Apr 23, 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 Everyone,

    It’s good to be back, I hope you’re all well! Since the last Community Pool I’ve posted this to my blog:

    Sou Fujimoto: Containing Nothingness

    It’s a comment piece with photographs on a temporary pavilion in London’s Hyde Park that I visited – which questions the common definition of what a ‘building’ is. I hope you like it. I value your opinions so, as ever, all feedback is most welcome.

    Thanks.

    Liked by 36 people

    14. Hello! I like your blog and this post was interesting. I didn’t think about buildings being abstract like that either but you brought it to life in your post and photos. One thing I found a little distracting was your logo on the background image. It looks chopped in half horizontally and doesn’t quite line up.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Hi, poolers! I saw a duck in the middle of a Lowe’s parking lot, and thought, “huh.”

    Then I thought about a short motivational quote I read that made me love life a little more. So I wrote a post.

    http://www.iwinta.com/2018/04/12/perspective/

    It takes 2 minutes to brighten your day. Click & read!
    I would love to read on your blogs as well! Here’s to improving our writing skills!

    Liked by 40 people

    5. I love the quote and also the pictures in the slideshow for your header. Are you aware that the page moves up and down as the size of the picture changes? It makes reading the page difficult. Perhaps if all of the pictures were the same size this would not happen.

      Liked by 5 people

    14. Hello Winta, definitely “huh” that a goose is just sitting in the parking lot. I can relate to not taking things personally. Nice quote. One comment, the letter F in the quote isn’t bold like the rest of the sentence.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Happy Monday Everyone,

    I hope everyone had a great two-week break from community pool. I wrote a blog post about a week ago about creating long shadow letters in Adobe Illustrator and would like your feedback. I know this might be difficult to follow if you don’t know basic Adobe Illustrator, but I tend to get a bit wordy when I write and just want to make sure it flows well and makes sense.
    https://kelciemakespatterns.com/create-long-shadow-letters-adobe-illustrator/

    Thanks,

    Kelcie

    Liked by 25 people

    1. Hi,

      Adobe is so complex, but you explain this so well. The pictures are really useful. The only thing I can think might be an issue are different keyboard controls for Mac and PC. I now in Adobe Photoshop, there are slightly different shortcuts if you are working on a Mac or PC. Nice job, thanks for sharing!

      Liked by 6 people

      1. I’ve never thought of that. We have both Mac’s and PC’s in our house but I only have Adobe Illustrator on the Mac, but I bet someone has created a conversion chart where it has both Mac and PC shortcuts. Thanks for the suggestion.

        Liked by 4 people

      2. No problem, I am glad it was helpful!

        If you haven’t already and fancy, I would be grateful if you would check out my site. Leave alike or comment if you like, and if it strikes you and you hit ‘follow’, then you will make my day!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. The pictures on your Instagram are beautiful. I love reading books, but almost never have time to so I am going to have to look at your Bookstagram for suggestions this summer. I bought “Still Me” by Jojo Moyes a while ago, but haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. How does it compare to the other two books in the series?

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks, Kelcie. In “Still Me” Loiusa is a little bit more matured than the previous two. The first book was the best but “Still Me” is good too. I’d say I like it better than the second book.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. I always felt like the Louisa in the second book learned nothing from what she went through in the first book and just reverted back to her old ways. That’s good to know about the 3rd book.

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Hooked by a gripping psychological thriller? Addicted to an intense and totally immersive crime series? Hi! My name is Mark and I am a UK author looking to grow my readership both in the UK and worldwide. Please stop by and say hello and jump aboard this train of literacy as I work towards the release of my third novel this November! I look forward to hearing from you all soon! Mark
    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 27 people

  7. I hope everyone has been well while the community pool has been closed for maintenance these last couple weeks! 😃

    I celebrated my one year blog anniversary on Friday! I’m still unable to wrap my head around the fact I’ve been writing every single day for a year! I wrote a more personal account as a minor reflection for the occasion.

    https://britwitblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/20/a-year-in-a-blog/

    I want to thank each and every single one of you for your support, encouragement, and dedication. I never thought I’d have more than a handful of followers. You are all incredible!

    Best, Kelsey 💜

    Liked by 33 people

      1. It’s nice to hear from you again, Rosie! I saw a few posts from you the other day and didn’t have the time to check them out; plan on it very soon! Thank you! 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Hi everyone

    Do you have a credit card? And don’t answer here, but do you have debt?

    Please would you have a look at my latest post on the pros and cons of credit cards. I’d love your comments on the post.

    Credit Cards pros and cons

    Comments directly related to the topic and contents can be made on the post itself and comments regarding writing style, language, etc can be made here.

    Thanks!
    Brendan

    Liked by 22 people

  10. Hi Everyone!
    I hope you’re all doing wonderful today!
    I’ve started a new project on my blog; a motivational fiction series embodying the concept of the blog.
    It follows the life a woman who is on a quest to engineer a fulfilling conception of herself. Opportunity is her best friend, risk is her motto, and she does not ask anyone for permission to be!
    Please check it out and as it is new I would really appreciate some feedback. Will return the favor! Thank you!
    Have a great rest of the day!
     https://pendorahsbox.com/2018/04/18/a-year-of-savagery-episode-1/

    Liked by 23 people

  11. Hello to you all!
    I started this blog as a distraction from the fact everyone was starting their lives with uni and serious jobs whilst I was stuck not knowing what to do with my life so please check out my blog full of tips that i’ve learnt about travelling, mental health and general blab from me!
    Hope you enjoy and keep blogging 🙂
    strawberrytravelsblog.wordpress.com

    Liked by 27 people

      2. I want to do a travel blog some day so I will be back to see what I can learn from your blog and check out all the places you have been. For now I am doing a blog to help people build a life time residual income.

        Liked by 2 people

  13. Hello Beautiful Readers!

    The service berry trees are in bloom! I was bombarded by the sight of these white-blossomed trees; hard to miss when the ground is finally a dark mud and the sun is so bright.

    I happened to come across some goslings and their parents as well (from a safe distance, of course!). Life that seemed so distant is now all around, returning from the great sleep.

    It always seems like I forget what Spring looks like when it eventually decides to arrive. It may appear like things never change, but they do. And changes may be slow, or sudden. I suppose that’s life.

    A recent post of mine is “Slice of Life: Conversations with Strangers”(https://collectivecogitations.wordpress.com/2018/04/15/slice-of-life-conversations-with-strangers/). Do you ever talk to strangers while waiting in line? Or travelling? Are these conversations memorable, or forgetful? What makes some events in our lives worth remembering? Or learning from?

    I can’t wait to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by! 😊

    -CC

    Liked by 25 people

      1. Good question! My original post is directed toward speaking while waiting in a queue (or “in real life” as Boomers may place it). I think it is massively different to speak to someone in public than it is to have an online discussion. Sure, both are still strangers, but one can still hide behind a screen with one. I think there is an enlightening experience in having a brief chat with those we will never run into again. I have had my fair share of awkward conversations, but I have been trying to be more receptive of those who wish to talk to pass the time before we both go our separate ways
        .

        Liked by 5 people

    2. I love your comparisons of encounters with strangers to your feelings and emotions. I think it’s important to realize there is more than our phones when we are in public places. So many people walk through life with their heads down rather than experience the people around them. Wonderful post!

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Thank you for visiting! While I don’t think there is any harm in using our phone to get through a boring period, I think it is also vital to speak with strangers around us, and perhaps just to take in the surroundings in silence. I can’t wait to take another flight and just look out the window for an hour; no talking, no reading. Just being ❤

        Liked by 4 people

    3. i normally don’t talk to strangers usually because i have my headphones in but when you do, many offer very helpful advice and this post was very insightful

      Liked by 3 people

    4. Nice post.

      I am used to talking to strangers as in India we always talk be it anywhere and many a times we end up making lots of friends. So when we introduce them to others we introduce them as my bus friend so and so, train friend, university friend, etc.
      But its a little different in North America. Still I manage to strike a conversation with total strangers. It all depends in the end.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You have a unique blog! And a lot of intriguing content I’ll need to come back and read more carefully. 🙂 May I offer one tidbit of advice? It’s a bit tricky to navigate your homepage since your posts show their entire content: have you thought about including a “continue reading” so that way your blog is easier to scroll through? I also had an issue getting your drop down menu to work.

      I wish you all the best in your blogging! And congrats on all of your awards, that’s awesome!

      Liked by 3 people

  16. Hello everybody! It has been quite a while since we last convened and I am eager to catch up with you all.

    Among other developments, I am ecstatic to share The magical three words every writer dreams of shouting from the rooftops: I’m being published!

    Please check out this link for more details:

    Newsflash!

    Liked by 32 people

  17. Hey there!
My blog ‘Beyond The Bounds’ is a blend of thoughts, study and motivation.
I would be extremely glad if you could visit my blog and like, comment and follow the blog…Also, feel free to give me feedbacks…
The link to the blog is:
https://beyondthebounds987147564.wordpress.com/
    My latest post is:
    https://beyondthebounds987147564.wordpress.com/2018/04/03/my-attempt-at-writing-a-poem-part-i/
I am really excited to visit your blogs as well!

    Liked by 19 people

      2. Oh yes, i just replied to your comment…
        Thanks a lot for visiting my blog… It means a lot to me…
        Happy blogging!!!

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Lovely start dear! The positivity in the silly things that annoy us everyday is very difficult to see.
        I write poetry too, if you want to check it out and have some pointers, I’ll be more than happy 🙂

        Liked by 5 people

      4. Thank you!😄
        I checked out your blog too… liked a few posts and followed too! The poems are beautifully written!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I really enjoyed the few posts I read so far! The poetry was particularly nice. Gratitude is such a strong tool and it’s awesome to consider the things we consider negative as the result of good things. Loved it!

      Liked by 5 people

  19. Hello everyone! ^.^
    How are all of you?
    Such wonderful posts out there!

    I write poetry, and write-ups! And I’ve also introduced a new segment on my blog which is all about books!
    You can check out my latest post here-

    ~These words between.

    I appreciate all feedback! It’s so good to be back at the community pool, today!
    Let’s talk!
    Happy Blogging!❤
    Can’t wait to read the rest of your posts!

    – Shruti Ohri❤

    Liked by 17 people

    1. This was good, and timely for me. I have a lot going on in my life right now and I have recently for the first time in my life started becoming interested in things like inner peace, meditation, and taking care of ‘me’ first. Very useful post for me!

      Liked by 6 people

    2. I really enjoyed your poem! I don’t have any constructive comments because I wouldn’t change a thing about this one myself! I’d love to see more poetry from you!

      Liked by 4 people

  23. Hello Guys,
    I have a question: is there a possibily to connect a YouTube channel in the sidebar my blog, so that the last video is displayed there ? Something like that works with an Instagram account too. But it might be a problem, that the YouTube channel isn’t mine. I already have a RSS feed embedded but I would like to have a video displayed there

    https://wordpress.com/view/itsoilgreektome.wordpress.com

    Thanks for your help

    Liked by 16 people

      1. Yes, I’ve seen them too. I found a way to insert one video, but I do have the change it manually, I’d rather have it done automatically as soon a new video is uploaded. :/

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Just read your latest post. Sorry to hear about bubs. My daughter trained as a midwife and said yes they suspect a link, nothing official. Anyhoo nice easy writing, with a fresh clean site.

      Liked by 5 people

  25. Hello all!

    My most recent post was an addition to my complaints about the lack of diversity in country music. Apparently, I missed some really good songs with great messages, so I highlighted them in a new post.

    I also recently wrote about how some of us, especially some Christians, need to lighten up when it comes to profanity. No more dismissing someone’s whole viewpoint simply because they swear.

    Hope everyone has a good Monday!

    http://www.missionincomplete95.wordpress.com

    Liked by 17 people

  28. Hi all! I write diverse short stories that mainly feature women and minorities as main characters.

    I just posted the 3rd iteration of my Golden City Archives series.
    It’s a short story collection of journal entries I’ve been writing that explore not only the myths and legends of San Francisco, but the changes between now and 2050 as well.

    If the thought of witches, angels, demons, and dragons with a mixture of local San Francisco and Bay Area culture set in the future intrigues you then give my series a read. Feel free to check out my other work too.

    If you’re interested in fantasy and fiction, I’d love for you to check it out and give me some feedback. Any comments on my story are highly appreciated. Thank you!

    https://caelsonata.wordpress.com/2018/04/23/inspiration-brilliance-an-encounter-with-cassette-dith-golden-city-archives-3/ed

    Liked by 16 people