Jul 11, 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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  2. Normally on my blog I write about the connections I find between the music I love and my own photography. In the past 2 weeks, for the first time, I wrote a 3 part fictional story. When I was looking through some old books I found one inscribed by someone in 1945 and it gave me an idea to imagine the story the book itself could tell since then. How many hands had held it, where it had traveled to. I’m really pleased with the results and am planning on continuing. Any feedback on the series would be appreciated! Here’s the third part, with links to the first two at the bottom-

    The Book…

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much for reading the story and commenting. This is really my first foray into writing fiction so my answer is…I’m not sure what my intent was, but I think like you I’m leaning more towards caring about the book, than the fictional characters. They were just the vehicle to explain how the book wound up in my hand almost 70 years later. Appreciate the comment very much.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I would recommend a more thorough “about” page to give your readers a better idea of what you’re all about. Add some photos to your posts.

      Also, maybe it’s just my personal preference, but with a tiled layout like you have it might be more appealing to have a “read more” tag a little ways in rather than all the text showing at once.

      Like

  5. Hi my name is Wendy and I’m relatively new to blogging in which I feature work from Etsy sellers as well as my own work.
    I would love some feedback on my style and set up of my blog page plus some tips on getting more exposure. At the moment my blogs are shared on Twitter, Facebook and to linkedIn http://www.totesbywendy.wordpress.com.
    If you could post you feedback here that would be fab!

    Thank you x

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I chose a post at random “The C Word” as a craft blogger, I get the content, I like the images used in the post, it was fun and conversational at first, though I admit I was turned off reading further posts.
      In the nicest possible way “…and….and….and…and” doesn’t make comfortable reading. The content is all there, but it all seems quite rushed, starting as a well balanced post, but quickly ending up being full of one liners, and grammatically the post is not great. But it would be easy to fix with a little proofreading. I’d suggest reading out loud before posting.

      Liked by 4 people

      3. If you wouldn’t mind would you pick out a small section and let me know how you would have written it if that possible. I’ve not taken it as harsh criticism, I appreciate any help!

        Liked by 2 people

  9. Happy Monday fellow bloggers….how time flies, it on,y seems a week since the last time I was here; which it was..but times flying so relatively speaking it seems much less 🤕

    My new post is part of a serialisation of some back story cobbled up ramblings sitting behind some novels I’m writing…written…pending finding an agent and publishing…and breathe 😱

    https://fictionisfood.wordpress.com/2016/07/09/an-absent-child-revisted/#more-1210

    If anyone cares to visit expect a return haunting….have a good week all 😊

    Liked by 3 people

  10. My blog is about disability issues. particularly travel, wheelchair access and social issues. If you would like to take a look I would appreciate your time. Here is my latest post about my visit to the U.K.’s first virtual reality centre: https://fourwheelsblog22.wordpress.com/2016/07/05/trying-out-the-latest-virtual-reality-technology/

    If you have any advice or tips about how I could improve my blog they would be gratefully received! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Love the tagline! I’m a sucker for wordplay. Your writing is engaging and I think you use images well to support your posts. All in all, it looks really good.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hi everyone — I just started blogging, mostly as a way to keep up with my writing and my photography, so the subject matter varies from parenting to education to, well, big ideas. I am not sure what questions even to ask, but feedback would be great. I teach 7th grade ELA and want to encourage them to start blogging — so I would love to have some concrete ideas for them, too. Here’s the link: http://www.barbaraganias.com Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Yikes . . . there WAS an “About” page, but I’m not sure what happened to it. I wonder . .. off to hunt for it! Thanks so much for your comments and letting me know.

        Like

  13. Buono Sera Amici!

    As per usual I’m scouring this for new faces and friends to cast an eye over my photography blog, all and any feedback, nice o not so nice is welcome.

    Here’s a couple of recent post’s to get your teeth into;

    A long running medium format film series:

    Medium Format : Thirty Seven

    A longer running street photography series:

    Street Photography – Olympus OM-D EM-5; 45

    Look forward to hearing from you as always 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Just stopped by. Nice post — you give all the relevant info without giving us too much information. Good balance 🙂 My suggestion: maybe move the photo into the middle of the piece, to break up the text a little OR create more paragraphs — your current paragraphs are a little long and might deter some readers.

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

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks so much!! I will definitely check out one of your posts! In case you don’t hear from me, it might be later this afternoon (I am on my lunch break) but I will definitely check it out! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Greenwich, huh? Haven’t been there recently, but I have family living nearby. What a small world! I just left a comment on your post — good voice, good post length, good info, etc. My suggestion: careful with swearing. It’s one of those things that may turn off some readers and can come across as unprofessional. It doesn’t bother me personally, but it’s something to think about if you want this to be a professional online presence.

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Natalie thanks for the feedback! I have been having the swearing debate internally for some time now. I’m struggling with keeping it a resource friendly for all, but I don’t want to lose my voice in the process. I appreciate your take on it. I briefly went through your blog. The lack of frivolousness and using only purposeful words kept me intrigued and not bored. It looks like others have recognized this too, I see rewards. I want rewards! Haha I will definitely be back for your next post.

        Like

  19. Good wishes to all you bloggers.
    https://aquarianbabble.wordpress.com/ This is my blog. I had a few questions regarding usage of images in my blog.
    Is it ok to download images from google and use them as is? I was doing this initially and then i stopped. I wanted to know what the actual rules are.
    What about movie posters or pics of movie scenes. Does separate rules apply to them? I am going to being doing posts on a lot of movies so wanted to know in advance.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Personally, I use Flickr to find images. I search for the image that I want, and then use the search filter “Creative Commons.” These images are free to use as long as you credit the user who posted them. But everyone has a different method of finding images! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. The Creative Commons license is probably one of the best things to happen to independent writers since the Internet and the coffee shop. Wikimedia Commons has been my friend for quite a while now; just about everything I’ve ever used in my blogs is there under CC or public domain.

        Liked by 3 people

  20. Hi everyone,
    I’ve just posted a different kind of blog post but I’m excited to share it. I’ve wanted to start a YouTube channel, and more specifically, a BookTube channel for a while but I didn’t have the confidence. However, after nearly two years of blogging, I’ve finally decided to take a leap of faith.

    Today I published a post about my first BookTube video.

    I would really appreciate some feedback on my writing style, blog layout and if possible, the video itself.

    https://coffeeshopdreams.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/storytime-my-first-booktube-video/

    Thank you and happy blogging 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Just commented. Great post on minimalism — good post length, good use of images, good content. Rock on 🙂 I’m a “struggling” minimalist myself (I’m an ex-hoarder), so it was refreshing to read your words.

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

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I just followed your blog. I think you have a natural knack for blogging. I loved the posts that i read, the pics, the layout and the look. Cheers.

      Like

  22. I am so late for this ugh!
    Anyway hey guys! I’m a blogger who writes about random stuff. I started off posting only stories, but now even do challenges and daily blogging from time to time.

    3 Quotes Are Not Enough

    It’s still mainly a fiction blog and I would all of your comments and feedback! Please do let me know about any area I can improve on. Also I hope you find it worthy to like, repost and follow too! Thank you:)

    Liked by 2 people

  23. If you’re looking for a book lover’s blog, you’ve come to the right place. Or if you’re in need of loads of blogging tips to help you out. Or if you juts love chocolate, stationery, shopping, my kind of thing. Juts hop on over!

    I’m sure you’ve heard of Ally Carter.Maybe the Gallagher Girls. In Ally’s first book in here new series ‘Embassy Row’, ‘All Fall Down’, you will not be disappointed. I did a review here:
    https://mybookylife.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/review-all-fall-down-by-ally-carter/
    Please leave feedback ON my blog in terms of how I write, my blog design or any improvements or help, Thanks In Advance!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. My favorite part of your post is how you described the challenges you had in getting comfortable with the differences. I also liked how strange it seemed to you in France once you had become accustomed to the casual way of dressing. https://gracelead.co

      Like

      1. Hi Pam. Thank you for taking time to read my blog. Yes it was quite a challenge and still is because after getting comfortably casual when I go to an all Pakistani gathering they think I am not fashionable enough….Lol.

        Like

  27. Relatively new, kind of flaky blogger. I just posted a new piece; trying to work through some thoughts and emotions on a passing period of my life that was never meant to be mine.

    Saudade

    If you can relate, or if it sparks something for you, please share.

    Or you can creep around my other sparse posts
    thenervousyogi.wordpress.com

    I’ll be by to visit you shortly:)

    Thanks!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Just commented 🙂 Good content, good post length. My suggestion: include images! In the post on Wade, maybe screenshot the original tumblr post, or include an image of him. Blogging is a very visual medium, and pictures will help draw readers in.

      Would you be willing to look at one of my posts? Click on my name and choose whichever one appeals to you most 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

  30. Hello everyone!

    Once again I’m looking for feedback on my music blog- I’ve changed a few things and been posting regularly and I’d like to know what you think.
    I’m also really interested in doing guest posts, so if you like what you see and want to collaborate then just leave a comment!

    Thanks 😀

    https://thatdjentyfool.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Just commented. Nice blog layout, good content, good post length, good use of images. Potentially use more images, especially on list posts like “Guilty Displeasures,” but that’s your call. 🙂

      Would you be willing to look at one of my posts? Click on my name and choose whichever one appeals to you most.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for the feedback- it’s much appreciated! I will definitely go back to some of my older posts and add images and other media as its sorely lacking.
        I read your “Women In Action Comics” post, and I though it was a nicely balanced debate with a good use of images and layout. Keep it up!

        Liked by 1 person