Jun 19, 2017 / Community Pool

Community Pool

Where bloggers come together to give each other feedback and advice.

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. Happy Monday!

    Here is my latest article. This is one of those rare political articles that does not make you want to take a shower after you read it. I try to keep things positive and with a good takeaway.

    I would appreciate any feedback I can get, specifically on flow and overall appearance of the article. Thanks!

    3 Encouragements for your Elected Leaders

    Liked by 6 people

    1. If I had full freedom of choice, then – neither… but if I had to chose then –
      either. Both are interesting choices and I would welcome them…

      Although, I am more interested in different gender with same face… I’ve already experienced same gender+different face after binge watching Netflix / Amazon Video for 6+ hours… 😉 you do feel weird looking yourself in mirror after spending that much time looking at other people’s faces as protagonists ;).

      Liked by 5 people

  4. Hello,
    I started my blog just over a month ago because I got scared of the fact everyone’s going to uni and starting their lives whilst i’m here on a gap year not knowing what I want to do. I thought I love to write and read so why not start a blog and so I got the courage too. I don’t know where this will go but i’m writing about travel, health and food so if you’re willing to give it a read.
    I’d love to hear what people think. Hope you’re having a wonderful day.
    https://strawberrytravelsblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 12 people

    1. Hi! It’s a lovely post, quite brave and makes a very valid point.

      People really need to learn to back off when it comes to another person’s body. We’re all learning as we go, and I’m sure that we’ve all made comments about how another person looks like at some point in our lives. I sure have and there are days when I wonder what’s wrong with me, why am I so judgemental.

      It’s almost in-built to a certain extent, but what’s important is to learn to move past that and accept people for who they are irrespective of how they look. It’s also important to love yourself, something I’m working on.

      Great job! Keep writing 🙂 I’ve left a comment on your post as well.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you. I really appreciate your comment and feedback. You’re absolutely right xx

        I’ve tried to click on your page to check out your profile but it shows that it isn’t available 😞😞

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Welcome to the confused and confusing world of blogging! Your writing is fun and simple and I really enjoyed the post. Thank you so much for sharing this! Love,

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Also, your website looks great very easy to use, but maybe add in some more widgets to spice it up, and remove the text widget at the bottom if it’s being unused, just some advice from blogger to blogger

        Enjoy 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Also could you please let me know how I can remove the text widget and add others to spice it up? I tried scouring the internet but with no good results.. it would be great if you could help me out!

        Liked by 2 people

      4. For sure, so if your using the website you have to go to your WordPress dashboard,
        then next to where it says themes you click customize,
        Then there should be an option to add widgets
        And front here depending on your theme, you can edit and add widgets at different places on your website

        Liked by 2 people

  7. Hi everyone. I’m in need of some advice regarding the use of pictures in my blog. As a die-hard rule follower, I am terrified of breaking any rule with regard to grabbing pics off the internet. Aside from taking my own photos, what choices do I have? Where do I go to find out what I can/can’t do?

    Liked by 12 people

    2. I always worry about this when I’m using photos for my movie reviews. Although I understand there’s something called ‘fair use’ which allows you to use screenshots or posters if you’re critiquing something.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. After looking at the link in the article I posted above, I have gone to Google and clicked on Images. There is a menu option called “Tools”. When you click on that, it gives some different options to choose from based on what you’re trying to do with the photo.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey! I love your sunshine photos. It looks to me like you don’t have an “about” page (although I may just be blind. I always find these helpful because it will tell me immediately if this is a blog/topic that I want to follow and delve more into. Just a suggestion!

      Liked by 6 people

      3. Thanks Sophie. My most recent post is a weekend recap and it shows a deeper side to what I’m all about. Still working on the about me. I like how we are able to customize so much of our blogs, but boy! It’s easy to get lost. Happy to hear I’m not alone. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Jo! I’ve previously had a different header that I took personally and I just recently changed it to the default header. Thanks to your suggestion I changed it back to my original image. Thank you for your suggestion!

        Liked by 2 people

    6. Love your writing style, great post!

      Just one piece of advice (from a new blogger to another 😂) maybe capitalize the header on your site so it’s easier to read and people will remember the name a little better, just what I noticed straight off the bat.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Annanya. I love the way your blog looks. Turquoise is a very soothing colour. Your concept is really lovely and you’ve made a good start. Keep at it 🙂 I’m sure this will become your niche soon enough. Good work 🙂 Happy blogging 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Welcome back into the blogging fold. I enjoyed this Flash Fiction. Very tender (perhaps too tender?) but engaging and creative POV.
      I would love to follow your blog as well, but can’t find an easy way to sign up or follow. Have you considered adding the wordpress follow tab to your sidebar?

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I’ve added a quick link on the introduction page. Unfortunately, my posts don’t have it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention, I’ll see to it I’ve an easier way. I really appreciate your efforts to tell me about it. Thanks a tons, sire. ^-^

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I agree. A Follow this Blog button is a great idea to make it easier for your readers.
        If you go to Themes in your left-hand pop-out side bar and click on Customize you’ll get another pop-out sidebar that gives you a number of options, one of them being Widgets. Click on that and you’ll see a list of things already installed on your blog. At the bottom of the list it says, “Add widget.” Click on this and you’ll get some options, one of which is “Follow this blog by e-mail.”
        Another Widget is “Recent posts” and if you don’t have this installed yet, I highly recommend it (depending on your theme.) A “Tag cloud” widget is also a good one to install.

        Liked by 3 people

  12. Hello bloggers!

    When I started blogging about 6 months ago, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing. My blog is a bit of a mixed bag with a primary focus on Niagara Falls, but veering off many times.

    It’s hard to keep up a steady stream of content with such a narrow topic, so I decided to make “anchor days” which contained other topics. Currently, Tuesday is a random food review, Wednesdays are 80s pop song review days, and Sunday at 1am Easter is “Late Night Cafe Chat,” a weekly random topic post. The most recent LNCC can be read here: https://sheepieniagara.wordpress.com/2017/06/18/2637/

    These off-topic anchor posts have actually helped keep the blog alive. They’re easy to write in bulk, and fill the gaps in the main (Niagara Falls) themed material.

    Does anybody else follow an anchor day schedule?

    Liked by 11 people

    2. This sounds like an interesting strategy. I’ve been struggling with the urge to follow a niche, but also retain the flexibility to share posts that are outside my typical area of “expertise.” Looking forward to following along to see how it goes.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Gabe,
        Welcome to the flock! I hope you enjoy my posts. As for the strategy, just do what feels natural to you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, readers can tell when your forcing it.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Very engaging post, and I’m rooting for you. If I had one piece of feedback to share it would be: while I think the moving balloons in the header is eye-catching, when coupled with the tiny font, it makes reading the posts a bit more difficult for these old eyes. I’ll be following along.

      Liked by 2 people

  16. Hi! I’d love some feedback on this piece of poetry that I came up with. This poem deals with the sensitive subject of loss and healing and was a way to express myself. Now, I’m able to treat it as a work of art that’s very close to my heart but also writing that can be improved and bettered. I welcome constructive criticism.
    https://sailinguponathundercloud.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/in-the-starry-sky/
    I’d love to hear your opinions on this! Thank you.
    Have a wonderful day!

    Liked by 9 people

    1. So that was an amazing post, like riding a slow wave… just I couldn’t find a place to comment on the post, could just be because I’m on the WordPress app and it’s kind of glitchy sometimes, but just wanted to let you know in case it is a problem on the site.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! Okay, so I looked into it and everything seems fine. I can access the comments section as usual. Maybe it was a one-time glitch? Although, the comments on my site aren’t displayed unless you click on the little button next to all the tags and categories below the likes section. So maybe it was that? Thanks for letting me know though! I really appreciate you taking the time out to not only read my post but also sharing your opinion with me! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  19. Bow Fell feels like the centre of the world with valleys radiating out like the spokes of a wheel and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The ascent via Whorneyside Force and Hell Gill is one of striking contrasts and the final section along The Climbers’ Terrace and up the side of The Great Slab is simply breathtaking. The descent via Rossett Gill is steeped in smuggling history. My latest blog describes it all.

    http://www.lakelandwalkingtales.co.uk/bowfell-climbers-terrace/

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Hey! I read your poem and it was lovely! I also checked out other poems of yours and I found ‘No more’ and ‘Bubbles’ very relatable. Keep writing and earn more followers ❤
      And if you can, do check out my blog too. Here is a link to my latest post:

      The tree stands alone. 

      Thank you so much!! ❤❤

      Liked by 3 people

  30. Hey! Happy Monday!! I stumbled across today’s community post and figured I managed to meet a lot more of you last week through posting on it for the first time – whether it be through checking out your pages, or from your stopping by mine! – so why not try again this week! I’m always up for feedback and meeting some new faces 🙂
    My blog is mostly about sharing what I’ve learned through my, and other’s, experiences, sharing my experiences while I continue to learn, and hopefully helping and inspiring others through the process.
    It is about trying new things, about doing the best you can to be the best version of yourself, no matter how many or few resources you have at your disposal.
    This is my last ‘real’ post https://thebrokegirlsguidetobetterliving.wordpress.com/2017/06/18/making-your-story-a-tellable-one/
    Happy reading all!!!

    Liked by 9 people

    2. Wasn’t the sense of accomplishment after completing your first half marathon totally worth it! brought back wonderful warm-fuzzies just seeing the look of determination on your face. Thanks for sharing

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Oh my gosh, I don’t think I had ever been prouder in my life! I’ve let my passion (running!) slide the last couple years for the mostpart and your comment makes me want to lace up and head out right now! Fellow runner I presume?! And thanks for the read 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Hahaha! I love that! My very first race that was my ONLY goal!! My next ‘race; was a fun 5k I ran in tandem with my cousin and we were near hysterical when we came in 1st/2nd (we made a point to cross together 🙂 )… and when we waited and waited and waited at the finish line for everyone else to cross and saw no sign of anyone we realized that everyone else was walking it and we were the only 2 people running it 😛

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I LOVED reading this! You’ve hit soo many valid points in this post. I enjoyed reading it. If we can all apply these tips in life, our life would be so much more meaningful and happier. Thank you for sharing!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much!! I spent many years just kind of being, and one day realized I had nothing going on, I was doing nothing, I had no answer to ‘what’s new?’ (I still hate that question lol), and had even forgotten what my own likes and dislikes were. I didn’t want to just exist anymore, and spent the last decade of my life looking for and practicing ways to actually live and to bring meaning to my own life, and by sharing this it has been my hope that I could inspire others stuck in the same rut to find their way out of theirs.

        Thank you for taking the time to read and comment ❤

        Liked by 1 person