like very promising and interesting (not only because we use the same theme). 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Hi! I’ve just started blogging recently to document my upcoming exchange to switzerland this coming school year. I only have one post so far but would love any feedback on it, and the layout of my blog! Thanks 🙂 mauriciesummers.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Just checked it out. Looks good. I love the header image 🙂 My only feedback: maybe add images to the actual post? I know this was a short post, but even a little image of the school or England (like a map) will add a little more color and draw the reader’s eye on.

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

      Like

  21. Hey everyone. With this new community pool I hope to reach out to more people, and to read and share each other’s works. Do check out my blog.
    ashapoorv.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

  22. Hey all, a lot is happening in my blog in the coming from me in the coming weeks. I recently completed my notes from my most recent holiday, redesigned my theme, and posted my first poem! I’d love to hear your feedback on any of these and will gladly return the favour
    Matt.x

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think a header image/logo would be a great addition. Also, you could change the wording on your title to “Striving For Sucess” or “Striving to Succeed” as your current title sounds a little grammatically awkward. A little blurb in your sidebar (under your menu) that gives a simple 1-2 sentence explanation of your blog and what it’s about will help readers immediately connect with you and your content.

      All in all, great start!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I really appreciate your suggestions! I started working on the layout quite recently because so far I’d only been into the posts. Thank you so much!

        Liked by 1 person

  25. I published a post earlier today about writer’s block and how I broke my way out of a six month slump. I feel like this piece will be able to help some creatives who’s struggling.
    If you can just read it over and tell me what you think about it I would really appreciate it. Also if you want me to go check out one of your posts in return I would love to.
    https://enetteventer.com/2016/06/27/how-i-got-past-writers-block/
    Thanks in advance! 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hi Enette, I enjoyed and appreciated reading your post. Writer’s block happens to all of us at one time or another and can feel so crippling; it’s nice to get a reminder that it’s okay to take a break and then come back stronger.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I’m glad you enjoyed my post! That’s the message I was trying to share, because everywhere you look writers are telling each other to suck it up and that their problem isn’t real but it is, and that’s okay.

        Liked by 2 people

  28. I would LOVE some feedback on my blog that I have recently started! I am sharing stories from the long distance relationship that I have been in for three years now. I really enjoy and appreciate hearing what you all think!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Just commented — good content, good use of images, good tone 🙂 Yay! This looks like a cool blog that other long-distancers will love. Stay strong!!

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

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for taking the time to check it out! I also looked at your blog and it seems that you write about real things that will reach people because they can relate. Great content and an appealing vibe! I love your most recent post-recently commented on it.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi! I felt compelled to check our your blog because my husband and I were in a long-distance relastionship for years. He’s mexican, I’m from Quebec and we met in Japan. We travelled quite a bit before settling down!

      Your blog looks good, it’s clean and well organised. You seem to be publishing at a very good frequency. Just make sure you can keep it up. I used to publish very often at first and then it became harder to find time and inspiration to do so. You might want to schedule posts for later to make sure that once you hit a little down time you still have material to publish. Just a thought!

      I publish at https://thegeekanthropologist.com/ in case you want to check out our blog!

      Welcome to the blogosphere!

      Liked by 2 people