Jul 25, 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. Check out my blog if you fancy something a little different (maybe) to what you’re used to, it’s a mix of things that happen to me and things I’m annoyingly opinionated on, here’s a couple of recent posts, both very different from each other:

    https://emmasguidetothegalaxy.com/2016/07/13/fields/

    https://emmasguidetothegalaxy.com/2016/07/24/a-day-at-the-races/

    There’s also links to my social media profiles on there too, would be awesome to get to know more of you.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hello, I don’t know what your blog look liked before, but it looks nice. Very clean and simple. I think it would be nice if there was more color. You could add more pictures, or add a colorful design in the background, perhaps a daisy pattern? I’m glad you have decided to come back to blogging after your break, and that you have a plan of how often you’ll post. Stick with it! Check out my blog about authentic living, thankfulness, and satire at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! That’s really helpful, I will definitely try adding different backgrounds, I love the daisy pattern idea! I really enjoyed reading your blog, especially the Thankful for posts. It is so important to think about all the blessings we have and your posts really made me do that! I have followed you and look forward to reading more of your posts in the future.
        Grace 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! I love your blog, especially the logo you have made as it is simple but really memorable! I commented on your last post as I really enjoyed reading that (hopefully you received the comment?) and have followed you, I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts in the future! 🙂

        Like

  3. Hello Hello!
    Starting with my second last post done a few days ago
    https://zaiyd.wordpress.com/2016/07/12/never-ending-deception/
    I’m not quite sure of how Awesome it is! or is it even good?! :p
    Would love your feedback. And I beg for tips and suggestions on other posts if you have time. Which you Should! Shouldn’t you? :p

    Secondly,
    https://zaiyd.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/ree/

    It’s my shortest post yet. Most recent one. Do tell me if you like it. If you don’t. Well, then.. DO TELL ME WHY?!
    I just wanna get better at this, you know :p

    If you have more time to waste or spend well- depends on whether my writes are good enough! Do waste your time!
    Or spent! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hello,
      Congrats! Redesigning your blog is a fun process. Whatever you do, I think you should consider adding more photos, whether they are stock images or your own. Images can draw a lot of attention and make posts pop. They also make your blog a certain feel depending on what you choose. When I redesigned my blog, it helped to write done what I wanted my new theme to do. That way I had something to judge the different themes on. Best of luck! Check out my blog about authentic living, thankfulness, and satire at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 3 people

  11. Monday is upon us again and one hopes you are all having a good start to the week. Recently I have started serialising a fictional paranormal thingamy. This is the fourth part, and possibly where the short stuff became a bit more than just short stuff…jury is still out…but, if you can offer thoughts on blog theme, content or otherwise I’d be so grateful I’ll come and visit yours 😊

    https://fictionisfood.wordpress.com/2016/07/23/witchcraft-and-conspiracy/#more-1289

    Have a great week all 🙃

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Nice content. 🙂 I would suggest adding more images to a post of that length — breaking up the text and adding color to a post never hurts. Also, are you utilizing categories and tags? I couldn’t find any on this post (maybe I wasn’t looking in the right place), but use up to 15 to help get more viewers.

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

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I enjoyed reading some of your posts as well! You’ve got a lot on economics, which is cool, because I haven’t seen many bloggers writing about that topic. Awesome! 🙂 If you’re looking for suggestions, I recommend adding some images to your actual posts. For example, the post about South Indian movie subtitles and the one about prospect theory have a thumbnail image, but when I click on the post, the image isn’t there. Consider including that image in the post to break up the text a little 🙂

        Like

      2. Thank you for taking time out to visit my blog. I really do appreciate the feedback. I’ll work on adding some images right away. Seems to be a really good idea. 🙂

        Like

    1. Hello! You’re blog is super cute, but you might consider a theme that shows your actual posts, rather than links to them. People are lazy and don’t like to work too hard on the internet, so this might increase your readership.

      Liked by 4 people

      4. Oh man, I have no idea! I just started my blog last week.. However, I shuffled through about five until I found the one I liked. I’d just scroll through until you find one. It might seem tedious, but I think a good theme is super important to drawing people in.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I you come across a blog in WordPress and you like their theme, when you scroll upwards that follow button pops up in the bottom right corner… if you click on the three dots next to that another menu pops up and one of the options is to ‘get theme.’ It’s a nice way to see a theme in action rather than just previewing them in the editor.

        Like

  15. Hello, I started blogging a few weeks ago, and I really need feedback on how well I write my posts! If you would like to visit my blog, please do.

    internetdiscoveries.wordpress.com

    It basically showcases really awesome sites I have found while browsing the web, and it also has a monthly music showcase.

    Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Just checked out your site 🙂 My suggestion — add images. Right now, you have a few images, but mostly text. Blogging is a very visual medium, so adding another picture or two won’t hurt.

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

      Like

      1. I was going to start adding more images. Thank you for actually viewing my blog! Now I am going to view yours.

        Like

    2. Cool blog! It feels like entering an arcade.

      I had no problems understanding your writing. You use a lot of commas, but I think I probably do too. Otherwise it’s very clear and mostly free of typos.

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Hi all. I’m fiddling with ways to make browsing through my posts easier, and I recently added a “Top Posts” section in my sidebar. Thoughts?

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hey! The top posts section is a good idea. I noticed you have tagged your posts, which is a good thing. You may want to consider taking that a step further and using ‘categories’. This is something I plan on doing with my blog once the posts increase.

      I really liked your writing style and content. The Ex Machina post was an entertaining read. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Just looked through your site. I really liked your content and authenticity. I found your site quite enjoyable 🙂 Keep it up! I’ll definitely be following you for updates in the future.

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

      Like

    2. Hi Kourtney, Like Natalie said, there is this authenticity to your work which makes your site very interesting. The topics are varied and you express yourself with honesty without hiding behind veils , which is something I really liked :).

      Like

  19. Hey guys, I just added a few more things, I’ve been a little busy so sadly posts on here are more spread out than I had hoped. Hope you enjoy.

    Liked by 4 people

    2. Nice content! Maybe add images to break up the text a little (blogging is a very visual medium, after all). But I can definitely relate to your “Changes” post!

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

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Just checked out your site. Nice content, good use of images. One question: is your font all bold? Is there any reason for this? Normally, bold font is used only for special things, for emphasis.

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for stopping by my blog…
        Well, the reason is I just wish to give emphasis and make my blog appealing…Maybe that is the reason and please do check out my friend’s blog….maybe you might enjoy her posts…
        Thanks once again for stopping my and I am just going through you blog:)

        Like

  21. Would really love some comments on my blog. I am in the process of redesigning but would love some new followers and friends.

    Liked by 4 people

      1. OMG I am really wanting to monetize my Blog… I really want to catch the eye of readers. Not just with appearance but content. I like having the three columns but I am not sure of the style itself. It looks a bit bland.

        Like

      1. Well that is weird. I know it, I am still trying to figure out what to put and what not to. I am trying to monetize my blog (just starting) and want to catch the eye of the readers with both look and content. I will check out my like button on the Humor of getting older. Thanks

        Like

    1. Nice content! I know nothing about infertility, so it was an enlightening read. My one suggestion: add images! 🙂 A little color will break up the text and build on your great content.

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

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I enjoyed reading it! I’m very involved in the LGBT+ community and they’re definitely an under-represented group in writing. Nice! 🙂 My suggestion: maybe add an image? A forest, a fire, two people holding hands, etc. Blogging is a very visual medium. In a post this length, a single image will suffice.

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I totally agree with you. I don’t think I’ve read many blog pieces encompassing the LGBT Community. Glad to know you liked it.

        Loved the suggestion! I always put some or the other picture but didn’t this time. I don’t even know why. Thank you for brining this to my attention! 🙂

        And I will definitely check out your blog.

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Hey all!
    My most recent post is a satire that gives 8 FOOLPROOF ways to change someone’s mind. What do you think of it? What’s your favorite strategy? How does it compare/fit with my other posts? Included in the post are some super relevant stock photos of people who clearly have better more important things to do than look at the camera.
    https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/2016/07/21/8-smart-strategies-to-change-someones-mind/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Just commented! Nice content, good use of images. My suggestion: categorize and tag your posts. Use up to 15 to help gain more readers!

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

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey! Just saw your blog , really liked the pictures
      Maybe you could add a header image for your site , i think that will make the page more appealing , just a thought. 🙂 … hope it helps

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Nice blog! I like the layout–clean and simple–though I agree a header image to set your title on might be nice. You seem to have several different topics to write on, so I wish you well as you keep blogging! Check out my blog about authentic living, thankfulness, and satire at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Dear Image Earth Travel,

      WOW!!! Your site is amazing. It is very well organized, making it really easy to navigate to the reader. Your photos are amazing, making the site really visual and bringing alive the travels that you have done!

      I really like the flag counter to keep track of where your visitors/readers are from.

      Is there a difference between your Destinations and Touring sections?

      Your writing, as your site, is very well organized and easy to follow. It provides a lot of information for the potential traveller.
      What I felt was missing was a bit of you. I read your Barcelona post, and I was wondering, what were the favorite spots for you? What took your breath away?

      Thanks so much for sharing!!
      🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi,
        Thank you for the great and detailed feedback – very much appreciated! I’ve spent a lot of time customising/designing WP’s free theme and hoped it worked well for readers. The ‘Touring’ is what I’ve done in ‘Reg’ the motorhome, whereas ‘Destinations’ is everywhere I’ve travelled (since starting writing online) by every method (backpacking, boat, bus, train, hitching, scooter, etc.) Maybe I should just have Destinations only and forget about Touring (it’s a motorhome term)? Good point! I wanted to stay much longer in Barcelona so for the 2 days I was there. Perhaps I should of included my favourite spot as the marina area (also being an ex-yachtie). The architecture is incredible and I love to photograph the people going about their daily lives – I love street photography. Thanks so much again for your feedback – it’s very welcomed! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It’s great to know you did so much with a free theme!! Oh – I would LOVE to see what you would post on the marina area. Picture of the people and architecture I am sure would be fabulous 🙂 I think people love seeing a piece of the person in the post they are reading 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thanks again. I’m quite shy and find it hard to write about myself (my Bio was trying!). I guess that’s why it’s more of an informational site. But, I will try harder to add a snippet of myself in my future posts 😉

        Liked by 1 person

    3. I left a comment on your Siem Reap post. I really love the photographs on your blog — they really make the places come to life. They are definitely a class above what you normally see in blogs. I’d like to see even more photographs on each post!
      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click on my name and choose whichever one appeals to you most. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person