Aug 3, 2014 / Community Pool

Community Pool

It’s time for this week’s Community Pool! Duck-shaped life savers: optional.

Have you just published a new post and are dying for some feedback? Did you recently start your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

Tap into the wisdom of The Daily Post blogging community and leave your question here in the comments. Others can then click through and offer input either on your site, or in the comments here (feel free to indicate which you’d prefer).

To help us make the Community Pool a productive space for discussion, here are some tips you might find useful:

TIP: 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.

  • 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!
  • 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 smother.
  • Please keep all comments civil and constructive. The idea is to have fun — it’s a pool, after all!
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
  • No running on the deck.

Photo by Brian Cantoni.

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    1. I laughed. =) And I think that’s saying something. Usually, when I’m reading, I kind of chuckle inwardly if I find something amusing. I’d say you have a good balance of funny and serious in your article. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to read more of your work…

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much, Sarah, that’s a huge compliment! I’m glad to hear that you were not disappointed that I took away your time by making you read my post 😉 Have a great blogging summer!

        Like

    3. Your first sentence grabbed me, “…regularity of a Swiss watch…” I liked that and the following word pictures.

      I missed the part the second allergist asked you to inhale some *medication*. Perhaps make the sentence shorter? Perhaps describe how the medication tasted? I think this is important because that is the setup for why you started shivering.

      In the last paragraph I wasn’t sure when you were speaking to the allergist or it was internal dialog.

      Loved the unique twist as you describe your health after you quite smoking.

      P.S. I hope my comments are not to lengthy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You comments are certainly not too lengthy and they are most welcome! Thank you for taking the time to give me this great feedback — now I’m checking back to the passages you mention and I think I can see what you mean. I should certainly work on improving my clarity when writing. And add some drama when drama is due when preparing ground for what comes next 😉 Yours might be the best feedback I ever got — very specific and very helpful; thank you so much again!

        Like

    4. It is always a tough one when you try to make something that is quite a serious subject into something funny. I found it humour amusing but not funny so to speak, but I think that’s more due to the fact that I recently quite smoking so I’m still struggling with people talking about it without the cravings setting in…

      I think it came across as more funny than serious, but if you’re looking for something more laugh-out-loud funny something you could try is experimenting with your text layout. I think the formal paragraph layout doesn’t quite lend itself to humorous writing… but that may just be me.

      I’m certainly checking out the rest of your blog though. Good stuff!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Good, if not funny, then I’ll go with amusing… Seriously, thanks so much for your detailed comment and suggestions. It’s very helpful. It’s only thanks to all your lovely feedback that I can see my weak points and try to improve them.

        The idea about experimenting with layout is an excellent one, it didn’t even occur to me before! I’ll be definitely trying to come up with something along these lines!

        Once again, thanks a lot for your help, and happy blogging!

        Like

      1. Oh hi, so nice to see you again! Hope all’s fine with you 😀 And I’m glad that my post didn’t bore you to death. Have an excellent summer and a great time blogging!

        Like

    6. I thought it was funny, but more of a quiet humor (not necessarily laugh out loud funny, but more of the smile and laugh to yourself kind of funny). I think it really worked with your subject matter, though. If it was too laugh out loud funny, I might’ve felt sort of bad laughing at someone’s expense. But I think you definitely succeeded at making the post more humorous than serious. I look forward to reading more posts from you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much for your detailed feedback! It means a lot 🙂 Yes, I realise that it’s not exuberant but rather quietly funny, I’m slowly finding out that it would be my style. Maybe I relied too much on the assumption that people like laughing at other people’s expense, that’s a good point you have! A lot of food for thought in any case. Thank you again and happy blogging!

        Like

    8. I’ve just read it and loved it, really made me laugh and a great way to get through life is to find the humour in it.

      I’ve started to follow your blog and can’t wait to read more.

      Like

    9. @mara eastern :
      Your article was an interesting read ,spiced with subtle humour. I loved the frequent use of sarcasm ..lines like ”not to tell me she was gay…” added a nice touch to the whole humour element in your article…keep writing 🙂

      Like

      1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! It means a lot to me, really. So, encouraged by you, I’m off to write more, and meanwhile I wish you a great summer!

        Like

    10. Hi Mara – I really liked this piece! There are certainly so many unintentionally funny moments when one steps into the medical world. You’ve captured this one very well! I also really like the layout and simplicity of your site, and your photos are absolutely beautiful. I love your plan for posting. I look forward to seeing more!! 🙂

      Like

      1. Thanks a lot, that’s very encouraging to hear! And seriously, I love your blog in return — I was laughing myself mad at your bathing suit shopping trilogy 😀 Oh, but wait, wasn’t I supposed to laugh…? I hope you’ll start a new trilogy now that you’ve got your perfect bathing suit!

        Like

  2. ‘Sup lovelies!
    Here’s my latest post: 7 life lessons I learnt from Eastenders. What do you reckon? Perhaps I should review soaps for a living?
    I’ll do yours if you do mine!
    Cheers 

    Like

      1. Thanks!
        So perhaps a career in writing about soaps..?
        Just had a look-see at your blog, nice theme. Though you have only posted once, I admire how you already have an FAQ page, and so I am now going to follow you.
        Cheers!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. A career is on the cards yeah!

        I quite like the theme if a bit dull 😛 i like the minimalist feel 😀

        I only have it as I used to run a youtube channel so i’ve linked that so it was just copied over :’)

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, so very much! I am always interested in feedback regarding layout and writing style, and all comments on the aforementioned are deeply appreciated.

        Like

    2. Hi! I just checked it out – such a cute blog! I love the layout + color scheme! If I were to make a suggestion, I’d say to add the “subscribe” widget to your sidebar so that it’s easier for non-wordpress users to follow you with their email 🙂 Hope that helps!
      Also, if you have the time, I’d love it if you could check out my blog too and just give any kind of feedback on layout and the posts 🙂 http://prettylittlethingsxo.wordpress.com/ Thanks!

      Like

    3. Your blog looks neat, simple and effective. Think about what you eventually want to do with your blog. Do you have a goal, s it for fun? etc. Focus on that and come up with interesting and refreshing posts. No worries, creating a blog takes up a lot of time. I still make changes on mine monthly.

      Like

    4. I love the look of your blog, everything looks great too me. In addition to the links of your social media sites in your about page, you should put an Instagram/twitter/Facebook widget. It would personalize the blog a lot! But I absolutely love the look, great work!

      Like

    5. Your blog is really aesthetically pleasing, big fan of the overall look!
      We have the same theme, aha small world 😛 If you could take a look at my layout and stuff and tell me what you think that would be great 😀

      Like

      1. Thank you! As you can probably guess I like the theme of your blog. 🙂 And having your instagram feed on the sidebar is really visually interesting. I can’t wait to see more from you!

        Like

      2. It is a swanky theme, even if my style is a bit boring 😛

        I’m a huge fan of instagram (cool kid me)!

        I’ve got quite a few posts in the drafts currently so hopefully won’t be too long 😀

        Liked by 1 person

    7. The biggest thing to advertise with your blog is its main focus. What are you writing about? Is it a fashion blog or just something where you word vomit your thoughts? The layout is fantastic and the way you structure your posts are great, but you don’t really mention what your purpose or focus is.

      Like

      1. Thank you! I’m still trying to figure that out. I think I want it to focus a lot on fashion and beauty, but I also want to write about my experience as a college student living in NYC. I have to work on that a bit

        Like

      2. Pick one or do both. Make it a “fashion tips from a NYC college student” type of blog where that opens the venue for both experiences and fashion.

        Like

      3. Despite the abrupt, authoritarian delivery of what I’m sure was supposed to be a polite request, I did read some of your posts; I didn’t find them overly engaging, I guess because I cannot relate. But that said, I did really like your post on the Eighth Sin; this was thought provoking and concise – I am a fan of anything that either makes me chuckle or gets me thinking, and yes, that was a good post in my opinion. 🙂

        Like

    4. Nice blog, the humour was well placed and you write in a very entertaining way. If I have one criticism, it is that you seem like a guy who is naturally quite funny so I would have expected your postings to be even funnier. That’s just my opinion though 🙂

      Good stuff though, keep it up!

      Like

      1. I am actually a bitter and angry person who hates the world and all that resides upon it. My dry humour is a survival mechanism. I have written about eggs a lot; you might like these as they are funny. Well that is my judgement anyway. Thanks for reading!

        Like

    5. It’s alright 😛

      Seriously though I took a look and I really enjoyed your adulthood post, so much so I commented.

      The site is fairly clean, maybe a tad too clean for me, but as the blog isn’t mine if you are happy then we are happy. I found the font a bit too large, but that is better than being too small, it is only an issue when trying to ninja read at work, like I am now.

      I did only read a couple of posts so far including the adult one it I notice that your posting frequency is fairly irregular, one post seemed to indicate you are coming back from blogging from a break? I only ask that as if you post regularly and they are as good as the adult post then I’d probably follow your blog.

      Like

      1. Thanks for the feedback!
        I like the cleanliness, keeps the content striking in my opinion.

        My posting is irregular, and the content eclectic; I post when the feeling and inspiration take me, which happens to be less these days.

        I can’t promise more regular postings, but I would argue that it might be worth following anyway. My posts vary in quality but I usually attempt humour or wisdom or both in all my posts; and the writing is generally the same in style and tone.

        I don’t know when the next post will be; who knows when inspiration will strike….

        Thanks for reading!

        Like

  8. Hi everyone,
    Honestly? I’ve been going through a rough time and been completely amazed by the support by everyone – so looking for more people to share life with.
    HOWEVER, I have a new theme/ header and such going down which I’d love feedback on 🙂
    Many thanks
    Sare
    http://www.newteacherlife.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. I like both the new theme and the header (though I can’t compare with the old ones). I always find pictures of people made so that their face can’t be seen pleasantly intriguing. I like to be left with space for imagination. Also, I adore your avatar image! 😀

      Like

    2. Hey Sare, your blog is good, you share your stories and that’s important. I think you should consider to embrace white. The brown-ish font is not for everybody to feel free to look around. Stick with the basics. 🙂 Well that’s my point of view, have fun blogging! wkr, Mariska 😀

      Like

    5. Your content is great and I like the layout theme you picked. My only word of advice is the grammar within your content. In your most recent post their were a few mistaken word identity like “whole” and “hole”. Common “oopsy” moments, but overall your blog looks great!

      Like

      1. Oh dear, I didn’t even notice! I am awful at proof reading my own work – and to think I’m a teacher! Thanks for the feedback and I’ll keep my eyes out for those pesky mistakes that are getting through! x

        Like

    1. The bright background was a bit overwhelming to my eyes, but overall it looks nice. (That could just be some sort of weird sensitivity that I have so definitely get more opinions).

      Like

    2. I didn’t see the previous color, but I see the blue and like it. It’s a great contrast to the orange tabs. Nicely done!

      Like

    3. I liked the look of your layout it was set up as if I was looking into your journal and blue is my favorite color so I liked the background color it went very while. I liked the quotes and short stories I didn’t have time to read the essays. I then checked your about page and realized that you are just like me in some aspect but at least you are writing about some of science. So maybe that should be were you go in the direction of a write who writes short stories involving science. Hope this help and good luck keep up the good work.

      Like

    4. You may want to make “PASSIONATELY IN LOVE WITH SCIENCE BUT I HAVE A LOVE AFFAIR WITH LITERATURE.” in a lighter color-you can’t really see it.

      Like

    1. To be honest, when i read your latest post, i wondered whether these small things you mention are really worth it. They gave me something for contemplation, but in negation; for instance, “an eruption of a near-world war and this? seriously?”
      Then it started kicking in. What you say really justifies this term – ‘it’s the little things that count’
      Nice work there! Appreciate it. It’s how well you connect to the readers. Take my word, you’re doing it right. Keep it up! 😉 – Rahul

      Like

    1. Oooh I love your blog and this post! I usually do a post at the beginning of each month to kind of plan ahead for what’s coming but this is a great way to round up some of the best moments of the month that’s passed too! You just inspired me to try something new with my blog 🙂
      Feel free to check it out too and give me some feedback if you have the time! Thanks 🙂 http://prettylittlethingsxo.wordpress.com/

      Like

      1. Oh thank you ines! I was just on your blog! what a coincidink!
        I plan ahead on paper at home, I know I don’t always stick to my plans 😉 that’s why!

        Like

    2. I love your zooming header on the blog 🙂 But that’s not what you asked about. I’m a great fan of round-up posts, I find them interesting. I think that it’s excellent that your post contains multiple media. For me, this rocks!

      Like

    4. I loved your simple, clean, and artistic use of white space, inserts, and photos.

      My only suggestions is there a quite a bit of white space between lines of text in a single paragraph (between the last two photos). I found that distracting.

      The white space between paragraphs I thought was perfect. Also like the choice of font and the size.

      Like

    5. I had a little dip into the site and I like it, the look and feel of it reminds me of the 70’s (in a good way) I like the vintage look to the photographs. The font is nice and clear. I’ve not read much of the content (bar the monthly roundup) yet but I had added your blog to my reader and will delve in when I can.

      I did like the roundup, not sure if it would work for every blog but I think it does yours justice.

      Like

  12. Hey everyone! I’ve started blogging on a regular basis recently and I find that my writing style seems more narrative in nature, rather than opinionated.

    Any tips on how I can improve?

    Thanks a lot for your time.

    Like

      1. Thank you for your gracious opinion.
        PS, your post, ‘The Art of the Chameleon’ has to be one of the most relevant (and oft-ignored) commentaries I’ve read.

        Like

    3. I really don’t know much about opinionated writing (like officially) but it seems like the idea is you state an opinion and then you tell a narrative to express the idea behind your opinion. It seems like what you’re doing to me…

      Like

      1. Hi there! I’d actually thought of it the other way around. I was under the impression that a narrative just put in prose, events that’ve already occured and I’d then give an opinion on it. Looks like I need to find myself a dictionary then!

        Thanks for your take!

        Like

    4. I really liked your blog, you’ll see a comment on your latest post!

      I would also say, don’t worry about the narrative or opinionated nature of your work. You seem like a talented writer, and if you feel the urge to share an “opinion” you’ll do it with ease.
      For now, your narrative is really fun to read!

      Like

      1. Thank you! I’ve read that comment as well.

        Compared to some of the posts I’ve read in the last day or so, my blog does seem to be that of a novice. Well, l fully intend to catch up!

        Like

    1. I like the theme and I feel having the categories prominent on the left like you have them will help a ton with people finding recipes or articles they are interested in.

      Like

    1. I really like how you have everything arranged and all the little detail you put into it. From the header to the background, to the colors. It feels like a great horror blog to me (even though horror isn’t really my thing). Well done. 😀

      Like

    2. Love the blog, I agree that pictures would give your blog a more visual appeal, but everything looks great. You should also add the follow button that allows people that don’t have WordPress accounts to sign up through email so they can receive your posts.

      Like

      1. Hey I am glad you loved it!!! 🙂
        Sure, some pictures coming up soon!
        I did try and add the Follow button but I guess something went wrong! I’ll fix that too!
        Thanks so much for the feedback! Lot of encouragement! 🙂

        Like

    3. The layout is nice, the only thing I’m not a fan of are the titles with alternating capital/lower case letters.

      Like

      7. Hey! Your posts are so relatable! Particularly the one about glasses and icecream! Love your writing style too! Looking forward to read more soon!
        I would love to know your views on some of my posts too! 🙂 Thanks!

        Like

      8. I will definitely look at your blog and provide feedback! I’m glad you find my posts relatable. I look forward to reading your posts soon!

        Like

  16. Hey all. I’m so glad other people have decided to join in to suzie81 and my series on why we love our countries.

    What do you think of my latest post? What do you think about Scotland, England and America? Would you like to join in on these posts? I’d love to hear from you…

    United We Stand: 10 Things I Love About My Country #2: Inventors & Inventions… | Steve Says…
    http://steve-says.net/

    Like

    2. I really like your blog concept. It’s fun and has kind of a hipster vibe to it in my opinion. The “Why I love my country” posts are a cool idea. Overall you have a cool blog!

      Like

  17. I have just finished revamping my About page and would love some feedback. http://greenembe.rs/about/

    My goals were simple. To combine the several different pages I had into one page. Make it easy to get to each different sections. For my personal summary to sound a bit more professional but still have that amateur feel to it (if that makes any sort of sense).

    So any feedback is welcome. Things you like, things you think I should change. Bizarre colors. If my custom social media icons are off-putting – let me know, good or bad.

    Thanks all for taking the time to give it a glance over. 🙂

    Like

    1. I always like everything to be on one page when I’m reading about a blogger, so I’d say that was a good move. It’s a smooth read, and the section headers are appreciated.

      The social media icons feel rather large (but I like the look!). I feel like they should be able to stretch across in one horizontal line.

      All the best,
      Sarah

      Like

    2. Love how everything is in one place, makes it super easy for someone new to reading your blog to get the idea of what you’re about!

      Love how the sections have been split, helps the flow of reading.

      I personally love the icons (if a tad large) if you could shrink them they’d be perfect. Still love the design and everything so I wouldn’t fuss over them too much!

      Hope this little summary helps,
      Rob.

      Like

    3. I like the different sections. Only thing I would say (being anal here) but maybe resize the pictures of the social media icons so that they sit in one line?

      Like

    4. I think the about page is pretty good, the about bit at the top gives just that, more about you the author, I think people will warm to it.

      I think the interests may do with a slight padding out, may 5 examples each of favourite, books, tv, movies and video games etc currently it just feels like a generic list.

      I like the idea of a network so thumbs up on that.

      Awards, (not that I get many lol) but I have in the past and answered the questions etc which I do enjoy but I just find them a little irrelevant these days.

      On your main blog I’ll admit I am not a fan of the layout but that is just me, I don’t know whether to read down then up and across or left to right as there are no dates shown on that entry page and each section is of a different size which totally throws out my OCD for symmetry :D. I like the colours you have used and the smiley face icon.

      Like

    1. Hey, Kesh! I just read both posts (the one you posted last week and the update). Unfortunately, racism still exists. I am a biracial brazilian girl and I’ve been through some hard stuff because of people’s prejudice, so I know how that feels. :/
      About the blog, I really like the way you write and the layout.

      Like

      1. thanks 😀 i was bringing over some followers from a youtube channel I had so I just kept it in 🙂 thought it’d be good to keep it for this new blog! thanks for checking it out 😀

        Like

    2. I like the simple theme you’ve set up. I’m interested to see what you do with your blog!

      Like

    4. Well your blog, although brand new, looks pretty good.

      From what I’ve gathered from your instagram, you seem like a busy guy doing really interesting stuff!
      This will have to be a fun blog!

      Good luck!

      Like

    5. Hey Rob!
      I’m a fellow new blogger as well!
      Your blog looks great so far, and I can’t wait to read more posts in the future! 🙂

      Like

    6. layout is simple and nice, easy to navigate. Once you start putting in some content with pictures it will flesh out and you will have a better idea on how you want it to look.

      Like

  20. PHi I’m new to blogging and really it’s a result of reading a book to try and ‘play’ instead of working. I have completed day three and really it’s probably about trying to show myself as a person whilst trying to make a go of a change in career direction after teaching for 13 years. I blog about the insecurities I feel and triumphs overcome in the process. Would welcome any companionship on my journey. Jinnijocreations.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. Hey! I just checked out your blog, left you a comment and followed you 😀 I love the idea behind your blog, can’t wait to read more! 🙂

      Like

    2. Love the idea behind this! Want to follow just to see more smiles 🙂 I personally found your blog quite hard to navigate, but that might just be me, if you’re happy then stick with what you’re doing, if not maybe look at a simpler theme with everything accessible ! X

      Like

      1. Hey Charlotte! Thank you so much, especially for the feedback! I’m still trying to find a theme that has a similar concept to the current one, but I agree, it is a bit hard to navigate. I’m going to keep looking for one. But in the meantime, I’m going to look into whether or not there’s something I can do to make it easier.

        Like

    3. I really like your blog concept! I think everyone needs to think more positively like that. Your blog is cool Mary!

      Like

    4. Hi Mary!
      I love the idea of your blog, it’s really catchy and very nice in nature.
      (This idea of writing down “3 good things in my life” idea was actually given to me by my counceling teacher when I was going through some stressfull times – so it also makes me smile to remember that 🙂 )

      Sidenote, since it’s the same theme I use for my blog, I love the theme as well 🙂

      Best of luck!

      Feel free to check my blog as well!
      http://soundtracksfortwentysomethings.wordpress.com/

      Like

      1. Hey! Thank you so much for the feedback!
        Your blog seems really great too; I love the songs that have been chosen so far! I can’t wait for more posts on your blog!

        Like

    6. Hi Mary

      I like the idea of the blog, it is nice and positive. I’ll admit I am not a massive fan of the theme but that is a personal thing, however I think that the pictures would benefit from being colour by default and then going to black and white when you mouse over, it would be a nice splash of colour (not sure if that is possible on that theme).

      Like

      1. Hey Steve! Thank you so much for your feedback!
        I agree, the theme isn’t the easiest to navigate. I’m still working on trying to find a theme with a similar interface, but one that’s easier to navigate around. I’m going to look into the colour aspect, but I believe that it’s either as it currently is, or always in colour (which isn’t the best either, since you wouldn’t have any indication that you’re about to click onto another page). Thanks!

        Like

      2. I think it is just that I like to see text, don’t know why as that seems a bit irrational 😀

        Good luck on the hunt for another theme, are you aware that you can preview themes so you can see what they look like with your posts before you activate them?

        Like

      3. Yes I’m aware! I just haven’t found a theme that I liked better than this one yet, despite the difficulty navigating it. I’m going to keep looking.

        Like

  22. Hi everyone! I’ve been blogging for some time now and I just would like some general feedback on my blog! Anything from comments on the layout, my about page, the types of articles I post… Anything is welcome! Let me know what you think and I’ll return the favor 🙂 http://prettylittlethingsxo.wordpress.com/ Thanks!

    Like

    1. I’m afraid I have no suggestions, I love your blog as it is 🙂 It’s very pleasant on the eye, you have a good balance of words and images, and you’re streamlined with your Instagram feed too. Works just fine for me!

      Like

      3. I just did 🙂 I love the layout and your about page! I just wish your posts were easier to get too (i.e. rather than having to click through the archives or top posts on the right side, just have them already on the first page). But that’s a personal preference 🙂 Otherwise, great blog! Keep up the amazing work!

        Like

      5. Personally, I like that better! I just think it helps people find your content more easily. Or create a page (similar to your “contact me” page) where you have your latest posts. It’s a bit trickier but it can be done too and it works well if you still want to direct people to your “about” page.
        But it’s up to you of course 🙂

        Like

      6. There i have changed it to latest posts. Thank you soo much really , about creating pages i actually wanted the categories to be displayed as pages but i do not know to go ahead with it . Thank you once again .

        Like

      7. I love the appearance and the feeling I get from your blog. I find that I want to click on every entry and see what you’re writing about. I’m also so impressed by your insight about life at such a young age – I wish I had had that when I was your age! Never too late to start tho! 🙂

        Like

      8. Oh, thanks so much for this very kind comment! I’m glad that you enjoy my blog 🙂 Your blog looks hilarious, by the way, I’m off right now to read it! Have a great blogging summer 😀

        Like

    2. I love your blog. Especially the quote from J.R.R Tolkien on the about page…Tolkien fans unite!! Haha. I’m jealous that you’ve traveled so much and I look forward to more on your blog!

      Like

      1. Wow, thanks!! 😀
        Yes favorite quote and an amazing author!
        I also checked out your blog – loved your glasses post! 😉 And can’t wait to read what you write next!

        Like

    2. Your Verona pictures were lovely. They make me want to go there so I can see the places you saw!

      Like

    3. Never been to Verona, but been to Florence and Venice and I absolutely love Italy!
      I think your pictures are beautiful – it’s partly because I’m a sucker for the Italian culture and architecture, and also because you took beautiful pictures capturing the city so well!

      Good luck!

      Like

    1. Great review, I’ve left some feedback and a link to a post I wrote about social commentary in The Hunger Games. Would be great to get your thoughts!

      Like

  26. I am brand new to Blogging. Didn’t even really know what it was until a week ago. Friends were pressing me to “Blog” my stories, so I signed up and attempted to use the tutorial to get started. It seems that I have had about 300 views during the week, which I am thrilled about, but I think only 1 comment and 2 likes.
    I’m not sure if that is a usual ratio?
    or maybe by blog needs improvement?
    http://wandaweldy.wordpress.com

    Like

    1. I think everything looks great! The only thing I can really think about for comments and likes is maybe try to keep your tags to a minimum of 10 if you don’t do so already. Try following more people that do short stories and comment on there stuff as well. Once you do that comments should start flowing both ways!

      Like

    2. Hey Wanda, I am a writer too. There’s a great community of writers and readers but you do need to engage with them, follow others blogs, read and comment. It’s fun and very rewarding!

      300 views in a week is excellent for somebody just starting out. I got that in my first month (in 2010) and now get about 1200 a month. So whatever it is you are doing, keep doing it!

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      1. Thanks for the input! I think the views were thanks to my Facebook friends because many had been waiting for me to finally take the blogging plunge. I’ll be sure to check your blog out as well 🙂

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  27. Hey all, I’m having a mini-crisis here. I wrote a blog post and shared it on Facebook, and it received mixed feedback. Some people seemed legitimately mad. I’ve never pushed the boundaries like this on my blog. Should I take it down? I don’t disagree with what I said, I just wonder whether I included enough detail. Please let me know what you think!
    http://neverstationary.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/man-in-line-gets-a-boner-would-you-call-that-sexual-harassment/

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    1. I didn’t have a problem with your expression at all. Sure, I don’t know where this legally stands, probably can’t do much there BUT the way you feel is the way you feel. Personally I think the bold staring for an hour did it for me. If a “regular” man were to get an erection in public with merely gym shorts between him and the world I think he would feel awkward and would be more likely to pay LESS direct attention to you until his little predicament calmed down. This guy truly sounds kinda creepy, specifically if he is a known regular.
      Then it comes down to “what to do about it?” That’s a tough one, because it depends on your personality and comfort level. I can definitely say that you should not allow this guy to live inside your head rent free. He doesn’t pay to be there, inside your head, so acknowledge it to yourself as inappropriate and uncomfortable and then realize that it is his creepy issue, not yours. IF it happens again and you are not comfortable facing him, at least tell your manager.

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      1. Wanda, thank you so much for that. I was really stressed out about what to do. But you put it in a great perspective. He can’t live there rent free…Thanks again. Makes me feel a lot better.

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    2. I think the one major problem with blogging or posting a status or doing any type of writing at all is that you open yourself up to negative feedback. Personally, I found your post to be quite restrained on a subject that has obviously distressed you to a certain degree, not to mention engaging and readable. However, judging from what I read I can understand why some people would give poorer feedback, particularly guys.

      It is a common misconception that a guys control of their never regions is absolute. Just as some guys have difficulty getting it up, others struggle to keep it down. I’m sure there is more to this story than you have included that would make you come to a such a conclusion, but by leaving out that information you run the risk of coming across as someone who has just jumped to the sexual harassment explanation without considering any other possibilities.

      In terms of the situation itself, I’m not sure what to suggest. If it were an innocent thing that just happened outside of his control, the last thing he would want is someone pointing it out to him, but if you think there’s something more to it then bringing it up with your manager is probably the best idea. Either way, if I got a stiff one in public, regardless of whether I was turned on or not, I would be hoping and praying that no one had noticed, so bringing it up with him directly is probably not a good shout.

      But as I said before, there is not a great deal wrong with that post but someone somewhere will always have a criticism or problem with something you’ve posted – it’s a bit inevitable. My advice (in the nicest possible way) would be to grow a thick skin – not everyone will like what you have to say all the time!

      Best of luck with everything. I hope that helps in some way.

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  29. Hey everyone! Recently I started getting super into subscription box services, and I’ve been unboxing/reviewing them on my blog, so I thought I’d share! If you’re interested at all in Nerd Block or Loot Crate, check out my videos/blog posts to see what comes in a usual box!

    Here’s my first every Loot Crate post:

    Loot Crate Unboxing and Review for July 2014

    And here’s my most recent Nerd Block post:

    Nerd Block (Original) Unboxing and Review – July 2014

    Also, if you know of any other awesome subscription boxes, please let me know! I’m totally addicted!

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