Community Pool
The Community Pool is for those of you looking for input, whether on post ideas, writing, blog design and layout, or anything else. If you have a post, page, or idea you want to bounce off someone, leave a comment. Your fellow bloggers can then click through and offer input either on your site, or in the comments here (feel free to indicate which you’d prefer).
Read on for the ground rules and to leave a comment . . .
- You’ll get the best feedback if you can be as specific as possible about what you’d like people to respond to or where you’re struggling.
- Please keep all comments civil and constructive. We’re here to help and support one another, not to beat anyone down.
- If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
- 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.
- No running on the deck.
Photo by t_a_i_s.
247 Comments
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I am so glad that this is posted again. We need a reminder that there is ground rules on “comments” section. My personal note on this is “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” This is what we teach the children. So we better be a good example especially on Cyber bullying.
An excellent reference to leadership of our ‘off-spring’ “Children learn what they live; only to live what they learnt” … I thank you! (y)
I haven’t noticed any bullies on the Community Page… Thankfully!
lucky for you. It’s not just bullies but as well as off remarks. I have to delete it and notify the blogger that it’s unacceptable.
Sometimes I think depending on the mood of the viewer what seems to a nasty or bullying comment may just be a critique of a post I know I have to apologise when I have been in mood i have mistook helpful crit as being not so nice so thats why i always try and remember a
and a lol if it needs it and not to read posts while tired or moody lol 
I’ve written two somewhat political posts recently. One was a rant and the other way not. Would you (meaning other bloggers) be able to look at both posts and tell me what you think? Offensive, not offensive, how they can be improved?
The two posts are We Saw Your B…izarre and Stupid Outrage and Homosexuality and May-December Relationships.
I read both of these and really enjoyed them, I didn’t think that they were offensive at all. You made some very good points and you made them clearly. I’m now following your blog, I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Thank you so much!
I lost some subscribers due to these posts so I’m glad that I’ve gained one too!
I wish there was more political stuff featured by WordPress instead of all these baby stories, recipes and photos of cars.
So do I. I think the reason that a lot of political posts don’t get freshly pressed is that the WordPress editors are worried about the blog’s writer attracting hate.
I think political posts are ok, but they have to grab my attention, most of the time they come across as rants and I don’t come to WP for rants, most of the time I just get disinterested in them and move on.
I think your ‘Homosexuality and May-December’ relationships post was quite interesting and informative, and you present interesting arguments. I can’t see how people would find it offensive. But as I only arrived on Earth today I’m afraid I can’t comment on the other post as I’m not aware of the topic in question.
If you’re not aware of the topic in question, count yourself lucky and just avoid it. Thanks for your remark on my other post!
No I don’t think either are offensive – they’re just your opinions and it’s your blog so it’s fine that you write them – I do think the one about THAT song could come across as slightly…aggressive, but if anyone was really offended I’m sure they would have commented.
Thanks for reading! I know one was aggressive; that’s why I’ve decided to do a monthly post of things that irritate me from now on so I’m less angry when writing. Thanks again for commenting!
I don’t think either one is offensive. I tend to avoid partisanship in my own blog, but if I were to approach it, I think this is a good model!
Thanks for reading and thanks for the compliment!
I’ve read both of them, the ‘We Saw Your…’ picture didn’t come up on mine. I preferred the ‘Homosexuality…’ post more, but I couldn’t tell you why. I also had to re-read them because as you’d said one was ranting, I automatically started reading them in an angry way. Now although I didn’t get offended by that, I didn’t enjoy reading them as much as when I read them as much as when I read them the second time, in a different mindset. Does that make any sense whatsoever?
That makes sense. I want people to feel happy or amused while reading my posts, not angry, so my posts from now on will be less angry. Thanks for alerting me about the picture. I’ve fixed it!
I’m bored and with nothing to do this morning, so I’m sitting here ready and willing to provide constructive criticism! Let’s have at it!
Thanks for the positive feedback from last week’s pool post! I enjoyed the input…
Now, if it was negative comment, would I enjoyed it also?
I’d love feedback before I begin my next profile. A quick background: I’m using my iPhone5 to make short documentaries about people’s passions and what they learn. My last video was six minutes and I’m wondering if it was too long. I don’t want to short-change content, but I want to keep my reader’s attention.
http://kristinshermanolnes.com/2013/02/15/jennys-passion-for-fiber-arts/
Six minutes might seem like a long time; however, as long as the video is moving foward and has points of interest, I beleive it will not seem that long to a viewer. I watched the fiber art video and the length seemed comfortable to me.
Thank you sha’rashari! Very helpful.
Initially,I thought six minutes is really long to hold a viewer’s attention on the internet, but a quick search of video blogs posted on YouTube shows that length is not out of the ordinary. I guess I’ve watched web-episodes of programs that have been 20+ minutes long, so I think that length is very workable.
Hi Karen,
Thank you.
Do you think I am in the wrong platform with my content?
–Because I am posting on a blog and not You Tube, I suspect it’s too long, especially since I can pack so much in if I jump cut edit it like I did with my “musing aloud” in which I share what I am learning and what’ next.
http://kristinshermanolnes.com/2013/02/28/musing-aloud-post-jenny-and-pre-patrice/
When I chose a YouTube I prefer the length below 5 minutes. I did watch the video and the “musing” has so many topics. I did get lost following it. For example, the material is from Peru about knitting and it ended in felting. Felting might be a subject by itself. I must admit my attention span is short and I prefer 500 words or less.
Good to know and thank you for sharing this as that is a normal reaction. YouTube used to encourage a ten minute video and now they actually encourage it to be a little longer yet. I have actually shortened ours to less than five although it has been due to subject matter in the more recent videos. I do not count my words when I do a blog. Perhaps I should start.
Kristen, it’s not letting me reply to your reply to my reply, so I will answer here and hopefully you will see it.
I don’t know enough about v-blogging to know if WordPress is the right platform for you. If I’m looking for video (which I am never looking for, except for music videos, so take my opinion for what it is worth!) I would look on YouTube, and there are, of course, lots of folks who have had a measure of success with “shows” on YouTube. But if you’re writing content along with your videos, I think a WordPress blog would be the place to be, wouldn’t it?
It’s a struggle getting followers and views here on WordPress. For whatever reason, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of activity from outside the WP community, and there’s lots of competition for readers eyeballs inside of WordPress. If you’re not seeing the sort of activity you think you our to be seeing, I’d take a look at YouTube.
Anyway, just my two cents. HTH
The TED videos hook into interesting topics in short videos with all kinds of people from every walk of life. Your idea to document people’s passions in a short video is similar. 6 minutes is not too long. Just long enough for someone to have their interests stimulated.
Good to hear!
The comments so far were very insightful, Kristin. I also don’t think 6 minutes is too long once you keep the audience’s attention. To that end, always put yourself in your viewer’s shoes by aking (and answering) “What’s in it for me?” Your “Musing aloud” post really captured that. Although it had a lot going on, it let us know what you were doing and why; if we read between the lines, it also let’s us know that your journey will let us grow along with you. In comparison, the post featuring Jenny was a little flat by comparison, yet very informative! So fnding a balance between production value and content may benefit you the most. Finally, although sites like YouTube readily spring to mind for video based work, WordPress can work well if you tie your efforts in with promotion on other social sites (facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, for example). Having a clear image of what you want to accomplish and how you measure whether or not you’ve achieved your goal will help. Monitor your results over a reasonable period of time and see what interest you generate. Adjust as needed along the way. Yet, be prepared to explore other avenues of exposure (like YouTube) if your results aren’t meeting your needs.
I found your feedback helpful, 🔛, and thought provoking. Thank you Kerwyn.
Well, as always, I have an erotica writing development blog, and I’d love any feedback on the blog or the stories: http://liquidmatthew.wordpress.com/ I’m most interested in thoughts regarding the overall content: is it interesting, and is it appropriate?
I have to admit that the photo at the top put me off a little, and usually I wouldn’t have read anything after that. But skimming through the blogs I found them to be interesting and engaging – they aren’t too lengthy either.
Hello everyone. Could you please take a look at my blog and tell me what will make it better? I’d really appreciate any tips. =)
http://calliopeslyre.wordpress.com
I see you have the “top pages/posts” mentioned on your sidebar, but brand new readers (like me, this morning) might also appreciate a “about me” or “about this blog” page to give us an overview when we stop by for the first time.
I honestly thought nobody ever looked at the about me page, so I never put any effort into it. Maybe I should take another look at this if it matters that much to people…
http://kirstythroughthelookingglass.wordpress.com/about/
Once I am attracted to a post on a ‘new’ blog, the next thing I read is always the ‘About me’ page. I also did not think it was very important when I first started blogging, but it is! So spend some time on it – it could get you a lot of followers!
Thank you Madoqua. I do have an About me. It keeps getting lost!
Thank you Jackie, I’ll get right on it. The odd thing is that I can find the About me tab when I log in through my phone, but it just vanishes on the laptop. Weird!
Hi: I will focus on the theme. I am a right handed person, so I want the side bar on the right for ease of navigation. Also, I read from left to right. You might want to move the Archieves higher. Take a look at my post to give you an idea what I mean. I am not luring you to read my post just have a look on the theme.
Thank you, Seeker. Ill tinker about a bit. And no worries, lol. I know you’re not luring readers or anything.
I agree with Jackie, an About me page is always something that I look for.
I’m going to be the first to admit that I didn’t write anything in my about me page, do you think that I should maybe take another look at this? I didn’t think anybody ever read them!
Me too.
Thanks Steve. I’ll find it and pin it to the sidebar. It keeps running away!
Hi everyone! I’d love feedback on my writing style. I’m a high school student trying to establish a focus for my blog, and meanwhile, I’m writing to relate and to express my feelings. Feedback about ANYTHING would be very much appreciated!
I just redesigned my blog a few weeks ago thanks to some constructive criticism from another community pool session about visual appearance, and that was very helpful
Thanks everyone!
- Catherine, at Never Stationary
neverstationary.wordpress.com
Ehem: I went to check your site and the first thing I noticed is the word “need”. Unfortunately, when I read an article about “10 things or 5 things we need to know”, I move on… This is just me. Otherwise, the layout is very attractive. You’ve got talent!
I usually think carefully before commenting on someone’s blog. Sometimes it is difficult to tell how the blogger will accept the comments that may not agree with their views. Facebook’s “like” button is what comes to my mind. In Facebook, we are allowed to like or agree, but we are not allowed to dislike or disagree with a comment or statement. If a blogger requests the opinions of others at the Community Pool page, I believe they should be open to those opinions. A commenter shouldn’t say that I like something to preserve the feelings of the blogger; of course, all opinions should be stated in a non-confronting, constructive fashion; saying, “I hate [this subject] so I can’t like your blog,” is not going to help the blogger cure a weakness. Be honest in a constructive fashion.
Hi Sha’, on the like button of WordPress, how do we remove the counter as to how many bloggers have like it. I prefer to have no numbers on my site.
Hi, Seeker. The like button is controlled in the dashboard under Settings, then Sharing. As I see it, it can only be turned on or off. I did not notice a place where the count can be removed.
Stop on over to my site… What more should people know about my subjects… How can I keep it light hearted an not depressing but be real… http://www.kodiakmylittlegrizzly.com
You write about your life, your emotions, your children, your work, your life, your thoughts. I found myself fascinated with everyday topics and your responses. Thankyou for the openness of your blog.
Thank you…
How can I make my site better? I cover a large range of subjects. I would appreciate any advice or critisim. Thanks.
I think all blogs benefit from having a focus. I think it helps with writing, so one is not overwhelmed by all possible topics, but it also defines us for the readers, who come to know what to expect.
So I would consider narrowing the number of topics you’re writing about. I wasn’t able to find the archives to your blog easily on your site (you may consider making those accessible from your home page) but in the recent posts section I saw some posts that looked like memoir and another that was about cooking. Your “About” seemed to focus on your artwork, and personally, I found that interesting, and would enjoy reading posts about the stories behind your art.
Thanks for your input. I think sometimes that I have such a wide range of interests that I want to share.
My blog covers a lot of ground too, so I totally get what you’re doing. I think that a lack of focus does make it more difficult to build a “market,” but that’s not really what I’m after anyway. I think it’s cool! I like the design too.
Thanks Danny, I appreciate your input as well.
Would like some feedback on my site. I deal with multiple issues and write a little fiction too. Don’t know if I’ve got too many different ideas, making it less cohesive than it could be. Maybe read my About page to see what im trying to convey. Thanks!
I had a look and decided to follow. Can’t be bad! Sue
Thanks! That’s the best compliment I could get!
My blog started just a few months ago as a place for me to sort of blow smoke. Stories that I’ve shared about myself and my family were initially meant to amuse just my friends and me, but I’d like to hear what strangers think since I’ve enjoyed reading blogs about other people.
I already know that I’m a dipsh#t and I’m not a “writer”, so that’s noted up front.
And apparently, I don’t know how to link to my blog in this reply box…
http://www.donofalltrades.com
Oops, nevermind, it did create a link! Hooray for small accomplishments!
If you link your gravatar to your blog, other bloggers can find it by clicking on your gravatar.
Donofalltrades,
Take advantage of the Support page that WP offers. You can find it by clicking your help button in the admin page. It has tutorials and information on gravatar and zemanta (ping suggestions) and more. I like the ease of your blog and the family feel too. The one thing I noticed is that you linked the top of your post to the Daily Post page in huge letters. It takes away from your post as others will click on it. Move it to the end of your post.
Best,
Eliz
Thanks Eliz! That’s good info.
I am doing a theme on eating healthy according to your lifestyle all March long. Do you think people would want recipes or healthy eating tips? Looking for suggestions on things I can blog about!! Feel free to visit my site as well, visitors are always welcome! http://adventuresintheotherla.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/eat-right-your-way-every-way/
I would suggest a maybe combination of both, like “This is how to eat healthier….and here is a recipe to show you how you can do this.”
That is a great idea!! I have been thinking about taking a recipe and then altering it to make it more nutritionally sound!! I hope you follow my blog so you can get the info you are looking for!
And explain how much it costs to cook the meal.
People won’t do it if they think it’s more expensive than McDonalds.
I have had a lot of experience doing costing of meals!! I can definitely get that information for you! Hope you follow my blog!
I left a couple suggestions on your blog regarding content; however, I would like to mention that I could not find a link that would take me specifically to nutritional articles. I seen the topic links, but did not understand what the content would be about simply by reading the topics.
Thanks for the tip!! I’ll make sure I get those in a good category. For this month, I will have the tag “National Nutrition Month!” so I hope that helps a little bit!
Hey, liked your blog so gave it a follow – a bit of both really – tips probably more as I always look at recipes, drool over the photos but never get round to making it.
Thanks!! I took a look around your blog and you had me at ‘mojito’! Haha Thanks for the follow!
Good morning from Sydney everyone,
My blog is less than two months old http://feelingnomad.com/and at this stage, I would really like to start getting more contributions from other bloggers sharing their travel impressions. What could I do appeal more people? I really want it to become a source of discussion and information sharing for people who are, in general, restless about staying in a single place and restless about many of the things happening in this world.
Anyone has any suggestions?
Thanks so much,
Teresa
Your blog looks great. Could maybe have some funny or interesting stories about people you meet on your travels?
I think this blog is a great idea. I have a few editorial suggestions for you. Try varying the length of your posts. Throw in a photo essay only. Personalize some of the posts with stories about people more, maybe. I’ve found with my own blog that if I vary the formats, I get more readership. Good luck, from a fellow nomad
Sheilah Bright and MikeyB185, much appreciated, I will definitely work on your suggestions… Main problem, as always, lack of time, but I will personalise it more and vary the format. Thanks for taking the time to visit and put some thought into it. Teresa
I need input on design. Anyone?
There wasn’t a link to your site.
And it would be helpful if you had a link from your gravitar to your blog.
Okay, I found it by selecting your name, but I always click the gravatar 1st and a link from there to your blog would be useful!
I thought your content was well written. The style looks basic and functional. I am seeing it from my iPhone so it might be slightly different from a computer. I would add a background and use a better photo in your header and in your posts.
The basic design is good and easy to use. I found to articles that I would read easily. The one thing that I did not like is the image in the headline. Something about a set of eyes staring as I’m trying to read the article troubles my focus.
I have a question about pingback etiquette. I usually approve any requests I receive but don’t know how to send them to posters I like. Also, should requests I approve be followed by one from me? I don’t want to ignore anyone just because I am new at this!
This is my major concern when I joined the Daily Prompt. My etiquette on pingback I ensure that I visited the post, liked it, commented on it and for courtesy reason I ask for permission to use their post as a point of reference. My experience was quite a few bloggers have included the post of other bloggers me included in their response to Daily Prompt hence creating a pingback. 100% of these pingbacks, the blogger have not read my post at all. I used to approve it and say thank you for your pingback until my site became littered with pingbacks.
I have raised this question to the Administrator of WordPress and somehow resolution is hard to find.
Your question is not the first. Lets hear from others.
Seeker and Sha’tashari,
Your points are well taken, but the pingback is not an ad or a lazy way to comment on a blog. It’s a way to connect with bloggers who have written on similar topics and, hopefully, a way to continue a blog friendship or make new ones. I wrote a post about it and my philosophy has always been to follow up and like and if feasible comment on the pinged blog.
Sadly, this past month has brought challenges that prevented me from following up, but I’m doing my best to visit others and will ping less so I can catch up.
Ping backs are not a problem but if we don’t like them, the solution is very simple. Delete them!
Eliz
I’m glad to know I am not the only one wondering about this. Thanks for your input.
Like Seeker, I used to approve pingbacks to be nice. However, once I started noticing that I was getting pingbacks to other blogs in my comments where the other blog had nothing to do with what I wrote, I started questioning the reasoning for the pingback. Currently, If a pingback left in my comments is for related material, I will approve it. If there is no relationship or if the blogger does this for each post I release, then I will not approve it. I do not mean to offend those that are reading my posts; however, I am not a billboard to be used for free advertisement for other bloggers.
Good points, thanks for letting me know a little bit about how you handle this.
I do the same…if a pingback is not relavant to my blog …i too do not approve it….i blog because i enjoy doing it….being social on the interwebs is neat…but it doesn’t mean I want my blog clogged with pingbacks..i learned that the hard way doing challenges/ prompts….i stopped approving them when I realized how it works….so i have a couple still on my blog…as i did not want to offend anyone by deleting their pingback,….
Okay this might sound really silly…but what’s a pingback?
I want to know too. It sounds exciting
Here you go:
http://codex.wordpress.org/Introduction_to_Blogging#Pingbacks
New Frame of Mind, it’s up to you how you wish to respond. Personally, I appreciate ping backs and follow up on them as soon as I’m able. I choose to see it as a friendly gesture.
Eliz
Thanks for your advice today, happily the pingbacks I have received are from posts related to mine so I do see them as a compliment. I will be sure to return the favor from now on.
I too found that my posts that were linked to WP prompts, like the daily prompt was getting inundated with pingbacks from people that just link all the replies from others on the daily prompt so i disable pingbacks on those posts as it overtakes the comments.
I do however keep pingbacks and would approve relevant ones one my regular posts.
HI Steve, I have started doing just like that.
This is in response to Eliz. Eliz, you are an exception. My experience with you is you read my post and make a comment. Having said that this gives me an idea that you have actually read those pingbacks thus included in your post.
http://kirstythroughthelookingglass.wordpress.com -Part of my college course is to write a blog and I’ve actually found myself getting quite into it, over the past 6 months Kirsty Through The Looking Glass has become my little baby. As much as I get regular feedback from my lecturer, I’d love some feedback from ‘real people’.
Thankyou, I’d really appreciate this and I’m away to look at some of yours.
I’m fully aware that February’s blogs are a bit of a disaster(they’re all about love), so I’d advise that you maybe skip back a little further for a better idea of what goes on
Your blog looks really good. I get the impression you give your honest opinion on everything. Anorexia post is really thought provoking! Following
thankyou!
SoundEagle has recently commenced the “Facing the Noise & Music” series of posts, the first two of which are:
http://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/facing-the-noise-music-grey-barriers-and-green-frontiers-of-sound-society-and-environment/
http://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/facing-the-noise-music-playgrounds-for-biophobic-citizens/
Please kindly provide any kind of feedback and comments as you like on both the settings and writings.
Thank you in anticipation.
Hello! I started a blog to store my random thoughts/opinions, and I’m just trying to spread the word about it. I’m looking to gain some traffic and connect with other bloggers! Also, be sure to leave me any constructive criticism (I’m far from perfect). Thanks!
pickledopinions.wordpress.com
ONE more thing… My photography website is: scottystieber.com
Thank you. I’ll stop obnoxiously promoting myself now.
followed
Yaaaaayyyy! My quest for blogging world domination has begun!
Thanks for the follow!
Ha you’re a really angry young man. I love it!
I try. The world is filled with things (and people) that aggravate me.
One way to gain traffic and followers is to spend time reading and visiting other blogs. Make some connections with other bloggers who think like yourself and leave comments.
Yeah, I’ve been trying to find other people who also use short (Twitter-like) posts in their blogs. It’s harder than I thought!
Hey Scotty,
I noted that all your posts are tagged as “uncategorised”. However, your posts are about a range of topics e.g. musical tastes, friendship, dorm mates/neighbours etc. You should seriously consider including more informative tags to your posts as this would help them appear in searches that people make on related topics – which would in turn increase your traffic.
I really like the format of your posts.
A recommendation for photographers: use the 30 minutes before and after sunset. It’s the best time of the day: http://andreasmoser.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/savanoriu-prospektas-winter-evening/
Hi guys, I’m here to share my biggest problem. I don’t know how to start a post! I know my subject and can talk at length about it but I just get a sore head when I try to write an introduction that makes people read on. Does anyone have any useful tips for introducing a subject or start a post. I write a movie blog if anyone wants to have a look and see what I’m talking about. Thanks!!
Mikeyb185.WordPress.com
I usually write the rest of the post and either leave the introduction until the end, or just introduce it like I would in a conversation. One of my pet peeves as a blog reader is when introductions seem especially contrived, so I like introductions that are honest: I want to talk about this today!”
Haha yes my introductions tend to be needlessly contrived. I seem to go into movie magazine writing mode and try to be clever. I think your suggestion of writing it like a conversation is great
http://learn.wordpress.com/
Hi Mikey: above is a link on Learning about wordpress. Try this.
Thanks!
Since the first couple sentences are what shows at the title page, those two sentences are the attention-grabbers. “Prepare for madness, lots of blood, bad haircuts, and some very dysfunctional families” could have been your first line, then you could explain. To help inspire catching phrases or titles, you could write the three most important ideas of the post, then rewrite the ideas to the extreme. A phrase like: Koreans celebrate bloodshed, would capture a lot of attention, but it is also risky, some folks might be offended before reading far enough to understand. So, after writing to the extreme, tone it down just enough to avoid misunderstandings.
Thanks, that’s a fantastic idea. Never thought of it in terms of what the first two lines are. I’ll try to be more attention grabbing!
MikeyB185,
Just start by writing the first thing that comes to mind and then keep writing. When you are done, re-read it and move paragraphs around until you feel things work. If you set aside the need for an intro, it will become easier.
Best,
Eliz
I don’t really give it too much thought – it always just comes to me. I read a post where someone suggested you write the post then put the last paragraph at the top, as you normally sum everything up in the last paragraph so it’s likely to draw people in.
Thanks, that’s a really cool idea and something I might try in my next post
Out of date, irrelevant, confronting and too difficult for many, the Bible seems like a mountain of challenges with no footholds. But the footholds are there if you persist and I find that in the climb it offers incredible perspective, great scope for inspiration and an amazing journey. I try to share my journey creatively with those who are up to the challenge and I would love your thoughts. http://pastorross1.wordpress.com/
I like that you use pictures, but just a word of advice — in the caption, note where you got it and maybe even the photographer’s name (unless they are your own) because I’ve heard of bloggers getting sued for using pictures without permission.
Do continue to provide images with your blog posts though, it adds to the “creative journey” idea that you mentioned you wanted to convey
Thanks, I use my own pictures or free pictures from the Morguefile.com using Paint.net to create the effects I want through a Photoshop technique.
Hello Bloggers,
I am looking for some feedback on https://www.customauth.com.
Thank you,
Subir
A little description: CustomAuth, auth n OAuth integration service, is a central platform for one login/single sign-on service. Also provides a secure credentials storage by allowing you to choose a hashing mechanism to secure your credentials. It is currently integrated with LinkedIn and Facebook OAuth 2.0.
I am looking for suggestions on how I can make this service/site better to gain more visibility.
Hello,
I would like a second-opinion on design. I like when a blog is neat and clean and has tons of white space, which is what I tried to achieve on my blog. However, I’m worried that it may impair my ability to network and even freak out some people who are used to two or three columns running parallel to each other where they can see the blogger’s picture, read the bio, see more posts, sign up for email, etc (I still have some of those things but in the bottom footer).
Is the design inviting enough to make you want to stay? Or is it more on the ‘foreign’ side that makes you want to click away?
kmoonstone.wordpress.com
(Thanks to anyone willing to give feedback!)
Doesn’t freak me out.
Nothing worse than a confusing, cluttered blog page.
I should have been more precise in my comment. I think the page looks great, the reader gets a clean, clear view of the post. I’m all in favor of keeping it neat.
Thank you for a detailed comment
Nice and uncluttered. Perhaps the writing could be a bit smaller.
as soon as I upgrade to custom design, I’ll take care of that. Unfortunately, this is the only size font I can have with this theme for now.
You have a very clean, simple blog, which I love. However, the widgets at the bottom does look a bit messy.
would it be better to get rid of them altogether?
It would definitely look better without the widgets. If you are worried about getting less traffic, you could add categories to your menu bar at the top.
I prefer the minimalist look. Mines is similar. It helps readers know what they should be looking at without confusing them
Love the clear, minimalist look and your take on Psalm 1 for writers.
I prefer not to swim through the white space. The writing was easy to read, but I felt the blog lacked personality. A color other than white might help, but all the empty space would still distract me.
Katya1013, I love your clean lines… Funnily, I’ve been thinking of late that it is time to overhaul my blog, unclutter it, and make it spare… So I’m fine with yours.
Eliz
I found the poem too spread out. There is a support document with advice about poetry. Shift and enter reduces the space between lines and can help with layout. Sue
I’ll just say… Tell me what you think about my “so called” poetry…
I would love to have some comments on my blog… http://tedstrutz.com … I’ve mostly been doing flash fiction to prompts by Trifecta and Friday Fictioneers.
ooh I would love to have general feedback and ideas about my photoblog:
http://blog.laplumenoire.co.uk/
I love your header image, its beautiful
blog posts look interesting and lovely photos, nice 
Thank you!
Hi everyone! My blog content is book reviews mainly for mysteries/European authors with some side topics. I’ve been blogging for two years on this one topic and would like some feedback specifically if any of the books sound interesting? any comments on voice/style? is it too boring? etc. I can take constructive criticism and would appreciate some honest feedback and thank you in advance!
Whoops I forgot to leave my url avidmysteryreader.com
Please stop my photography blog and give some feedback:
http://mostlymonochrome.wordpress.com/
If you could single out a post or picture that you like either by a like or comment then I can use it to help me see which direction to go in.
MostlyMonochrome,
You have an impressive collection. The daunting part was figuring out where one set of photos stopped and another post started. Maybe the post titles could be bigger as your photos are quite large. I love landscapes and people but you should follow your heart and choose what’s best in your work. What was your original vision? Revisit it. TY!
Eliz
I agree, your photos are too close together and lose their impact. ALso what is happening, why are those people there doing those things? There is no context just a whole lot of images, which doesnt give me much reason to engage. Your shots are quite good BTW and I like your BW treatments
Just a small blog with some short stories and, so far, two articles. One about Ray Bradbury and another about the point of Writing Blogs. http://theimaginationman.wordpress.com/
Thank you again for this great opportunity!
I am currently working on a writing project and I would appreciate some feedback on how I’m doing right so far!
The link below will take you to a recent excerpt I have posted on my blog. Simply click “Next post” at the bottom of the page to move to the next excerpt.
Thank you for your time and your feedback…
http://citizenofvillejoie.com/2013/02/20/citizen-of-ville-joie-bearable-memories/
Hello, I’d like some feedback on my blog. I recently switched to the “Responsive” Theme and I’ve been working on it this past weekend. Still not finished, but I’d like to hear what people think of the look so far. It’s a gaming/tech blog so keep that in mind. I’m also using a static page for the first time on the front page and would like to hear feedback on it.
http://kingisaaclinksr.wordpress.com/
Thanks!
-King
The over-sized image on the right of your background was distracting for me. I clicked into your blog to see reviews but did not find a tag on the menu for reviews. I did click on the cloud tag, but didn’t notice it stratight away.
Reviews are in the reviews categories, I don’t have them on the top-bar menu atm, but could add them if that was requested.
http://thearnoldianproject.wordpress.com/
My blog is kind of a vent for my curiosity about the world. This makes for a big range of topics and I think that’s off-putting to some people.
For example, my teaching posts attract a fair number of regular commentors and shares, but then I’m afraid they won’t know what to do with the religious stuff, or literature stuff, or werewolf stuff. Should I just be who I am and not worry so much? Feedback is welcome either here or on my blog itself…
PS. I’d love advice about how to encourage Facebook sharing without sounding like a panderer. Thanks!
I would place a menu at the top of your page that allows a reader to go to the area they wish to read from.
This is a good suggestion. I’ve been thinking of using Spring Break to do some re-organizing and cleaning up in the way of categories and such and maybe that would help too. Thanks!
I’m always up for constructive criticism. Feel free to check out my blog, let me know if anything strikes you as weird, crappy, or out of place.
I got lost immediately. A cloud or a menu would be helpful. I did a random click and found a “twist-a-plot” post where I got eaten rather early in the story
Next round, I am going to avoid a healthy walk.
I just started another blog for writers of fiction to come to have their work critiqued called KRI-TEEK MEE (http://kriteekmee.wordpress.com/about/). I started it based off a recent Community Pool: Focus on Fiction (http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/community-pool-fiction/) I’ve been looking at it and I’m wondering if there is too much information. What I would like to know is if it is a lot of information and if so, what can I pair down and of course any other suggestions you may have.
This is my first time on this page. Have just launched a blog writing about psychotherapy. Would really appreciate any thoughts from anyone willing to have a look. I’m totally new to blogging and am just learning as I go.
Thanks in anticipation.
Psychotherapyblogger
Generally, the page needs color. Some images inside the text will help break up long articles. Finding something to read was easy.
Thanks for taking the time. I’ll look for some images….any suggestions on what sort of stuff works on blogs? Does it have to be connected to the topic of the blog?
Most blogs use images that are related in some fashion. They could be funny images if the blog is light of heart, or the post about it being all about money could simply have images of money. The main idea of the images is to break up long text and give a hint as to what the text contains.
HI Doc,
The theme which is white on black is just fine by me. Some have themes on black on white which is harder to read. What I am saying is I can read what’s written on your post.
The second thing, in my opinion, is to break long paragraphs into smaller paragraphs. English is my second language and I find it easier when I read smaller chunks. Long paragraph appears to me as if the person kept on talking and have not taken a breath.
Thanks very much for you reply. That’s really helpful about the structure for my text and I will try and break up the paragraphs a little bit more.
Just looking for advice on how I could improve site. I don’t know code yet.
Thanks!
This actually is a great way to get to know about interesting bloggers and their work. I found a couple just reading through the comments.
sorry forgot to post url for blog site http://personcentredpsych.wordpress.com
Hi all. My blog is about general things really, stuff that comes into my head, rants, stuff that makes me think, pictures I find a general mixed bag. I would just like some general feedback on the blog, peoples general opinion. the blog is at http://cognitivereflection.wordpress.com/
thanks in advance.
http://jstewart413.wordpress.com/
I forgot to post the link…
Hi I am very new to blogging so would love some constructive feedback on my blog, ond would love some tips on how to get my blog more views, as at the moment I only really have friends and family reading it.
http://www.beautybykaris.com
Hi Karis, your blog looks really good. Its not really my thing but I love the design and you seem to have put a lot of work into it. Maybe you could use more pictures. And you could start posting comments on other beauty sites
I would like if possible some feedback on my blog, I mainly started it when at university to journal my university projects so that tutors could have a look at progress etc, I have recently abandoned it by not posting for a while but challenged myself to blog more.
Any ideas on how I can improve? Prefer feedback on my blog please so i can track comments
Thanks
http://robertdickinsonphotography.com/
blog looks good, nice clean design, some story to go with the text. But WTF are you doing with your watermarks on the images, text and style and size and design and opacity changes from image to image. Personally not a fan of really intrusive watermarks but whatever you choose to do, would be better to make it consistent.
Documenting our date nights for the next year. Thoughts?
This is a great idea. I have been looking for some feedback on my relatively new photography blog. Any feedback appreciated, especially with regard to format, aesthetics and content! Thanks!
http://destinationsbymv.wordpress.com
I would like if possible some feedback on my blog, I mainly started it when at university to journal my university projects so that tutors could have a look at progress etc, I have recently abandoned it by not posting for a while but challenged myself to write more.
Any ideas on how I can improve? Prefer feedback on my blog please so I can track comments
Most content is about my photography work, design work etc.
Thanks
http://robertdickinsonphotography.com/
Fantastic post! I would also like some feedback on my blog :
http://sophiebowns.wordpress.com/
You can also contact me via twitter : https://twitter.com/Sophie_Bowns
May I suggest you edit out “Just another wordpress blog”? I’m not really into this sort of fiction, so I can’t comment on the content. Sue
Do you like the layout of my website?
The title is Black and White. Questions:
– How come the colour is Red not Black.
- Does your theme capable of having a sidebar of most recent topic? I find this helpful rather than using arrows to navigate through your post.
- The calendar is good. What is the purpose of this?
You don’t need to answer these, just think about it.
Other than that, I like the expanse of your theme and big fonts for ease of reading.
Greetings community-poolers! I’ve just started writing a creative writing blog. http://bloodoverithaca.wordpress.com/
I’m posting a vampire/action/dark humor story as well as various random facts on strange and unusual topic. Check it out if you have time!
I just started my blog in November and would love some feedback!! Originally, this blog started as a creative writing outlet for myself. I am aiming to get more of an outside following on the blog but now sure how to get the word out. Please let me know what you think, would love your honest feedback. Thanks!
http://www.thatgirlryan.com
“If a blog got posted in a forest with no one around, will it still make a sound?”
Please folks – I’d love to get some feedback on how my blog http://www.businesslifeasia.com can be more useful. Thanks very very much!!!!!
Reblogged this on My Radar Blog.
Yo folks. I just finished the redesign of a portfolio website. Would love to get some feedback. I’m a professional dancer and designer therefore this site has a little bit of everything I do.
Tanx a million.
http://www.neilorangepeel.com
Hi , I have never blogged before just recently and I got great tips from another blogger on what to do and not do … I would really love to hear what you all think of my blog . I don know what I’m doing … Lol … I just feel passionately about offering help to moms and dads with kids that have special needs and I wanted to get the word out so I started this blog . Let me know what you think . momassist.org
I have made a lot of changes to the layout of my blog so I would like to get some feedback on the visual aspect of my blog. I am open to helpful tips on how to improve my blog content-wise as well.
Thank you in advance, have a nice day!
I’m thankful I haven’t had any issues with cyber bullying! I did recently change my format and I’m seeking commentary on that if anyone has a few extra moments.
http://wileyschmidt.wordpress.com/
Good on you Wiles. The colour and the layout are excellent. With my poor eyesight, the fonts are a wee bit for this myopic eyes. It’s just me. I always enjoy your inspirational post.
Hey, I’ve been blogging for awhile, but am slowly learning about the blogging community. I’d like to figure out how to generate discussions or encourage questions, any thoughts on how to get conversations going? For example, I write something then ask for thoughts in which we can start conversing.
You could try replying to comments and asking another question. I find most comment threads end after 2 or 3 comments. I’m not sure public forums are a good place for in depth discussion. Sue
As someone who recently started blogging, I found this to be an eye-opener. Thanks for the great read, and let’s see if I can make it work as well.
Hi! I started a blog (http://improvingkrys.wordpress.com) at the end of January, and in order to get my feet under me, I decided to start out with a strict topic schedule, posting 6 days a week.
I’m not having trouble writing the content, but I’m starting to feel a bit of “conversational whiplash” bouncing from topic to topic each day, and wonder whether it’s just me, or if it feels that way to readers, too.
I’m considering cutting back to 3-4 posts per week, with a more organic transition from post to post, as opposed to the rotational schedule I’m currently following. I’m not entirely sure how to do that, but right now things aren’t feeling quite “right”.
In addition to feedback on the conversational whiplash concern, I would also appreciate thoughts on my writing style and the look/feel of the blog itself. It’s still so new, I’m mostly playing to an audience that I know personally offline, and therefore I feel their feedback is colored by their association with me.
Thank you in advance for your assistance!
http://improvingkrys.wordpress.com
It’s really good to re-read the community rules!
I find this blog really helpfull… the only thing i am still working on is “how can i make people read my blog” … hehe… not so easy!
Another thing i remember now…. many times, after reading a promt, i find that “coments are closed”… why is that? Why can’t i post on there?
Thanks very much for ur help.
Just in case, if anyone wants to check… melinarepetti.wordpress.com =)
Do you mean the daily prompts? If so, the way to be included is to link from your post written in response to the prompt. This creates a pingback (in the comments area) so others can find your post. Sue
Ohh thanks! You mean in my own blog? I should link the daily prompt below my writing?
Yes and use the tag of category daily prompt. Sue
Hi! I started a blog (http://improvingkrys.wordpress.com) at the end of January, and in order to get my feet under me, I decided to start out with a strict topic schedule, posting 6 days a week.
I’m not having trouble writing the content, but I’m starting to feel a bit of “conversational whiplash” bouncing from topic to topic each day, and wonder whether it’s just me, or if it feels that way to readers, too.
I’m considering cutting back to 3-4 posts per week, with a more organic transition from post to post, as opposed to the rotational schedule I’m currently following. I’m not entirely sure how to do that, but right now things aren’t feeling quite “right”.
In addition to feedback on the conversational whiplash concern, I would also appreciate thoughts on my writing style and the look/feel of the blog itself. It’s still so new, I’m mostly playing to an audience that I know personally offline, and therefore I feel their feedback is colored by their association with me.
Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Hello everyone, I am thinking of sending the White House a letter, recently I wrote a letter to them but I feel that something is missing. Does it sound too rude? Are the words not strong enough? Please take a look at it and tell me what I can fix to make this letter better.
Thank you.
http://avisparadisus18.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/listen-white-house/ this is the post, feel free to message me here or in my post.
A.P
Just some general feedback would be pretty nice.
Thanks for your time.
I like your sense of humour, the letter to your future self is cute (love the rad tattoos comment). I dont know if you can change it but your font size is really small difficult to read. Otherwise nice clean simple design (not a fan of the floating balloon personally but it may well be your thing )
Help! I started blogging last 2011 but then completely stopped the entire 2012. Then this 2013, I decided to go write again but it was so hard to start again using the old blog that I created a new one (i think my OCD got the better of me).
However, as I was maintaining the new one, followers from the old blog were curious and wanted me to keep the old one. So I decided to make my old blog somewhat like a diary and a more personal one(less or not publicized). Then the new one will be like the more literary and more “out there” blog.
Is this wise? Or should I just merge them? If I should merge them, how? I love the structure of the new one. But I can’t let go of my posts in the old one. Thanks so much.
Old blog: http://mafiatot.wordpress.com/
New blog: http://dramaqueenunderthesun.wordpress.com
http://melinarepetti.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/the-terrorist-attack-weekly-writing-prompt/ I’m not sure why i cant submit my links …
Hi Melina! What exactly are you having problems with? Are you unable to leave a comment?
Hi! Thanks ffor answering…. Yes im unable to leave comments so people can find my work on daily prompts. It always says “comments are closed”. Thank u!!!
This site ROCKS!!!!! Kudos to wordpress. I’ve learned more in three hours about blogging and the art skills I need to improve the product I am putting out than I’ve learned in twenty years. That said-
I have to get out of the stone age with my cartoons and go digital. I NEED FEEDBACK!!
Would someone kindly check it out and leave a critique? Knowledge shared is knowledge gained and grace received in kind. (what goes around comes around)
Not worried about content just the images.
thanks
http://just4ublogdotcom.wordpress.com/
Being fairly new to blogging, I’d appreciate any comments you’d like to share about me site. Thanks!
Again nice simple clean blog design, nice mix of images and text but the text size is quite small. Made me feel a bit like I was squinting. Cute beagles!
In every aspects of life, appreciation & criticism are going to play their role. Its up to us how we face it. I personally believe that where appreciation encourage me & keep me inspire to do the work which I am good at, criticism make me correct my mistake & sometime I enjoy to make my critics wrong too
. So all kinds of comments are welcome 
Date with Death
http://hopeoflight.wordpress.com/2013/02…
I read your most recent post! It was very inspiring and a ray of sunshine! My only critism would be some grammatical errors, but that is easily overlooked with the content of your blog! Keep it up!
Thanks a lot for reading my post. I am trying my best & yes I admit that there is some grammatical error as English is second language .
Thanks once again
I appreciate feedback. I write a bit of everything.
I love it! I am now following you. I love your honesty, love, love, love it. AND you made me laugh! Bonus! Only critism, you have archives twice as a widget, unless I’m missing something, I don’t think there is a need for two.
I look forward to reading more of your posts and am hoping they continue to be unexpected and honest.
Thanks so much Ms. Sarah. I appreciate the input. Thanks for the input on the archives. I’m still finding my way around wordpress, so, no you are not missing a thing. Hahaha yes, unexpected and honest you can pretty much count on. Thanks again!
I’d love some feedback on my blog and site. I have a static homepage and I think it may detract from people reading my blog. I’d like to expand my subscribers beyond friends and family. Any input appreciated.
oops, forgot my blog address, ardisanelson.com/makingmebold/
Great blog. You speak from the heart and from experience. Readership seems to build the more you write and with clear tags and well set out page, which you have. You’ve encouraged me to make mine a little clearer.
Wow, this community pool idea is an awesome concept! I’m a new blogger, and right now my content is pretty varied. I would love any sort of constructive feedback about any part of the blog, it all helps and I promise I won’t take offence!
These are two of my posts:
http://brownbearcafe.com/tall-poppy-syndrome/
http://brownbearcafe.com/2013/03/04/veganism-the-elephant-in-the-room/
Thanks!
Hey everyone! I added the About Me widget. Turns out my About me really was hiding away! It was in the pages and being the dullard I am, couldn’t figure out why it played peekaboo half the time. So! Let me know what you think, please?
http://calliopeslyre.wordpress.com
want some feedbacks .,., must be here once http://bhardwajsk.wordpress.com
Hello everyone!
I am a new blogger and would really like some feedback.
All comments are acceptable as long as you are trying to be helpful, so please be honest.
Let me know what you think, what I can improve on and what you like!
I can take anything you dish out, so bring it on!!!
Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me out!
http://courage2run.wordpress.com/
Sarah, I looked at your page. I’m not into reading food or exercise blogs, but your content looks good. What really struck me is that the site looked too busy to me. The layout with the double columns on the right side were too busy for my brain to take in. Just one opinion.
Thank you for taking a look! I appreciated the feedback!
I’d love some feedback on my blog and site. I have a static homepage and I think it may detract from people reading my blog. I’d like to expand my subscribers beyond friends and family. Any input appreciated. http://ardisanelson.com/
I read your static homepage and I really liked it! I found it to be refreshing. My only question is about the Celebrate Recovery ~ what is it exactly that you are recovering from? Is it the death of your mother? I only ask because when I hear 12 step program, my mind automatically goes to addiction. It wasn’t completely clear why you attend Celebrate Recovery and what it is. I briefly went through your other pages as well and did see under resources you do give a clearer description of what it is, however, I am just thinking a clearer picture of what it is on your static page would be good. Or having the resources on your static homepage would make your site easier to navigate. I really do like the ‘about me’ being the first thing you see though!
Thanks for the feedback. Recovery is a lifestyle for me. What brought me to recovery was my work addiction, but that I found out I was co-dependent and had many addictive tendencies in my life. Your feedback is good food for thought to edit my home page. Thanks!
Hi! I have a poetry blog: http://littlewordworm.wordpress.com/ I would love feedback on my posts, look, and overall site. If you have any ideas for new posts, I would love that, since I can’t think of many new ideas. Constructive criticism is appreciated.
Hi! Over the past few weeks I’ve had some great feedback on many of my posts and on my theme and general layout. It’s been fantastic; thankyou to everyone who has commented so far!
If possible, I’d be super duper grateful if I could get some thoughts on my actual writing, and writing style in general. Also, if you have any ideas for a new post, that would be amazing, as I am still quite new to blogging.
Thanks!!
http://mydiffer3nce.wordpress.com/
Hi, me again! Quick question, i’m currently using the Oxygen theme for my blog as i wanted something simple and easy to read. Does this look ok or is it too dull? Are there any themes you would recommend that aren’t sore on the reader’s head? Thanks
http://mikeyb185.wordpress.com/
I like it. It’s a nice clean look. The only suggestion I have would be to reverse your side bars. In my opinion you have the most important things on the left and the least on the right.
Thanks for the advice. So which things should be on the left? The important things?
I would put Archives and Recent Posts on the right and Twitter on the left.
I just started another blog for writers of fiction to come to have their work critiqued called KRI-TEEK MEE. I started it based off a recent Community Pool: Focus on Fiction. I’ve been looking at it and I’m wondering if there is too much information. What I would like to know is if it is a lot of information and if so, what can I pair down and of course any other suggestions you may have.
http://kriteekmee.wordpress.com/
Please come and check out Light Warrior’s Report – The Mothership at http://danantonson.wordpress.com . All the comments I have I pulled out of my Spam Filter I’m not sure if they are real or not. I have things on here you have never heard anywhere before.
My blog is technical in nature (IT Service Management) and is targeted at a fairly analytical group. I’ve been experimenting with a more conversational style which is more common in general blogging. I’d like feedback on the style from folks who aren’t familiar with my niche. http://itsmtransition.com/2013/02/it-change-management-trouble-in-river-city/
My blog has recently got consistent. Before it was here and there. I have set a goal to post one photoblog which began this week (Wednesday) and one weekly blog (Mondays). I have reviewed many of the dailypost recommendations and tried to implement, but not getting much traffic, its about on par when I stopped blogging regularly 3 months ago and recently began again. My stats are just under the last quarter in 2012. I use SEO and Social Media (mostly twitter, yahoo and tumblr). What I’ve noticed is much of my viewers don’t get past the home page. Take a look and give some feedback about making the blog more appealing to continue reading. What am I missing?
Hey Kirby – I’m no expert by far, but i took a look, and i found myself distracted, looking left and right, rather than focusing on the articles that should be drawing me in. One thing that struck me was that the blurbs were too short and interrupted mid thought to pull me in.
Changing Seasons could benefit from more structure to guide the readers’ eyes where you want them. On first read through, i didn’t make the connection that “Camp Shenandoah, April 9th, 1862″ as a heading to a letter – the central theme of the post it seems.
I think a little more upfront to set the context of where you’re going (pull me in), give the letter, and then tell me what it means to you. (i.e. a “conclusion”, or call to action). “what a man thinks about when facing death – his true love” …. a challenge to live every day like this soldier. To live our core values. To face life’s difficulties knowing what’s truly important.
Great stuff, keep going!
If anyone is still following this post, I would appreciate your feedback on my ‘About’ page and ‘Recipe Box’ page. Looking to find a way to get more traffic to both. Please help a girl out!
Thank you!
Either click on my name or follow this link: http://www.courage2run.wordpress.com
thanks in advance!