Jul 17, 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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  3. Hey all! I am a mom who is a food activist and LOVES to cook! On my blog, I post recipes that are somewhat connected to one of my food activism passions. Being that I am new to this whole blogging thing, I would love to hear some feedback about my posts. Here is my post from today which is a chicken potpie recipe that coincides with saving the bees for the sake of our environment. Please let me know what you think!

    Save the Bees: Summertime Chicken Potpie

    Liked by 5 people

      2. I appreciate the feedback, but this is kind of how all of my blog posts are setup. I share some info on an issue with our nation’s food industry and then share a recipe to go along with it. Does that make sense? Thanks again!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. What a beautiful poem. I honestly can’t offer any constructive criticism. I think it’s beautiful just the way it is.
      I write a lot of poetry myself. I’m always looking to connect with fellow bloggers. I’d love your opinion/feedback on my latest poem, “Double Entendre.” (https://perfectlyimperfect32com.blog/2017/07/18/double-entendre/)
      My blog URL is https://perfectlyimperfect32com.blog/ if you’d like to connect.
      Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Hello everyone!
    I write about pretty much anything and everything in my creative space blog. Right now mainly short stories and poetry. I’m new to sharing my work with others and would love your feedback/input as well as interaction. I’d love to connect/follow new bloggers or even reconnect with ones I know. Looking forward to hearing from you and reading your blogs as well. https://bloggerinablogworld.com/2017/07/16/intertwined-poetry/

    Liked by 6 people

    2. Hi there! You’ve got an awesome combination of posts up on your blog! 😃 your writing voice is open and honest, and I quite loved your poem. Poetry, while I got a lot better at it recently, is something I still struggle writing. Ironically enough, I think I edit my poems better than I do an other type of writing. 😅

      Would you mind if I left a suggestion about your blog? And please feel free to disregard it. Have you considered adding either an archives button off to the side or even adding pages to make your content easier to find? The only reason I ask is I’ve got loads of content as well and found through my own perusal as well as feedback from followers that my blog at one point was a little heavy to navigate through. So I have recently been toying around with adding sections under the Menu widget to make life a little smoother. It’s totally up to you, but thought it might be a good suggestion for you. 🙂 You’ve got such amazing content I wouldn’t want someone to miss out because they weren’t willing to scroll through.

      Thank you very much for sharing and happy blogging! 💫

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for your feedback! I definitely have thought about messing with around with archives. I want to make it easier to get around and read whatever a person would like. I’m new and still learning how to do things. Haha. I appreciate the input and totally agree with you.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. You’re very welcome! I’m glad you liked the suggestion. Take all the time to get used to your blog and mess around with it. I’ve had mine just shy of three months and I’m still learning and tweaking mine. 😁

        Liked by 2 people

  5. Hello to all!

    I recently created a new blog a few months ago in my transition to adjusting to life in the Big Apple! –> https://floridatransplant.wordpress.com/blog/

    I wanted to get some genuine feedback on the layout, content, etc.
    Is the font easy to read? Are the images too big/small? Is the content interesting? Does anyone know how to place images side by side in a post?

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Sounds like you’re having a great time in America!

      When you select multiple photos from your media, it gives you an option on how you want to display them. Other than that, you may want to consider setting up categories for your post to make it easier for people to read your posts. When I click in Blog, expecting to see them all there, all i see is the intro page. Then I have to remember to click on the actual blog heading ( I always forget that) to see all the posts.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Ooh, thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, I posted the wrong hyperlink in haste when I meant to post the correct one to my main page: https://floridatransplant.wordpress.com/

        I’ve never tried pasting two photos at once. I notice that WordPress app doesn’t have as many options when I’m multitasking and then it doesn’t always save the changes when I switch to my laptop. I’ll have to look into that..along with the categories.

        Thanks!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Hey fellow bloggers!
    I try to have at least one post a week, and I guess I’m keeping my word. This week I wrote about yet another adventure that happened back in 2016. Hope you enjoy reading my experience! I’d appreciate any feedback! Thank you!

    INME 2k16 (Part 1)

    Liked by 5 people

    1. You have some very nice content. Your avatar is interesting, it’s actually what made me click on your link. Keep up the good writing. You seem very passionate about it.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I really enjoyed the story. I like how you explained just enough to help the reader understand what INME and I can picture your adventure too. I’m definitely looking forward to the next part.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Hi everyone! I’ve very recently started a blog and am hoping to expand it into a general lifestyle blog for my rambling thoughts and views on the world. I know I’ve only published one post so far (writing my next as I type this) but would really love some constructive criticism and feedback from some more knowledgeable others?? I would also love to find some other blogs to follow and read 🙂 Thank you so much! Katherine

    https://elysiancee.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hi Katherine,
      I just read your blog post and it is very good.I just started my music blog and my biggest worry is not being able to match my writing voice with what I think is good content. You definitely have a poetic way of looking at things, backed up with good content and interesting facts. I’m interested to see what your next blog post will be.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much! I’m just about to read one of your blog posts – really love the diverse range of artists you cover. I completely agree with you on struggling to match the way I write with what I want to say in an engaging and cohesive way, without sounding too formal or too informal. Just published my second post!

        Like

    2. I just read your post, wasting your own time. I agree with a lot you say about being sucked into things via social media and how technology makes it hard not to disconnect from work. I’ve thought about these topics as well for myself and have decided to live in the moment as well. My best example is when going to concerts I do not take video or pictures while the band/artist is performing. I want to live in the amount and enjoy the experiencing of being there and not through the screen. I definitely look forward to reading more of your posts!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! I really like the fact that people are able to relate to my posts as I want my posts to be able to engage with a variety of people about real life issues. I really love that idea and definitely agree – it’s so much more enjoyable to just immerse yourself in the moment rather than living it through your phone!

        Like

    3. Hi Katherine, I like you latest post on cutting down sugar. However the first paragraph was awfully long and I’m reading it from my PC, so I can’t imagine how much scrolling you have to do on your mobile.

      Personally I find big chunks of text very difficult to read. You can consider adding images to break up the text, and it also helps to convey messages, helping you to reduce the length of your post if you find it too long. I wrote a post on my first year insights into WP recently which has some of my own tips if it helps. Good luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. First off I’d like to say, “Yay! A follow writer.” I haven’t come across to many writers on here yet. Not that I’ve been on here that long or have found the best way to search. I loved the idea of parodies of famous poems haha. Makes me laugh, smile and see if I can pick up on the ques to both the humorous side and the actual poem. I also read the first part of the story you posted. I enjoyed the fact it wasn’t super long and it pulled me in. Keep up the great work. I look forward to reading more.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Pleasure to meet you too, Holly! I’m glad you like the parodies and the first part of the story. You might want to read the later parts as well. The third part especially, which has a huge surprise. I’ve been blogging for around 5 months and most blogs I’ve come across have both fiction and nonfiction. Nonfiction isn’t really my cup of tea, but I follow those whose fiction and poetry I like. My personal favourite is Introvert next door, which is purely fictional.I get attracted to good writing (both poetry and prose) like flies to sugar.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Hi! I’ve just created my blog and published a few miscellaneous articles which I wrote for my college magazine, I would appreciate it if you could check it out 🙂 My first post is linked here and is all about the power of mental thoughts over the physical body

    The Power of the Mind

    I would appreciate any feedback as I’m relatively inexperienced and have never run a blog before!!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi! I am in love with you blog layout and the post you linked!! 😁 Wow. I’m almost at a loss for words. I had to come back out and leave you a proper comment before returning to explore the rest of your blog more thoroughly.

      Just when I think I’ve learned my fair share of things, I read something else that makes me miss learning and makes me want to investigate more in-depth. I struggle with insomnia off and on and may have to try out the gratitude suggestion. I’ve practiced yoga for over three years now, and while I’m not stellar at meditation, there’s not been many times when meditation or even low-key poses have helped me. So for that, thanks for the suggestion!

      My real question is have you heard of mind/memory palaces? The whole section of imagery and muscle mass made me curious how a mind palace would relate.

      Thanks so much for sharing! You’ve got a great writing style and voice. Happy blogging! 💫

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for your feedback 🙂 I was just as surprised when I came across the info that I did about the amount of power the mind can have- ofc I knew that your brain is important, but not so much that it can effect weight loss etc just by thinking!! I will have to look into mind palaces etc more as they definitely seem interesting. Thanks again!!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Oops, I got carried about before asking a question. My bad! Are readers and followers able to like your posts? I tried to leave a like on your linked blog post but was unable. 😕

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Hey Guys! I am totally new to blogging and would appreciate any advice on attracting readers and really getting my posts out there! Any advice for a new blogger would be great!! Thanks so much in advance!

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Hi! Nicole, travel and food blogger from the Philippines. I just got back from my trip to HK so I wasn’t able to update my blog much. I did, however, added 2 new posts last week about my UK trip – one’s about Bath and the other is about the famous playwright Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon. 😁
    Feel free to drop by my blog and I hope you have a good day!

    https://gonicolec.wordpress.com

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hey Nicole! I like your posts and I’m going to follow you to see more of your travel adventures. My suggestion is that you consider redesigning your layout and background colour to make it a bit more brighter and inviting? Hope you don’t mind my feedback. I’d be happy to hear any feedback you have to offer me on my blog.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Nicole, you have some great photos in your posts.
      There are many more great places to go in UK and I write quite a lot about them in my blog. Do check it out, I’m sure there will be places that will attract you to go again.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for taking the time to drop by my blog! ❤ I'm also planning on visiting Taiwan soon so will definitely take the time to look at your posts. 😀

        Like

  16. Hey! I am an 18 year old college student just starting my blog! I don’t know where exactly I want to take it but I plan to use my blog as a platform for my writing. I love creative writing and poetry. My first blog post is coming out later today and it would mean so much if I gained feedback on my writing, blog layout, and more. Thanks so much in advance.

    Katherinealenemcgowan.wordpress.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I like your theme! Your about page is fine for now, but I’d consider making it more specific later when you have a better idea of what your blog will be about. Also I’d recommend personalizing your featured image (unsplash.com is what I use to find good photos) and your avatar. Happy blogging!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Katherine, its a great start. You could consider giving your blog a name to reflect what its about – unless you’re planning to promote yourself as a brand (nothing wrong with that!). Also, if you plan to use images from the internet in future, always give credit to the source just to be on the save side, unless you pulled them off one of the many free images website. Good luck!

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Hi everyone! I hope you’re having an enjoyable and creative summer so far 🙂 I’ll be really grateful if you check out one of my latest posts and share your feedback! One is about balancing out a relationship with a skewed give-and-take – https://yourbeautifuljourney.wordpress.com/2017/07/16/taken-for-granted/ ; and the other is about why we need to keep learning, always – https://yourbeautifuljourney.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/need-to-learn/. Thank you in advance for your visit, it’s always lovely meeting you guys! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I’d like to invite everyone to come by and check out my poem of the week, “Roswell (We All Want to Know).” The Roswell U.F.O. crashed took place 70 years ago this month, and while watching a special on the History Channel, I was inspired to write a special piece for the occasion. Comments and feedback are always welcome, and please leave them in the comments section of the post page, and click the like button on the post page. If you like what you see, feel free to browse around, and follow along so you don’t miss anything as I post several times a week. Thanks in advance.
    Drew

    Roswell (We All Want to Know)

    Liked by 4 people

  21. First time here at the community pool. My blog is still pretty new and so I’m playing around with different things to see what works for my niche. I write about different aspects of travel. My newest post is a road trip playlist. Kind of just looking for general feedback, i.e. Is the post a good length? Do the photos of the albums look like they fit there or out of place? Are my ads too annoying? Does everything load quickly? Thanks in advance! http://nowviewingtheworld.com/top-10-best-road-trip-songs/

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Hi there, the photos in the post looks fine, just like the cover of an album and doesn’t feel like an advert. My only comment is about your affiliate link disclaimer which is great as you’re being upfront about it first. However, often I also see people say clicking on it doesn’t increase the price for them blah blah blah …. just a thought from a purchaser’s point of view.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Greetings to all,

    My name is Ivette and below I have provided the link to my blog called black rose. It is a blog filled with non-fiction poems that I have written based on real life experiences and emotions I have felt. There is no filter in my poems as I want to be as honest as can be with my fellow readers. I also like to have a simple layout for my blog so it is easy to follow. All feedback is welcomed and I will respect and honor the time put in when reviewing my posts. Thank you in advance!

    https://ivettemepps.wordpress.com

    Respectfully,

    Ivette Epps

    Liked by 5 people

  24. Good evening from the Uk,

    My 2nd week of putting things up here,
    I write mainly free verse poetry (easiest way to describe it)
    I’m hoping to do one a day for a whole year then publish an e-book with the results, been using the daily prompt as a loose inspiration, decided to go with a more simplistic layout and try and use the titles as the hook

    http://emolovepoetry.wordpress.com

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I checked out your poetry and I’m hooked! I use the daily prompts to write as well sometimes. I followed you and I’ll be rooting you on from over here for you to post everyday. I know some days its harder to do that than others. Will you check out some of my poetry/short stories and let me know what you think? I really appreciate it. Thanks! https://bloggerinablogworld.com/

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you!
        Just so happens after it said you had followed mine and went and had a look at yours as well, I enjoy how succinct your poetry is and I really enjoyed your short story, I personally struggle making conversation sound realistic but you didn’t miss a beat, I look forward to seeing how you also grow and develop over the coming months, also nice to see someone start their page about the same time and for the same reasons.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Thank you so much. I noticed that after the comment I left too. I was like oops he beat me too it. I was excited to find someone who was writing poetry and had the same blog idea as mine. I haven’t ran across too many. (probably because I’m not searching correctly.)

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Truth be told I have no idea how to search correctly either, but the community on here is fantastic, there’s also a first Friday post you can comment on which will also get people to check out what you’ve created so far, I also posted a link on my social media pages because you might have people that also use wordpress that you didn’t realise, enjoy your blogging and I look forward to seeing all of your wonderful creations.

        Liked by 3 people

  25. I’d like to invite everyone to come by and check out my photography/creative writing piece, “Summer 2017.” The photograph is a scene behind my residence on the other side of the road, and goes well with the creative piece about summer in the mountains. Comments and feedback are always welcome, and please leave them in the comments section of the post page, and click the like button on the post page. If you like what you see, feel free to browse around, and follow along so you don’t miss anything as I post several times a week. Thanks in advance.
    Drew

    Summer 2017

    Liked by 3 people

  30. Hi fellow bloggers

    Hope you’re well this Monday.

    What do you do when you’re feeling down? Or just need a little “kick” in the right direction? I love listening to music and in this post I share my Top 20 Motivational songs. Enjoy! Hope it helps you in times of need🤗

    http://peanutgallery247.com/my-top-20-motivational-songs/

    I would love some comments on the post and if you’d share your favourite songs or comment if you enjoy any on my list

    Any other constructive feedback to my blog is welcome

    Liked by 3 people