Where WordPress bloggers support each other with feedback and advice.
Welcome to the final edition of the Community Pool! Whether you’ve been a regular here for years or just recently discovered the Pool: thank you for making it such a supportive, lively, and collegial place for bloggers of all stripes.
As always, feel free to share links to your latest post for feedback, or ask a question about your site’s design, publishing cadence, or any other blogging-related topic you’re looking for input on. Since this will be the last time the Pool opens its doors, you’re also welcome to chat with others about any community initiatives you’re interested in starting or share links to existing blogging events you’re part of and think others might be interested in as well.
The Community Pool is for peer feedback and advice. Looking for more specific information? Check out some of these resources:
- Learn, a series of step-by-step tutorials for those just starting out.
- All our posts on building an audience and growing your traffic.
- If you’re stuck for inspiration, here are our Daily Prompts and other ideas for writing topics.
- A roundup of posts on blogging etiquette.
To help us keep 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.
Currently blogless? You’re a click away from sharing your story.
Create your blog at WordPress.com
Hello swimmers!
I’ve just started writing poetry again last month for NaPoWriMo, and am hoping for some feedback on my latest poem:
https://everydaystrangeblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/27/strange-writing-tanka-5/
LikeLiked by 15 people
Nice poem, short and effective 👌
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you 🖤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well done! Short, crisp and descriptive. Feel free to roam around my blog for poems sometime 🙂
LikeLiked by 5 people
This makes me so sad, especially because I feel like I just started to enjoy all that the Community Pool and Daily Post, Photo Challenges has to offer.
Here is my post, 4 Months of Blogging, 4 Things I Learned: https://ericarobbin.com/2018/05/28/4-months-of-blogging-4-things-i-learned/
Some questions I have that I keep going back and forth on are:
1. Watermarks, yay or nay? I’m constantly on the fence about them.
2. How to better showcase/categorize multiple posts on a page? I like being heavy on the visual side of things but I can’t seem to get my photos/descriptions congruent and look visually neat and clean. I take vertical, horizontal, and square photos but want them to be the same without losing the dimensions/details. Like Damn Delicious website https://damndelicious.net for reference, hers is all food photography so doesn’t matter as much, but maybe that’s why she adds text into some, to perhaps even out photos that are square as opposed to vertical so they fit the format? Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Erica
LikeLiked by 4 people
I’ve been trying to pick the right theme for my blog and finally after hours of trials I made my decision. Please do take a look and let me know your opinion about the theme as well as the overall blog.
I shall be very grateful to you for the kindness.
This is the link to my most recent blog post 🔗
https://educatedunemployedindian.com/2018/05/27/the-top-ten-essentials-of-the-ultimate-dream-job/
LikeLiked by 11 people
I like your theme, it’s very big and friendly. My only suggestion is to perhaps try and limit your choice of fonts. Having so many different sizes, colours, and styles can sometimes make it messy or too busy for the eye to follow.
Happy blogging!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you so much for sharing your honest opinion. I really appreciate it. I will put into use your suggestion about the size and colours of fonts.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi all,
I’d love some feedback on my blog please. I post about all sorts, but my most recent post is about a rowing challenge I’ve signed up to. https://catherinescornersite.wordpress.com/2018/05/22/ive-got-this-sinking-feeling/
LikeLiked by 10 people
Even though I can’t contribute any financial aid to your charity ( I’m both jobless & broke) but I do convey my best wishes and all the luck towards your good efforts. Good luck & best wishes to you on this initiative 👍👍👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t resist jumping into the pool one more time…thank you for all the fun over the past three years I’ve been blogging, this platform will be missed! Keep on blogging, my friends (old & new!)!
LikeLiked by 12 people
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
Here you’ll find the new community pool
LikeLiked by 2 people
It looks like your new forum has created a buzz!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey guys,
I’m sad.to see the community pool close its doors but I’ve got the good news that another one is already open here: http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
There will be prompts on Saturday and Sunday
LikeLiked by 4 people
Happy Monday Bloggers,
I started my blog as a writing blog and then it beccame a book blog mostly about reading. In my recent post. Check out my recent post (https://selfwrittenexpose.wordpress.com/2018/05/25/i-want-to-get-back-into-writing/) where I talk about wanting to write again. It’s hard as a Jamaican writer and blogger but I’m really excited about a few projects I’m working on and would love your support!
Happy Blogging,
Kerine
LikeLiked by 14 people
Follow your heart! Good luck to you on your old yet new journey of writing and creating.
LikeLiked by 3 people
can you teach me how to blog
LikeLiked by 5 people
I can’t say that I’m an expert or even close to one. But I’d be happy to help you. Is there anything specific you want to know?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think I’m that good at it, actually
LikeLiked by 2 people
Are you attending the Calabash Literary
Festival?
LikeLiked by 4 people
No, unfortunately not. I couldn’t find the funds in time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ok.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will be attending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you enjoy
LikeLiked by 2 people
Don’t worry the new one is here http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 4 people
So glad someone started a new swimmers forum. I’m following!
LikeLiked by 8 people
can i join you guys
LikeLiked by 4 people
Don’t hesitate
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Rebecca
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, I Will definitely miss this community 🤗 but here’s the link to my last post
https://bennyshalo.wordpress.com/2018/05/24/still-on-the-royalwedding/?preview=true
Check it out and follow as well and I will do yours let’s keep the fire burning.
LikeLiked by 15 people
I don’t know how I missed out on quite a few pictures from the Royal Wedding. Thanks to you, not any more! Left a comment on your post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, I will check out your posts as well 😊
LikeLiked by 4 people
Don’t miss it here 8s the new one
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so sad that this is the last Community Pool. I started blogging last year and it took a little while to pluck up the courage to post here for the first time…but I shouldn’t have been worried! What a fabulously inclusive and encouraging community it is! Thank you to everyone for making it so 🙂
So, for one last time here is a link to my latest post, a little series I started, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much for reading!
https://mydustyflipflops.wordpress.com/2018/05/26/because-i-love-6/
LikeLiked by 19 people
PS Check out this site which has been very kindly set up by Novus Lectio to plug the pool gap!
https://swimmersweek.wordpress.com/
LikeLiked by 6 people
Whats happening dear
LikeLiked by 3 people
The new pool http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was a lovely visit to your site! 🙂 Now I’m following so I’ll visit again! Na’ama
LikeLiked by 5 people
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I will check out yours 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Can’t believe this is the last Community Pool. Let’s make the best of it, swimmers! Like a reading/writing blog? I hope you’ll check out mine–and I’ll do the same for you. Just because the pool is going away, doesn’t mean our community has to.
My latest post, in honor of Memorial Day here in the U.S., interrogates the “American Dream.” Whether you’re American or not, what does it mean to you?
https://rustbeltgirlblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/27/american-dreaming/
LikeLiked by 13 people
Don’t forget the new pool
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done. I suspect many of us are revisiting what being American is, or what makes for a good dream versus a reasonable (or unreasonable) reality. Here’s to more good to remember than bad, regardless of what today – or this time – means to one. Na’ama
LikeLiked by 4 people
LikeLiked by 16 people
The new pool
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
☝
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you! I was hoping there was going to be a new pool
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too 😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
Recently started a series of articles on my blog.
I linked to the follow-up articles at the bottom.
Is there a more efficient way to group these? Or is this ok?
LikeLiked by 14 people
Try the new pool http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
This pool should be drained, cleaned and reopened. No one wants to put their feet on the bottom. It’s gross.
Anyway, here’s a 1,000 word story I would love feedback on.
https://kenfales.wordpress.com/2018/05/28/first-draft-on-the-inside/
Thanks all!
Ken
LikeLiked by 10 people
That was great, Ken! I liked how you made me feel good reading ‘dear john letter’ part and then very emotional at the end with the closing line ‘the kid looked small.’ Now, could you please tell me the kid’s name?
LikeLiked by 6 people
Haa! I never thought of that. First, thank you for reading and commenting. Um, let me see…his name would be…um…Daniel Stuart Collins. His friends called him Danny.
LikeLiked by 6 people
It’s reopened
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cool! Thanks. Following.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello everyone !!!
It’s good to be a part of this pool.
I hope you can take some time to check out my blogs. I have just started and i would love to get feedback from anyone. I would love to know what can i improve in my blog writing style and the topics that i pick on.
Happy blogging 😊
LikeLiked by 13 people
https://intricateyetsimple.wordpress.com/2018/05/28/life-why-it-even-started/?preview=true
Btw here is the link to my latest blog.
LikeLiked by 9 people
This pool is special… It certainly supprted us to swim in this vast blogging ocean. Will certainly miss this place. A big thank you for everything And sharing my post https://silhouetteofthoughtsblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/25/a-silent-dictum/
This is my poem on Maitreya Buddha, a symbol of peace
LikeLiked by 15 people
No try this one
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great work!! The description of the idol is truly great and I love how you’ve portrayed his blessings and teachings in context of today’s world.
Feel free to check poetry on my blog too!!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you 🙂 ….and ya will surely check your blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi everyone,
I blog about travel, hiking, trekking and adventures in general.
I would love some feedback on my last post: https://gone-roaming.com/2018/05/28/tale-3-difference
Cheers!
Nina
LikeLiked by 14 people
Well, this is it. The last Community Pool. I won’t share a link to any of my posts today but instead I’d just like to thank you all for reading my posts, if someone here ever did.
I got a lot of feedback from the pool multiple times and I’m really thankful for that. I’ll miss seeing y’all here.
But that’s how it is, I guess.
Best of luck! Happy Blogging! 🙂
LikeLiked by 13 people
First of all,im sad that this is the last edition of community pool. As I’m nearing my first blogversary, I would like to thank this platform that connected with so many like minded people. Going through blogs here, realisation dawned on me that people not only write for building a brand but also write to cope up with pain.
Here’s a short intro of my book review. Click on the link to read the full review.
‘Love Beyond 22 Yards’ brings you real life stories of people who defied all norms and boundaries even to the extent of sacrificing their careers, all in the name of love.
God bless you all and let the ink flow!
LikeLiked by 13 people
Hey the new pool is here
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the info!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey all,
Here’s an article that a dear friend of mine wrote on ‘what it’s like living abused’. A must read for all those if you are to experience the trauma that keeps haunting them all their life.
http://www.wordsinmysky.com/2018/05/24/burial/
LikeLiked by 10 people
hello guys i’m growing my site so i’ll request y’all to visit my site while passing by i’ll be obliged if y’all do so thankyou 🙂
LikeLiked by 10 people
LikeLiked by 11 people
My latest post. Feel free to provide any feedback! https://mindofdamonstah.wordpress.com/2018/05/27/forgiveness/
LikeLiked by 11 people
This is the most delicious and easiest Braised Lamb recipe you will ever need!
Hopefully some of you pool swimmers will give it a try;);)
LikeLiked by 11 people
I honestly don’t like cooking, thank god m boyfriend does. But I had a look and this looks good! Both in the sense of ‘yummy’ and the post in it self looks good to! I like how you put the smaller pictures next to each other with the explanation beneath. Keeps in nice and clean 😀
LikeLiked by 5 people
It is an easy recipe to make, I hope you guys enjoy it! and thanks for your kind words 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
hi , I’m looking for a title for my latest post and have not yet found one yet please give your suggestion. https://share2motivate.wordpress.com/2018/05/24/help-me-find-a-title/
LikeLiked by 10 people
I read your poem… First of all it has several small mistakes like you’re instead of your and a repetition of you in the last line. Do correct them. As for the title- “Acknowledge” or “Perfect” or “Right or Wrong” or even “Perspective”.
I write poetry too, feel free to visit my blog and leave comments and feedback.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks for your suggestions I will consider them..thank for the correction too I will check on that
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi everyone!!! I’m just starting this blog… would y’all maybe mind giving me some feedback? Technique, format, anything would be much appreciated! caffeineandbookmarks.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 10 people
I read your post ‘Color’ and have to admit I am impressed. It is beautiful!!
I do have a suggestion for the blog in general: post just a small part of you post on your home page and let people click to read more. That way your reader can like and comment on your posts as well. Happy blogging!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much!! So, how exactly do put the small portion on the page without putting the whole post?
LikeLiked by 5 people
If I’m not mistaking: open ‘my site’ in the left top corner > settings > writing > feed settings: Limit feed to excerpt only. If you don’t set a specific ‘excerpt’ in your posts it will take the start of you post. Hope this helps 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ok, I fixed it!! Thanks so much!!
LikeLiked by 4 people
very welcome! I’ll be looking forward to read more of your posts 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, welcome to the blogosphere! Consider adding images to your posts to break up text and draw the eye.
Happy Blogging!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ok, I will definitely do that. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a shame!
I come by every now and again, so will really miss the Community Pool. Well folks, thanks to everyone who has dropped by and supported over the past 2 years or so and I wish you all good success with your blogging endeavours.
Here’s one of my latest posts. Hope you’ll do me the honour of paying me a visit and if you are minded please leave me a like and/or a comment. Many thanks in anticipation.
And thanks to you @BenHuberman for hosting this popular event.
LikeLiked by 12 people
Don’t despair the new pool is here
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Since this is the last time we will be here, I wish everyone a really enjoyable and successful blogging journey. When I started my blog last month, I wasn’t sure if one person would read it. But thanks to the First Friday and Community Pool, I met so many wonderful souls here. I really hope that these relationships remain forever. Here is the link to my blog here.
I would be grateful if you could read them and provide feedback on anything you find there.
https://ahotcuppalife.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 12 people
The new community is here
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello there. I will certainly miss you all. Thanks for the support. This is for each and everyone of you
http://comewithg.blog/2018/05/28/goodbye-community-pool/ 💕💕💕
LikeLiked by 11 people
Check the new community
http://swimmersweek.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 3 people
I will certainly do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ok
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, here’s a recent blog post of mine for animal lovers 🙂 https://cosycottageandthequestforthegoodlife.wordpress.com/2018/05/05/a-guinea-pig-bromance/
LikeLiked by 11 people
made me smile! Thanks for the entertaining post 😀
LikeLiked by 3 people