May 7, 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).

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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!
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  1. I didn’t expect to lose followers after posting this political satire:

    Anatomy of an Email

    Hard to believe, but as a result, my follow count actually dropped some! And I didn’t think it was all that controversial! Oh well, c’est la vie.

    Unfortunately, too many have dislocated their funnybone, or mislocated their sense of humor, as demonstrated by reaction to Michelle Wolff’s White House Correspondents Dinner monologue.

    Additionally, there are many around us who still confuse opinion for fact, or worse yet, surrender ethics and morality for power.

    Liked by 25 people

    4. Sadly there are always those for whom it’s my way or the highway. We don’t have to agree but we can at least listen to each other because how else do we learn?! Politics seems to be a subject on which people lose all semblance of civility sadly.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. True. An attack on someone’s credibility, or use of the “facts” is easily conflated as an attack on someone’s person. It’s weird, but debate has become very personal lately, and has led to many “unfriendings”.

        Liked by 4 people

      1. Thanks, Kim. An unconditional assault on the truth is something that America can expect from foreign powers (ie. Russia), but to hear the lies coming day after day from the Oval Office is not this country’s finest moment. But even stranger, and maybe more tragic is the number of people who accept it.

        Liked by 2 people

    6. Agree with Kim here, had no idea about the propaganda! Absolutely blown away by how much your opinions count!!!! Really enjoyed your approach here, good reading with my well deserved coffee.

      Liked by 3 people

    7. Well, I don’t find it irritating. The blogger shouldn’t have been criticized/judged for telling the truth. I suppose, obviously, people don’t like it when someone posts something against their president. Also, the followers s/he lost completely support President Donald Trump

      Liked by 2 people

      1. It’s interesting to observe how different people react when I hit a political nerve. If it means losing a follower, so be it. But a loss of judgement–like deliberately merging the margins between right and wrong, and broadcasting this kind of rhetoric to sycophantic masses is scary and authoritarian…and irritating.

        Liked by 1 person

    9. I see it less as irritating and more of that’s how blogging (and life) works! You find your people by your actions and words. They were not your people.

      Liked by 1 person

    10. Many adults can agree to have different views and discuss them in civil ways. Others however, do not like to consider that their way might not be the only way, and stay stuck in a very narrow-minded frame. I would say you are better off keeping the readers who can read and appreciate your opinion than trying to satisfy the ones who will stomp away because their feelings have been hurt. Keep speaking your mind, I think in the end the people who matter are the ones who don’t want things sugar-coated, whether they agree with it or not.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Greetings to all the wonderful bloggers here!
    I hope the week has started off well for you all.
    I had begun writing this on World Autism Awareness Day (2 April) but wasn’t able to complete it. I was finally able to finish it up. This poem is my take on what could be on the mind of an autistic child. Special as they are, a glimpse of the parent’s love for such a child is what I’ve tried to depict.

    The Music In Her Mind

    I would be really happy to know of your views on it. Your feedback is much welcomed, appreciated and valuable for me. So let me know of the same through your comments and likes.
    Do feel free to navigate around the blog to check out the various other posts.
    Thanks!
    Have a wonderful week ahead.
    – Mabelle

    Liked by 33 people

    7. I like the overall consideration in this poem.
      Only few have the ability to write in an insightful manner like this.
      Keep writing.
      I would appreciate if you could pay me a visit.

      Regards
      Mariyaah

      Liked by 2 people

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

    First of all, I’ve reached the milestone of over 1k supporters on my blog!! Thank you so much to all those who read and follow my writings! Trust me, I’m at the top of the world right now.

    The celebration post is up on my blog! Check it out to know how elated I am! I’ve also made an announcement in the post!

    Here’s the link to the post:

    https://thescribblingssite.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/from-1-to-1k-thank-you-so-so-so-much-announcement/

    Would love to receive feedbacks! Thank you, once again!

    With love,

    Meher

    Liked by 43 people

    2. I like your post, but I think you could have broken it down to a series of posts, one show per post. Stretch your writing out, and break down a long post into quicker reads.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Really valuable feedback.. but I thought keeping people interested for 6 posts might be a bad idea. As I am not good with continuation. So it was better for me to merge it in one post. 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

      2. No, I love crime fiction, it’s finding the time to watch it that’s a problem. I tend to watch crime documentaries instead. I usually end up watching repeats of Law and Order SVU.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Yes that’s the main investment while watching these shows. If it interests you need to have lot of time for the whole season which I had 😛 when I don’t have anything to watch I end up watching The Mentalist.

        Liked by 2 people

    4. Please post all the feedback on the post itself..as it will be easy for me to check later on. Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi! I just have one question. How do you manage to write short stories daily? 🙂 That’s really impressive. I will keep that in mind when being afraid of the blank page. 🙂

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Let me tell you, it isn’t easy. Finding time is the hardest part for me. Inspiration used to be really hard, but usually getting up and doing something helps with that. Or just listening to new music.

        Liked by 3 people

    2. The thing about worrying if the people you met enjoyed your company is that often those people are sitting on a bus or a train, anxiously twisting their hair into a coil or fiddling with a random item, worrying about the same thing regarding you.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. A great post with pertinent information. I’ve mostly gone off social media the last few years. I get on most platforms sparingly, unless you count WP. I have never been the type to share my works with multiple people before they’re finished so I don’t have to worry about that. However, I will say there are times when I use Pinterest to help with the creativity blocks. Thanks for the good post! -Kelsey

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thanks for commenting. Yeah, I mostly use WP (and I don’t even think of it as a social media platform, at least not completely) and try to limit my time on Instagram.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Sure, you’re welcome! Instagram is one that I limit as well; it’s just not one I ever really got involved with. Plus, I think WP is a different kind of social media…you still connect, but it’s not so much a “fake culture” environment that tends to follow the other places. At least, this has been my experience.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. In a word: YEP! Unfortunately, for creative types who want to write for more than just ourselves (and who know that we must do most of our own PR these days) it feels like a necessity. You’re smart to limit your time–and choose your social media channels (hello, WordPress!) wisely. And yeah, it’s a cliche and superstitious, but really, don’t talk about what you’re writing before it’s written.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. The “author platform” part is really tough, especially considering even traditionally published authors are now at least partially responsible for their own marketing and publicity. I think like anything in life, there needs to be a balance. Concerning not showing work before it’s done, yeah, I truly believe if you start telling people about a piece before it’s done you lose some creative opportunities (even just subconscious ones) by getting “locked in” to the writing by speaking to others out loud. I am superstitious though!

        Liked by 3 people

    3. I love this post and tweeted it. (Is that ironic?) I completely agree with your take on social media!

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Very well said Daniel.
      I even notice the same thing with myself.
      I mostly have books kept on my side table whereas I am busy scrolling on facebook. I experienced this social media addiction withdrawal when I was hospitalized for months and I had absolutely nothing to do except social media. Soon, I realized that this addiction offers nothing except killing your abilities.
      I have published a post regarding my hospitalization if you could have time you can pay a visit

      Tuberculosis and Me- the unlikely surprise

      Regards,
      Mariyaah.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Mariyaah, very well written post. You’re right that it can be an addiction. Years ago when I stopped using Facebook, I definitely experienced “withdrawal” and what they refer to as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Then I slowly realized I was still connected to the people in my life who really mattered, and my interactions with them were even more meaningful. Like, calling them on their birthdays rather than clicking a “happy birthday” button. I still use email, newsletters, and WP to interact. Is it less convenient? Sure, but I have a lot of control and free time back to focus on creating the things I love. Thanks much for reading and commenting!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You are most welcome Daniel
        I believe upon leaving social media you have to put in extra effort to keep in contact with someone. And that extra effort in turn helps to strengthen your relations.
        As absurd as it sound in the current era, but well I still write hand-written letters and send them over to my friends. I love the feeling of receiving them and the excitement that never leaves you.
        Thank you for jotting this point down in your post. Following you already

        Like

    6. It’s the old gun argument. Guns can be good when used responsibly. Social media is good when used properly. Plus I think you argued more about putting up unfinished artwork before it’s ready than against using social media itself.

      But like any person in any field who has serious aims and is in it for the long run, discipline has to play it’s part. I doubt Usain Bolt would be Usain Bolt multi-champion if he kept stopping to talk to followers on the practice track instead of remaining focused where it counts.

      Like

    2. I thought this was well said and very interesting! I’ll be back for more! I think it’s great!! ☀️

      Liked by 2 people

    7. Will this secret make me better looking? I’m up for it if so! Very conspiratorial. I hope I can keep up. PS I DO pretend to be a good writer. It helps. 🙂

      Like

  12. So, finally got around to adding an “about” page, and, probably due to not being the most confident self expressor, pretty much waffled through it tbh.

    Would love to hear people’s ideas on what you believe an ‘about’ page should feel like? My attempt as per link below should anyone feel like critiquing?

    All About Me! Brace yourself…

    Cheers

    Stephen

    Liked by 19 people

    3. I liked your about page! It was fun, engaging, humorous and interesting! I think an “about” page should be what the author wants it to be!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I did have to stop and start a bit tbh. Maybe if I’d done it straight away it would’ve been different, but I’ve come to appreciate the community here so much that I think that added to a bit of wariness. Thanks so much though, appreciate it😊

        Liked by 2 people

    4. Hi, I liked your About page – it was a tiny bit waffly, but it flows and adds to the charm! I often suggest that someone’s first post is a good About page as often people will explain their rationale for starting a blog. Mine is rubbish tbh and I don’t want to fix it. I just added a link to my first post – that’s been clicked on about twice since placed there! 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    7. I liked your about page, looking forward to seeing what else you will post, it is never too late to start blogging as my daughter got me started just back in january as she says I have too much time on my hands, (no I haven’t) but if you are having a good or bad day it helps to put it down in your blog and helps you get that tension out, if you are able to post some pictures of Dundee sounds idyllic.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you so much! I hope so…i started the blog to hopefully be a bit more open and expressive, so if some bit of me is coming off the page then fab!😊 Really appreciate you taking the time to visit it, cheers

        Liked by 1 person

    11. You had me at ‘trained waffler’ although I do think rubbing my own lack of Blue Peter badge in my face is a little extreme. I can’t pretend not to be a lunatic but have no inclination to run any asylums.
      I liked your about page. The first line made me laugh and your serious author pic made me laugh WITH you.
      I’ve read a lot of ‘abouts.’ This is one of the better most engaging ones, if my humble opinion means anything.

      Like

    1. As a Canadian who grew up with a brother who played competitive hockey for years, I would recommend giving a bit more of a snapshot of all of what’s going on! For anyone who has seen that environment, they will know exactly what you are describing, but the non-hockey folks might be a tiny bit in the dark! ☺

      Liked by 2 people

  14. Hey my fellow bloggers! 🙂
    Let’s dive back into a pool of talent now, shall we?
    I’m Megha and on my blog I post my compositions which mostly include poetry and sometimes some essays.
    Here is a link to my latest composition, feel free to check it out and leave your feedback.

    A drop of Happiness

    Also I’ll be more than happy to read some wonderful posts by you all, be sure to leave your links too!
    xoxo
    – Megha 💜

    Liked by 21 people

    1. Hi, I had a look at your blog and read two of your posts. I enjoyed both, so I’m following 😀
      I like the humour in your writing 🙂
      Looking forward to new posts

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Wow–didn’t know that pregnant women advertised the fact like that on the tube. Here in the U.S., we just have the ones in car windows. As a mother, let me just say it’s harder getting around once those kiddos are outside the body than inside! (And I carried twins.) However, I’ve never passed up a seat offered to me, anywhere!

      Like

      2. There wasn’t a button at all that showed up on the page, but I’ve seen one before cause I liked one of your previous posts 🤔🤨 hmm!

        Liked by 2 people

  21. Happiest of Mondays, swimmers!

    I’m Kelsey and I run a Word of the Day type of blog, specifically of the British English variety. But my examples are neat because I write either a story or a poem. Oh, and I’m American!

    https://britwitblog.wordpress.com

    Please check it out if you’d like. Now I’m off to swim laps.

    Cheers! 💜💫

    Liked by 20 people

  23. Hello swimmers!!! Hope everyone is having a fabulous monday! I am a faith and encouragement blogger. I am interester in many topics outsife of that from other bloggers like fashion, makeup, vegetarianism, books, music, etc. Like my post here I would love to see your content and perhaps follow. Like and follow if my content interest you.
    Check my blog space out at:
    https://momentswithcynthia.wordpress.com

    Liked by 14 people

    2. Very well said Cynthia.
      Faith in your request and your lord, this is exactly what I needed to be reminded of. Thank you for the reminder.
      You’ve got a follower here.
      I would really appreciate if you could pay me a visit.
      Till then happy blogging

      Regards
      Mariyaah

      Like

  24. Hello Fellow Bloggers!

    My latest post focuses on an incredible ingredient most people throw straight down the sink without a moment’s notice.
    What could that be? AQUAFABA!
    And what on earth is that? The cloudy water you drain from a tin of chickpeas or beans – it makes the most fantastic egg white replacer.

    Not convinced? Take a leap of faith and have a look at the recipe below.
    https://whatsbeancooking.com/2018/04/30/blueberry-mini-pavlovas/

    As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on the blog!

    Best Blogging Wishes and Many Thanks,

    What’s Bean Cooking?

    Liked by 17 people

  29. Hi everyone! While I usually write about travel-related topics I am trying to work on my lifestyle posts, feedback on my latest (or others) is very much appreciated! https://curlygirlabroad.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/studying-in-the-netherlands-an-update/
    Also, I am trying to grow my Instagram network, if you like to follow please leave a comment so I know who to follow back (don’t automatically do this because there are a lot of fake followers) Thank you!!! https://www.instagram.com/curlygirlabroad/

    Like