Aug 1, 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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  1. Hi,
    I know some people have wrote huge comments telling them about who they are but the thing is, for me, I don’t really know who I am. So, if you want to try figuring it out, go on my blog and see what I love.

    Home

    Woah! This comment turned out to be bigger than I thought. 😊☺️

    Liked by 3 people

      1. I liked your recent post. I had thought about that before but I know I couldn’t do that because of my family. I don’t ever want to put them through that kind of hurt, as if it was there fault. I like how your blog’s set out but I think you could add more Pages, such as a Home, Contact, Blog. It makes stuff much easier to find.
        Thanks for checking out my blog, I really appreciate it. XD

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Hello Everyone! A happy day to you all!
    I just changed my header and my About page, and have been playing around with using my own drawings for some of my most recent posts– mostly involving making and enjoying delicious foods out in the wilderness. Anyone care to comment? Thanks very much! Elka

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Or maybe I do have some feedback…
      I was wondering if you did those drawings… they’re really awesome! I wish I had the talent to do something like that.
      I think maybe some more photos or pictures to break up the text would be nice. Your opening line… I like that it’s in a different font but at the same time I don’t. I think the font needs to be bigger and bolder (or italics… ooh), like a size bigger than the rest of your next.. It’s competing with the giant first letter and losing. I’m also not sure about the top alignment, but making the first line of text a little bigger and bolder might cure that.
      PS you look like my old college roommate 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, all the artwork on the blog so far is mine, I’m glad you like it!
        I will try to include more photos, but as I said in the “Simple Joys of a Wild and Messy Life ” post, we have “band width” issues out here in the wilderness so I can’t always include as much in the way of art/photos as I want.

        I’m so glad you’re following, yay!

        I agree with you about the font problems, but it’s just the way the theme is, I can’t change it without changing the theme, and I love everything else about the theme, so I’m sticking with it!

        That’s neat that I look like your old roomie, how funny!

        Thank you for your comment, Kimberly!

        Like

      2. One thing you could try is scaling the photos way down in a desktop photo editor before you upload them. I was scaling all my photos in wordpress to 450 x 600 pixels after I uploaded files that were 3000+ x 5000+ pixels. I started scaling them to the finished size in my photo editor and started uploading the photos as 450 x 600 pixels and the file size ends up between 100 and 150 kb, depending on the photo. I don’t have a super fast internet connection, and they upload in no time now where it would take 5 minutes for the big files. I also figured my photo editor could do a better job of scaling than wordpress.

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Really like your idea for the blog, Elka, and probably like many readers, I’m interested in more than cooking out of doors. I would like to hear more about living in a canyon on the river. I also love how colorful your painting is.

      Like

      1. Thank you for the sweet comment Gospel! There will be lots more about my life on the river, if you stay tuned! Also I plan to include posts about my fun sewing projects, interesting “boho” outfits, art projects, etc.!

        Like

  3. Hey everyone!
    My name is Wolfcalls, I write rhymed verse poetry! If you have a moment please check it out- some feedback would be nice if you have the time! Thank you!nightwhisperswolfblog.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Wow! Where does the time go? I have been blogging for 8 months now!!!!!!!! Golly gee. I know that I don’t have a bunch of comments on my blogs but I do see people read it sometimes. Makes me happy. How do we rate a blog? By followers? By numbers of comments or likes? And if it is these things how to we gather more? Any advise or suggestions are greatly welcome.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi! I’m completely sure if we rate blogs or not, but it’s always fun to discover new ones and start conversations. . .I’m not sure if I answered your questions or not, lol.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Well maybe “rate” is the wrong term. I was wondering how we judge a prosperous blog. If having some view/comments is enough. And if that is how to judge then how to we get more.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I think this will vary by person. To me, the first question is, what it the purpose of the blog? If it is self-expression, then, while it’s nice to have people visit, it is not the main way to “judge” your blog. If the purpose is to get attention or encouragement, then, yes, views, likes, and comments are a good indicator. If the purpose is to help others in some way, then likes and comments can indicate that you may be be helping them. If those are important to you, you might want to set up some Tags in your WordPress Reader so you can find posts on topics simiar to yours. Once you find those posts, put some comments on them. This will provide visibility to your site. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

      1. It’s not really that high, but very steep that I was literally crawling just to make sure I won’t fall. On my way down, I found out there’s another way at the side where there is a rope rail. 🙂 Anyway, that’s going up to the main altar of Angkor Wat. Thanks for the comment.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. No wonder the Monk (was he a monk? Excuse me if I’m wrong) looked like he was sitting as he was climbing the stairs. No doubt you used the rope trail on your way down. 😛 Thank you for sharing.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Hi everyone, I’ve recently started this digital entertainment company; focus is on gaming. As a woman owned business I’d like to put my small womanly footprint in this mostly male dominated industry but it is a daunting task! I have started to blog about business things here and there, and current projects. Any feed back will be very much appreciated.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Hey this is my comment I typed with letters. I have as a blog called marcusandwords.com, because I am Marcus and I do use words. Getting more into experimental poetry at the moment, but go further back and there are short stories as well. Always trying to improve and I don’t post anything that I’m not at least partially a fan of, so if you could go there and post some constructive that’d be dope. Yes, I’m talking to you specifically; thanks friend

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi April,

      I read your post with interest. I really like your breezy style! One thing that would make it even better for me is including some more details. For example, I thought, where should I go to find the thrift shops you describe?

      If you would like to check out my blog, that would be awesome. Simply click on my name and choose any of the posts. Or, if you are interested in the travel section specifically, go to https://cheerupmimi.com/travel/

      Cheers, Mimi

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hi everyone, My name is Luke, and my blog is about being a Christian that struggles with clinical depression. It’s a struggle i have everyday and through this, i started this blog to maybe help me out of the pit of depression, and to keep strong in my faith.
    This weeks blog is about the church being the army of God and how we should be doing more to help those that struggle with mental illnesses. Please give it a read if you have the time! https://lukeharmerblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/fighting-depression-in-the-army-of-christ/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi there. I read your blog and let me first say two things. 1. thank you. So many believers think that all you need is the sheer will and power of prayer to heal yourself from depression. some don’t even believe depression is real. I appreciate you tackling such a huge subject.
      2. I like that you start of with a positive and uplifting statement.
      Now just one thought, the black background goes with your theme but, for people like me who struggle with vision issues, it’s difficult to read the blog with the black and white contrast. good luck and I will be praying for your journey! don’t give up!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for the kind words and the feedback, i’m working on the contrast issues now, thank you for bringing that to my attention! God bless!

        Like

    2. Hi Luke, you’re a great writer and I love your story this far. As mentioned before, you might try to change your layout or theme but besides that, you’re awesome!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for the kind words and the feedback, I’ve updated the theme now! I’ve been meaning to for a while and i hope this one works out better!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. “Boring” is kind of a subjective term. Whoever’s interested in what you have to say will read it through to the end. After all, you’re writing a personal blog, it’s your life story, no need to write it off as ‘boring’. What you would be looking for is for your topic to be ‘attractive’.

      So, ‘gratitude’ nowadays often involves some kind of list of things you’re gratitude for (which you have) or the One Big Thing That You’re Grateful For which may require you talk about it at length. Some levity may make it more attractive – it’s a gratitude post, after all.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. I am not exactly new, just inconsistent. I have made five posts in a year and three have been in the last few weeks. But I am getting into it now. I don’t really want a review of the blog, just of two poems on one of my recent posts. I teach history, and any trying to help my student’s connect to it by using their emotions. I found that poetry may be the best method. The two poems here are about the First World War, and I am hoping they inspire some kind of emotion. I did some last year and it seemed to work, but I am really going to go heavy with it this year. Check them out if you want and let me know what you think. Thank you all!

    Historical Poetry: Connecting to History Through Poetry – The First World War

    Liked by 1 person

  15. YAY!!!! Daily post “Community pool”!! Hello everyone!!
    Well!! some times we run out of time and we have to do lots of work but, we can’t perform all tasks!! I am a bit sad today!! it’s been a while and I haven’t published any post instead of this blog talk .. 😦 https://thelearnify.wordpress.com/2016/08/02/apologies-and-blog-talk-time/
    Please give some ideas how to manage blogging while having lots of work/assignments!! I know my question is weird.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I’m reaching out to my fellow cat owners in the blogging community for help. Our calico cat is showing behavioral problems as I outlined in the blog piece, “The Behavioral Problems of Our Calico Cat.” Please read and if anyone has any helpful advice or solutions, please leave a comment on the post page. Thanks in advance for reading.
    Drew

    The Behavioral Problems of Our Calico Cat

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Fellow Wordsmith Compatriots,

    As a writer/adventurer I am eager to make some waves in the blogging community and develop a discussion worth having. I would find guiding feedback most beneficial and will be forever indebted by the kind gesture, however small. Thank you kind sirs, lovely ladies, for taking time out of your hectic lives to consider my words. Adieu!
    If you so wish, you may access my blog through this link, azfstories.wordpress.com

    Liked by 3 people

  20. Hi all,

    Have just moved my blog from a wordpress.com site to self hosted. Still going through the hoops of the change over (and if it’s like any other site I do I’ll probably be going through those hoops forever).

    As expected the change over is not an immedaite process but like all my short stories, serial fiction and cooking ideas the website is a work in progress.

    When I get some time I’m going to do a bit of playing with the theme and css etc but right now I’m just concentrating on adding some more content and seeing if anyone likes what is there.

    The new site is located at http://www.lostpropertyrepository.com

    Liked by 2 people

    3. Hello,
      I really enjoy your layout! It is simple and original and everything goes well together. Nice post! You bring up some good points; I especially like number four. Significant relationships are only a part of our lives, and they don’t complete us, as much as we might want them too. Keep up the good work! Check out my blog on authentic living, thankfulness, and satire: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Like

      1. Awhh thank you. I loved your blog too, especially the post with reflective words that helped summarise certain phases in your life during your journaling. I feel more inspired to journal now, it seems to have gone really well for you! Well done on your 1 year and a half! X

        Like

    1. I read “In Silence” (I absolutely love short poetry), and I have to ask, was it a deliberate reference to “The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel? It’s a beautiful poem.

      Like

  24. Hey all! Ever wondered what it’d be like to live in a tiny house (camper) and grow a tiny human? Now you can know! Follow my blog at BeingArellanes and check out a portion of my blurbs. Especially this recent one https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/46000210/posts/1105987439.
    My husband, dog, and myself decided to live tiny for a little while to save some dough, and if we weren’t crazy enough, we decided to add a tiny human to the mix (due Feb. 21) Join us on our crazy endeavors and learn a little a long the way 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. There all these Tiny Living t.v. programs about. I’d like to read your personal experience! A little feedback: Change your header photo to something related to you; a picture you love, or a picture of you! This will intrigue viewers more. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Well thank you! We’re enjoying our adventure so far … but it’s definitely challenging. I know it will be worth in when we look back at all the money we’ve saved and debt we DONT have 🙂 Thanks!

        Liked by 1 person

  25. hey there community pool swimmers… I’m Yvonne. I’m a new blogger, project manager, mother, wife, and all around crazy super woman, (don’t tell anyone). I started my blog to document my transition into entrepreneurship, and the journey of finding out who I really am along the way. I also wanted to post a place for PM’s to come and vent, shout about frustrations and accomplishments get free templates, and get feedback from other consultants that can offer advice. follow me on twitter @PM_in_Heels
    Feedback is welcome but here it is…

    IS IT WHERE YOU WANT IT TO BE?

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I did! The header is a cropped portion of the painting attached to my little poem titled “One.” Thanks for exploring!

        Liked by 1 person

  28. After some time off due to a new addition to the family, Musings… is back. More film posts and reviews to come and to kick off our return we celebrate 50 years of Star Trek with a look back at the first six movies. Enjoy, share and comment if you like and check out some older posts on the Home Page including recut movie trailers and a celebration of the films of the late great Robin Williams.

    https://musingsofafilmfanblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/02/the-star-trek-movies-part-1/

    Like

    2. Hello,
      Since you are blogging about your life, you could write down some different things to write about: stories from the past, things or places that you find meaningful, or simply take some pictures throughout your day and write about what you did and what you thought about. Hope these suggestions help! Check out my blog about authentic living, thankfulness, and satire at: https://wondersinthewind.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person