Sep 12, 2016 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for feedback, advice, and friendly blogging chatter.

The Community Pool will be closed for maintenance next Monday, September 19. We look forward to seeing you on the pool deck the following Monday, September 26.

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 and guidelines 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, as well as for not starting numerous threads in a single Pool.
  • 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. Also note that including multiple links in your comment might automatically put it in the moderation queue, which will delay its publication.
  • 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. Just commented! Nice content, good use of images, good use of tags 🙂 Consider using additional tags, maybe more specific ones such as “Clinique” or maybe even a type of makeup (like “foundation”). You can use up to 15 tags/categories, and adding a few more might help increase traffic.

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much!!! Great advice….for some reason I have a hard time with tags. I will definitely check out a post!

        Like

    2. Hey just saw your blog, It looks great. The only feedback I have is – that when we click on makeup on the top bar and are viewing the post one after the other in succession – There is no like/share button at the end of each post… so consider adding those. I am from India and I blog about Beauty Lifestyle and Design. I still finding my feet so do swing by and let me know what you thought ! Cheers 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much for the advice!! I had not noticed those weren’t showing….I appreciate it so much!! I will definitely swing by! 🙂 Thanks again!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Hi everyone! I run a blog called The Lily Note Pad where I post everything from book reviews to social commentary articles. I recently posted a post about my current state of happiness and positivty as it pertains to self love. If anyone has any other of their own stories or advice for staying optimistic and happy, I would love to see them!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Just commented. LOVE the most recent post ❤ Rock on! I'm totally following you 🙂 Great content, good use of images, good tags. If you're looking for suggestions, consider breaking up your paragraphs a bit more. Right now they are a little long and blocky. Not a huge deal, but blogging is a very visual medium, and the longer the text is, the more intimidating the article can be for some readers.

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback, it is honestly so helpful! You start to forget things when you stare at the same blog for a long time haha! I will definitely check out (more than) one of your posts tonight!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Just commented. Love your sense of humor! Good content, too. Suggestion: do you use tags/categories? Categories help readers find related posts within your blog; tags help new readers find your work. If you’re having trouble meeting other bloggers, it may be because they’re not seeing your work!

      Also, best of luck with the quitting smoking bit. That’s tough stuff!

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you :)nah I haven’t been using tags. To be honest, I don’t even know what the are lol. I shall look into this. Thanks for the tip 🙂
        I will for sure check out one of your posts, but I’ll have to do it in the morning. Me need shleep

        Like

      2. If you go to Reader and search a term, that’s a tag! If you don’t have any tags, people won’t be able to search and find your posts. Check it out and if you have any questions, let me know! Good luck 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Very cute! Just stopped by. I like how short your posts are — it makes it easy to read a bunch all at once 😉 Great use of images, too!

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

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Hello! I recently posted something a bit different than I usually do. Here’s the link…
    Netflix and Chill – free2bme27
    https://free2bme27.wordpress.com/2016/08/25/netflix-and-chill/

    My blog is mainly just about things that cross my mind and life in general with a few personal posts mixed in. The most recent are some photos of my “happy place”, a post about Fall, and the fact that I recently discovered my personality type is one of the rarest worldwide. I knew I was special! Lol. I hope you will have a look and let me know what you think. As always, I love the Community Pool because I enjoy discovering new blogs to follow! Have a great day fellow bloggers!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Your blog is so well written, and I loved the way your latest post captures the essence of youth! I’ll look forward to reading more from you, best of luck!

    Like

      2. I visited your page. Love the layout and I enjoyed reading your blog. You have a new follower 🙂 I look forward to reading your blog posts.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. wow, to be honest I didn’t go in with high expectations: it’s a q&a of someone I know nothing about!

      BUT you managed to write your answers in a super engaging way and I felt like I saw a little slice of who you are, great job 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi! So I read your post and I loved it!! Your writing voice is so sweet and light and engaging. I loved that you described breaking free from your old life as “doing a Britney” and I can totally relate to you on the matter of tea and coffee!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey! Glad you find me engaging, that’s always a pleasure to hear! I try to write as fluidly and honestly as I can without much of an edit so that I am in the writing – not something that works for everyone but makes a good read-back. Keep being awesome and get the kettle on 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Hey guys,

    I’ve got two recent posts I’d love to get some feedback on.

    #1. my very first guest post by a talented poet that wrote a poem for world suicide prevention day titled “for anyone who has thought suicide is the best option” (content may be sensitive)

    #2. my poem titled “the contortionist”

    http://www.maggyliu.com

    Always happy to give feedback to other people’s blogs too, just ask 🙂

    Thanks,

    Maggy

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I really enjoyed both of your recent posts, very well written and powerful! I also liked the simplicity of your theme which allows your content to speak for itself – keep it up!
      I would also love it if you could give my blog a read, click on my name and let me know your thoughts 🙂

      Like

    1. Just stopped by! I applaud your willingness to tackle an issue so difficult — political issues (especially when mixed with religious issues) are always very charged and emotional. You did a good job examining both sides of the issue, and good use of images as well. My suggestion: use fewer tags. If you have more than 15 tags/categories, WordPress blocks your post from Reader, and you’ve got way more than 15. Your traffic may increase if you omit some of those superfluous tags!

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Natalie,

        Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my latest post. And thank you for the suggestion on the tags. I’m still learning and I really thought the more the better. You see, I should always stick to my life motto, simplicity is key. Fewer tags is definitely easier for my as well. It killed me trying to come up with that many anyway. hahaha. I truly hope that helps with traffic. My most difficult thing to achieve is getting readers to share their comments. I love conversation and wish others felt free to say whats on their mind even if it meant disagreeing with me.

        I just read your post about stress and commented. Very encouraging words and a great reminder as well. I also liked your About You post, “exploring new ways of thinking and behaving”. I love that. I’m always open to learn about other ways of thinking, other ideas, other explanations. I feel it opens the mind to amazing things. I look forward to reading your guest post Just a Girl and a Bike. You have a new follower.

        Elke a.k.a. The Pretty Platform

        Like

      2. Aww, thank you! You’re very sweet 🙂

        Getting people to leave comments is definitely tough. Community Pool has helped me increase my comments, and it has also helped me learn how to leave a good comment for someone else — I have created friendships with other bloggers, and now we always comment on each other’s posts, which is awesome 🙂 Blogging can be tough, but you can do it! Good luck!!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, glad you enjoyed! I took a peek at your blog as well. I could tell when the page loaded and I was greeted with photos of ramen and Hakone that I would enjoy the contents (and have so far). Nice work!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes, a bit. I grew up around anime and gaming, and some habits die hard. I starting using MeganePush on websites after I had to start wearing glasses (curse you nearsightedness) and it just stuck since then.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Just commented! Nice content, good post length, good use of tags. 🙂 My suggestion: consider adding your images into the actual post. In the used book post, you have that awesome image of all the books — add into your text. This will break up the text and add a little color. Blogging is a very visual medium 🙂

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. After reading a few of your posts I see what you mean about breaking up the text with images and other media. Your posts look great! I will definitely try to work more on that. Thanks for the feedback!

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Welcome to WordPress. I think you’ve got a great start, and my only suggestion would be to use images in your posts. It really helps to generate reader interest. Plus, it makes your blog pretty 😉

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You’ve got some neat content, I would love to read more! I would suggest cleaning up your theme a little, your home page is a tad crowded for my personal liking but you’re doing great!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Quite a lot of thought-provoking stuff. Clean, easy to read, nice overall. Perhaps if you can, make sure each post has at least an image on your front page? Not only can it grab visual attention, but it can make your blog look more consistent because every post has a picture – they’re all equally important. Besides, you seem to have an eye for imagery, why not have some fun with it?

      https://scicasual.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! And yes, I’ll definitely work towards consistency with images on the home page! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Like

    3. Loved “The Army at Dusk.” 🙂 As for your layout, what’s the “My Chase” section? It has things like logout listed on there, and I’m not sure it’s needed — it may be just cluttering up your page. (though if it has a purpose, please tell me! I’m curious)

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, that means a lot! “My Chase” was my take on the “About Me” page 🙂 hmm, I’ll look into that because there shouldn’t be!
        Of course, I’ll peruse through your blog now! 🙂 thanks again!

        Like

    2. Welcome!
      Two suggestions: add pictures to your posts to break up text a little, and expand your About page so people can get to know you a bit better.
      But your writing is good and you’re very honest which come across well.
      Happy Blogging!

      Like

  18. Thank you for reminding me what it was like when I was 15. I read it and thought of my teen son and that his life too will change and he only has one time to be a kid. So well written. Bravo! I was already a follower and I’m so glad that I am.

    Like

    1. Hi! I’m on a similar path when it comes to food and health so I’ll be following you closely.

      Have you though of adding a few nice photos of your own to the posts as well? I think it would make your content even more interesting!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much! Photos are definitely on the agenda for next stage. Now that I have a better idea of what I’m actually trying to do next step is making my blog more exciting and inviting. Thanks for the tips 😊

        Liked by 1 person

    2. One thing I’ve learned about building up my blogging habit seriously is being on some kind of schedule (I can post whenever I want, but I *must* post on Monday unless something major has happened and I can’t do it). It keeps me accountable and blogging, so I don’t gradually not blog anymore and disappear. Blogging is fun, but *writing* blogs is practiced. Then you’ll see that your blog is being built up, and so have your skills and your eye for topics. Even blogging once a week can do that for you, I’ve found.

      https://scicasual.wordpress.com

      Like

  21. I enjoyed visiting your blog. I have to say that it’s a pleasure to read your 100 word stories. I especially love Speechless. So amazingly eerie. I can read those forever. To communicate story, characters, and emotion in just 100 words is truly skillful. I will have to challenge myself one day to try it out. Your site is user friendly on my phone, no worries there. You have a new follower and a fan. Please keep doing the 100 to 200 word stories.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. This comment was intended to ‘askriverbed’, I’m sorry! Checking too many interesting blogs at the same time 😉 But I just read your last story, and I loved the flow of your writing!

        Like

      2. Hi Jonny, I thought I’d let you know I took your advice and have changed my theme… I’m quite set in my ways usually so this will take some getting used to for me, but thank you for your advice, this was the push I needed to brighten things up!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Wow, your writing tips are of great use to me! As a non-native English creature, I am always seeking for improvement in my writing. Following you closely now😉

      Like

  26. Hey all! Lady lawyer by day and new blogger! I’d like your thoughts on my blog. The only category waiting a blog post is in DIY but other than that, I have some travel, food, skincare, & work topics up! Any input appreciated!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. I write posts on daily prompt, but it never shows up here. Can anyone please share how they post it here as comment section under daily prompts is always closed. Thanks.

    Like

  30. I have changed my layout and written something new. Slowly getting into it and very happy about this community. For your comments and advice I would be more than thankful 🙂 Have a beautiful day!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. It was much more pink before 🙂 I wanted something where I could have a better overview (me and the readers) I have the feeling that this one looks “cleaner”.

        Like