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. Got to say, I liked “Mind the Gap” (and thank you for being kind enough to us non-Francophones). I wonder, though – is there a way for you to use that theme but it only puts up a snippet of your full post or maybe even a summary or a short description? I bring it up because while the poetry looks OK visually, some of your longer pieces may end up *REALLY* long because your theme squeezes it.

      https://scicasual.wordpress.com

      Liked by 2 people

    1. That’s fantastic. I knew it was going to be good when I saw the Poland Balls at the top, but…

      As someone who studied international relations and history in college (among other things), I can definitely appreciate a humored approach to interstate politics. You have a great thing going.

      Like

      1. Glad you like the header 😉 I wish I were as popular as Polandball!
        I always love meeting fellow IR majors, and as a writer, I know just how important names can be–and how hard they can be to come up with. I’ll definitely share your blog with my fellow writer friends.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. What a unique approach — to personify the countries like that! I found your post an interesting read, and I say that as a layman, with no history/political background. I probably would not have read a scholarly article on this topic, but you made it so much more approachable.
      You clearly know the subject you are writing about — I was wondering how you got to know so much. Perhaps you can add that information to your “About” section?

      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

      1. Thanks for the comment! My goal is to make politics more approachable so I’m always really happy to hear that I’ve accomplished that.
        I don’t really consider myself an expert in any way; I guess the answer to how I know so much is simply “I read a lot of articles before I write soemthing,” haha. Sometimes the research takes as much time as actually writing–sometimes more.

        I’d love to give your blog a look! 🙂 Heading there now.

        Like

      1. Thank you so much! That’s awesome. I always love meeting like-minded people, especially when it comes to North Korea. If there’s any related topic you think would make for a cool story, just give me a shout 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Hi All,
    I have been posting on and off (mainly off) for the last 2 years and want to try and write more frequently. Any advice on my content (it’s a bit varied) or style would be much appreciated. Ta!

    Liked by 1 person

      2. Normal Girl,

        I just read ‘This time next year’. I thought it was beautiful. Your writing absolutely captures what it feels like to literally be paralyzed by fear. I would love to read more. I hope that you find yourself moving forward. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Travel is something that a lot more people should do – to grow as people. Yes, a career can be important and can fund your travelling – but that is only part of life 🙂

        Like

      3. Thank you for such lovely feedback and for the advice. I am glad you enjoyed, I am never sure sometimes whether what I write only really makes sense to me, it is good to hear that it is relatable after all.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi! I like how you show defiance in your blog posts, and insist that you are writing purely because you enjoy it; this passion comes across in the way you write. I like the simplicity of your layout, but can’t help thinking that the font is a little small when viewing on a large computer screen – not sure if it’s just me!? Also, maybe adding pictures of GIF’s in some of your longer posts may help to break it up and seem more intruguing to a potential reader. Keep up the good work! Hattie X

      Like

      1. Hi Hattie, it isn’t just you, I was just thinking to myself that I could barely read what I had typed! I will have to take a look at that… Thanks so much for the feedback, it is really appreciated, I will definitely think about adding more images next time. 🙂

        Like

      1. Hiya, thank you for the feedback… I know, I write so sporadically and have deleted old posts so the order just doesn’t flow. I am hoping to be posting a lot more going forward so hopefully it will make more sense! Will have a read of yours now…

        Like

    4. I like your writting style , I read the time next year , and i totally agree travel and career both are important part of our life and both of them help and teach us a lot, hope you find your way 🙂

      Like

    1. Nice poem! I love the images you paired with it; they really add to the piece 🙂 Awesome work! My suggestion: maybe add more tags/categories? Such as “poem” or “creative writing.” You can use up to 15, and using more may help you reach new 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

  5. Hello everyone!

    I joined the Blogging University provided by WordPress, and have been learning a lot about branding.

    I would love some feedback on my site. What do you like? What don’t you like? Are there aspects that draw you in? Do you have any suggestions for me to improve it?

    Is it clear what my blogging focus is?

    Thanks so much!!

    https://powerpuffjd.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Is it clear to *you*? I think if you can answer that easily, you’ll structure your blog accordingly. Just a quick sweep of your blog (I’m already following anyway) and your About page seems shows that it’s a personal blog, sure, but there’s a hint of a mission statement there. You know what your focus is, you know what to write (and you’ve been doing it), and you know how you’re going to reach out to your reader.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Great use of images — I like that your posts incorporate some color. Even though some of your posts are long, the pictures break up the text and I never feel overwhelmed. I like that you’ve set goals for yourself, too, because so many people don’t do that, and then they have no motivation to achieve them!

      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

      2. Natalie,

        I just read your MTV Publication. Wow – you are a really great writer. I found myself completely drawn into your article, and in fact had a tear in my eye. You captured such an important, and very widespread issue in such an eloquent manner. I completely related to what you were saying, and felt inspired to be better myself when it comes to this issue.

        🙂

        Like

    3. Hi Love your site’s clean layout but also your writing style – great work!

      For me, I would like to see more photos with each post as it breaks up the text. What I would improve is the photo quality of your banner as it’s a little blurry and this is important particularly as it’s your landing page but also sometimes this banner displays in your other actual posts.
      Do you have more social media icons you can add or is Twitter the only one?

      Like

      1. Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my site. This feedback is wonderful.

        I totally agree about more photos. One of my recent blogs had more, and people seemed to like that.

        I also agree about photo quality. I am going to look into this.

        And, I also agree with your comment about social media. I am only on Facebook and LinkedIn right now. I think I could display these on my page. And, I may also need to move into more networks.

        Thanks again!

        🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      2. You’re welcome. I also appreciate your feedback – great for improvement. Although I find that social media is a thief of time and takes me away from writing, sadly these days, it’s an evil necessity. Maybe display as many as you’re in at the moment, you can always add to this at a later date. 🙂

        Like

    1. Hello Learnin Ervin,

      I love your site!!! The layout drew me in, and the pictures are beautiful!

      I also really loved your poem. I know you mentioned that it was a rough work in progress, but I think it flows very well. I think if you have more to fill it out, it will be even better.

      Thanks for sharing,
      🙂

      Like

      1. Appreciate your critiques, it’s always great to receive feedback especially from fellow bloggers ☺ I’ve read through your blog and honestly it is interesting the way you explore ideas like strength and determination through your experience cycling. However I’d recommend shortening paragraph and sentence length with breaks to make it easier to read.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Hello again!!! Thank you for the valuable feedback. I am really glad to hear that topics like strength and determination came through 🙂 I will definitely take your advice on shorter sentences and paragraphs – that is a great suggestion!

        🙂

        Like

    2. Hi! I clicked on your name which took me to your home page, and I think for other potential readers of your site, it may make it easier to add some links to your blog posts on the home page. (eg. Your top posts or favourite post) – in that way, readers will be immediately drawn to continue exploring your site. What do you think? 🙂 I also agree that your pictures are beautiful and the aesthetics of the site make it very easy to look at. Keep up the good work! Hattie X

      Like

      2. No I have just finished my studies, so decided to write a support blog for new students who wanted to hear it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak! If ever want to chat about trying to relieve some stress, want me to look over pieces of work or just want a chat about your studies, email me at hattie.howtorevise@gmail.com – I’d be happy to help out! Hattie X

        Like

    1. You might want to add a link to your Blog in your Menu. The way the site is now, there’s no way to find your blog unless you happen to know the name of a post and do a Search for it. Another option is to convert your Home page to feed your blog automatically. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Yeah. I’ve been facing this problem and the thing is i don’t have enough time these days to alter the situation due to my exams. But i promise to get to it ASAP. How did you find my wite ups?

        Like

    1. Good content! 🙂 I enjoyed reading your posts. My suggestions: watch your grammar! You’ve got a couple of un-capitalized “i”s. Not a huge deal, but readers take blogs more seriously when the author does that read-through and catches those little mistakes. Also, you can add images!

      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 know what you mean about the ‘I’ but the themes likes them and underlines them as wrong if you change?!?! Thanks for your comment though and I’ll check your blog out

        Like

    2. Really well written, I totally agree with you having the right kind of people near us makes a different and a few people who actually care are much better than 1000 who don’t.. the right people, beach and bare feet would be the most amazing thing , so totally agree and have followed:).

      Liked by 1 person

    1. If I were going to Maui, I would find this post super helpful. I think using a separate link for each topic is a good way to organize the information. I can see at a glance what is available and click on the one I want to read without having to scroll through a long post. https://gracelead.co

      Like

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback! I am considering doing this for some of my other posts as well but wanted to do a test run first. I appreciate you taking the time to look and comment.

        I looked at your blog. I enjoyed reading your recent post. Great reminders on how to stay focused on God, or spiritually as well.

        Like

    1. Great content. My suggestion: add some images 🙂 BLogging is a very visual medium! Also, be careful of your grammar — you capitalize “female driver” and “men” and these words should not be capitalized since they are not at the beginning of the sentence or proper nouns.

      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 enjoyed your single sentence stories 🙂 You should think about submitting them! My suggestion: perhaps include images on some. Blogging is a very visual medium, after all.

      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 “The Men From My Past.” Good content, good use of images, nice post length. Good advice as well! 🙂 I wouldn’t change a thing.

      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

    2. I really enjoyed ‘The Men From My Past’, it is something that I’m sure a lot of us can relate to. My only suggestion would be to give us a bit more… I loved all of your points but felt myself wanting to know more about your personal experiences that lead you to that realisation.
      Please check out some of my stuff if you get a chance… https://lucindafer.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I like it! I think your blog has a nice color scheme. You use images well and your content is well-paced and interesting 🙂 I suggest using more tags and categories — you can use up to 15, and additional tags may draw in 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

    2. I love it, great layout and great use of images. I’ve followed it for now and will take a proper read later, but from what I’ve seen so far it’s a blog I’m looking forward to reading xx

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I really love your layout. I love how it’s so easy to navigate and find different posts. Also, the give away looks great, I might participate and hope to win ahaha. Overall fabulous x

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi there, I’m only a beginner too but I have some critiques. I think the flow of the description would be better if you split the paragraphs up into 2-3 line sections. Also the reader will be more engaged if you try and go through a story-line or incorporate a message. I get that the prompt is such but maybe you should try the daily post prompts which could be better. Anyways, always have fun writing.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You certainly contrasted the two reactions :-). I do have a couple of suggestions on one of your sentences.
      I looked into his colorless gray eyes and looked down. (1) Rather than use “looked” twice, you might begin the sentence with, “I glanced into…” (2) If his eyes are gray, then they are not colorless. Perhaps change colorless to lifeless, dull, or emotionless. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the suggestions! I was trying to go for dull, which I guess I should have said outright – haha

        Like

    3. I agree that kindness does take discipline. You also make an interesting observation that those who are most annoying are likely those who need a response of kindess from someone. If I were writing the post, I would modify the title to,”Anyone Can Be a Jerk.” https://gracelead.co

      Like

      1. Your blog has a hell of a niche — I’m always looking to become a better leader and person. Providing tips and resources with actionable steps would keep me, personally, coming back!

        Like

      1. Really enjoyed your short story, descriptive as hell and a fun read – as much as I hate to admit it being a guy.

        We’ve all be in that situation too so the connection was there. Good writing, post on! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Hey all, it’s been a slow week for my blog but, like last week, I would really appreciate some feedback on anything you’re interested in reading. I have some recommendations on my site, so you can look at them and as always just let me know and I’ll do the same for anyone who asks. Thank you! Matt. X

    Liked by 1 person

    2. I think your theme is nice 🙂 I second Minding Myself — maybe break your paragraphs up a bit more for ease of reading. It would also be good to watch your grammar — it sounds nitpicky, but readers will take blogs with proper grammar more seriously than those without. Uncapitalized “I”s don’t look very professional.

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

      Like

  21. I’d love some feedback! My blog is faith based and includes stories of my life and things I’ve learned.
    judy7728.wordpress.com
    Thanks in advance!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think your area of writing is interesting. However your posts should introduce the topic you write about either in the introduction or through the title, or else the reader could get confused. And maybe a few pictures to lead the topic as well would be good.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I read your most recent post. From my perspective, I like the way you unfolded the story. Too many clues at the beginning would have taken away from the sense of discovery that you build in the story. It’s as if you have invited me to discover the lesson with you. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Hi guys, I blog about inspirations for finding happiness, including travel tales and perspectives on mental health. I usually get a few likes and even a couple of comments on my posts, but my second-last post generated a deafening silence. I was looking for some feedback on this. https://cheerupmimi.com/2016/07/17/do-unto-others/
    Any comments you have on my blog https://cheerupmimi.com in general are also much appreciated! Thanks so much!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Just commented. I appreciate your willingness to discuss difficult subjects! Good content, good use of images (though the “Do Unto Others” post could use another image, to break up the text a bit more). I suggest utilizing more tags/categories — looks like this post only had one, but adding “guns” or “violence” or something else may help bring in 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 🙂

      Like

      1. I just did. I really like the premise (and subtitle) of your blog. I’m impressed by how many comments you get on a regular basis! How do you keep your readership so engaged?

        Like

      2. Community Pool is a great resource — I post articles every week here and ask for feedback and such. People have given me A TON of helpful advice and also, in the process, liked and commented on my articles, too! 🙂

        Like

    2. Hello, I really like the mix of topics you write on. I think they fit together well and cover several different areas. I enjoyed reading both “Writing” and “Do Unto Others…”. I followed you too so I can stop by later to check out more posts. I like the layout of your site as well. Keep up the good work. Check out my blog about thankfulness, authentic living, and satire at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Like

  24. Hi all,
    I’ve been working on my fitness blog to help both those who are looking to get fit, as well as fitness competitors alike. I would really appreciate any feedback you may have on the content, overall look, as well as any suggestions you may have to gain a larger audience.
    carachomeyfitlife.wordpress.com
    Thanks so much!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice content, great use of images 🙂 One suggestion: make it clearer what your site is about. Your home page sounds like a business website (here’s our passion, we prefer small, intimate groups, etc), but then your blog is about photography and biking and all sorts of random things. This isn’t bad, but I just wasn’t sure what the overall theme of your site was!

      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 the feedback. I am trying to create a business website. But I also gave myself a daily blogging goal which is hard to maintain so I’m blogging about my life in general! I’m happy to check out one of your blogs and give you feedback. Thanks Natalie!

        Like

      2. Perhaps label the blog as “Personal Blog” — this lets people know that the posts are a good way to get to know you as a person (versus being a continuation of the business setting) 🙂
        And thanks!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hey there! Your ssite looks nice, and it’s interesting to see a business site/blog on here. On the How To Reach Us page, consider moving the text around so it doesn’t move around the picture. Have the text all below the picture, or all to one side of it. Other than that, it seems like you are going in a good direction! Check out my blog about thankfulness, authentic living, and satire at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Like

  26. Hello everyone!

    My portfolio is online now and you can check it by clicking on the link below.

    Project Portfolio

    I was working on this for past three weeks or so and I feel really proud about this. I have created this portfolio to not only showcase the best of my blogging but to also present myself as content writer professionally.

    Check it out and don’t forget to share your comments.

    Have a nice day!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Just commented. Nice portfolio! My suggestion: shorten the text before the post list. The focus of that post should be the list, and the shorter the text is, the better — you don’t want to distract your reader with unnecessary text!

      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

  27. Hello hello, I am writing a blog for A-level students in the UK and I give advice and support in areas such as; applying to university, writing personal statements and what you need for Sixth Form life! It would be great if I had some feedback for my blog – any kind of comments are warmly welcomed! Thanks for reading, your blogs all look great 🙂 Hattie X

    Home

    Liked by 1 person