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?

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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. We are just beginning.. We started yesterday.. At present it’s just about poetry… But we are gonna start an online novel series too… So..what are you waiting for.. check us out..U may even se Adele roll somewhere in our blog.. 😂😂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I love your logo/avatar! It looks amazing! And I know you’ve only just started but my advice would be to write something on your “about” page and add some widgets to your sidebar 🙂

      Like

      1. Sure! 😀 If you go on “My site” on the top left of your WP screen, then click on “pages” you’ll see all the pages you already have set up on your blog. Just click on the page called “about” and write something about yourself, why you started this blog, etc… then when you’re done just click on “publish” or “update” on your left hand side.

        Like

      2. And for widgets, click on “testimonials”, then “appearance”. After that you’ll want to click on “widgets”. Then just drag and drop the widgets you want on to your sidebar (if that makes any sense)

        Like

  2. Hey,

    I’m launching my very own e-zine next month, it’s all about culture (literature/arts/philosophy and a bit of current news) if you’d like to take part, it’d be pretty incredible! Follow the link for more info: https://papersezine.wordpress.com/submit/

    Besides, if you’ve got any advice on how to write pieces on art (for instance on a specific painting) or literature (on a specific writer or theme), I’d be very grateful as I’m not an expert at it!

    Thanks a lot!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sounds awesome! I was in the (informal and unofficial) e-zine business back in the day. It was such a great opportunity to collaborate and get creative with other talented writers. I wish you the best of luck with your project, and I look forward to seeing the first issue!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. It looks so professional, love it! Erm, I’m going to sound really dumb here but what’s a e-zine? Is it an online magazine?

      Like

  3. Hey everone! Happy fourth of July, America! I run a pop culture website, and every month I do a run down (Called “Captain’s Log”) of what’s been happening recently. This month, I made a change, doing separate entry for Game of Thrones (which I can write a whole lot about). I’d appreciate some feedback on both of them, and whether or not it’s merited to do an entire post on the end of the Thrones season.

    Captain’s Log June: https://popculturalstudies.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/captains-log-june-2016/
    Captain’s Log Game of Thrones: https://popculturalstudies.wordpress.com/2016/06/28/captains-log-game-of-thrones-season-6/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. So, I haven’t watched GoT yet and can’t really give feedback on that…but I enjoyed reading the June Log and was thrilled to find out about James Earl Jones and Rogue One!

      Like

  4. Alright pals, hope you’re all having fun mixing around here 🙂

    So I gtg for now but if you want to have your site reviewed? Feel free to respond to this comment and I will check it out as soon as I am able to 😉

    For those who’ve responded to my first comment, I’ve already checked out your sites and left you guys comments!

    For those who don’t know me, I will respond to and review EVERY SINGLE COMMENT’S BLOG so again, if you want someone to review your content, reply to this comment here and check out my site and leave me a review too while I’m away or reviewing yours for you 😀

    I promise, I will get to it as soon as I am available 😉

    Stay chirpy you guys!

    Your pal,
    Benjamin
    http://www.projectbiy.com

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Hey Fernanda, well it’s pretty simple- Use The Scratchpad Theme!

        You can do it as well 😉
        Just be careful on losing some of your widgets cause some things are lost when you change the theme with different widget settings! Have fun 😉

        Nice blog review/shop you got going btw. Looks really awesome 🙂

        Your pal,
        Benjamin

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey Priya (I’m guessing that’s your name?)
        I loved your writing. Glad you asked about the execution because it was really unique and I truly enjoyed reading it bud!

        I’ve left my comment via a reblog of your “Castle of Lies” post because it triggered so much thought in me that I had to share not only your article for the brilliant writing, but also my thoughts on the topic.

        Seriously, keep up the good work 😉

        Your pal,
        Benjamin
        http://www.projectbiy.com

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Hey, Benjamin :))
        First, a HUGE thanks for appreciating my work! It means a lot when people like you give such feedback with constructive criticism :’)
        And my name is Anvesha, Priya is my last name xD (No offence)
        I’ve replied to your comment

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Tash!

        So I just checked out your blog and it’s a really noble thing that you and your team are doing! I hope you guys are getting all the help y’all need for it haha!

        It was truly an experience over there and as mentioned in a little more detail over at your blog- I feel that the immersion we get through your blog and world could be amplified via perhaps vlogs/GIF images and etc. Take a look at it later 😉

        Overall, your blog sure looks nice and soothing on the eyes. Minimalistic layout and structure definitely helped in that!

        Your pal,
        Benjamin
        http://www.projectbiy.com

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thanks Benjamin! Especially for taking s time to check out my blog 🙂

        I’m only a small part in what Maternity Africa are doing, and working for Maternity Africa will only be a small part of my journey! I look forward to where life will take me at the end of this month.

        I will definitely take on board your advice! I have a few short videos, but will make the effort to make a few more before I leave. Time is running out!

        As for the appearance, I made a few changes today to the menus and stuff. But it’s always been simple. I’m not that clued in with how to make it all fancy, so simple it has stayed haha.

        Again, thanks for your input and suggestions!
        Blessings,
        Tash 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. It’s can be elusive but simplicity can be one of the most attractive qualities we find in something. There’s just something about things being simple 🙂

        Awesome, please email me via doubleyourpresence@gmail.com
        or link me to your post in future when you’re done editing in case I don’t catch your feed when the video is up!

        Glad to have assisted bud- bless you, your team and the community. Hope to see the update in future 🙂

        Your pal,
        Benjamin
        http://www.projectbiy.com

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Thanks! Things have been pretty hectic here. Was in the middle of writing the new posts when we had an absolute crapper of a few days. Escaped to the city for the weekend for some down time and a break from work. Back to blogging this week. Will attempt some kind of video.
        How do I link you to a post? (Probable stupid question) Easier to shoot in an email?
        Thanks for your help and input. I enjoy reading what you’re posting too!
        Blessings,
        Tash

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I wouldn’t mind some constructive criticism.

      Love the premise of your blog. I think the positivity you’re spreading is awesome.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey so I checked it out a little more. I think you got an interesting concept going and the dialogues you got between the “Nations” are pretty interesting lol.

        Site looks neat and organized so you’ve probably been blogging for awhile. Keep up the good work bud 😉

        Your pal,
        Benjamin

        Like

      1. Hey Kim! So I’ve checked out your blog already. It’s really cool. Personally, I’m not the type that goes into arts and craft (I fail art class lol!) so I won’t take the role to judge your work but in terms of site layout and content?

        Everything seems to be in order and it’s good. Tutorials are made nicely and I especially love the inspiring post on Amelia Earhart 😉

        Btw I noticed you got no “About Page” but got a post about you as your first post so I got a suggestion:

        “Customize” Your site-> Choose either menu tab that you are currently using -> Add a link “About” and link it to the mentioned post.

        I’ll make it easier for you by providing the link is here:
        https://thekimkatcollection.wordpress.com/2016/02/18/new-blog-new-home-new-country-new-projects/

        “About” page is usually the first page people go to just to know who they are “Listening” to and I always stress to bloggers to add one if they don’t have one yet lol.
        If you spot me on Community Pool, it’s usually the advise I’d give to bloggers 🙂

        Ah, it’s nice to be around everywhere, helping everyone, don’t you think? 😉

        Your pal,
        Benjamin
        http://www.projectbiy.com

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey Mr and Mrs Smith (Addressing you and your hubby. Couldn’t find any names on your blog so I’ll just give you guys one lol)

        Checked out your blog on my ipad, loved every part of it and just want you guys to know that.

        Left some comments but because I got work to do and more people to respond to, can’t stay for Long but I will come back for sure.

        Anyway, I got a feeling that you guys might have more things to share in future which can help a lot of ppl in the world, in terms of relationship issues, so I want you to just take note of my email
        doubleyourpresence@gmail.com

        If you or your sweetheart ever come up with anything that you feel is worthy of sharing, like ideas which can contribute to ppls lives but feel that a blog post isn’t enough to help send the message?

        Feel free to contact me and perhaps we can work something out together and create something epic which may help make a difference in a lot of people’s lives.

        Y’know what? Even if it’s a blog post or article idea, feel free to share as well. We can always do things like guest blogging or something.

        I personally do podcast and recently video on YouTube and am gonna expand amongst those mediums but the Main idea here is to help shape humanity for the better in anyway we can 🙂

        Imagine if we collaborate and that really happens, how awesome would that be? 😉

        Okay, talk to you both again soon. Have a nice day/night. Ciao!

        Your pal,
        Benjamin
        http://www.projectbiy.com

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Hello there everyone!! Happy 4th of July to you all in America (:

    I just posted my very first blog about Birth Control and I would love some feedback! Let me know what you guys think or any recommendations for my next post!

    https://thexxdiary.wordpress.com/

    Much love you guys! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow! Not at all what I expected to be reading! I’m a midwife, so was curious as to your thoughts and experiences.

      My only comment would be that the actual body of the blog post felt like it ended a little abruptly? Maybe a “looking forwards” type note at the end? something to close off the story 🙂 The last paragraph was great good though. Anyhow. Just a little thought.

      Feel free to check out my own blog. http://www.theafricaprojectblog.com
      Tash

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Your first sentence should say “woman” not “women.” It’s interesting that you chose something so personal and controversial for your first post, but then again I’m not a fiery Latina, haha. Did spend some time in Medellin a few years ago and love a couple families, but would definitely say people there are generally more open than I am. Best wishes to you on your blogging journey!

      Like

  6. Happy 4th to all celebrating today! Posted a new entry this past weekend that includes some inspiration that I’ve had for my blog and social media and deciding what I want to do the rest of the year (which I would then write about in the blog). Just a mini mid-year reflection.

    I am curious how often people have recap, reflection, plans for the blog future posts? Annually, biannually, “as needed,” or not at all?

    https://adventuresofemiliabedelia.wordpress.com/2016/07/02/happy-240th-america-mid-2016-inspiration-reflection-and-preparations-the-best-is-yet-to-come/

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Hello bloggters! (has that been said before? – I take ownership!)

    I’m relatively new. I’m a student, so any students looking for like-minded people – here I am. Blogging about lifestyle, books, conversations and any other random topic that can come to mind. I try to inspire and motivate. I’m interested in crime and psychology too.

    I recently posted a blog on failure and the concepts behind it – if you fancy a read, head on over to my blog and read it here

    The Concept of Failure

    Cheers x

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Hi there! I’m a student too. 🙂 I checked out your post as it seemed interesting (also because I too like crime and psychology). I read through it and realised that I have a friend who is going through a tough time right who could really use some motivation through this post. Definitely recommending it to him! Also, I like the way your blog is organised. It looks really neat and professional. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you 🙂 I will be starting university in September. Going to be studying Social policy and criminology. What did you study? You must be thrilled to have finished!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m relatively new to blogging too, and a recent graduate with similar interests to the ones you listed, so I thought I’d look up your post. I thought it was well written and motivating, especially having been experiencing some failures of my own recently.

      The only thing I might add would be to maybe consider breaking up the paragraphs a little? It’s not difficult to read or anything, and your tone is very accessible, but I noticed some points you could have started a new paragraph to add emphasis. I still enjoyed reading it.

      Also, I really love how your blog is laid out, it’s very clear and easy to navigate, but the bright colours make it fun!

      Like

      1. Thank you for checking it out! I usually break down my paragraphs more but thought I’d extend them to get a better writing feel for the blog. But I appreciate it, nonetheless. Thank you very much 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Hi, to all in the community out there….
    I have been blogging for approx two months now, and have a few follows and likes… But what I don’t understand is…why do we as bloggers shy away from posting comments and motivating our fellow bloggers?
    If you like something you read it doesn’t harm to press the like button or leave a small comment… Rather I think it makes the day of my fellow blogger. We are all strangers here bound by the love of writing and reading… The world outside I’d burning with jealous ppl and terrorism, So let us ALL try to create a beautiful world here… A place where we would love to visit and offer constructive criticism, if not criticism then at least we can praise the efforts gone into what we read…

    Dunno if I make much sense… But from my side I’m going to follow it… Leave a like, leave a comment and make my fellow bloggers day…😃

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I don’t shy away either! But I wholeheartedly agree with you. It’s so easy to just press the like button, or write a comment,even if it’s not very long it’ll definitely bring a smile to the person on the recieving ends face:D

      Liked by 1 person

    2. A lot of the times I have no other thoughts to share, so pressing Like is best. I find a comment saying “I liked this” or “I totally agree!” is just silly and the writer’s replies would just be strings of “thanks!”. That being said, I am trying to comment and interact more.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It takes only a few seconds to spread the smiles… Beautifully expressed/great work/lovely/I like your work,keep posting… says it all…. Though only pressing like is more convenient😊

        Like

  9. Hey everyone, I have just started blogging and have uploaded my first post which I would love any feedback on (preferably constructive criticism) whether it is what you like, how I could improve the blog in general or my writing. Thanks a lot and I hope that my first post is an enjoyable read and I look forward to hearing back from you guys 😀 – Joe

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi, I just checked out your post.

      I really empathise with the fear you spoke of, about starting new things with uncertain outcomes or negative feedback. Not through art, but through my writing. Your description of how you’ve decided to tackle that fear is awesome and inspiring. Go you!

      The only thing I might say was to think of making the quote from the book you read a separate blockquote or just its own tiny paragraph. It’s such a powerful point to your post, but it gets a little lost in the middle of the text like that. Just a suggestion.

      Great read tho!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, means a lot! I’m glad that you found it inspiring and thanks for the constructive feedback and I can see what you mean about the quote and will keep that in mind in the future 🙂

        Like

      1. Thanks! and yeah I tried to the other day but whenever I click my site and it goes to the stat page for some reason the page has an error :/

        Like

  10. Evening all! I’m Tash 🙂
    Spreading the word about my blog, but more specifically the subject matter! I have been writing about my journey to heading to Africa to volunteer for 6 months. It’s been a wild and crazy adventure, full of good times and bad.

    Initially the blog was written to keep my friends and family back home updated as to what I was up to, but it has progressing into something that I really enjoy writing (When life isn’t chaotic and I’m able to sit at the computer for a few hours).

    I would appreciate any thoughts on how I can direct my writing to challenge the reader further. Along the lines of self reflection and looking beyond self into how the reader can use their skills to benefit others. But general comments are also muchly appreciated.

    Blessings,
    Tash

    Like

    1. You certainly have adventures. One thing to consider is doing shorter posts. For instance, your latest post could have been several short ones that you released on a schedule, sort of a series. Some parts that would make good posts on their own are: traveling challenges, the story of the chicks, you as teacher… To challenge the reader, you could share lessons you learned and questions to them about how to do something similar. Again, a series of shorter posts with one lesson each might work better than a long posts with lots of lessons. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for your advice! I usually end up with long posts due to the gap between actually writing them. Work and life gets crazy, just need to make more of an effort to write on a regular basis! Will defiantly make some adjustments in furture, thanks for taking the time to read 🙂

        Like

      2. Good advice 🙂 Id forgotten about the ability to schedule the real ease of posts-thanks for the reminder!
        About to publish a longer work related, then on to the shorter posts! 🙂

        Like

    2. Lovely looking blog and fascinating subjects you write about Tash! As you write about more and more varied things, it may be worth having some categories as a widget in the sidebar in addition to the archive dates 🙂 Happy blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Took your advice. Have done some major re-vamping. Updated the menu 🙂 Hopefully this will make it easier for readers.

        Like

    1. It’s difficult to pass up “eternal affection” 🙂 Although politics is not my interest area, I found your analysis interesting, insightful, and amusing. As you might suspect, many of us this side of the pond are clueless as well. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Hi guys,
    I have no idea what I’m really doing, I just have alot of thoughts during the day and put it down in the evenings as a release 🙂 If anyone is at all interested, please have a look at my writings so far – there’s not much I’m afraid but I’ll gradually get there! Thank you 😀 http://www.scamp678.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for replying! It really helps to hear people liked it, I’ve never been too sure if my writing style was likable or not so your feedback is much appreciated! I shall be having a look at your blog now 😀
        Thanks again,
        Scamp x

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Hey,
    even though I’m blogging for one year now I never really made my posts public.. well now is the time! I am originally from Germany I write down my thoughts and poems in different languages depending on my mood and what I want to express.
    So maybe you could be so kind and check on my site. I would also love other bilingual bloggers to give their feedback. Lots of love.
    ~Anne~

    https://wordpress.com/stats/day/artries.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

  13. hey everyone….well to be honest its great to have audience for your first blog…
    but in my first i have just given a short introduction about me and i know nobody would be interested to know me ,why would anyone be,am not an actress nor famous player…but i am a commoner ,i have also a brain and feeling that i like to pen down …….
    so in short i want you to visit my site for once ………..and encourage me further to write down my perception and experiences……….because i am an experienced one too….

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That’s a good start, and a good philosophy for your blog! I think if you write about simple things that come to your mind it’ll be really interesting!

      Like

    2. I think you’re selling yourself a bit too short! You might not be famous, but that doesn’t mean your voice and words aren’t worth listening too:) I like what you’ve written so far. Keep it up!

      Like

    3. I’d say that 99% of us are just regular people too, so don’t worry about that! We’re all just here, writing down what we want.
      In terms of your blog, it’s off to a solid start. I’d suggest personalizing the page a bit with widgets, pictures and colours. I’d also suggest using a spell check, as there’s a few grammar and spelling mistakes that take away from the message. But keep at it as it’s all a learning experience, so have fun and make it your own!

      Liked by 1 person