Feb 16, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for advice, 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).

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Photo by Brian Cantoni.

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    2. I read your story and it made me smile. I think it is something a lot of people can relate too. It’s a “feel good” piece. For me, your blog was like peeping into someone’s diary and feeling compelled to keep going back to snoop.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. That story is so sweet 🙂 I also like your About page & Randomness page. I dropped you a comment on your blog and you’ve gained a follower in me- I hope to come back and read more some time! For now, I’m off to write to some others in the community pool!

      Liked by 2 people

    7. Hello LoudThoughtsVoicedOut, I read your post and I was really getting into it but this part threw me off a little “I want him, forever. I love the sound of that sentence. I cannot wait to look at someone and feel that way. ” It might just be that “i want him forever isn’t powerful enough to be on it’s own line or that it doesn’t resonate with me, but I felt the post could do without that. Other than that it was lovely and personal.

      Liked by 1 person

    8. You write with a lot of depth and feeling. I really enjoyed this post :). I’m happy you didn’t write about the power of being single if you didn’t truly believe in it!

      Liked by 1 person

    10. I posted the following in your comments, but didn’t address your blog in general: ““I considered the power of being single as a very realistic topic but in all honesty, I would have been writing a bucket load of crap, even according to me.”

      This is such an honest statement. I think the idea of contrasting a perfect relationship between humans with the relationship you have with your cute dog has something to say. I’ve always heard the thing about a dog is they are unconditional and loyal. We all know that humans are not that.

      But we can try to be that to others, and possibly attract the same.

      I also like the last lines of your post. Nicely done and well-written.”

      As to your blog in general, I think you have a great voice and it is an easy comfortable read.

      Like

    2. As someone who’s looking to buy their first home, this post was very informative! I have an idea of what to expect and how much time I’ll have to set aside to get myself in order. THanks!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Loved. Hooked. Followed.
      Yes I’d say you captured your subject perfectly!
      Though I’ve not found myself in your situation (give it time), I have had to pack, unpack, pack and unpack again for Uni, so I can empathise with the mammoth task you had to undertake.
      I like how light-hearted you are too. I hope you don’t mind me saying…in a situation like this one people are stereotypically (for want of a better phrase) a mess, it’s really good to read something that contradicts that.
      Thank you for sharing, it was great to read.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh thank you a lot for your lovely response! That’s a huge compliment and much appreciated. In turn, I never experienced packing for and from college, but I’m sure that it has its intricacies too! Always when I see commuting students with their backpacks, I’m wondering how hard the moving between two places must be. Here’s to good humour and hope to see you around again in the blogosphere!

        Like

    4. It was an exceptional post. You made me chuckle a lot and, for some reason, you warmed me up a little. Your very easy to read and your words induce a smile!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Hey everyone,

    I’d be so grateful if you could check out my blog ‘A Hopelessly Wandering Mind’. Still only a month or so into this and looking for feedback ☺ Last week I had a touch of writer’s block and wrote a post to try to deal with that, which you can find below.

    A Letter To Myself: A Reminder of Why I Write

    Any comments and constructive criticism is gratefully received, on that post as well as others, and if you want me to have a look at your blog as well just let me know.

    Thanks as ever,
    Ben

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That’s a clear and strong statement in the manner of Orwell’s essay “Why I Write” – that’s meant as a compliment 😉 I do like it that you tackle the subject from multiple perspectives and don’t settle for simplifications. Sorry, this is probably not too helpful…

      Liked by 1 person

    2. So I decided to check out your post to see what you have cooked up this time and I am pleasantly surprised! It isn’t like your usual posts and I like it! (not that I don’t like your usual posts!)

      It precisely articulated the exact thoughts in my head about writing. It also inspired me to continue my passion for writing! Honestly even when I don’t feel like writing I force myself to write something that day because you never know if that day is the day you were supposed to write something great!

      Anyway keep it up!
      Bianca 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, trying to keep it varied and tone down the pretentious intellectualism occasionally 😛

        Writing through the barrier is definitely the way I deal with it as well, but I suppose everyone has to figure out their own coping mechanisms for this stuff.

        Anyway, thanks for stopping by again.

        Ben 🙂

        Like

    4. Hi! I’ve never seen the theme you are using. It is very clean and readable, so good job there. I liked your post on why you write, and I did check out some other posts, leaving a comment on the one about religious education and philosophy.

      Your writer’s block post was clear and well presented, and I liked all the various reasons why you want to write, and also appreciated that setting a quota can turn what you love into a chore. You may be familiar with Mark Twain’s story of Tom Sawyer and the white washing of the fence. He notes in that story the difference between work and play, even if the activity is exactly the same.

      Anyway, I think you brought that out and it stimulated me to read more of your blog, so good job!

      Regards,
      FB

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! It’s called the Writr theme if you’re interested in using it I believe. I haven’t actually read Tom Sawyer, but that sounds like a perfect example of what I’m feeling. Always sad as a writer to learn that someone has written it better than you ever could over 100 years beforehand! 😛

        Like

    5. Excellent post. I write for a lot of the same reasons. “”First, I write because there is still injustice in the world. People may say that one voice does not matter, but that one voice is infinitely louder than the silence that stems from ignorance of issues.”” -That is my main thought throughout 95% of the day, and as quickly as I resolve to have my voice, I end up writing fiction… or nothing at all. My new blog is a way to encourage myself into writing, and then eventually helping to change the world.

      Liked by 1 person

    6. Hey Benedict, I think I ran across your blog before a CP or two ago, and I can’t imagine why I didn’t follow then.

      I like the layout and colors of your blog, and your posts as well! They are well-written and thoughtful without getting dry like some philosophizing can. I think it’s wonderful how writing, especially during a block, can help you clarify things and ideas that seem impossible to pin down.

      Looking forward to seeing your posts in my Reader!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hey! Thank you for checking it out again anyway 🙂 It’s always good to hear my vague thoughts and philosophising aren’t dry, so thank you very much 🙂 Now the pressure’s on to keep writing half-decent posts so that I can justify you following this time 😛

        Ben

        Liked by 1 person

    7. I love your post! It’s something we can all, as bloggers, relate to. I think we all reach a point in our blogging days when the appeal is no longer as strong as it was. Like gosh – that post was my feelings placed on paper perfectly. Thanks for sharing! 😀

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you very much, it really does mean a lot to know that other people are experiencing the same things and facing the same things when they write. Thanks again for checking it out 🙂

        Ben

        Like

    8. I liked your blog tremendously, and I am always interested in the topic of why people write. It’s always for different reasons, and I enjoy the different perspectives.

      But I have a question for you? When you write your answer to that question, are you answering it definitively, or are you explaining it? Just a point on which to ponder! I like your style! Keep it up! I think you are doing a great job.

      Julie
      http://www.itsabeautifultree.com
      http://www.adventuresofthecrazytrain.com

      Like

      1. Thanks! To be honest, this isn’t a definitive and exhaustive list of the reasons why I write, it was more me letting my mind go blank and the first thoughts that came to it flow. I’d been struggling to get anything down on paper that day, so I wanted to strip it back to a more emotional reaction, mostly for my own benefit and motivation. Hope that clears it up, and obviously everyone has different reasons for writing, so I sou;don’t be pretentious enough to try to answer it for everyone! 🙂

        Ben

        Liked by 1 person

    9. I left a comment on the blog post itself, I really enjoyed that post. What a great idea ti write about your writers block! I also started following your blog so it can show up in my feed, I definitely think your posts will be something I enjoy reading! You said you just started this blog not long ago right? Keep it up! I am not one to speak to blogging a specific number of times each week, it is something I am working on myself. Having a deadline is good and will force you to take charge and write, but on the same note, if the passion or idea just “isn’t there” don’t kill yourself writing a post you aren’t even happy about 🙂

      If you have some time I would love it if you checked out my blog as well!!

      http://www.thoughtsoutloud.me

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Haha yes, just started writing seriously about a month ago, thanks for following 🙂 I love the name of your blog and I’ll be checking it out for sure when I get home later 🙂 Thanks again for reading!

        Ben

        Like

  4. Hi! I’ve been blogging for about a month and would like some feedback on the layout of my blog. I’d like to keep the focus of the blog on the writing (so no pictures or too much media) but over the last month I’ve started to feel like the layout isn’t conducive for having visitors read multiple posts… a lot of scrolling required, not enough obvious navigation tools, etc.
    I’m not sure whether I’m being objective or whether I’ve just been thinking about it too long. Would appreciate any feedback/advice people have. Or any suggestions for a better suited theme. Thanks in advance!
    https://jackswiftblog.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 4 people

    2. Hi Jack!
      As someone who too would like to have all the focus on my writing it is difficult to attract more visitors when there are no visuals! So I have checked out your blog and even if your writing is wonderful your site isn’t as easy on the eyes because it is black and white. Maybe adding colour and visuals would help your blog.

      And also because there is so much scrolling I would recommend when you are editing your posts adding the “Insert read more tag” about halfway down each post so people can read a few lines or paragraphs and then if they want to read more they can click the read more button! It shortens up the post on your home page so readers can scroll past posts that don’t interest them!

      Anyway, I’m sorry this is so long but best of luck!
      Bianca 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Bianca, how exactly you do that “inster read more tag” thing? I’m also struggling with the scrolling and don’t know how to do this insert. Should I use ? Or is there a specific format?

        Thanks in advance for the help!

        Lena

        Liked by 2 people

    4. Wow, nice blog! I just wish there would be a sidebar, or some extra pictures and color to make it look a bit cleaner? But I do love how your posts are about Jack, in third person. It does make it sound quite interesting, more like a story.

      Good luck (:

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks for taking the time to have a look. I’ve been trying to find a theme where there was a sidebar… at the moment there is a little button at the top that opens into a topbar. I like that it is discrete, but I think people will sometimes miss it. I’m writing in third person because I’m not allowed to talk about myself in third person in real life… but also to practice and develop my fiction writing style. Thanks again for the feedback.

        Like

      2. Oh yeah. I think it’d be helpful if u made the top bar more easily seen. And I think your writing style is already really good. But more practice is always better!

        Like

    5. I’ve got to admit, I’m not a huge fan of the navigation being that tiny button. However, that tiny button does make your blog have a very clean look to it. I’m a believer in pictures being able to enhance writing, but that’s just me. I like your romance piece. I hope that you write more. Man, you’ve got me hooked!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi ekpreston. Thanks for dropping by and leaving some feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed reading some of it. I’ve seen visual supplements used really well, I’m just not confident of my ability to find suitable pictures on a consistent basis. Do you know of any common place people go to get pictures? Don’t tell me I’ll actually have to use my own camera… hehe.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Admittedly, including pictures in each post can be difficult. Maybe you could use photos in only long posts to break up the text? I don’t know. This website looks like it has quality pictures that can be used freely: http://pixabay.com/en/ . My understanding though is that you can use someone’s photograph as long as you indicate where you got the photograph. I could be wrong though. If you find a photograph that’s from a photography website that you fall in love with, then I would definitely e-mail the photographer asking for permission to use the photo before you use it, though. I use my own photos for most of my blog, and while it can be a pain, it also pushes me to take more photographs, which helps me to get better as a photographer (I hope). Maybe you should break out that camera of yours. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    6. I like the style and I see what you are saying about wanting to focus on the writing by not including pictures– BUT– people are visual, especially online, and I think just a few graphics or images might highlight the writing without distracting from it. I liked someone’s comment about a read more thingamajig. Maybe try some ambiguous stock images or something, just for a little emotional setting, maybe? Just a thought.
      Julie
      http://www.itsabeautifultree.com
      http://www.adventuresofthecrazytrain.com

      Like

    7. This is a great theme, it is the one I started with, great for showcasing! If you are worried about people having to scroll a ton, you can always add a “read more” break in your post. I recently did this with my blog http://www.thoughtsoudloud.me take a look and see if you like that, it makes the scrolling less. I try to put a page break where the content starts to pick up so that people want to click on it to read more. If you don’t know how to insert this in a post it is really simple, while in a post place your cursor where you want the break to be. Then on the toolbar there is a little icon that looks like a page being torn in half,t he top and bottom are jagged lines and in the center is a dotted line (to represent the break). That’s the best way I can describe it, hopefully this helps!

      I also love your most recent post, Eternal Success Metrics and I am following your blog to read more and you write more! It is

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Great blog, I will be following. I too struggle with spontaneity and yet find myself to be a realist/optimist/hopeless romantic.

      Like

    1. lewis! This is amazing. Such a great idea and even cooler how you’re using blogging as a platform for a TV show.

      The content and story seems really cool, the only notes I have are on the theme and the formatting. The high-contrast colors and the big blocks of uninterrupted text make it a little difficult to read. You might want to think about a more text-based theme, so your words can stand out. Also, what do you think about formatting so it reads more like a screenplay? If that’s what you’re going after, it might help organize the long excerpts you have. Hope this helps!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. You know, I read this on my Reader and I didn’t realize this was from you! I absolutely love it. I can relate to it 100% right now and it’s so honest and pure. Great post!

      Like

    3. Pretty sure I said this last week, but I really love your writing.
      I love the ‘one eye on a book the other on the street’ line, so many people can relate to that! The desperation to see that certain person.. *drifts off into own world*
      Anyway, great post!

      Liked by 2 people

    4. I love it. It’s so beautiful.

      Like wow. Teach me how to write like that! I always end up either going way too into detail so it becomes boring, or I go to broad and the same thing happens. Striking a balance is a skill, and you sure have it~

      Like

    1. Hello! 🙂
      I see you have gone for a basic layout/theme.
      I can advice you to play with visuals. try out new themes, if it is interrupting in your ongoing blogging activities. make a new blog. just for the demo purpose. try out many themes on it and how your content looks on it.
      I have been blogging for 10 months now. And trust me the visual factor brings in a lot of views and hits on the blog. Make it something that is visually appealing to you. if you like it, people are gonna love it.
      If you need any help. Feel free to ask.

      Happy blogging dear 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

    3. I rather enjoyed your blog. I found it very easy to navigate and greatly appreciated that you capped post length with the “Continue Reading” link. With regards to quality of the posts, you’re clear and descriptive without giving away too much of the book, or bashing me in with your opinion. I’m so glad you’re reviewing ‘classics’ as well as current titles. I have been wanting to go back and read books that were on our school summer reading lists. I’m interested in reading them, as a free-thinking adult without the constraints of reading for a grade. Tess of the D’Urbervilles is on my list!

      Liked by 3 people

    5. The picture at the top is certainly neat and it fits your blog perfectly. However, I just wish that it was a tad bit smaller so that I could see your text without having to scroll much. You’ve earned yourself a new follower. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    6. Hi, Love your blog- I always check out Top 100 lists for inspiration for what to read next! I’m following you now and can’t wait to read your reviews. The picture is lush, really fits the look and content of the blog. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m an aspiring journalist too! I think your theme works really well for your blog, especially the ‘continue reading’ feature! I also love your honesty in your posts. I followed, and I’m looking forward to reading more! 🙂

      Like

      1. Aww yay! It’s so nice to hear from other aspiring journalists! Congratulations of your nomination, btw!! Can’t wait to read more of your posts!

        P.S. I’m slightly jealous you have a turtle!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. You’ve written a very interesting post. I’m not sure I completely agree with you – the word ‘realistic’ implies achievement for me, not ceasing to aim high. It might just be a different way to achieve something. But I’ll carry on pondering about this -thank you for writing about an interesting concept.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome! That is my aim with my blog. To write about everyday things and encourage thought and discussion. Maybe you can share your views in a comment or a blog post!

        Like

    1. While I don’t remember the way your blog looked before, I do like the way it looks now — I assume you worked on the widgets in your sidebar, and I like both the look and the functionality. So I think that mission is accomplished 😉

      Like

  21. every time i publish a post i get a bit anxious. n i just published a new post. would love to know what you think. thanks in advance. 🙂 x theyear1886.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi,
      Welcome to wordpress blogging.
      I visited your blog and found your theme attractive. Anywho you can improve your “About” page so people can know who you are and what are the goals of your blog.
      Hope my advice will be helpfull to you.
      Good Luck..!!! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I completely agree with your post. Social media is harder than it looks, and it’s almost laughable how certain companies are faring in the wave of the future. Almost.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Hi bloggers!

    I’m starting a link-up party every month and would love everyone to get involved! You can find the information here and sign up for an email reminder also. Its a great way to get more readers!

    http://lookthroughmylensblog.com/look-through-their-lens-2/

    Also, my most recent post is here and I’d love the feedback!

    http://lookthroughmylensblog.com/2015/02/15/why-i-am-proud-to-be-a-role-model/

    Thanks in advance and happy writing!

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Anna – your blog looks just right to me. It’s easy to find your personal posts about moving and just as easy to find posts for guests looking for information about the hotel. It all looks very clean and clear.

      You write clearly too – not too much and not too little – a ‘just right’ Goldilocks amount. 🙂

      All good luck with your new adventure
      Best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Absolutely love the theme and colours that you chose for your blog. Very soothing, like a good book…that you’d like to sit in a corner and just read.

        Like

    1. Hey, love the title and the layout of the blog, very easy on the eye. It seems like a nice personal insight into your thought processes, which is always a lovely start to a blog, good job 🙂

      Like

    2. I liked WE. It’s a clean, easy-to-read layout that’s nicely punctuated with imagery. Content-wise, for some reason, I was particularly drawn to your list-oriented posts: Annoying things at Christmas, electric v manual, 10 Things not bothered…I like the clarity of thought, drawing the reader to exactly your point.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much for the feedback, it is really appreciated! I’m glad you enjoyed the list styled posts, they are good to write 😃

        Like

    3. Hi! I like the title of the blog, although it made me think it was a food blog, until I clicked in. But the idea of little mind nuggets for consumption made sense after I started reading.

      For the most part I like the clean layout. However, for me, the contrast, at least on my computer, of a white blogging space and very dark borders bothered my eyes. I wouldn’t change that on my account – but if anyone else notices it, you might think about lessening the contrast.

      Hope that helps!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for the feedback, it is really appreciated, and does help! I’ll keep an eye on the contrast issue, and see what I can change. 😊

        Like

    1. I like your variety of post topics, and positive outlook! I also really liked your most recent post ‘a day of horrible experience’ – you tell this story very well, and your added musings of courage and sacrifice make a great ending.

      Liked by 2 people