Aug 21, 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 more information about custom domains, advanced design options, and other enhancements for your blog? Find the WordPress.com plan that’s right for you.

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.

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.

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.

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  1. Hi fellow bloggers! Thanks to everyone who took part in last week’s Star Blogger Award voting. This series kickstarted my Thursday blog writing and all I am hoping for coming months is to be able to keep this writing tempo. Of course, it is much easier to write when there are so many likes and comments. And now that I am set with promoting other people – it’ll be kinda hard to quit ;). Here is the latest Star Blogger Award post:

    http://howtoaddict.com/doodle-traci-york-ida-auclond-new-blogs-star-blogger-award/

    Congrats to Keith on winning The Star Blogger Award for last month. If you haven’t visited his blog – do yourself a favor and visit it right now!

    I am really looking for all types of feedback on my Thursday post. So – whether you have positive comment, negative comment, an idea on how to improve award – please let me know. I am all ears (or eyes… since I’ll be reading, right?). Looking forward to your feedback!

    P.S. My standard Monday motivational piece was published this morning at @ 8:00… in case you are interested in reading that also.

    Liked by 19 people

    6. I love that you actually give a prize. It really does set you apart from the other blogger awards. It doesn’t even matter that it’s it’s a small dollar amount – it makes people feel like their writing is worth something tangible. Looking forward to the next round. I’m a fan of you doing it in 6 months and seeing if that leaves you with enough original submissions. If so, then keep doing it every six months. If not, then start doing it every 12 months. Regardless of which you choose, everyone appreciates the work you put into it!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Glad to hear others like prize that goes with award. I just can’t wait for when prize gets to $100+… it’ll be interesting moderating those nominations 😉

        Thanks for your kind comments – and feel free to stop by my blog anytime!

        Liked by 2 people

    1. To me – it’s pretty inspiring how you turn almost everything that happens into inspiration for new blog post. I am catching myself that I am “studying” more and more what you are doing as a way to improve my own blogging.

      As I said in my own Community Post here – to anyone reading this – if you haven’t visited Keith’s blog – DO IT. Like right now… there is the link – click it ;). Definitely lot to learn by reading his blog… on both blogging and living.

      Keep it up Keith!

      Liked by 8 people

    6. I like your post, Keith. It’s very timely for me right now… and I think that a lot of people would be motivated by your writing. Keep doing what you’re doing. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

    4. This is a really raw post – I love it. I especially enjoy the way you describe calm love. I spent a decade being in passionate love. I was knocked off my feet when I discovered calm love. I ended up marrying calm love. You didn’t. Different choices, but neither of them are wrong. They just are.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Hello Fellow-Bloggers,

    I hope you’re all well! I’d like to share this new post with you:

    Paris: A Photo-Essay

    It’s a selection of photographs from the beautiful city of Paris. What a wonderful place! I’ve tried to find slightly different angles to look at a few of the best-known landmarks in the city. I hope you enjoy these images – all feedback, comment, criticism etc very welcome!

    Thanks, JB.

    Liked by 18 people

    1. You definitely should look into opening Instagram and Pintrest accounts… those are picture centric and you are likely to get much bigger feedback by integrating those channels.

      As for photos themselves – great work!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thanks Traci. No, I’m afraid I’m not on Twitter; I’m a bit rubbish at social media! 🙂
        However, if you were able to share the post somehow (tweeting the link, re-blog (?), or sharing the link?) that would be great. Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it!

        Liked by 3 people

      1. It’s nothing official, really. Hundreds of links are posted on these posts, and I can’t really go through each of them. So I’ll be going through the ones replied to my comment. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi there! Thanks for sharing the link. I visited your blog and I can see that it’s nicely laid out. A couple of things I would suggest if I might:

        – Did you intend to keep the site title in all lowercase? You could go to http://wordpress.com/customize -> Site Identity and change the site title to something like Marissa Johnson. Again, that’s your personal choice and you don’t have to change it if you like how it is.

        – This is also your personal preference, but if you want, you can use headings in place for the section headers of your latest post. On the post editor, you will see a drop-down menu that says “Paragraph” by default. You can choose heading 2, which I believe is best for section headers inside a post, that will give your headings a bit larger look.

        Other than that, nicely done! Keep blogging!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Thank you! I do like the aesthtic of having my title in all lower case. But I’m going to go back in and maybe edit all of my titles to be lower case as well to add a bit to the flow? Not sure. I’m going to work with the headings, becasue I think the Section headers blend into the text too much.

        Thanks for the feedback!

        Liked by 4 people

      1. You’ve got a nice looking blog out there! One thing I would suggest is getting a header image that is wider. You can see that the header image does not fit the full width of the site, so it looks a bit odd. If you can find a header image that is at least 1080 pixels in width, that will fit perfectly on the header area of your blog.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Well, you’ll actually need another image that is bigger in size. You can leave it as it is for now, and ask a friend who knows some image editing to help you get a bigger image. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Good job on getting a custom domain! That always makes blogs stand out from the crowd!

        I like the simple look and feel of your blog that focuses more on the content. Personally, I prefer to keep the menu area on the header limited to a single line (fewer navigation menu items), but I think it works well with your current menu.

        Thanks for sharing the link!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. I couldn’t find a link to your blog. 🙂 You may want to go to https://wordpress.com/me/account and enter your blog’s address in the “Web Address” field and save the changes. That will automatically link your name to your blog when you leave comments in the future.

        Alternatively, just reply with your blog address and I’ll take a look!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. I like the simplicity of your blog. I do think that on some of your posts, including the latest one at this time, you could create break down the text into some more paragraphs. It’s, of course, your personal choice, but from a reader’s perspective, shorter paragraphs instead of a long block of text are always easier on the eye.

        You may also consider adding some more widgets to the sidebar of your site. Widgets like Recent Posts, Recent Comments, etc are good not only for filling up the empty space on the sidebar but also make readers click to read other posts that they may find interesting before leaving your blog.

        Hope you find the suggestions useful! Thanks for sharing the link.

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi! I visited your blog and I think that’s a pretty good review with nice images! I also like the ratings that you gave for things like staff friendliness and bathroom which aren’t something often found in most reviews. Well done!

        As for the blog itself, I do think that the sidebar looks a bit too empty. You may consider adding some widgets like Recent Posts, Facebook Like page (if you have a Facebook Page) and so on. Other than that, I like the blog!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. I like the simplicity of your blog though I’m personally not a fan of dark colors. I think the sketches would blend well with a light background. But it’s your preference!

        I would suggest adding some sidebar widgets and adding a few words about yourself to the About page so that new visitors can get to know you a bit!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi, we went to Edinburgh a couple of years ago and loved the place. The people were great, so much to see and do. I would recommend it to anyone. Loved reading your post & seeing the pictures, it took me back.
      Ian

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Kaylee – I’m curious – how do you define “a successful blogger”?

      Is it someone who earns X $ amount from blog (if yes, what that amount is?) Or is it someone who has good feedback on his posts (like 50+ likes)? Or just someone that manages to keep blogging for Y amount of time?

      Let me know – I am really curious to learn what you think are the best answers to these questions.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. I would personally lean more towards good feedback and interaction with your readers than someone who earns X $ amount. Although if you are earning money from blogging I would say you are definitely doing something right. I think if it’s something that makes you happy and you are able to connect with others and start a community/group of friends you are doing well and “successful”. Earning money from blogging is great but I don’t think it is necessary to be considered successful.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Thanks for answering… after reading your article that’s what I didn’t get. And I’m sure others can benefit from that clarification also.

        Because there are many types of blogging. And I’ve learned that those that do it for money are much better served by focusing on keyword research and quantity… than community interaction and quality.

        Thanks for article and clarification and I’ll be following your blog!

        Liked by 3 people

  15. Hi Everyone! If you love the paranormal- I have a real life situation that I have been blogging about- real events that have us suspicious and rather creep’d out… this is my latest post (and follow up) an original blog I posted last week. Would love if you wanted to give it a read and even share your own stories in my blog comments! IF spooky reads aren’t your thing…I have a wide variety on my blog… a lot of posts about depression, mom life, creative writing and so much more…. Hope to connect! 🙂

    Things That Make You Go: NOT AGAIN!!

    Liked by 11 people

    1. Love your blog! I just followed you on WP, and I plan to share your posts on Twitter for my #WitchBlogWed hash tag party. Do you have a Twitter account, so I can tag you when I do?

      Liked by 3 people

  20. Hi everyone. Short Manhood Monday post this week but worth reading. It’s called Be True (2 min read time).
    http://wp.me/p876wZ-Gl

    Excerpt:
    There are billions of ways to be unfaithful to your wife but there’s only one way to honor your commitment.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. You covered an interesting topic. I enjoyed reading it. I would suggest shortening your article just a little bit. For me anyhow, I am trying to read a lot of different posts and if an article is too long, I start to skim the article rather than give it my full attention. This was a GREAT post, because it was on a topic that has not been written about. I liked it a lot!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Keli! The sub-title of my blog is “just another highly caffeinated mom sharing her opinions on the internet” so I am your target audience! My favorite tip is to take the damn help when it’s offered. Yes, yes, yes! I shared this with my FB moms group, too.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Great post. I can definitely relate. For sure going to follow for more. If you have time I would truly appreciate if you visited my blog. I enjoy when women are honest about the struggles of being moms or just humans!! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    4. Yes, omg, yes! I need to heed your tip on taking the help when it’s offered, to many times I’ve turned it down because A) I can do it without explanation and B) it will get done the way I want it. I know that sounds awful and I promise I realize that! Oh and I loved the jokes I got a good laugh at a few of them so did my son! Thank you!

      Liked by 2 people

  23. Hey all, I recently posted a piece about a visit to Jamestown, MO ( an Amish community in Missouri). Would love your feedback and/or comments as I work to increase my readership.

    Looking forward to reading your posts as well.

    Jamesport, MO Part 1.

    Liked by 7 people

  24. Hello folks!

    So I was thinking about people. Not specific human beings, or even humanity as a whole, but of people, and how beautiful and vibrant and unique we are, and how, in the end, we are all the same people with our own painted masks…

    Here’s something I came up with: https://lampteacupoverthinking.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/painted-masks/

    Do leave a comment or drop a message. I’d love to hear from you, wonderful person!

    Love,

    Liked by 11 people

  28. Hope. Joy.. Feelings cloaked as words.

    Home

    Please check out my latest post by my photographer entitled ‘value the temporal’ the idea is from him, but it was I who penned it down. Do give him some generous feedback. Thank you. 😊😊😊

    Liked by 4 people

  29. Hello to all the readers and writers out here!
    We all, at times, feel low and start questioning the reason to why we feel a certain way. Isn’t it?
    I recently wrote a poem in which I described how penning down my thoughts helps me escape the whirlwinds and turmoils of emotions going inside me. Through the poem, I’ve tried to express how important the pen and paper are for me. I would love to know what you think about it!
    Here’s the link:

    As I Write These Words

    Hope you like it! Would be glad to have feedbacks!
    With love,
    Meher

    Liked by 6 people