Jan 5, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for tips, feedback, and friendly blogging chatter.

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 smoother.
  • 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. Hi,
      I already follow your blog and I really enjoy reading your blog posts. Nevertheless I just wanted to say that I especially enjoyed your most recent blog post and it has encouraged me to create my own happy box this year. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. HI, I have seen your blog before and enjoy reading it. It looks fine. I started the new year with a happy jar. It seems so much easier than trying to write x# of good things per day. ~Julia

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey,
        Thank you so much 😀 That makes sense. I started the Happy Box at a very difficult time and it was something that motivated me to do something for myself every single day. 😀
        Thank you 🙂

        Like

    10. lovely blog. Clean. and focused on the reading.
      Maybe you could add the categories in the menu section? That gives a good overview in one eye about what you are writing about

      Like

      1. Unfortunately, when I started blogging, I only put up two categories. Awards for the things I got nominated and Thoughts for everything else. So almost all my posts are stuck in the same category and I do very often find myself regretting it.
        Thank you so much 🙂

        Like

    11. Started following you as we have some very similar topics covered. I’ve just started my blog this year and am keen to learn the ropes from all of you guys

      Like

    14. Your writing style is very smooth and makes reading your posts a breeze. I liked the topic of your latest post, not waiting to make changes but starting with small ones. Small changes are doable & therefore, likable 🙂 I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.

      Like

    17. I loved your New Years Rambling post as I found it honest and insightful. I only had to read the first post before I knew that I would enjoy reading each and every post you upload. If you have the chance, I’d appreciate it if you could check out my new blog

      http://miscellaneousdreams.wordpress.com/

      I just started it and would be grateful for your support, feedback, and if you love it, a follow! Thanks!! 😀

      Like

    18. I really enjoyed your post (the writing style, content and message) about new year’s resolutions and loved your “happy box” idea. Funny – my post of yesterday was about “New Year’s Resolutions of the Woman Who Doesn’t Do New Year’s Resolutions.” I had a similar idea – no big year-end goal/accomplishment to have to master. Rather, I’ll perform one small (or big) act of courage (e.g., take a step outside my comfort zone) and one act of love (e.g., giving, forgiving, helping, etc.) each day.

      Anyhow, I’m a new blogger but I think quality writing and content is everything. You’re already there, it seems. Good luck with all your writing.

      Like

      1. Anita,

        I just read your post and I simply adore your writing style! I felt like I was talking with you (and your thoughts) the entire read and found myself smiling at your overall quirkiness. Can’t wait to read more of your posts!

        Liked by 1 person

    19. Really liked the article, but maybe felt you should talk about the Happy Box first, and then lead into why you think it’s better than a New Years resolution. Keep writing and coming up with lovely ideas. Happy New Year 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    20. Thank you for that. I was once asked what my earliest happy memory was, and it was hard to answer due to a whole year of pain. This will help me remember more happy times instead of sad!

      Like

      1. This was something that kept me going when I was suffering from a terrible case of depression. And hence, I have made it a habit. It’s an amazing start to the year when you get to reminisce over the best moments of the past year.
        Thank you 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    21. Just read your new year’s post and I thought it was a great idea. I will have to try this. I usually journal, but this seems almost rewarding to do. Do you keep your boxes from each year?

      Like

    22. Hi , I am new to blogging , just created my blog and still figuring out the way forward. Loved reading your thoughts on New Year Resolutions , my views on the same lines , I have just decided to better my life in small ways that I have ignored in the past. And The Happy Box ! Wow ! Great idea , am gonna start doing it. Wish you a great year ahead and lovely to connect.

      Like

      1. Thank you.

        I enjoyed your post about welding. I had no idea there was so many areas of welding! Thank you for the information – I appreciate that you’re sharing your knowledge with others! 🙂 I think your blog is very interesting, and I’m following now. One suggestion would be to add the Follow widget that allows people who aren’t on WordPress to follow your blog via email. Just a way to get more followers. Other than that, I like the way you’ve used widgets – not too much, not too little.
        Good job!

        Like

      3. I would recommend you share your blog here on the Community Pool, if you haven’t already. The Community Pool is new each Monday at 9:00am. If possible, I would recommend posting your blog here as soon after the Community Pool is posted as possible – you’ll get more views and traffic that way. 🙂 Let me know if you have any questions about this. I really enjoyed your blog, and I want others to get to enjoy it too. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Sure!

        After logging in:
        1) Click on My Sites in the top-left corner. Scroll down and click on Customize on the left-hand side.
        2) Then click on Widgets on the right-hand side.
        3) Click on Sidebar, and then on Add a Widget. Find the widget that says “Follow Blog” – click on the one that says, “Add an email signup…” to add it to your blog. You can then customize the text to display to readers. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you.

        I visited your blog, and at first felt like it could use more color. But then, based on your writings, I felt that the theme fit with your content. 🙂 I would ask, though, when I selected your menu button, your widgets and stuff came up, but everything was doubled. I don’t know if you meant for it to be like that or not… 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, thank you for your comments. 🙂

        I love your most recent post, especially your words, “If only we believed how truly close He is
        Maybe we would realize just how far away our hearts have become.” I also enjoyed that you used Bible verses, almost to back up what you said in your poem. Love it. Thank you very much, and I’m now following. 🙂

        In terms of feedback, I would recommend a theme with perhaps a bit more color. Also, I would recommend adding widgets, like the Follow widget that allows people who aren’t on WordPress to follow you via email, and perhaps a Recent Posts widget, Top Posts and Pages widget, etc. Widgets are fun, and you can experiment with them. I’d just recommend not putting too many on, in an attempt to not clutter your blog.
        If you don’t know how to add widgets (no offense intended), let me know and I’ll tell you. Taking that this Community Pool will start anew on Monday, if you don’t know how to add widgets, let me know on my blog, in case I don’t see your response here in time. 🙂

        Thank you for writing about what you write about, and God bless!

        Like

      2. Thanks for your feedback! I do not know how to use widgets yet. I work all week, so i ope to take some time Saturday to learn some new things. I would love as much info as you feel like giving me. God bless!

        Like

      3. In terms of how to add widgets:
        After logging in:
        1) Click on My Sites in the top-left corner. Scroll down and click on Customize on the left-hand side.
        2) Then click on Widgets on the right-hand side.
        3) Click on Sidebar, and then on Add a Widget.

        You can choose from a list of various widgets. You can even customize what some of them say. 🙂

        Like

      1. I’m sorry to be responding to your feedback so late – I’ve been rather busy recently. Thank you for visiting my blog!

        I think your theme fits what you’re blogging about. I personally would recommend adding the widget that allows people who aren’t on WordPress to follow you via email. 🙂

        Again, thank you for your feedback, and I encourage you to keep coming back. 🙂

        Like

    1. Very clever title! I really enjoyed your post! I like your writing style, it’s smart and entertaining to read! 🙂 Your sites appearance is good because it doesn’t distract from your writing and is visually appealing at the same time! Good job! I definitely followed!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Karen! I had a look at your post and at your blog and I think you are really doing very very well as a blogger (plus, the name of your blog rocks!). The only suggestion I could make is to consider if you want to use the “read more” tag so that readers only see the first paragraph of each post on the front page. That would probably make it easier for them to navigate your blog and find the post that is most appealing to them. Your writing is really good and your first paragraphs usually very catchy, so I wouldn’t worry at all that you might loose readers because they’d have to click once to see a full post.

      Liked by 7 people

      1. Hello Karen. I too like your site and style. I really connected with the ‘Mom Genes’ post, though from a male point of view! I like perelincolors suggestion on “read more” tags, I must try that on my own blog. Keep it up.Dookes

        Liked by 3 people

      2. You are awesome, thanks for the great feedback! I was wondering if I should employ the read more tags, so I will definitely look into it! It took me a while to figure out widgets (tech is not my thing!), but I will work on this. I will be by your blog this evening when I can take proper time to read. 🙂

        Like

      4. Your writing is quite personable and full of useful travel information, and the great pictures are a bonus. I love your About section, too- clever! Your blog looks so professional, and now I have a good picture of how the “read more” tags work well. 🙂

        Like

    3. I really enjoyed the different take on mom genes. I like your page also as said by others here. I’m only beginning and really like your writing style. Very catchy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for reading! I love the layout of your blog (probably why I chose the same theme). It looks like you are off to a great start! It’s intimidating at first to put your words out there for public scrutiny, but it’s liberating as well. Best of luck to you!

        Like

    4. Really enjoyed that post 🙂 like i commented, a very refreshing style of writing which genuinely had me interested throughout… Was on the mobile version so couldnt see the full appearence of your blog but i liked everything nonetheless 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for stopping by! I have visited your blog and left a comment directly there as well. You have a great sense of humor- that isn’t always an easy thing to convey in writing, but you accomplish it! 🙂

        Like

    5. For a 16 year old boy with no links to younger children like me to be captivated by a post like this means you’re doing something very right!

      I had a look through some of your old posts too and there’s something about your optimistic writing style that keeps the reader captivated. Your writing feels very natural and down-to-Earth and I think your blog is perfect for anyone wanting to reflect and relax in the evenings.

      I’ve given you a follow and I look forward to future posts!!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. This is an awesome compliment that has made my night! I tried to find your blog, but when I click on your name it leads me to a site that hasn’t been posted on since 2006. Do you have a current blog that I can visit? Thanks, Karen

        Like

    6. I really like your writing style.. It’s so funny and interesting how you talk about this kind of serious topic, with the care, that nobody feel insulted. Nice work 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    9. Hi Karen! I really enjoyed reading your post and I just love your outlook…. you have a way of drawing the reader in. Also your blog appearance is very clean and easy to read. I’m following you now and look forward to reading your past and future posts.
      Blessings ~Danielle

      Liked by 1 person

    11. I know you get this a lot, and are probably tired of hearing it, but I honestly do love your blog title ❤
      The theme used, I've always loved and I liked your writing too…Thou hast landed(eth?) a follower

      Like

    12. Gah! I loved this so much! Your “Mom Genes” post had me smiling the entire time I was reading it. I look forward to reading more of your posts

      Like

    14. I enjoyed your “mom genes” post and “feel” you even though I’m a happy (on good days, let’s be honest) mom of 3. Good writing. And I liked the overall appearance of your website, although I thought the black title box in the center of your natural header image was a bit stark. I don’t know – it may not bother anyone else. I also really liked how there was an area on the right where you gave props to your favorite blogs. May I ask how you do that? Widgets? Plug-ins? Thanks and good luck.

      Like

    15. What a lovely, heartfelt, and touching post! You may borrow my terrors any time you like. I champion you for explaining a tricky thing (that some people struggle to understand, and a lot of women feel they can’t explain) in a very sweet, sensitive way. Bravo.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Lily. Just read a few of your entries. I like your style. Straightforward to read and in places so *darned* honest I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

        I bet you are already past follower number 100, but wherever you are up to. I’m in!

        Min
        (minor6th.wordpress.com)

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Happy New Year, fellow bloggers,

    Today I posted what I think is my best cartoon (so far, anyway) and I just want everyone in the world to see it. (Yes—I’m needy; sad, but true.) Here’s the link:

    Bitter Tortoise

    I will be happy to reciprocate with a look at your site, though be patient, please because I have to do a lot of real work this week—pthhhhhht!)

    Thanks 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. hi there!
      just took a look at your blog , and it feels fun from the first look , with all the cartoons! the layout is amazing
      i’m wondering are you the one that drew those cartoons
      I followed 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks! Funny you should say that about the newspaper; I actually did cartoons for a newspaper for a while (a very short while), but they fired me. Wait–no, not ‘fired’, I just wasn’t main-stream enough for their demographic. So now I’m drawing cartoons fun and blogging fame and glory.

        Thanks for taking a look. I checked out your site (veeeery professional) and left a comment under your question. Good luck with the series 🙂

        Like

      1. So glad you liked it 😀

        I searched through the community pool comments but couldn’t find your comment to comment back on, so I’ll just do it here.

        I think your site has a good balance of text and beautiful images. Some of them, like the truck with the lights, are really captivating, though I couldn’t see the ‘sphere’ in the field (might just be my eyes.)

        My biggest recommendation would be to have fewer posts on that front page, otherwise it makes for a long scroll, and start archiving the older ones–which would mean adding a menu of some kind. Also, I personally like it when people use the read more button. Then only the first chunk of a post shows up on the post page (you decide how much), which allows the reader to scan through the available posts quickly in order to focus on those posts of more interest to that reader. Just a thought.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you 🙂 the community page seems to fly on by & by the time I can get back from looking at a blog & commenting there I can’t find the post I got the link from … HA … I’ve started right clicking just .. so that might make a difference and I’ll get around to actually leaving a comment on the commons page 🙂

        Yes i love the truck .. & yes I know the dinky little “scarecrow” balloon hmmm it was only on my phone so not a good image … I should’ve just stuck to telling the funny tale of overhearing someone thinking it was a ufo 😉 …

        Ooo yes the fewer post thing & the other … its got to be in the settings somewhere .. its been eluding me … so much of this technical stuff plays hid n go seek with me I’m sure 🙂 LOL ,,,I’m kinda new at this ..just feeling blessed that that last few years I could .. before that the healing in my hands kept killing stereos watches and all sorts so I din;t even go near computers 🙂 but its all balanced beautifully these days …so no sparks anymore form the fingertips as such 😉

        Blessings to you 🙂 & Thank you again

        Like

      1. Thank you so much, and thank you for having a look 🙂

        I visited your site, which I think is beautifully done. It has a great look–and thank you for putting the ‘In English’ item on your menu for those of us who are barely monolingual. Sorry to put this comment here, but I couldn’t find your community pool question in the comments pages. Anyway, your site is very well done.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Sorry, I sent the message without having completed the idea. I just wanted to say that I have lovely memories of your country. While living in Delhi, twenty years ago, I traveled around and fell in love with it, its people, its food, its culture, its dances, its colors…
        Keep in touch!

        Like

      1. Thanks 🙂 I checked out your site–you write wonderfully and your work has a stout emotional punch, without every edging anywhere near melodramatic. Very impressive. I left a comment under your community pool question and am following. Loved ‘washed away’!

        Liked by 1 person

    7. I loved your cartoon! Very witty and I understood it immediately. Also loved your header which captures the tone of your blog really well! I understand if you’re too busy but please give me feedback on my newly hatched blog 😀

      miscellaneousdreams.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you and I’m so glad you like the header and got it!

        And no,no–never too busy, just real slow 😦

        I checked out your site and left a comment under your community pool question. Your writing is clear and fun and your writing about a world that is completely alien to me. Which is interesting. I am following. I know nothing about any social media except wordpress, so I may periodically ask you stupid questions. 😀

        Like

    2. Hi! Your life lessons post was great and I found myself relating to many of them. I’m happy for you in terms of the experiences you went through and the personal improvement you gained from it as a result. 🙂

      I also read your other post :A basic guide to blogging, which was incredibly helpful for a new blogger such as myself! You’ve given me do’s and don’ts, provided options for gaining support and have steered me away from making blogging faux pas that I otherwise would have done.

      Eternally grateful 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Welcome to blogging!

      Your writing is clear and understandable with a nice length, and a good balance of images and text on the ‘survivor’ post. Your site’s layout is clean and uncluttered, so good job there.

      You might want to consider adding an about page and a menu. The menu is especially important if you keep a static front page. I am more a fan of having the first page as your post page because readers don’t have to skim through the categories and click in order to access your most recent posts, but that’s just personal preference.

      Another suggestion is to break up long paragraphs into smaller chunks. It wasn’t an issue with the survivor post, but the 215 one felt like a big slug of text all at once.

      Hope that helps!

      Like

    1. I loved your post! It was well written, funny (always a big plus, for me–pardon the pun), and your blog name cracks me up 🙂 Great job!

      I could not find a like button, a follow button (though I did follow you through the WordPress reader at the top of the screen), or where to leave a comment. If you have those things and I just didn’t spot them, ignore this. But if you don’t, you might want to consider adding them.

      Liked by 2 people

      3. I guess there isn’t a spot to comment. I’ve been trying to figure out how to fix that, but I’m having NO luck lol. I’m still trying to figure this out. Any suggestions? I read through the tutorials and I still can’t figure out why for some reason. Could it be because I have a free account?

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Free sites allow comments (mine’s a free site), so that’s not the problem, but you do have to have comments enabled.

      In your dashboard, click on ‘settings’, then click on ‘discussion’. Read through all the check boxes on the page and click on the ones you want. Personally, I don’t hold comments for moderation or anything like that because I’ve never had a problem with venomous comments. I think those are actually quite rare unless you’re writing something that strikes a real negative nerve with someone. You can always go back and change the settings later if you do have a problem in the future.

      Then make sure on your individual pages and posts that you’ve scrolled down (in the edit screen) and checked the boxes for ‘allow comments’ and ‘show likes’ and ‘sharing buttons’. Then remember to update/save those changes.

      Sorry if this was too much basic info–and if it’s not basic enough, just let us know where you’re getting hung up.

      Hope that helps 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I went into the discussion part of my settings and looked, comments are enabled. I might have to get a hold of tech support or something haha. I’m not sure what’s going on. Maybe it’s the layout I have or somthing.

        Liked by 1 person

    4. You brought up some great points and managed to keep me laughing throughout your post–in short, I really liked it and agree 100% with you about our judgmental, attitude-stuffed society. Can’t wait to read more of your “ramblings” 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Your blog looks just beautiful and was a nice, flowing read. I know them preggo feelings! Feel free to ask me anything if you’ve been turned off those online forums!! Followed 🙂

      Like

    1. Hello! You’ve got some great information and ideas in your blog! Personally, I’m not great at reading big chunks of text so I like my text broken into smaller paragraphs, maybe an image etc! But your design is brilliant, keep it up!

      Like

  12. hello I’d love some feedback on my first post, as well as my blog’s layout and design. Any advice offered would be greatly appreciated!

    Sincerely,
    Here to grow

    Liked by 2 people

    4. I love the overall feel of your blog. There’s a simple, retro feel to it that just works and as bare bones as it is, it still manages to leave me looking forward to reading more. Glad you decided to start writing!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow–your site is very professional looking and very well done. Kudos. Though I’m not usually a fan of white text on black backgrounds, because it’s a little harder to read, it does look slick.

      I really only have 2 suggestions. 1. You may want to hyperlink your blog name to your site. Right now, if I click on lewiswollington, it takes me to a very different site. That makes it more difficult for people to find your work. 2. If it’s possible, you might want to increase the space between paragraphs on the individual episode write-ups. It’s just a little easier to read that way. Since they are meant as TV scripts, they come out a little dialogue heavy. Adding more description and narrative might add to the novelization.

      Good luck and keep going. I’m impressed 🙂

      Like

      1. Thanks for the feedback, I’m glad you were impressed!!

        Thanks for the suggestions as well, I have two blogs but the one you saw is the main one for WordPress so thanks for pointing that out, I’ll get that sorted in a minute! And as for the second suggestion, I’m glad you’ve said that because I don’t get enough constructive criticism of the writing itself so I will look into adding more description and narrative.

        Thanks a lot! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. What a fun looking page! Also well organised and I like the way you write. Defs a follow from me as I’m one to base my movie selections on reviews.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice angle on a simple walk that delves into so much and highlights our similarities and differences…sorry that sounds so pompous, I really enjoyed reading your post! As a Brit with US family in Chicago I totally connected. Love your writing style and the earthy photos. Dookes

      Like

      1. I’m glad you liked it thanks for checking my blog out! I just checked out your blog and you have some great posts about your trips in the UK and France, makes me feel a little homesick!

        Like

      3. Thanks for the feedback on my blog, I am pleased that you enjoyed my trip records and if it tugged the old heart strings a bit, well I must be getting the message over! Stay warm in that US winter! Dookes

        Like

    4. An interesting read, especially as a Canadian seeing the US through eyes of a Brit. Haha! I’ve never been into the states, but I can relate to a lot of what you wrote. Here we have Tim Horton’s on every corner though. They sell Boston Cream as well!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Congratulations fellow-starting-blogger! You definitely have courage writing three posts in a day! For me although, it’s difficult to follow. English is not my native language and the sentences are simply too long. After two lines I loose track. But: depending on whom you’re writing for, that isn’t necessarily a problem. Keep on blogging!

      Like

      3. i see that you are already using dutch in your current blog
        it’s a good thing to write in your native language , you express yourself better , which is not the case for me .

        Like

    2. Your blogs layout is easy to navigate (which is a real plus), and I could find where to comment (Yay!) It has a good mix of text to images and I really enjoyed the post on capitalism vs socialism.

      Since the three posts you have up have very eclectic subject matters, you might want to start setting up your categories. Personally, I’d classify the capitalism v socialism as political commentary whereas the ‘Is it society, or just me?’ is something completely different. I’m not sure what to call it (self-exploration? Psychological?) but something to distinguish the different essay types might be helpful.

      Like

  18. Hello friends!! I hope everyone is having a good start to the new year! Anyway I just posted a new piece today! It’s called
    “Your Mind is my Playground”

    https://biancasbloggingadventure.wordpress.com

    If anyone would like to check it out I would really appreciate it! And if there is anyone that would like some feedback on their blog don’t be scared to ask! I’ll review yours if you’ll review mine! 😉 lol

    Thanks in advance!
    Bianca

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for looking at my site!! I have gone to your and I really like it!! I enjoy how you write! I read the post about U.S. Christmas and I agree we do need boxing day off in North America! Anyway I followed! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Wow thank you so much for commenting! I have looked at your blog and first of all I love the name you have chosen! Also I don’t know what you are talking about your writing is amazing! Very informative! Btw is that you chasing the horses in your header? lol Anyway I followed! 🙂

        Like

    1. hi there
      i took a look at your blog
      running is one hell of a passion to have, and you made the right choice when you started blogging about it,
      i am a kind of a runner myself, so i can relate to all your posts and i love the way you use picture with text alternatively,
      i would love to see a picture in hot weather 😀
      keep it up! great blog!
      I followed 🙂

      Like

    4. Hello fellow blogger and runner 😀 (I wish there was a thumbs up emoticon.)

      I thought ‘running in the cold will freeze your lungs,’ was a great post with a lot of potential for funny discussion/comments. Loved the picture under ‘ruin your knees’ as well as the bear (LOL). So I left a comment and am following.

      You might want to add a follow widget, and when you get more posts under your belt a category widget. For me as a running reader, I like funny (which you’ve got) and anything about people’s training regimens because I can always stand to learn more. (Just in case you’re ever looking for a future blog topic.)

      Like

  21. Hey, everyone! Happy 2015 (: After taking quite a long break from my beauty blog during the last part of 2014, I made it my resolution to jump back into it this year! I’d LOVE to get some feedback from ya’ll! If you could just take a sec to pop on over and check things out, leave constructive criticism, or just say hey, I’d love it! One of the most important things to me is that my voice comes through loud and clear in my writing, I always want my personality to be showing. If you could leave any tips regarding how to showcase my personality through blogging and how to get into daily or weekly posts, I’d love to hear it (: Thank you so much!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. I am following too Andrew – love the music clip! And it’s lovely to read such well-thought out questions. Meanwhile I blogged about resolutions I won’t keep!

      Like

  23. Feels like i’m doing a facebook ‘share for share’ hahah but anyways… Would appreciate feedback on my blog if possible.. general appearence, length of Posts and if you want you can read the posts also 🙂

    http://twosugarsfairlystrong.wordpress.com
    It isnt a blog that focuses on one overall topic but rather a large range… Im starting to think against this view now and would like to know what you guys thought.. Thanks in advance! I’ll read your blogs too after i do some revision :’)

    Like

    1. I like the layout, it’s simple and eye catching, and easy to browse through all your posts…

      Funnily enough I watched Back to the Future a few days ago and wondered why we weren’t equipped with hover boards yet! I bet you never look at a digestive biscuit the same way again?!

      That post was a good length, any longer and I’d probably glance over, which I think one needs to be careful with when blogging! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Great post. I was intrigued enough to start following.
      When I like a topic, more specific categories or tags would help me find other posts like that one.

      Like

    1. When I first started this time last year I found signing up to some of the WordPress blogging courses really helpful. I think they’re just starting one called Blogging101. It also really helps to browse other people’s blogs and to comment on posts you like and to follow those you’re interested in… people will often visit your blog in return and then you can start to get involved in the lovely community here! Good luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Just a few thoughts. Perhaps you could do a bit more design on your site. eg. Your header Some widgets like the ‘follow by email. and/or the WP follow (you want to make it easy for others to follow you.
      Perhaps a category or tag cloud .. that gives visitors the chance for example to read blogs to do with common topics.

      An ‘important’ thing you need to include in your posts are ‘categories’ and especially ‘tags’ as that’s how other bloggers find you… eg If your post is a poem about animals or is a humorous post you would use tags such as ‘animals’ or ‘dogs’ or ‘cats’ and ‘humor’ etc. Another widget could be ‘Blogs I follow’ Just have a look at ones that are available… on your dashboard under ‘appearance’ and then select ‘widgets’
      Hope this helps a little… Diane

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi there
      i checked out your post, it is concise and clear, i like the way you used pictures.
      i loved the idea, a new perspective of london!
      i think that you have already found your style

      Regards

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    3. I think you did well with this post. Your descriptions are concise & informative. As for the name i think it tells the potential reader what to expect, though it might be limiting if you think to widen out

      Liked by 2 people

    4. Dear Ms. europeantraveladventures.
      Howdy! I did check out your blog site and while there were more than a few positives to it. Also, I found it a little confusing.

      Your opening statement on home page is “Where should you travel, etc. Yet after that, it was generally about your travels. Which is fine. The enthusiasm pushes through. Yet, despite all the recommendations for someone visiting. Most of which could be found in other guide books. You say little about any challenges in reaching the places mentioned. The costs or where it would be best to travel from, to reach the destinations.

      E.g. The Brecon Beacons are mostly accessible only by car. So how are you encouraging me, the viewer, to reach somewhere you enjoyed. Suppose I was an American tourist? Otherwise, if it’s your personal blog of experience? I think you should pitch it as such, rather than as a guide. No shame in that.

      That way you could cease hopping back and forth between tenses. You might cut back on the length of various posts? To say “Europe is a vast continent”. Is a little misleading. Asia, America and Antarctica would be much bigger. The whole country and continent of Australia, is about the size of Europe. Saying Italy or Rome is thousands of years old, while technically correct. Places like India and China are much older, culturally. As too, Africa. Please see Harappa. By cutting out some superlatives, would make the blog an easier read.

      On a positive note. Of all the blogs I’ve looked at, over the last 3 days. Yours has, by far, the most content and good strong graphics with a generally pleasing appearance. It kept my attention and I looked at most of the pages.

      So overall, I think it might be better if you use the blog as a personal account of your travels. Rather than pitching it as a travel guide.

      Apologies if my reply is more negative, than positive. I just wanted to draw your attention to what I considered to be glaring inconsistencies. … Cheers Jamie!

      Like

      1. Hi there! Thanks for your detailed comments, I really appreciate the constructive feedback, it’s always good to see your blog through someone else’s eyes!
        I’ll definitely take it on board, I’m only a month into the blog so I think you’re right, I’m currently writing both about my travels and more “guide” like material. I’m hoping in time I can settle into writing one or the other, or try to merge them together in a more readable way.
        And as for the superlatives, I’m passionate about the continent and I think that is why so many are thrown in! Although Europe may be as big as Australia, there are so many different countries, cultures, languages, cuisines, histories etc. and that is what I meant by vast!
        If not from Europe, you may not know the impact that the Ancient Romans and the Ancient Greeks had on the history of Europe, and how they are still very well studied. Whilst there are other cultures around the world that may be older, for me the Ancient History I studied was the Greeks and the Romans, and I studied Latin also.
        Thanks again for your comments- sorry for the essay in return, I’m passionate about my blog and my ideas- and I appreciate your suggestions too, thank you! 🙂

        Like

      2. Thank you for a prompt and courteous reply. I know from art school that when someone tears into your creation, it can be hard when critiqued.

        I have dual citizenship of Canada and U.K. Having lived in western Canada since mid 1970’s. Prior to which, I was born and raised in north London and know that place reasonably well, considering infrequent visits to my family there.

        Before marrying; I had girlfriends from both Austria, Linz and France, Paris. I also travelled to India and spent a winter there.

        I was not going to reply so soon, rather to allow what was said to settle. Perhaps what you mean rather than vast, is diverse? Or even, vastly diverse?

        I suppose there may be a merit in suggesting? That the blog be split somehow into sections. A section that represents guide like writings and another of your own experience in travel? That way the travel tips and suggestions do not become lost?

        I am somewhat familiar with European history. Rome was established by Romulus and Remus. The Romulus being the sea-people pushing in from the coast and the older bronze age Etruscan people’s of northern Italy and Greece-Remus. While the Romans made some significant advance. In building methods, and warfare among many others. Most of their civilization came based on the knowledge of North African Egypt. Which in turn, likely came down from the Indus and Saraswati communities through Babylon. Sanskrit is the base language of most languages, especially european. With the exception of Basque. So while it is undisputed of some 300 years in Britain by the Roman culture. The ancient Britons had a culture that was pre-Roman, sophisticated and well-travelled.

        Regardless, good luck to you and what you do with your blog. Perhaps I will take another look, should you wish, later?

        Please do not worry about the length of any replies. This is writing, not twitter or FB.

        BTW. I’m currently reading “The Fall of the Roman Republic by Plutarch. Very interesting it is too.

        Liked by 2 people

  28. Too many of my friends can’t figure out how to leave a comment on my blog. (I actually had to hunt on this one to see where to comment…so hit ‘show comments’ and this sidebar opened.)
    I think there should be an easier way for people to read your blog then comment.
    Any ideas are welcome.
    Thanks

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m new to this, but you might consider experimenting with different themes and layouts. Some of them have much more obvious links and sidebars and so on than others. You can “test drive” themes until you find one with a layout that works better for you, or switch back to the one you now have and maybe find a way to customize it that solves this problem. Best wishes.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, I can’t even find where you can comment on the test wordpress sites …. it says to: activate your comment bar’ but I can’t find where to do that. I’ve had this site for 3 years..like the layout, but this is frustrating.

        Like

    3. I just left you a comment on your blog, which seemed quite straightforward to someone who’s been blogging for 18mths

      Like

    4. If your friends are not WP users they might be finding how to navigate to your posts a bit confusing. But if they select a post to read they should have no problem scrolling down to the very bottom where there is a place to put a comment. If they are not WP they cannot ‘like’ a post however. Diane

      Like

    1. Hi Michelle. Your blog is really nice with a very personal feel, i imagine it will go far. The header image is doubled up, to make this more professional you could make it smaller and singular or get a higher quality image that spans the whole top section.

      You have something interesting to taklk about and i will enjoy reading what more you have to say!

      Check mine out if you get 5 minutes!
      https://artartz.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Hi everyone,
    It’s a new year and I really want to make my blog even better in 2015. Recently I have posted quite a few times about different things including: my December favourites, new years resolutions and what I think it means to be a writer. I would really appreciate any feedback as it has previously helped me improve my blog quite a lot.

    http://infinitedaydreamer.wordpress.com/

    Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! I’m glad you liked my blog since I have worked hard to improve it. I will definitely take a look at your blog and give you some feedback 🙂

        Like

      2. Hi again,
        I’ve just taken a look at your blog and I think it looks really good visually and the layout is clear. I’m not an expert on art or anything but I think it would be great to add extra details such as the context surrounding the painting. 🙂

        Like