Mar 5, 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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    3. Whenever someone says they write poetry, I think back to high school when every year they would make us read some Longfellow work that I didn’t understand and never liked, but your poem is so beautiful and relatable. I look forward to reading more of your poems.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Thank you so much! .< I enjoy reading them but then hate the hours I spend trying to analyse what the poet might have possibly meant.
        I do always think the simple words in my poems make them lame. It's nice to hear that it's relatable. Thank you so much for reading and the comment! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I don’t think your words are simple. If they were simple I could have written them, which I can’t. I don’t know if this is the right terminology because I don’t know much about poetry, but your writing feels very modern and relevant which I tend to like better than more traditional poetry.

        Like

      3. Your Yoruba name caught my sight. Hello Labake!
        Could you check at penningbold.wordpress.com ?

        My last two posts talk about being female in a Yoruba society.

        Gracias!

        Like

    1. Great stuff…so much in so less. Details about the book, the author and it did concisely give relevant info to a person not previously engaged with her work. Liked the review.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I started a blog for people who are bored or lonely to talk about whatever they want. I post about skincare, tv etc. I live in Scotland and also want to document travelling. If you’re looking to get into Outlander I’m doing written reactions to watch the show with. I’m also looking to have a forum section where people can talk to each other and we can form our own little community!

    someonetodonothingwith.com

    Let’s be friends!

    Liked by 32 people

  4. Hey Everyone,

    I did this before on community pool, but I am almost finished making a blog graphic for someone from the last community pool post and I want to offer my services again. I post free blog graphics to my website every Friday. I want to practice my skills and increase my portfolio so if anyone wants a specific blog graphic made for their blog for free let me know and I will see if I can make it. If you want to see the kind of graphics I make you can find them here: https://kelciemakespatterns.com/category/freebies/
    I also can make other graphics if you have something different in mind (i.e. an infographic).

    – Kelcie

    Liked by 35 people

    2. What a generous offer! I have checked out your designs before and I like the simplistic, colorful nature of them. I know that icons can make all of the difference. I’m grateful that I have a graphic artist in my family who designed original logos for my blogs.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you! My sister started a business right before I began learning graphic design and paid someone a good amount of money to make her a logo so it really does help to know a graphic designer.

        Liked by 3 people

      1. You’re Welcome! This is a great way for me to get experience with working one on one with people on actual projects so I am just happy people will let me experiment on them.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Yep! What is the graphic going to be used for (ex: a blog post)? Do you have an idea what you want the graphic to be of?

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Anything you want I can do. I just want to make sure we are on the same page. Do you mean a profile pic were when you comment on things like community pool that picture will show up or are you talking about a picture for your about page?

        Like

      6. Is there anything specific you want to be in the blog graphic or do you want me to surprise you?

        Like

      8. Ok. I have an idea I already started developing. I have to warn you, I am in grad school and that and my blog take priority so it might take me a little while to finish this. I hope that is ok.

        Like

    9. I loved your blog. It’s creative and colorful. Loved your work ! You got some skills. And it’s very generous from you to offer such thing. Thank you ❤🌹

      Liked by 2 people

    12. Wow that’s an amazing offer! Let me know if you make any bubbles! I am looking to replace my blog’s “profile picture” and want simple soap bubbles around my blog name. I tried to make one myself by just putting text over a pic but I dont love it its not very readable

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Unfortunately, Bubbles take a little more skill than I have. Whenever I offer free graphics and someone asks for something, I always try to make the graphic first because I don’t like to turn people down, but that really dynamic multicolor shine that the bubbles on your blog have would be lost with my design skills/ style. I tried to think of other ways to get your text to show up clearer on the bubbles and I think your best bet would be to add a background just for the text and make that background color slightly transparent so you can still see the bubbles behind the text. You could also just find a new bubble picture that doesn’t have as white of a shine in it since that is what is competing with the letters. A good website to look for pictures for your blog is on flickr.com. Make sure the picture has a license that allows you to post it on your blog without infringing on the copyright of the picture. I think in flickr searching under the creative commons license is fine but don’t quote me on that. On top of that, I would also send a message to the person who took the photo to make sure it is ok to use the photo on your blog. I hope this helps.

        Like

    13. Hey Kelcie!
      Your offer is most generous.
      I have checked the site. Well done!

      I don’t know what I’d want.

      Kindly check penningbold.wordpress.com

      I would appreciate if you dropped a comment.

      Please see if I could make use of a graphic.

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I love the layout of your blog as it is. Since you have a very clean layout with a banner, I am not sure you really need a graphic, but if you think of a place you want a graphic to go I can try to come up with the concept. I will definitely check out your blog and leave a comment on the weekend when I have more time.

        Like

  5. Hello to all the readers and writers out here!

    On my blog, you’ll find my poems, articles, collaborations, bookish stuff, and much more! I would love to know what you think about my blog and my posts!

    Here’s the link to my recent poem which talks about how truth unveils itself in the form of a storm if it’s buried for too long:

    Truth Must Be Too Hazy

    Here’s the link to my recent bookish post:

    Bustle ‘Bout Books: Book Review- A Million Junes By Emily Henry

    I would be glad to receive feedbacks!

    With love,

    Meher

    Like

  6. I have to go to work to finish making 940 cookies so will have to catch up later! I was a bit immature with my son this week, I wrote about it. It made me feel better, if a little exposed, it’s here if you are interested. May the rest of the week be inspiring. Byeeeee https://crowdedmind.co/

    Liked by 17 people

      1. It’s difficult, I knew I was being stupid and stubborn but was just so cross. Glad to say I admitted my flaws and said sorry to my son, who said “what are you talking about mum that was yesterday!!” Boys.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. This was a really great read!!! Awesome words, the emotion could be felt, especially by one who has been there. Great job!

      Liked by 2 people

  10. A new month, a new week, so Happy Monday everybody! Hope it’s been a good one for you so far. 😄

    If you like learning something new, and reading original flash fiction or poetry, why don’t you come peak inside my blog? I run a daily creative writing ship (see: blog) where my “prompts” so to speak are various British English words and phrases, define them, and use them in a sentence. Loosely. Also, I am American, so that should be fun, right? If nothing else, I just have an excuse to write.

    https://britwitblog.wordpress.com

    Now I’m about to swan dive in and swim laps to find friends, new and old. Cheers! Kelsey 💫🌸

    Liked by 19 people

    1. I can already tell I’m going to enjoy your blog. I also like the layout.

      I’d suggest maybe adding some elements on the background (the one that’s plain purple now). If you need design help, do let me know! (Not pitching anything. Just willing to help a fellow blogger out.)

      Look forward to more words and britwit!

      xx

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for you kind words!! 😄 I’ve thought about changing it, but I’m sort of partial to the simplicity of it. Are you in the realm of designing layouts?

        Like

      3. That is ALWAYS appreciated. Thank you again! Is there a particular place that you generally recommend?

        Like

  12. Hello everybody! I think a growing number of you may be onto my secret. I’m leading a double life; I’m double dipping, feasting upon the saccharine delight of blogging in twin doses. Before this devolves into a double mint gum commercial, come by and check out my latest blogging adventures, times two!

    Confessions of a Double Life

    Liked by 12 people

  13. Hello to all the readers and writers out here!

    On my blog, you’ll find my poems, articles, collaborations, bookish stuff, and much more! I would love to know what you think about my blog and my posts!

    Here’s the link to my recent poem which talks about how truth unveils itself in the form of a storm if it’s buried for too long:

    Truth Must Be Too Hazy

    I would be glad to receive feedbacks!

    With love,

    Meher

    Liked by 17 people

    2. Hi, such a good post! I would suggest another post dedicated to the layout of your spreadsheet (a mock-up – not your personal details) I’m sure other students would find it really handy. A screenshot would be a benefit.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Hi everyone, I’m Earl. I wrote about the films I enjoyed at my blog What’s In The Frame. I just published my newest post on my blog titled “Vivre Sa Vie, French New Wave, and the Modern Independent Cinema.”

    Whether you’re a movie enthusiast or not, please feel free to read my blog here –> https://thecinebuff.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/vivre-sa-vie/
    And please feel free to give your feedback, I would really appreciate your comments and/or suggestions.

    Thanks,
    Happy blogging! 😀

    Liked by 9 people

  17. First off, congratulations to all Oscar winners on a stellar year of film entertainment.

    Then it’s time out for a photographic history lesson on the birth of a nation, coming to you from America’s oldest recorded city, St. Augustine FL

    Fortuitous

    Let me know what you think.

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Hi,
      Some of your pics looked great – others wouldn’t load up – they were either heavily pixilated or half-loads. I’m reading from a laptop I don’t know if it’ll have the same issue on a phone.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Ruth. Sorry about the large pix files, but I’m a stickler for detail. I double-checked all the files and they loaded correctly on my phone. Of course, the post is best viewed on a larger format, so maybe reload or be patient. Thanks for visiting.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi!
      I loved reading this post of yours and have left a comment on it! As I’ve said, I do believe robotics and AI would account for the future.
      Have followed you!

      Happy blogging!🌼

      Liked by 2 people

    4. I suggest reading Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark. The author goes through every single aspect of how if we invent an AI that is smarter than a human, what sort of consequences that is going to be? And what kind of posive and good things will it bring. Really worth the read!

      Liked by 2 people

      2. How about several short stories about a character? Effectively chapters in one way – think Sherlock Holmes or Poirot or Pippi Longstocking! If you have stories you can always try to link them into something longer.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I struggle with anxiety and was an aspiring-author. I finally did this thing where I told myself if I got the first book out of the way, then it’ll just be something I’ve already done. So I wrote my first book. Like a mad person in front of her computer for 8 days without sleep. I edited it. And self-published it on Kindle and Amazon prints. Best decision I made for myself. I’m already an author now.

      I know it’s one of those things that’s “easier said than done,” and trust me, it wasn’t easy to finish it, but get it out of the way and you’ll be an author already.

      PS – If you ever need anything, I’m only a message away!

      ❤

      Liked by 5 people

      1. I think that’s what I’ll end up doing eventually, my sleep schedule is al over the place so I’ll probably be able to function better and write more during an all-nighter or two 😅

        Thank you so much for your advice ❤️

        Like

      2. All-nighters are the best! It’s uninterrupted and somehow, the silence makes you type faster. Just be sure to catch up on that sleep as and when you can. Don’t want to get unhealthy as you become an author. (I was sick the day I published my book.)

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I always find all-nighters more peaceful too, it’s much easier than trying to find some quiet during the day whilst surrounded by distractions. If I’m being honest I think I’d pass out after a few days of no sleeping so I’ll definitely catch up on my sleep 😅

        Liked by 1 person

    2. This was one of many diagnoses I have received throughout my journey with chronic illnesses. As this is not a medical forum, I won’t go into explicit detail, however, I will say that there can be both liberation and turmoil from a diagnosis, at least in my experiences. It sounds as though your diagnosis has helped you physically as well as emotionally with being able to better identify with the population you are hoping to help.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Hello fellow bloggers!

    I began this blog just over a month ago, and would be very grateful for thoughts—it will probably make most sense to read from the first post onwards as it is chronological:

    First post: https://thisdoorisalarmed.wordpress.com/2018/02/03/the-truth-is-out

    Most recent post: https://thisdoorisalarmed.wordpress.com/2018/03/04/5-the-shorthand-anomaly

    I am looking for new blogs to follow. I enjoy well-crafted, descriptive work and travel blogs. Please leave your link if you think I will like it and I will check out your site. In return, I would be grateful if you returned the favour, leave a comment or a like if you wish, and if you feel like hitting ‘follow’, well that would just be marvellous! *cheeky grin*

    Like

      1. Hi Jane, thank you. I’m sorry you’re having a problem with the follow. If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the post, you can join the mailing list but you should see the normal WordPress follow option too. Let me know if you’re still having problems. George

        Like

      2. Hi George, I’m probably being really thick here, but I’ve checked out a couple of posts, scrolled down to the bottom and can’t see a Follow button. I can’t even see a green WordPress Follow button which appears automatically on most sites.

        Like

      3. Hi Jane there’s not a follow button as such, but I don’t know why you can’t see the WordPress green button. At the end of the post before the comments start, they’re should be the option to join the mailing list. The posts won’t appear in your reader but I’ll email you a link when there’s a new one (not usually more than once a month so you won’t get bombarded).

        If you can’t see that either but joining the mailing list sounds OK, you could send me your email address via the Contact page and I’ll add you.
        Enjoying your blog btw

        Like