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. I just left a comment on the post — I think you are spot on with this theory. On another note, it’s nice to meet another engineer who also likes to write!

      Take a look at my blog if you like — just click on my name and pick any post. I would love some feedback!

      Cheers, Mimi

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Hi friends,

    I have just published a post and would like to share it with you.

    Data: How much is too much?

    Please do check it out and share with me what you feel about this. also, do check my blog in general and share your valuable feedback.
    If you want me to review your posts/ blog and/ or some help regarding customization/ widgets/theme, do leave a comment. would be happy to help!

    Like

    1. I really like how you have a section about you right below your post, so that we don’t have to click on a separate “About” page. How did you do that?

      It would be great if you could check out my blog — just click on my name and chose whatever post you like. Any feedback is welcome!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You have captured a struggle many of us face. External hard drives are good; however, if you have a disaster (fire, flood…) you will lose everything. That’s where using Dropbox, Googledrive, iCloud or something similar can be a good idea. Perhaps you wouldn’t want to invest the money and time it would take to put them all there, but at least some of your favorites might be a bit of a security blanket. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Read your “Trapped” story, nicely done. As far as feedback goes, maybe a more clearly marked ‘Home’ button…but that’s being picky!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I recently put out a post all about advice but got no feedback on whether it was actually helpful or not. Please let me know 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ok I must admit! Your mug does look perfect 🙂 Like me your writing about your personal life. I love to read about others stories because it makes your realize that there others out there like you. I love the layout and design. I’ve been playing with layouts and designs for a while (it’s hard to find one you like). I really enjoyed reading your blog. I love your quirky sarcastic style and the way you form your words.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for your kind input. And for appreciating the mug, haha! I understand the struggle with finding the perfect theme, it’s all about knowing what you want on our site and any theme will fit in nicely. Good luck with your search!

        Like

  13. I’m trying to develop a faith-based blog where I can provide a weekly reflection and provide links to audio recordings of a weekly message. My blog is at:

    explorastorycafe.wordpress.com

    Looking for helpful tips – especially about “categories” and “tags.” I often feel like I’m using a shotgun approach and that I need another method.

    Thanks for your help

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It appears that you have placed your post in multiple Categories. Generally, it is more effective to have just a handful of Categories such as: Spiritual Growth, Family, Societal Issues. Then, for each post, decide which Category is the best fit for it. Many of the other things you put as Categories could be Tags instead (Trump, Clinton, etc.) Be aware that if you want a post to show up in the WordPress Reader, it will need to have 15 or fewer Tags + Categories. For an example of categories and tags, visist my site: https://gracelead.co I have 4 Categories: Lay a Path, Engage Others, Achieve Results, and Demonstrate Core Values. I assign each post to one of those Categories. That way, if a reader is most interested in a Category, they can easily find all post related to that Category. The tags help my posts show up in the WordPress Reader and in internet searches.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I am a newbie as well and I love your blog! Very descriptive. It reads like a story. The cover photo drew me in.

      Like

  16. Hello everyone!
    I’m looking to get more feedback in my food blog (actually more a “dessert” blog!) and be in contact with more foodbloggers or food enthusiasts 🙂
    I’ve recently changed the theme of my blog so it’s kind in a process!
    Thanks a lot 🙂
    devaneiosdechocolate.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Your blog is fantastic! I love your little subtitle underneath your blog name, it’s very witty! Your writing fits the blog perfectly and I love the injection of personality in it! Your blog theme looks wonderful; it’s very clean and easy to navigate and the colours and overall style remind me of a patisserie or an artisan bakery! Also your photos are fabulous, very clean, very interesting and they definitely do the delicious food justice!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Hi guys I recently started my blog, it’s inspirational. I would really appreciate it if you guys could pay a visit. Your also welcome to leave your recommendations in the comments. Thank you and have a good day. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Hey guys, I have been neglecting my photoblog for a while – I had this thing called college to do 😉 But now that’s over I can focus a bit more attention on my images.

    I recently put out new gallery of images from my travels in Madrid and have another post lined up when I return from Italy. I would love it if you headed over and had a look at my photos and tell me anything I could improve on. Maybe hit that follow button aswell? 😉

    Thanks!

    https://joetakesphotos.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Your photos are amazing! I particularly like the photos where there you’re focusing on one specific point (e.g. your sheep photo) as I think that they capture one moment in a lot more detail as opposed to your wide shots, but that is personal preference! I also like where you’ve put little captions detailing the context of the photo as it seems a little more personal. The only stipulation I have is seeing the tags at the top of each post, however that is only a small thing!

      Like

    1. I really enjoyed the humour you inject into your writing voice, I smiled or laughed a few times while visiting your blog. I am not sure if you are looking for feedback on your writing or the site itself. That said, keep writing you have a great and unique voice. In terms of your site itself I liked your colour choice and the sidebar it nice and clean, not over crowded with hundreds of widgets and unnecessary items. However, have you thought of adding a gravetar, or calendar, or something?

      Like

      1. Thank you for the lovely compliments! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it! I haven’t thought of doing that with my site and will jump on that right away! Thank you ever so much for the feedback!

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Hello Everyone, I could really use some feedback one a theme change/homepage addition. I started blogging in December with Dyad theme, and I just switched to button. I am aiming for bright and professional, as well as easy to navigate. I am also unsure on order for the side widgets. Any feedback would be appreciated.
    (sorry I am not sure if I added that as an active link…yikes)
    https://writingiscommunication.wordpress.com/

    Like

    1. I think your blog looks fine, with the repeating pattern of cherry blossoms (or whatever tree that is) and your side widgets are enough to easily navigate but not to overwhelm.

      You are a great writer and it looks like you have eclectic content, from what it looks based on your categories. Being a mother of two girls, I was amused by the penis chronicles post. Keep it up!

      Like

      1. Okay, thank you for the feedback. I appreciate the help and the complements. As for the penis chronicles, haha, that one seems to be a favourite all round (well except for with my son perhaps…)

        Liked by 1 person

  25. Hi everyone!!
    Well this is just my second week into blogging and I am checking the stats constantly to see if got any more page views or comments! Or I am just reading my blog again and again to see what changes I can make. I am super nervous and really need some feedback to know if I am going right.
    Please read my blog and let me know how I can improve it.

    About me

    Like

    1. I am also new to blogging. From one new blogger to another. What is your blog about? I would play with layout some more so that you can make it more your own. There is still some areas that need to be edited, such as your about page.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for taking the time to really reply! Well my blog is about random stuff. Its about anything that I come across or am asked to write about by my friends. The thing here is that I am handicapped with the layout as to how to change it and stuff as everytime something weird ends up on my screen. And also, what would your suggestions be regarding my about page. It would be of great help if you could suggest something.

        Like

      2. I was too trying to learn how to use the web design, but once you play with it more you will get the hang of it. Give your readers a sense of who you are by telling a little bit about yourself and why are you writing.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes, it did work now, thank you!

        Thank you for sharing your blog.

        I browsed the post about the different technological creations. Very interesting. Your writing is very detailed. You provide a lot of information to the reader. The writing is broken up very well. And the pictures really help the reader along.

        You may want to move your introduction to your blog up to the start of your page so people can see it.

        You may also want to try using the ‘click to read more’ button in your posts so that you only a portion of the post is displayed. This would allow readers to see more of your posts up front.

        Really interesting – keep writing!

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Hey, I like it and it’s an interesting idea for a blog. I haven’t seen one like it on WordPress before!

      Like

  27. Hello! I am new to blogging and would like some feedback on my layout/theme, my blogs and maybe my name (can’t decide if I like it or not). I decided to do a blog detailing the changes of moving to another city. I like to be different and original. So far I’ve had some traffic and a few followers from one of my posts and would love to gain more. Any feedback would be great!! I’m all for constructive criticism.
    goodbyekansashellonevada.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. I think you are off to a good start. Your site looks good. The header relates to the purpose of your blog. Your site is easy to navigate. You even have your About page in place and have set up some Categories. That puts you ahead of many new bloggers. Your name seems a bit lengthy. Since going forward you will likely be talking mostly about Nevada, maybe “hellonevada” would work (if that name is available). I read your What If I Stayed? post and found it a good read. https://gracelead.co

      Like

      1. Really greatly appreciated! I will be playing around with the name more. I really want something to stick. Thanks for the feedback! I will be checking out yours as well!

        Like

    2. I like your layout (personally I would go for a bit more color, but like I said you’re layout is nice like this aswell), the name seems a bit long maybe…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha! Never acquired the taste for bacon lol. I just visited your page! Love, love love the layout! I’m super jealous! I’m still trying to find one that I like! I really enjoy your book reviews. Very detailed and straight to the point! Do you take book suggestions? I used to be a huge young adult book fan. I’m moved to more adult books now. Good luck on your endeavor to being a YA writer. I will definitely buy a copy to add to my collection 🙂

        Like

    4. Hey, I enjoyed your writing! The only hopefully constructive advice I have about the layout is that that sidebar you have on the main blog page? I’d maybe like to see that on the individual posts. If you add widgets for things like popular posts, it’s another way to get people to read more of your content, if that makes sense.

      Like

      1. That kind of makes sense after reading it several times. Thanks! I will definitely see what I can do! Much appreciated!

        Like

    5. I don’t mind your blog name. It sums up what your blog will be about. That being said, while you obviously can’t add spaces to the url, you can separate the words in your title, which will make it easier to read and perhaps make you more comfortable with the it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I never thought of that. Thank you! I will be playing around with it until I am comfortable, but I will add the spaces as you suggest. Thanks for the feedback! 🙂

        Like

    2. Hey, I think the post is very well written. I’m conscious that I might sometimes write in a manner that assumes the reader already knows something about what I’m saying and I expected that to be the case here but, while there are some terms that are complicated, you explain most if it very well. The other thing I’m conscious about on my blog is length of post. This was a very long one that might have been better broken down in to sections to make it easier to follow.

      As I say, though, exceptionally well written.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Looking for new followers for my history blog. New post imminent. Delayed by playing with the layout and then having to re-do. I’m a little disappointed as it is quite stark on first sight. But maybe I’ll get used to it.
    Also have Twitter and Instagram links on my blog site. Would love to engage with all who like historical subjects and historians with their own blogs.

    https://historianruby.wordpress.com/

    Like

    2. Yep, I like the layout too. I don’t think it’s too stark at all, but is certainly simple and clean and easy to navigate.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I love your short stories. I used to write some myself, mainly horror short stories. I think what would be helpful if you tagged or grouped your short stories into genres. Everyone likes certain genres. But overall they are good. Melissa’s story really spoke to me.

      Like

    3. Wonderful site, and great writing!

      Your site is very well laid out, and really bright and clean.

      I ready Melissa’s story and really enjoyed it. I think your writing is really creative, and pulls the reader in. I wanted to know more about what happens to her.

      🙂

      Like

    4. Hey. I checked out one of your stories. The story was really good, nice description and characters. Good stuff.
      On a layout and look of the blog, maybe try to personalize, adding pictures, your own personal flaw. Just makes the blog seem a little more interesting and to match it to the good content.:)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. example I have tried to do little drawing and things to create the tone of my blog. winduptoy.wordpress.com

        Like