Oct 2, 2017 / Community Pool

Community Pool

Where WordPress bloggers support each other with 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. One of the biggest challenges in world today is staying focused. Especially with all the craziness that’s going on. It often has nothing to do with you – you slept well, had great breakfast, was ready to start working… then you open email/read news and… you suddenly don’t feel like doing anything. You only feel need to rest. So – how do you switch your focus from thinking about rest, to thinking about work you need to do? That’s what I talk in my latest post:

    http://howtoaddict.com/shift-focus-fulfillment-work-motivation/

    I’m curious to hear from you – what strategies do you use to re-focus your thoughts? Have you found something that works 100% of the time? Looking forward to your responses!

    Liked by 35 people

    1. This is an interesting perspective! I definitely agree that we sometimes need to take time to relax–but if we work hard we will often find that we’re more fulfilled by that hard work. Thanks for sharing!

      Liked by 15 people

    5. Interesting topic 🙂 Too be honest I think I have it the other way around I often have to make myself relax because I always have too many things planned all the time and then rest do make me really happy. Reminds me that life isn´t always about getting somewhere but also about enjoying the ride 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

      Liked by 10 people

      1. For me, considering I work from home, I’ve actually found that the more active I am, the better I feel. Like, if I take 3 days and decide to do nothing – which I am able to do at any time- at the end of day 3 I’ll feel completely depressed.

        On the other hand if I take 3 days and make a list of 10 things to accomplish – if manage to do those 10 things – it’ll be state of euphoria… so long as those 10 things get me closer to my life’s goals.

        Liked by 5 people

    6. As a constant procrastinator, if I want to get anything done I have to do it soon after I wake up or else pulling away from Nextflix or YouTube to do work will be that much harder. I also find it’s helpful that I like what I do so I always want to work, but I can see how it would be hard for those who find work a chore to get started.

      Liked by 6 people

    7. For me it’s all about planning so I have small, achievable steps to take each day. It’s how I keep from being overwhelmed and giving up.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. That’s the same for me! Sometimes when I get too overwhelmed with everything that I have to do, I remind myself to do everything step by step and it works so much better! 😊

        Liked by 2 people

    8. Nice post. For me making a realistic planning works. Next to that, I try to keep my desk clean and sober, and move regularly to avoid being in the same position all the time.

      Liked by 5 people

    14. Great post. I totally agree with you. I tend to find myself in similar situations so often especially after getting myself onto some relaxing activity. What I do to get my concentration and keep it, is to use a schedule. It helps me stay on track knowing what to do next.

      Liked by 1 person

    15. I really like this. “We all become what we focus on and think about.” If we tell ourself it won’t happen chances are it won’t, if we tell ourselves it will and we really believe it you’ll find yourself taking small actions to make it happen – self fulfilling prophecy.

      Liked by 3 people

    16. If it’s something that doesn’t require my listening, I have a playlist of jazz music, which keeps me focused very well.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. You made me really want to read this book! It sounds like something every writer should read. Your review was beautifully written, too–and I like how you included some hashtags at the beginning 🙂

      Liked by 6 people

    5. Hi, Ida,

      Your review is definitely worth the time to read. From what I read, I got the vibe of utmost enjoyment you felt when you read it. Your post definitely salutes the author.

      As a rookie, I will most likely bcheck the book.

      Thanks for this 🙂

      Love,
      A.

      Liked by 3 people

    8. Very nice post ..you know, I have done all of these … I take genuine interest in people’s matter and talk more about them and less about me … but wen I do this , it will be oly abt dem and no more abt me … I am a real good listener … when somebody is sharing something to me I genuinely listen to them , try to empathise their situation n not just hear to give some random advice as soon as dey r done .. by wen asked 4 an advice I definitely give 1 ..even after all of these I am projected as if I do not talk much to people .🙁 this is the very main reason why I created a blog here so Tat I want to just talk whatever I feel like …do visit my blog let me know for feedback 😊

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Sometimes you need a ‘vacation from your vacation’! Enjoyed your post and am going to peak around at some others on your blog, too. All this thinking about travelling is giving me some wanderlust this morning!

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Your blog is awesome. I came across your post, “An Open Letter to Worried Parents” and almost immediately forwarded it to mine. Felt connected to what you’re writing about so I gave you a follow. Keep on keepin’ on.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Such an amazing comment, thank you thank you! I’m undergoing a phase where I wish to connect with my parents more, however, it’s still crazy difficult to do so! I hope you keep on going as well ❤

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Great post! I should keep a copy on hand during the more stressful travel moments of my upcoming trip! It’s so important to remember that spontaneity and plans on the fly are a valuable part of the adventure when traveling. Having an iron grip on the itinerary with no flexibility leads to unnecessary stress and as you mention in your post, does not go over well when traveling with others!

        Liked by 3 people

    6. I thoroughly enjoyed this post and your advice! I’m a neurotic traveller and can pack a weekend bag with enough for a month, when I read that you were speaking to me 😁

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve actually kept my blog quite separate from the people I know (aside from a select few), so I understand what you mean by having an online identity. Been trying to work up the courage to be more confident in my blog and be able to talk more about it!

      Liked by 10 people

      1. I also haven’t told anyone I know personally about my blog. I feel a little strange when I think about my friends reading my unqualified advice to a most general audience. I don’t think they would react negatively, in fact I feel they would be really supportive, but I think I also wanted to see what I could achieve on my own.

        Liked by 8 people

    3. Concept of online identity is very dear to me… obviously I am writing under pseudonym. Thus I enjoyed reading your article since I get perspective of someone who combines their real and online identity (unlike myself – 100% online identity). Will be following your blog!

      Liked by 7 people

    4. I prefer to keep my identity hidden from whomever reads my blog . I can write anything I want but a limit what could be linked to my real identity. I think that we must write what we feel is right and share it with whomever read it

      Liked by 3 people

    5. Came across your name in the comments above and already left a reply on your post. Interesting blog! Followed so I can keep up-to date 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    7. I’ve also kept my blog separate from the people I know. Only few of them know about it. I am not ready for everyone that knows me to be able to read my deepest thoughts. Maybe someday I will be confident enough 😀.

      Liked by 4 people

    8. Very great post! I feel the same way most of the time. Previously, when I wrote blog posts about life lessons and experiences, I would feel super uncomfortable sharing it, knowing that there were family members (some of whom that post related to) are reading it. However, I’ve learned to write for me like you’ve stated. Your blog is a reflection of you and your thoughts, therefore, you can’t allow others to shape what you share! I always think about the fact that whatever you attempt to share may be the key to helping someone else, so it’s best to just share it anyway.

      Liked by 3 people

    10. It’s interesting to know tat there are many people here who think alike . I have maintained a complete different account just for my blog . I have a fear of being judged based on my language or grammar or unethical writing ;when my friends or family read my blog .

      Liked by 2 people

    12. I read your post, interesting thoughts. I only have a handful of people that know about my blog. My sister really wants to plug it, but I told her that the right, like minded people will come across it in time. Although I don’t have anything to hid, I just don’t want all my Facebook “friends” to have a sticky beak for the sake of it. And also I’m not sure if I write any good! I want to be able to write really well first!

      Liked by 2 people

    13. I am pretty new to blogging. I started blogging to just clear my mind of a lot of random thoughts. Only a few people from my life know about it and I hope some day I have the courage to share it with them too.
      🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Brilliant! I’ll be sure to check it out! I’m going to Cape Town 🙂 however I am hoping to branch out to other near by area’s 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  9. Hi everyone! My name is Josie and I have a lifestyle blog! I recently shared some of my top Instagrammable spots around Dubai! Check out the link here: https://josiearana.com/2017/09/20/dubai-most-instagram-worthy-spots/

    Would love to hear your opinion and connect with you guys! x

    Liked by 12 people

    1. I like your blog and followed it, but was slightly put off by the fact that you commented on my blog, quite generically and then asked for me to check yours out. You may want to rethink your tactics…

      Liked by 4 people

  14. It seemed fitting that scoring tickets to U2’s final U.S. performance of their Joshua Tree tour in San Diego would be the perfect segue to our visit to Joshua Tree National Park one day later. U2’s iconic album, filled with haunting melodies and provocative lyrics still resonates, even thirty years after its release. That the two events would collide seemed akin to kismet, providing inspiration for a mash-up of U2 music and National Park imagery.

    It’s not the style of my customary posts, so I’d love your feedback about the different format.

    Joshua Tree–the Album and the National Park

    Liked by 9 people

    3. YOU need to be on the other end of that camera! Not a big fan of selfies.
      India is incredible! Tell us! Make us want to hop on the next plane! Explain the smells of the spice markets! Quench our eyes with the one and only Taj Mahal, Veranasi or Hampi ruins! Oh, the sounds! No one that hasn’t been will understand! The smiles of the street food walas! I want to be immersed! Tell the story!

      Liked by 4 people

  20. Hi everyone,

    I have a creative writing blog where I write short stories which I have written for a creative writing course I’m currently taking. I will also in the future be adding new content such as posts about the craft of writing and book reviews. I also do lots of arts and crafts with my kids so i’m sure some of that will feature to. Come and take a look!
    My latest post is an assignment I did about a getaway car scene based on a written statement of a road traffic accident involving a fatality. It is written in several different points of view. So any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.

    The Getaway Scene

    Thanks in advance

    Kristina

    Liked by 14 people

    1. Maybe a photo closer to the top of the post? Commented on your Iceland post! I love your blog and your tips for traveling on a budget!

      Liked by 4 people

    1. I love your poetry! I left you a comment on your blog, too. Very well written with wonderful imagery. Thanks for the share and do please keep it up! 🙂💫

      Liked by 2 people

  30. hey everyone,

    i am busy looking for work at the moment and so i wrote a post sharing some of the struggle plus trying to include some humour so as to be both informative [in case i know anyone who has a job which might fit me] but also wanting it to be a fun vibe post to read and hopefully resonate with others who are looking for work.

    Do you think i managed to hit both of those?

    Life in the no-work place

    Thanks for stopping by
    love brett fish

    Liked by 9 people