Mar 30, 2014 / Community Pool

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. If you simply leave a link to your blog, it’s likely to be overlooked.
  • 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.

Show Comments

633 Comments

Comments are closed.

Close Comments

Comments

      1. That’s a good question 🙂 I guess in all ways possible — for instance navigation: when you land at my blog, do you have any idea where you are and where to go or what to do next? If not, what should I do to make you find your way easier? Is there anything that annoys you about the blog in terms of functionality, layout or else? Hope it’s more specific… 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yeah I like the layout – navigation is easy 🙂 How about adding the widget for “more recent posts” or the calendar to show when you post?

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I actually don’t see anything un-user friendly about your layout. You have a very specific point of view with the pictures, and they take pride of place, as they should. They’re the right size and they’re balanced on the page. There’s not too much copy, so I find myself easily scrolling through and enjoying the imagery. I think if you’re looking for “user friendly” you’ve hit it.

      Like

    3. Blog seems plenty user friendly to me. I like that the twitter/instagram feeds are so accessible – awesome way to have a consistent online presence… Also – your photos are great! So you’ve got that going for you.

      Like

    2. I like this general theme, but you’ll need to really think about how you present your content, especially in black and white. Is this all there is? There may be a way to show more content on you front page. If you’re still building content, then ignore this advice and keep adding! 🙂 I think this theme may work if there’s more “stuff” there…

      Like

    1. Hello ED. Let’s be openminded here. Look at your title and subtitle, is it possible to remove all the @ stuff and make a focus for your blog clear.

      Here’s a thought:

      thedition
      a journalist life in the world of media

      OR

      THEDITION
      a journalist perspective in the world of media

      —

      The other stuff written could all be placed in your bio or at the bottom of the page with the help of a widget.

      Tell me what you think… Twitter: @34kiwis

      Like

  4. Hey everyone!

    I’d appreciate feedback on some of my recent posts. Those being 5 reasons to meditate and other posts I’ve done this month. Any help on how to improve my writing or simply make my work more interesting would be lovely.

    Also, this is a bit self-indulgent but this is the first month I’ve posted every month since the beginning of the blog!

    Thanks!

    Like

    2. I love it that your blog is focused on a single subject, and it seems to be that you write about your topic well — it’s clear, easy to read, well arranged 🙂

      Like

    3. To be truthful, after reading your first post I was unsure. I felt like that kind of information about meditation could be found anywhere on the web. But as I read further, I found more and more and more meat. You have a lot of good content and a good point of view. I think this could really because a great self-help/improvement guide. You just will need to find the balance and what brings readers in; your stats should give you some feedback there.

      Like

      1. Thanks for the kind words 🙂 I understand what you mean by the meditation post essentially being a small drop in a sea of meditation advice but it’s great that you thought it got better.

        Thanks again 🙂

        Like

    4. I like how you blog is focused on a single subject and simply explain everything. You have really a good point of view. Ehhmm for me the language is a little bit too hard to understand since Im not really a good english speaker. Simple english would be fine, but just my opinion 🙂 Keep the good work.

      Like

    5. Hi, Improving Slowly, you’ve got a nice blog, and I love that poem about philosophers (philosophy major here). Just a note about your first post on meditation that I think might improve it. It seems like that first paragraph needs to be bigger. Maybe add the paragraph about the previous blog to the first paragraph, and give a brief overview, but still point to the other blog post. I’d just pump up that beginning a little more. You’re certainly on the right path, and those are just my two cents, for what they are worth. 🙂 I look forward to reading more of your writing.

      Like

      1. Glad you enjoyed the poem! I liked writing it so it’s nice to know another philosophy student read it 🙂

        Thanks for the feedback on my meditation post. I’ll see what I can do to improve it! I definitely understand where you’re coming from.

        Like

    6. I loved the write.
      Convinced to meditate myself.
      Would like if the blog is visually more appealing like adding a couple of images related to the topic.
      But the posts have their appeal so you can skip the images

      Like

    7. I really enjoyed your post about becoming a famous philosopher. (admittedly I do have a beard – so maybe I’m biased?) The only critique I would have is possibly inserting a link or two into your posts (ie: a link to a video tutorial of meditating etc…) Other than that, looks great!

      Like

    2. Your writing style is great! Your subject matter is really fantastic (love the pov from a place like Russia right now) and I like how you keep it personal. Your photos are the right size and the colors pop against the white background. I would say the only advice I have is that the text is too dense. The long paragraphs are great for essays, but not for the web. Try and cut them into a 1-3 sentences each and add more white space so your text is more scannable. Good luck.

      Like

  6. Hey guys. I’ve had a blog up for sometime now but I hardly get any views or comments on my posts. I was wondering if you would check out my blog at singhprasoon.wordpress.com. My blog is mostly about tech news.

    Like

    1. Have you been tagging/categorizing appropriately? Also, finding other blogs similar to yours is a great way of increasing your blog community. 🙂

      Like

      1. What an excellent comment–I am going to be smiling for quite some time because of you:D

        Like

      4. You seemed to have your head screwed on! When I was 17 I was way less mature than you! (I’m starting to sound like I’m ancient, I’m actually only 22 haha).

        Like

      5. Well, I do my best, and it’s because of such feedback as yours that I’m able to, so thank you and thank you again:D Your writing is most thoroughly entertaining me, so perhaps your grasp upon the less serious is a serious gift:D

        Like

      6. Haha aw thank you.
        Sometimes I do like to be a little serious, and reflect upon inspiring life quotes or conversations about life.
        Keep up your seriousness 🙂

        Like

    2. Hey your blog is pretty similar to mine! It’s good and you put your thoughts across clearly. Now, I’m going to comment on your entitlement post but this is a small thing. If respect doesn’t need to be earned does that mean you deserve it from everyone if you’ve done nothing to lose it? What does that mean for your idea that you’re entitled to nothing?

      Keep it up!

      Like

      1. Thank you for your kind words and your view–I will swing by your slice of the Internet quite soon!
        I look forward to your comment!

        Like

    3. Fantastic writing style. Great subject matter choices. Perfect theme choice for your subject. I don’t have anything critical to say. It’s great. 🙂

      Like

  8. Hi, I would like feedback on the usability of my blog in general. How is the layout? Are the widgets useful, and is it easy to comment or follow? I have been blogging for a year, but have only recently began to consider these other aspects of my site. And I just can’t the Twitter widget to stick. Any suggestions for me?

    Like

    1. I think it’s easy to follow. The only downside is that the post doesn’t have a date near it on the front page but that isn’t really a problem.

      Have you tried removing some other widgets on the sidebar? Some of them are so far down the page they probably won’t be used all that much anyway.

      Like

      1. Thank you for letting me know. I have hacked away at that darned Twitter widget, and it just won’t work. Oh well, at least it displays my twitter name…. I will try again.

        Like

    3. This isn’t my favorite layout. I don’t like the dull grey background for starters. If you have a feature photo of the same size for every post, then this sort of news magazine theme looks great. But if you have a mix of posts with no feature photo, then what happens is that the theme is out of alignment and looks strange. It’s also, as a rule, very busy. I would find a more linear theme, because you have great content and I’m afraid it’s getting lost. (Love that truck, btw!)

      Like

      1. Hi Jenna, Thank you so much for your helpful comments. I see what you mean. I have been switching and switching themes, and like the picture displays, but you’re making me think that I should do something else. I finally got a picture of that truck yesterday. Thanks again!! Very helpful.

        Like

      2. Your letters are a great little catch, but if you, as a writer, are getting bored with them that could be a good idea. The letters that you are writing are still interesting so it’s really just up to what you feel like writing. I think that this is a going to have to be up to what you, personally, feel like doing.

        Like

      3. Good point! Yeah I think I need a new challenge! Will have to figure out what.
        Thank you for the advice 🙂

        Like

    1. THIS is a nicely laid out post. Great use of bold, bullets and the image. Perfect length. Great idea and well written. I have nothing critical to say; well done.

      As for me, I’m totally passionate about my subject matter and the guys I write about. That’s what keeps ME writing. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Good SUNday afternoon!
    I recently update my blog format at http://fortherideinside.com – what do you think?
    Mostly used for posting and archiving music playlists and ride profiles for studio cycling…but also a place to post educational info about the world of indoor cycling!
    I just added the Twitter feed earlier today!
    Thanks for looking…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think with all the images and the different shaped images you use, this theme works for you. The yellow does make things hard to read. And if you’re color blind like my friend, it will make it nearly impossible. I’d try another background color.

      Like

    2. “Just check out your blog. I really like your layout! The color scheme and everything works well!

      Like

    1. I love the content. I’m a little undecided on the chalkboard but I say try it for a while. Your images are very much out of whack, though. I would put them on their own line and center them, as well as making them a little bigger. Your posts would be more scannable that way… Hope this helps.

      Like

      1. Everything helps, thank you. :). I shall try to improve the layout in the future. About the pictures: when I’m writing out the post I keep having to edit them down, because they’re huge unless. I’ll try and fiddle around with them to get a more comfortably sized images.

        Like

    2. Hi there! I think your food reviews are good. The latest one could have a follow up of a meal you make with some of the products you received. As for the gaming reviews, I think that should be a separate blog in itself.

      Like

  13. Heya Everyone,
    I have just started blogging and today I have changed it’s overall appearance, theme, the color combinations, header and everything.
    I want to know how it seems to other people as it looks absolutely fine to me plus I would also like some feedback about my writing style.

    Like

    1. hey 🙂 i love your posts, they are so positive and exude happiness. Seems like you and your best friend have the best kind of friendship! hehe. oh and about the appearance, maybe just tone down the greys? Because the colour would dull the page, just a suggestion 🙂

      Like

      1. thanku soo very much 🙂
        yeah i have one of the few gems on earth and i do love to brag about that 😛

        Like

    2. Your theme is good, but I’d spend some time straightening out the images within the posts. Make sure they’re on their own line and are centered. Right now, they end up in strange places in the posts and it’s hard to scan. Other than that, keep adding content. Your writing is great.

      Like

    3. I’d calm down a little bit on the punctuation, personally. You can still keep the excitement and happiness in the post without the use of a lot of question marks etc. But that’s just me, a lot of other people probably find it fine.

      Keep it up!

      Like

    4. I like your color scheme. I suggest you spend some time editing your posts to make them as perfect as you can so that they are reader friendly – it will keep people coming back. 🙂

      Like

    5. I like the theme of it but I would suggest going back and doing some spell checking. Overall it’s very pleasing. Good job for starting out. Happy blogging.

      Like

  14. Hey guys, I recently resurrected my blog and deleted off some pages because they don’t seem to fit anymore. Some bloggers I’ve seen have really short and sweet About pages, anyone have tips on how I could write an intro on myself like that? 🙂

    Also, comments on my writings and how I could improve would be much much appreciated 🙂

    http://www.ravishreminiscence.wordpress.com/

    Like

      1. No i don’t because the old one just doesn’t describe me anymore haha so i took it down.

        Like

    2. I cannot find your about page so I’m assuming you took it off. But if you want to write a decent about page, don’t just use adjectives to describe yourself and what you’re doing because they don’t really mean anything to the reader. Just give a small over view of what you’re writing about and why then give other readers a reason to be interested in it.

      Like

      1. Thank you, good tip! now that i think about it I do not like seeing about pages that describes the blogger himself too much. 🙂

        Like

  15. Hey all! I’m a high school senior and I write a blog: I’d love feedback about the perspective I take and the content about which I write. Also, layout comments? Thanks everyone!

    neverstationary.wordpress.com

    Like

    2. I like that posts in general. You have a good balance of content. Some of the photos threw me off (like the first one) because I wasn’t sure what they had to do with the post. I’d actually like to see more of your writing on the front page. It’s really good, but I don’t really get enough to get “hooked” before I have to click through and some people might not do that.

      Like

    1. You’re cool. Thanks for this. Though, I don’t really know what theme would be best or worst for the type of stuff I write.

      I’d hug you but it looks like you support tottenham and I’m a gooner sooooooooo it looks like we have to be enemies or something.

      Like

  17. Hey guys! I’d like some feedback on my blog in general and more specifically the theme, and my 3 most recent posts. Any advice is helpful, as I am trying to make my blog appeal more to you guys. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The posts are fantastic! First, I love the balance of different types of content. They’re all fresh, but they’re also written from your personal point of view, which makes them more compelling. You’re doing a great job of balancing images and content too. Your photos are well-chosen and you have them the right size. Overall, great job.

      On the theme, I would normally say it’s too plain but I actually think it supports your copy well. You may want to consider a custom header, but that’s a minor thing. Overall, your blog looks great!

      Like

    1. I love the content! It’s really insightful for me, especially since I’m not very familiar with soccer (or football as it’s called in England).

      Like

    1. I’m not clear on the purpose of Opinion Judge. It seems like a legal blog (which is a great niche idea). But the subtitle makes it sound like I will get to vote on things? Or that you will somehow judge different peoples’ opinions? Maybe clarify that a little more in your blog header and sub header

      Like

  21. I’ve changed my theme quite a lot and I am still unsure – I would appreciate some feedback. Thank you:
    steve-says.net

    Like

      3. It is pretty good. Suits your writing and your topics. Randomness sprinkled with awesomeness 😀 You have become one popular blogger it seems!

        Like

    2. I like the theme now. And I like your writing style and cartoons. I wish we could see your latest posts on your home page instead of your about. I’d love to see what you’re writing about without having to look around.

      Like

    1. I’m afraid I don’t get the connection between your title and your blog. I was expecting jokes, but I get NG pictures. Maybe think about changing your blog name?

      Like

    1. LOVE how the blog is looking! Your images are so great and your balance of content and photos is perfect. How are your views coming?

      Like

  26. When would you guys say is the best time to post an update? like a day of the week or a specific time. When do you prefer reading most of your reader feed ?

    Like

    1. I’ve heard before that it’s best to post between 4 and 6 in the evening. I haven’t personally tried this before, but it sounds like a good idea! Hope this helps 🙂

      Like

      1. I think it depends on the audience you’re shooting for. If you write for high school kids, post your entry either right after classes get out or late at night, say 9 or 10. Working adults check their blogs at lunch. Grandma probably reads hers after her 4:30 PM dinner. Hope that helps!
        –TheAnsible
        http://jperez600aday.wordpress.com/

        Like

    2. It depends on your subject matter. I write about football (soccer) referees, and I live in Pacific time in America. But the vast majority of my readers are from Europe. So, I’ve taken to scheduling my posts for 1am my time, so that my European readers have something new to read. Likewise, I gave myself the “weekends off” at first, but that’s when all the games happen and I’m expected to keep up. You’ll have to see what is best for your content and audience.

      Like

    4. I find the majority of my followers who comment on my posts tend to be online on weekdays and the best publication time for posts is Monday to Friday in prime time internet hours in North America.

      Like

    1. First of all, I love your content and your theme. The balance between imagery and copy is great. I just wasn’t expecting this subject matter from your name; I was expecting more “tech news”. But the blog itself is great.

      Like

      1. Thank you Jenna!

        Well yes my blog name is a bit off, but as long as I make some impact through my content, I’m sure my pseudo name wont be much of a problem. 🙂

        Like

    2. The “tech” part of your title almost sent me away because I’m “tech challenged.” 🙂 But I bit the bullet and checked it out. Wow, great stuff.

      Like

    1. I like this balance of poetry and short prose. Sometimes people try and fit TOO much of their writing into a blog post. These are easily digestible bits. The theme is good to support them. Great work.

      Like

    2. So, my opinion is that there’s WAY too much “stuff” on here and it’s actually hard to see your post. There’re two (large) sidebars and a large comment section. Your post is stuck into a small corner and we don’t get a chance to see your great writing. I’d look for a post that dials down the “stuff” and lets your content shine.

      Like

      1. I think that’s just the way the theme is set up, though. If I remove one of those sidebars it’s just empty space, waiting to be filled with something. The Latest & Featured posts don’t expand to fill the space on the front page.

        Thank you for having a look.

        Like