Jul 24, 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.

Show Comments

1,538 Comments

Comments are closed.

Close Comments

Comments

  1. Sixth week of writing regularly and second week of posting exactly at 8:00 on Monday. It is definitely way easier to blog when you are part of great group like Community Pool. I am hoping you’ll like this week’s post:

    http://howtoaddict.com/set-happy-state-mind-simply-can/

    Let me know what you think – I loved last week’s discussion (21 comments). Also, one of the constant feedback I’ve been getting is to write more… and am thinking to start new series that would link to the posts I’ve enjoyed reading over the course of the week. What do you think about it? Would you participate and allow me to link to your blogs if I start doing this?

    Liked by 33 people

    1. This post is so true! We can’t always change the things that can happen to us but we have 100% control over how we react to them.

      And yes, would be happy for you to link to my posts.

      Always love to see your comment first each Monday in the community pool!

      Keith

      Liked by 17 people

      1. Actually you are one of the people that I want to link to most. You have great perspective and are able to produce so much quality content. I’ll let you know as soon as I have blog post up that links to you!

        Liked by 6 people

    2. Just read, liked and left a comment on your blog. I think your post has words of wisdom about happiness and i love the fact that the power is within each of us. Great post.
      I would participate and you are welcome to link to my blog when you do start your series.

      Liked by 11 people

    3. Hi there! I’m happy to hear that your new schedule continues to work out well for you; nice work! What a powerful message you have shared in your post!! Wow. I reminded me of discussions in philosophy classes I took in university. Have you heard of Aristotle’s Golden Mean? It came to mind as I read yours. I think I also needed to read that today. Thanks for sharing!

      What would your new series entail, if you decide to go that route?

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Well, I’ve read about Aristotle’s Golden Mean now ;). Definitely interesting, especially since I am huge believe in balance. And I love reading about philosophy – Bertrand Russell’s “History of Western Philosophy” is one of my all time favorites.

        My new series will definitely need to be social – involve others in a bigger way besides commenting. I don’t have all details nailed down right now, but I’ll start with linking 3 blogs that I’ve liked most during previous week. I am also debating whether to include “Daily Prompt” section… or “what made me LOL” section… but will see – am thinking it’s kinda hard to include those and stay consistent. Will experiment. Also, I am hoping to see you commenting on my pieces – would truly appreciate your feedback!

        Liked by 3 people

      2. I’m so pleased to have influenced your reading choices, even momentarily! 😌😅 I have read Bertrand Russell, too!

        And your new series sounds like a solid direction, whichever way you take it. I definitely look forward to it!! 😁

        Liked by 3 people

    7. I have always struggled with the notion that happiness is just a state of mind. Don’t get me wrong, I know that how we react to things and our state of mind have a lot to do with our happiness. The problem comes when people are struggling with true chemical imbalances that cause things like depression and anxiety. So, anytime I talk about happiness as a result of my attitude etc., I am cautious to keep in mind those who would love for it to be that easy for themselves.
      I enjoyed you post and your perspective. I like the idea of a post of blogs you enjoyed that week, and I look forward to reading it. If you find a post that peaks your interest on my blog, feel free to link it. I am just starting out, and I hope to have more content soon.

      Courtney
      http://www.ouradventurebook2017.wordpress.com

      Liked by 10 people

      1. Always glad to get feedback from new blogger. And newlywed too! 😉 Congrats on your marriage and I’ll definitely be watching what you post and link whatever catches my eye – thanks for the permission!

        Liked by 3 people

    8. A very timely post. This is exactly what I was wanting to read as it’s what I’ve been working on! Thanks heaps!

      Liked by 5 people

      1. You are on tough journey… so if my posts can provide even a sliver of help – I am really glad. Love that title of blog is “IT STARTS WITH ME” – it shows you are taking charge and accepting responsibility – not many people are able to do that. Keep it up and we’ll be in touch!

        Liked by 1 person

    10. Just read your blog post and it’s awesome! Very positive and uplifting…. if
      Any of my blog posts relate to something you are blogging about I welcome the connection…, Keep writing and blogging I really enjoyed reading and look forward to reading more

      Liked by 5 people

    11. Does it help you having a set day/time to write? I am very random! Lol! (And easily amused, and distracted, and, oh, I should probably post some more, because I will be up all night thinking of the next 6 posts that I should write, but you won’t see them tomorrow – they will probably still be in my head!)

      Liked by 5 people

      1. I enjoyed your post just as the others above, I think you made some great points and I really understand the message you’re trying to send. We are increasingly seeing more people succeed through hard work, positive mind set and passion; even those who did not begin their lives so easily.

        Though, I do not completely agree with your idea that “everything is attainable”. There are definitely cases where people have moved from poverty into high wealth, but on a global scale I really don’t believe that these things are attainable for everyone. I do understand the message you are sending though, for those who are lucky enough to live in societies and our own world with computers, technology, education, jobs etc, yes, this approach is great and will really benefit those who want to live a “great” life and do great things. But does that also mean ignoring the surrounding problems in our world? The ones that go beyond the individual.

        The focus of my blog is to talk about real issues, I’m studying sociology so it’s hard not to apply sociological thought to your post. I appreciate the message you’re trying to send and I do believe it works for a large amount of people but unfortunately it is not always as simple as working hard, for everyone ☺️

        Great posts non the less. Just wanted to share my opinion ☺️

        Liked by 5 people

      4. I hear you – suffered from the same problem. In some areas of my life I still very much suffer from “procrastination”… but that’s extensive topic I’ll write more on my blog.

        To answer directly on question of scheduling – it definitely helps. And here is the biggest kicker – it’s not so much about you, as it is about your readers… if you keep schedule THEY KNOW when they can come to site and read new post.

        That said – deadline does help in forcing me to write. I live very comfortable life… and have come to understand how much that spoils me. I am now in position where I don’t NEED to do anything. I could probably lay in bed for next year or two… and would still be able to sustain same comfortable lifestyle. Hell, being truly honest… I could probably do 5 years without much impact. Now – what would come after all that laying around and doing nothing… that’s a good question.

        The point is – you need to identify when you are too comfortable… and force yourself to step out of comfort zone and perform. So, set a baseline… set a deadline. Think about 6 posts… but say – OK, I’ll write 1 a week. Then if you are not writing 1 a week – you’ll know you are not performing. And if you are… try writing 2 a week. Keep improving 😉

        Liked by 1 person

    12. So true. It’s amazing the person you can become by just believing in yourself and allowing yourself to be happy. The mind is so powerful. Thanks for sharing this piece!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. “You can spend your whole life waiting for the right moment, this one is good as any”. Love to read your perspective on important topics like this one – visiting your blog few times a week is definitely worth it!

      Liked by 4 people

    2. Loved the concept. What most people don’t realize is that a life changing moment is not exactly a moment but a process, kind of like evolution. It seems like a moment in retrospect but never is.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. I really enjoyed this article and it reminded me why I started my blog. I would always write things but rarely share them. If I did share them it’d only be with a handful of people. I would give myself excuses and always say tomorrow. Then tomorrow would come and go and I still didn’t do it. So, I finally jumped in a did it. I believe we should all have that, “Live the life to the fullest” mindset because we only have this one life and we shouldn’t keep putting things off. Thank you for sharing this article and the motivation with it.! If you get a second could you check out my blog and some of my writings? I’d really appreciate it. Thanks! https://bloggerinablogworld.com/

      Liked by 7 people

      2. Thank you so much for the feedback and taking the time to visit my blog/read my writings. You didn’t see a place to comment? Huh. That’s so odd. I know normally right under the main picture before the actual writing part is where the comments/likes usually are. If it’s not there I’m not sure why, but I do have those options turned on and people have been liking/commenting from the community pool today. I will go check out on my end and make sure everything is still set up okay. Thank you for letting me know it wasn’t there for you.

        Liked by 1 person

    9. This is an awesome message for life. Life is short and the world is too beautiful to let it just pass us by. What a wonderful motivational piece!

      Liked by 2 people

  3. PUBLISHING THE ‘BEST OF YOUR BLOG’ IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!

    Hello Everybody, Simon from To Cut a Short Story Short here with a recent post again, which explains exactly how to go about self-publishing. It’s FAR easier than you may imagine, technology has moved on, such that Amazon can now print one-off paperbacks of a FANTASTIC quality, and it won’t cost you anything either!!

    My article (3500 words) also covers Kindle eBook production and Audiobook creation too. I hope it will be useful to anyone who likes the idea of seeing their work in print!

    https://simonjwood.wordpress.com/2017/07/08/publishing-the-best-of-your-blog-is-as-easy-as-1-2-3/

    Liked by 20 people

  4. Hi everyone, I write to make sense of the world, people, relationships, and to grapple with personal emotions and feelings. I created my creative writing blog last year, and have been addicted to posting on it ever since. Recently, I revamped the layout of my blog. The new version looks a bit more professional, fresh, and allows more posts on the homepage!

    I would love some feedback on the new format. In particular, do you find it is hard to find blog info (because all of that is now at the very bottom instead of the side bar!).

    https://sonderwriter.wordpress.com/

    And if you want to check out some of my writing-

    Most recent poem:
    https://sonderwriter.wordpress.com/2017/07/16/solving-for-gravity/

    Most recent short story:
    https://sonderwriter.wordpress.com/2017/07/20/break-into-pieces/

    Liked by 3 people

  5. Hello Fellow Bloggers,

    I hope you’re all well. This is a link to the latest post on my blog:

    A Minimal(ist) Preamble

    It’s a short reflection (approx. 400 words) on whether there may be a precedent in the Italian Renaissance for the kind of minimalist art / architecture that became an important part of Twentieth Century Modernism.

    As ever, I value your feedback very much – and look forward to any comments you might have.

    Thanks.

    JB

    Liked by 16 people

    4. I like your style and the direction of your blog. Architecture and minimalism both interest me, so the discussion of the combination of those I terms of history is fascinating. My difficulty was finding the follow button, and finding how I could see your other posts. Other than that your site is beautiful!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I enjoy the simplicity of your poems because they’re well stated yet poignant. I feel like I need to read them at least twice to truly appreciate. And I like your layout! Thanks for sharing and happy blogging! 💫

      Liked by 3 people

    5. How extraordinary, Kaylee!!! 🙌🏼🎉💜 I’m three months in to blogging and I’ve found this month has been my biggest increase in traffic. About four weeks ago, I went from having 200-300 views a week to two weeks ago to have 400 to this past week having almost doubled from a month ago. I don’t have the numbers memorized, but for the month of July I have over 1500 views. It’s definitely not the same as yours, but I hope to take your continued advice and see increases. Is there a particular way you’ve found works for you in a Facebook or Pinterest group? I’ve been contemplating creating a Facebook page; but I’m not seeing any traffic from my Pinterest account, which I find surprising as that’s my largest social media account.

      Do you have a like button enabled on your blog? I couldn’t find one. Then again, apparently this week I’ve had some issues finding them on other people’s blogs.

      Thank you so much for sharing such great information! Cheers. 💫

      Liked by 3 people

  11. Hey everybody! Here is this week’s #MondayMotivation where I talk about death and bring a new perspective to it.
    https://aestheticgraphy.wordpress.com/2017/07/24/death/

    My blog content is very diverse and doesn’t really fit into a particular criteria like “writing” or “photography”. Its an all in one blog, including haiku’s/weekly motivation/quotes/travel/photography and basically my life on a blog. I hope you enjoy reading!

    Do leave links to your blog as I’d like to check it out!

    Have a great week ahead.
    Riya

    Liked by 11 people

    5. This is a tough one for me. It hit home for me on several occasions. I had two deaths in the past two years whom all were dear friends of mine. Another was my grandfathers passing. Hit me quite hard but looking back on it, its taught us many important life lessons. To appreciate those around us more, to be grateful for any day we have with them, to think of the beautiful memories, and to just live a good life not only for us but for the ones we loved who have passed. I understand the feeling and reading this post gave me lots of those thoughts. Thank you for sharing!

      https://ayennyformythoughts.wordpress.com

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I am extremely sorry for your loss. My condolences to you. I am glad my post has proved a better feeling and has made you ponder.

        Thank you for reading .
        Riya 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

  12. Hey everyone! Read my Manhood Monday post#7: The Self Problem.
    http://wp.me/p876wZ-zn
    Excerpt:
    In his book, Manhood in the Making, anthropologist David Gilmore claimed that
    “Manhood is the defeat of childhood narcissism.”
    In other words, you become a man when you can think beyond yourself to see the needs/desires of others.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I really enjoyed this read because even though it’s “Manhood Monday” your words, thoughts and ideas reach across gender lines. I definitely think anyone can benefit from reading this article and using it as a daily reminder. Thank you for your post and keep it up! If you have a second could you check out some of my writing? I’d really appreciate it. Thanks! https://bloggerinablogworld.com/

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Thank you! It’s tough to isolate one meaning because there is, in reality, quite a lot in becoming a man. That being said, I do think that selflessness is a key factor. Glad you liked it.

        Liked by 2 people

  18. Hello everyone! I’m Chrissey and I write all about fashion, beauty, life, food and everything in-between on The Unabridged Sass! Here is my newest post, I’d love some feedback, as I did something a little different and shared what I eat in a vegan day!

    https://unabridgedsass.com/2017/07/20/what-i-eat-in-a-vegan-day/

    I’d love to hear what you think! Also, I’m looking for some new blogs to discover and read so please share yours!!!

    Chrissey

    Liked by 9 people

    2. All of that looked delicious. I have been considering trying to go more vegan in my diet (I haven’t convinced myself I can live without chicken yet.) I wasn’t sure what I could eat/should eat. Your lunch though was definitely my favorite. Thank you for the sharing. If you have a moment could you check out my blog and let me know what you think of some of my writing? I’d really appreciate it! Thanks! https://bloggerinablogworld.com/

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you for your warm words.
        I’m travelling in your poetry and stories. They are amazing as hell.I’m hooked to Cas of the moon and I have to look at part 2 after this comment 🙂

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Aww thank you so much! I really appreciate it. Cas of the moon is one of my favorite stories I’m currently working on so there will be more soon. Thank you for looking at my work and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed my writings 😀

        Liked by 3 people

  21. Hey everyone! I hope you are having a lovely week! I have just switched the way I do reviews slightly hoping to make it a bit more personal and fun to read! Let me know what you think and if you enjoyed my review!

    A deliciously vicious tale: A review of Vicious by V.E. Schwab

    I also have posts of flash fiction I wrote and some literary analysis if you are interested. Explore my site and let me know how it looks and if its functional
    Thanks a bunch!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I’m so glad I read this one! At least for getting to know you better and your voice when writing; seems you’ve got a natural talent for storytelling and making people feel like we’re having a face-to-face conversation. Unless that’s just me; that’s cool too! ☺️ Well I was not a goth or skater girl, I sorta kinda not really fit into that crowd. I guess I didn’t really have one. Huh. 🤔🙄 Anyway, now that I’m beyond the whole middle and high school is so embarrassing let’s forget everything stage, I rather like reminiscing in the horror (such horror! Hahahaha 😅) and either sharing or being told the tales. Thanks for sharing and happy blogging!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Happy Monday and hello! 😃
      What an open, powerful, and personal narrative you’ve shared. Wow. It’s definitely relatable! I can’t stress enough how great it is of you to share your experiences. Truly. I feel like my words are failing me to explain this well enough.
      Your layout is great! The little balloon made me smile. Please excuse my nerdiness, if you don’t mind! 😅 I can’t wait to return and check out more of your content. Thanks for sharing. 💫

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi there!! I can’t articulate how phenomenal this post is! I left a message on the blog, but I don’t think either does it justice. Thanks so much for sharing!! 💫

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Your posts are such a joy and privilege to read! I left you a more in-depth and sentimental review on the blog. Cheers, friend! 💫🦄

      Liked by 2 people

  30. Hello everyone!
    I get excited when it’s community pool time. I think as a community we should support each other. I love checking out other peoples blog posts and having people look at mine. I am opening to people’s thoughts, ideas and opinions on my layout, blog posts and writing. So, let me know what you think and I’ll let you know what I think about your blog too!
    https://bloggerinablogworld.com/

    Liked by 12 people

    2. I love your poetry! Your words are so evocative and I love the look of your posts – very cool looking. I look forward to reading more poems, as well as your stories. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!

      Liked by 2 people