Jan 15, 2018 / 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. Hello everybody, Simon from To Cut a Short Story Short here with my latest post, a 1000 word story entitled Souls and Arrows. A young boy meets a mysterious old man at a village fete. I hope you like it and I’d be grateful for any feedback.

    https://simonjwood.wordpress.com/2018/01/14/souls-and-arrows/

    Also, if you are interested in joining a fortnightly 400 word story group and getting into a regular writing habit in 2018, please drop me a line via my contact page and I’ll send full details. New members always welcome!

    Liked by 23 people

    2. I think that was a very well-written and interesting short story. The only constructive feedback I have really is on the accent of the old man. Maybe specifically state what region from America his accent is from, like “a southern American accent”, because we don’t all speak like that 😉😜

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Hi there and thanks very much for your thoughts! TBH I just heard his voice in my head, I didn’t really think beyond that. But I take your point, and am sure I’d be the same if I read a pseudo-English accent! So I will give it some consideration. Thanks again!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. A quick suggestion re: site design, you don’t have a homepage and/or rolling blog page.

      Once I clicked off your post and went to About Me, I had no way to get back to your posts. I would recommend taking a look at the structure of your website (top menu in particular) and also adding in more widgets on the right-hand side for easier navigation to previous posts and other sections of your site.

      Liked by 8 people

    1. When you think of all the work and manpower that goes into producing ‘knock offs’ (that was a new one on me, it usually means ‘to finish work’ in England!) it’s a shame that effort couldn’t go into something more constructive and beneficial to humanity. 🙂 Some good points made in your article. Hard to disagree, really!

      Liked by 3 people

    3. I liked the list format of the post – very easy to read. I was waiting for you to list out what you do love about Florida thought. 🙂 Some food for thought (or maybe another blog post?).

      Liked by 2 people

    4. I really enjoyed this! Love the descriptions of what it’s like to live in such heat and humidity, I’ve always assumed I’d hate that, so it’s interesting to hear that some people really love it – maybe I’d be surprised! The list format and photos made it easy and comfortable to read 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. It really depends on the person as to whether or not you will hate humidity! If you think you probably won’t like it, you honestly probably won’t. Coming from dry air that always makes me feel sick, I knew that the humidity would be really good for me! Don’t get me wrong, there are days (and clothing items … AKA jeans) that make it nearly unbearable, but for the most part, I don’t think I could ever get enough of it! Thank you for reading and your kind words! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    7. I am from New Orleans and I moved to Illinois several years ago. I don’t like the winters here and I miss the heat. It’s cold here now. I enjoyed the pictures and the heading really helped it flow along.

      Liked by 2 people

      2. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! It is always nice to meet a fellow Wyomingite! I used to go down to Riverton all the time! Not so much anymore. We really only head down that way if we are in the mood to gamble at the casino! Haha!

        Like

      1. Thank you so much! I suppose it will depend on which part of Cali he is moving from! If it’s from the northern part, he will likely think paradise (unless he has a fear of snakes, heat, or humidity), but if he is from the southern part, it isn’t too much different. Hopefully he is not a surfer, though! There won’t be any waves for him!

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Hey everyone and happy Monday! 😁

    I run a daily posting schedule a la British English vernacular, which also includes Irish, Scottish, and Australian words and phrases too! Essentially I define the word or phrase and then use it as an example. I generally write flash fiction pieces but I dabble in prose and poetry, too.

    Yesterday is one of my personal favorite poems. (My absolute favorite will post on Wednesday!!!) 🎉

    https://britwitblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/14/to-crown-it-all/

    Cannot wait to swim laps and chat with friends, new and old!! 💜💫 Kelsey

    Liked by 15 people

    2. Really great writing. I especially loved the lines: “The affair smells of pomegranates” and “love and fresh laundry.”

      🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  7. My motivation and love for blogging is coming back. Anything that people would love to see me blog about more then please leave a comment.
    This is what it’s about: I started my blog a while 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 plucked up the courage to do so. I don’t know where this will lead but I’m writing about travelling, health and food so if that interests you then this should appeal.
    So please give my blog a read and comment any tips you have for me or things you liked on certain posts as I’d really appreciate that and i’ll be sure to check yours out too.
    Thank you for your support.
    https://strawberrytravelsblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 16 people

    6. I really like your blog! I’m new to blogging so I’m checking out other bloggers, and your post was great!!❤️

      Liked by 4 people

    7. I think lists are a great and effective way to express your thoughts in an easy-to-read manner. I would recommend looking into more widgets into your right-hand toolbar to encourage people to read other top posts or categories.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Thanks for sharing – I really enjoyed looking through. Is that main photo your wedding day? It’s a beautiful photo but just wasn’t sure how it related to the theme of the rest of the blog. 🙂 P.S. Belle was always my favourite Disney princess.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Belle is amazing:) and Yes the photo is from my wedding 🙂 though the photo is just more of a personal favorite and I chose it when I started (it was to house 1 story for family members to read) lol I do appreciate you pointing that out! Maybe it’s time for some reconsideration now that I have a more defined life and theme to my blog 🤔

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Your poetry is simply phenomenal! Wow. Your write about the darkness so effortlessly that it tricks the reader, in some cases and not in others, that it isn’t always so bad…but you craft is like a true master of the art. I look forward to reading more of yours! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Wow! This felt amazing. I have always wondered if it would be okay to write about the darker part of our lives and today you just made me realize that’s it’s absolutely fine. Thank you for being so kind and supportive. ❤️😊

        Liked by 1 person

    2. This was really helpful for me! I’m new to blogging, so I’m looking for things that’ll help me, and this did 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    3. You had me at your tagline…love it!

      I would also add that consistency is key for new bloggers. It doesn’t matter if you post once a week or five times a week, but be consistent so your readers know what to expect.

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Thanks this is so helpful! I’ve only just set mine up yesterday, with first post today, and I’ve just planned my next 10 articles now thanks to your advice and I’m excited to get more down in my free time ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Also can you help I changed my setup and now my name is no longer linked to my current WordPress site?

        Like

  12. Happy Monday fellow bloggers!

    I posted a short fiction piece on my blog this week. If you have a moment to check it out, I would love to know what your thoughts are. And of course, I’ll happily return the favor!

    https://undertones.ca/2018/01/14/coyote/

    I’ve restructured things a bit so that my blog is primarily geared toward writing (fiction and creative essays). I’ve been feeling things out over the past few months, and this seemed like the natural direction for me to go.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. That is a great story, quite different and much deeper than the simple scenario indicated by the opening paragraphs suggest. Beautifully written too. I’ve copied it and look forward to re-reading it and absorbing the intriguing detail. Commented on your blog too.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Wrote a new poem after a long while!
    Wildflower:

    Wildflower.

    Do let me know how it is if you peek by..!!
    And if anyone wants feedback on their writing, you don’t have to hesitate to ask me!
    Much love fellow bloggers ❤❤

    Liked by 6 people

      3. It’s totally fine! I really need some good criticism… Can you help me make my writings better?

        Like

      10. Novus Lectio: Thanks for providing feedback to other bloggers! To help preserve the collegial atmosphere in the Community Pool, it would really help if you could address others in a more friendly and less curt tone. I don’t question your motives at all — it’s just that when we write online everything tends to feel and sound harsher than it’s intended to be. Giving critical feedback can really help others grow and improve, but phrasing it with more empathy could go a long way.
        Thanks!

        Like

  15. Just posted today a piece about a very special car rental (for me at least). All the boys who loved the 80’s heros, will likely love to rent KITT as well. Especially if you live in California.

    Liked by 3 people

    2. This was magnificent!! I love learning about Titanic; and surprisingly, I didn’t even know there was a debate on the last song played abroad the ship…but after reading your article, I find myself curious. Thank you for sharing and congrats on your (near) milestone!! 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! I’m so pleased the YouTube videos came across as they did (click-bait) I loved the music – surprisingly. Someone posted during the last week asking if you play music when writing. My response was ‘Not usually, watch this space!’ As I was (probably overdoing) listening to the Titanic Hymns repeatedly. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You’re welcome!! Sometimes I found listening to music when I write is counter-productive. However, I can generally listen to nature sounds or orchestra music and write fairly well. 😅

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Congrats on these awesome milestones. Great post – I can tell you’re very passionate about sharing this information.

      I’ve become a new follower so I think you are a few over 200 now. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Haseeb,

      I would consider looking at widgets for the right-hand panel of your blog. Adding widgets such as popular posts, last ten posts, categories etc. is a great way to keep readers engaged and continue clicking through your blog.

      Cheers.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I like your review though my impression of the movie was totally different – i liked it a lot and wasn’t even noticing any of the plotholes you mention. Granted it was the first star wars movie I ever saw in theatre and i was amazed by basically everything but… I liked it. And the people I went with had similar impressions… Amazing how views can differ!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the movie a lot! I saw it 3 times in the theatre… but I’m also a fan and I needed to see how it fitted in the whole Star Wars universe (at least the movies, because I left out the Expanded Universe stuff).

        I think that liking something doesn’t mean you cannot be critical of it. Nonetheless, I had a great time too!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Freddie,

      Great lead-in sentence – instantly hooked. You’re clearly a strong writer.

      I was a bit off-put by the huge Star Wars tiled background image. You may lose some readers via mobile by using such a large image that forces them to scroll.

      Overall, really great summary of the movie and I share many of the same sentiments. You should consider submitting this to a movie review site.

      Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hello there – thank you for your feedback… unfortunately I do not have a choice (regarding the image), it’s all about the site theme and image dimensions.

        I’ll follow your advice and try to get this published somewhere as well 🙂 Thaaaaaaanks

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Love your tagline and general tone.

      If you get into this genre in a serious manner (aka want to monetize) I would recommend doing some more research into effective themes with stronger calls to action and a more effective side-bar which will keep people clicking through your blog.

      Cheers.

      Like

    2. I also think your port is very successful and getting a lot of attention, especially as Bratislava possibly isn’t the most sought for topic.
      It’s a very nice post and maybe I’ll go there some time soon, I’ll have a lot of time in a few weeks 😉

      Liked by 1 person

    5. I think this post is very interesting, with some really good taken pics. ANd you got lots of comments and likes too, mine included, so keep going on!
      Lovely blog! ❤

      Like

  27. Hello, hello, hello, all of you bloggers and blog followers out there(as well as those who have the day off due to the holiday)! Beginning today, I have just started my special series on “YouTube Superstars”, shining each spotlight on some of the stars and things that have made YouTube one of the best social media sites out there; I owe my heartfelt apologies in advance to those of you whom I have left out any of your other favorites; I have done as much as I possibly could to select the best that YouTube has to offer so that they could be featured on my blog. So with that, please enjoy some of the very best of YouTube in “YouTube Superstars”, right here at http://www.j2w7.wordpress.com! And hey, if you happen to enjoy my series now, then hang on tight-There’s more to come at KALEIDOSCOPE: Juts pay my blog a visit and become a follower! My address once more is http://www.j2w7.wordpress.com! (Oh, and you might want to check out my companion blog, SWIRLING COLORS, at http://www.itsjennw.tumblr.com!) Hope everyone has a good week, and a blessed one, with love-JW

    Like