Community Pool

The place for advice, feedback, and friendly blogging conversation.

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?

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    1. Beautiful piece Sherina, thanks for sharing. With a blog that length i would normally call for some pictures to break up the text but with that particular one i think i have seen enough pictures and your words, especially when you were describing your class, created the pictures that were good to look at.

      Keep on
      love brett fish

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much, Brett! Yes, I do normally try to include pictures but I didn’t really see an opportunity for that style of writing. I’m glad my words created images instead 🙂

        Like

    2. liked ur post Sherina. Though I condemn the attack and agree there is know compulsion in religion, I believe one should know what one is following. Left a comment on ur blog.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Dear Sherina, I hope my coments were not too heavy for your blog. Its Just a fact which is overlooked.
        I genuinly appreciate that you wrote about the Garissa. keep writting.

        Like

    3. Hi Sherina, it’s a real tragedy that things like this can be happening in the present time. Your writing has real personality and I love how you tie up famous quotes to your own beliefs.
      I have written a controversial piece today, anyone who cares about how their taxes are spent will want to read this: http://queenofmyworld.com/2015/04/07/the-truth-about-child-support-and-the-6-5bn-british-government-blunder/
      I would appreciate your thoughts if you get an opportunity to read, thanks 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Hey! I read your blog on Garissa, responded in a comment to your page itself, but also just wanted to tell you on here that I totally agree with the heart of your message! My only advice would be to perhaps offer more specific advice as to what kindness looks like in our own world, in our cities, in our homes, and what we could do on a daily basis to “change the world,” as you put it 🙂 Nice job and good luck!

      Like

  1. Happy Monday!

    I just added a portfolio to my blog of my photography and would love feedback, and help a little to make it match the look of the rest of my blog. You can see it here http://lookthroughmylensblog.com/portfolio/

    Also, here are my weekend posts I had, the first about travelling with strangers, and the other about Looking for Alaska

    http://lookthroughmylensblog.com/2015/04/04/how-to-travel-with-strangers-why-you-should/

    http://lookthroughmylensblog.com/2015/04/05/what-looking-for-alaska-taught-me-about-life/

    Thanks in advance!!

    Liked by 4 people

  2. Hi bloggy peoples!

    Been away for a bit but back in the game after a very healthy week or so without internet. Would really appreciate it if anyone would like to check out my latest poem, it’s about love and the power of a letter, you can find it here:

    The Letter

    Thanks, and as ever always happy to return the favour if you point me in the right direction. ☺

    Ben

    Liked by 9 people

    1. the halting style you get from the two and three word lines makes you feel like the subject is deliberating and feels somewhat tormented. the feeling of broken-heartedness is clearly conveyed. very forlorn. i love that you are able to convey so much so simply.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I liked the visual layout of your blog, as well as the relative size of the text to the pictures…i think i need to learn from you and re look at my layout!

      Like

  3. Hi everyone, I’ve just published a post on tough love – the idea of a parent or a mentor being hard on a child or a protege in order to achieve success. It would be great if you can check it out and let me know what you think.

    Of Tough Love

    Thanks!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much! That is what I always try to do. I am very happy it came across in this article, considering the subject matter is problematic.
        Thanks again for reading!

        Like

    1. Hi Kawanee. As a fellow author I feel your pain. Took a look at your site & would recommend using a few more graphics to increase visual appeal. As for writing, I applaud your efforts & can say that despite the challenges & disappointments, if you’re a writer, you have to write. What the world at large does with it is their business. Keep going

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Kawanee, I’ve got to say I think the layout of your blog is a little confusing. I wasn;t sure where I was supposed to be looking first and with parts of stories being posted it felt a bit fragmented and I read things in the wrong order. The writing itself I enjoyed I just think you need to make it a bit easier for the reader. Hope that helps! Keep up the good work!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Kawanee, I liked your posts about your struggles with chapter 6. As a fellow author, I can totally relate! I found your layout a little tricky to navigate, but I suspect that’s because I’m not used to that style! Keep at it! 🙂 You’ve found a new follower in me 🙂

      Like

      1. Thank you! It’s a little strange to get more reaction out of frustrated rants than excerpts but I’m coping with that by downing massive amounts of junk food. 😀

        Like

      2. Lol! I think that’s because writers like us find it easier to comment on rants as they’re common, wheras excerpts are more…sensitive maybe? I know i’m much more likely to “ditto” someone’s rant than comment on an excerpt purely because “i liked it” feels a bit useless and if its a genre i’m not familiar with, i don’t have much else i feel i can say 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. No worries 🙂 and think of it this way, at least your getting views! And everyone wants to know what goes on inside a writer’s head 🙂

        Like

  4. Hey everyone, do you guys have any thoughts on “Greed: Good or Bad”? Well…now you can share your views with us on the post over here:
    https://effectivethoughts.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/greed-good-or-bad
    It is only a one line post and all you have to do is comment you opinion on “Greed: Good or Bad”. It can be anything; facts, information or pure opinions. Once you have done so, I’ll reply to your comment and we would start a disscussion. So, I’ll be waiting to hear out you thoughts
    Thank you!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. HI Sabrina,
      Sure I’d be happy to look at your post for you. My latest didn’t do as well as I would have liked, and I was hoping for some feedback. It’s okay to comment right on the blog. Thanks. Off to see yours.
      Here is my link http://wp.me/p5jxvv-JF
      Thank you so much,
      Janice

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, do read some more posts!
        We also did a list, 2014 in Film, maybe you’ll like that! 😀

        Like

  5. Greetings all,
    For the release of my new travel/humor ebook You Can Keep Your Adventure, Just Leave Me the Toilet Paper, I decided to experiment with this crucial post by conducting a self-interview. Would love to know if you think this tactic leaves the reader wanting to know more, or perhaps if you think there would’ve been a better way of going about this. Thanks so much everyone for your support!

    A Self-Interview with Ben Pastore, Author of You Can Keep Your Adventure, Just Leave Me the Toilet Paper

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Hey fellow bloggers! I’ve been experiencing some serious difficulty finding inspiration for my posts…so I decided to write about my greatest creative obstacle- stress!
    Check out my post on 9 Ways Stress Impacts Our Lives. Constructive Criticism very welcome 🙂 I’d also greatly appreciate some advice on overcoming wrtier’s block.

    9 Ways Stress Impacts Our Lives

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve had a look at one of your posts and left a comment. I think with writer’s block, just get on with your day and as you do things thoughts will just start entering you head. Trying to make yourself think is the enemy. I get so many ideas when I’m just getting on with life outside of blogging because remember, we write about our lives and when you aren’t living, there’s nothing to write about. Also remember, you don’t have to post long reads for every post, you can put up thoughts or images, if you find they add value.

      Like

      1. You’re right! I often get ideas at the most random moments…. Thing is when I sit down to write about that piece of inspiration… I can’t find the words or the emotions that I had in that moment!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. then i suggest leave save what you have, leave it and forget about it. I do some of posts like that, I have about a dozen half written ones and slowly but surely they get finished. Just use the same concept. When you think of something at the most random time, take a note of it or use a recording app on your phone

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Read your piece on stress and I can relate, despite not always having stress be as debilitating. I passively do what I want when I’m stressed, like eating unhealthy things that poison my body, but that’s what tastes good and makes me feel a little better, which is better than no relief. You must change your tactic – don’t convince yourself sulk in bed; convince yourself everything that makes you feel good not on or near your bed. I don’t know whether or not you watch the Steve Harvey Show on TV since he makes me laugh so much. Laughter is a great cure for stuff.

      About your writer’s block, I wonder if you like reading and thinking. I believe my blog has a lot to offer, but very few people are interested in it. There’s always at least one other reason for whatever you read on my blog, not just what you can read. Here is a link to one part of my novel: https://ellesadventureinchina.wordpress.com/chapter-6-restart-12/. I have also began posting articles I found and I think this one could be leave a warm, fuzzy feeling as well as aid in your writer’s block: https://ellesadventureinchina.wordpress.com/2015/01/17/trafficked-chinese-boy-reunited/.

      Like

      1. Thanks for taking the time to offer your advice! I’ve come a long way…stress would completely consume me before… Now I’m at a point where I’m able to at least recognize it! I do believe in laughter as well! The Big Bang Theory is my medication! I’ll be checking out your blog!

        Like

      2. Big Bang Theory is a super good choice. My favorite was when Leonard, Howard, Raj, and Sarah Gilbert “formed” PMS while Sheldon formed AA, and Sheldon didn’t have the answer to the last question.

        Like

  7. Hello Everyone. I just started my blog in January and have recently added a recipe section (still working on posting more) Please let me know your overall thoughts, tips for improving posts, and what posts you liked/disliked I Thanks!

    http://crazycatgirlblog.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am new blogger like you, and I love your blog. My favorite post is the one about dyeing easter eggs. I love your recipe section as well. That’s the section I spent the most time on. I love food! Your recipes are definitely tantalizing, and I look forward to trying some of them out.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. hey Courtney! I like your page layout and I too am a netflix binge watcher 🙂 you just got a follower…would love you to visit my page too!

      Like

  8. Hi Everyone! I’m Nathan – I’ve been blogging for a year now (on and off) but I really want to be serious about my writing. I would appreciate some advise on my blog posts. I recently posted one and would like some feedback – if you like it or not and what kind of topics you’d like to read about from me. Also, wanted to get some feedback on my page layout/design? Is it user friendly? i’m looking for a more clean look and i thought this current one would be it. Let me know your thoughts!!

    https://nathankituuma.wordpress.com/

    Like

    1. Hey, um, I’m not the ideal reader for religious stuff. Maybe you should ask your followers what they would like from you.

      To make it more user friendly, I suggest you add tabs on your menu so it’s easier to find topics you write about – I like to have it at the top instead of having to scroll down and finding it on the side. As for page layout, it looks like it’s littered with paperwork in a thoroughly disinfected house – if that makes any sense. Do you worry about it getting to be too black and white? I know I suffer from the same issue.

      Like

    1. You do a nice job of feeding the reader just enough information about the setting to keep them reading. It’s posing the right questions that makes someone stick around to the end. If you can keep it going for an entire book you’ll really have something

      Like

    1. Took a look and enjoyed your posts. You make your point quite convincingly. If you’re ever up for another book review mine was just released & I’m always looking for new audiences

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I liked what you had to say on your blog.. and it is hard to stay motivated at times. I am, always looking for quotes daily to keep me positive!

      E-Mail or message me at FB if you want to chat more! (FB: Dee Dee Avon ISR)

      Like

  9. Hellooo Press!verse. I wanted to let you know that I’m still alive. I’ve been on the road these past few months, and am getting settled (again) in a new city and (as always) my new job. Please check out my blog https://truefandom.wordpress.com – I’ll be checking out yours too.

    Hoping to start posting again soon.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Your posts are varied and interesting, one thing I would say is that your header image takes up quite a lot of the screen and can be quite distracting when you are trying to read because it makes it quite a small area. The content itself is great though, keep it up 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Benefict,

        Indeed her blog True Fandom is very nice. The way you have reviewed it will help her.
        Please have a look at my blog too and suggest whatever you can. I want to go premium but I need sincere advice about its outlook, title and content.
        Thanks

        Alka

        Like

  10. Hi pool-goers!

    I added my “Articles” category last week and considered replacing it with its own page so everything looks uniform/consistent. Please help me decide, and anything else to improve my blog or its appearance.

    Thanks everyone! Will reciprocate.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for taking an interest. You’d think publicizing that I’d reciprocate would attract more people. Anyway, you can click on my name and it will lead to my blog. I’m on my phone and it’s hard to even copy and paste. I’ll check out your about page tomorrow when I’m on the computer.

        Like

      2. Just in case clicking on my name doesn’t work, here’s the link: https://ellesadventureinchina.wordpress.com/.

        I just read your about page, and i think you should move your link of testimonials right below the second actual testimonial. As for the actual testimonials you included, change the font or color to separate the parts about your words and others’ words (don’t forget quotation marks). The light brown color and smaller heading isn’t enough to make a pop of distinction.

        Also put a caption for your picture. I assume you’re coming out of a webinar, so since you stated that, it doesn’t hurt to have confirmed proof. Why do you have a picture of the Great Pyramids with a camel photobombing? It’s great that you got to visit it (if you actually did), but it isn’t directly relevant to what you’re claiming. If you could edit the picture and put a caption in there to make it relevant, that would be good. Otherwise, choose another image.

        I hope this is helpful.

        Like

  11. Hi Everyone 🙂
    I would like some feedback on my blog in general. My blog serves to encourage Christians but anyone please feel free to give your opinion on the way the blog looks and any post you first see or read.

    Would really appreciate it and won’t mind returning the favour 🙂
    Thanx!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Michael, Thank you for offering to return the favor. Here is the link to my revamped About Me page. I haven’t gotten as many subscribers since revamping it, so thanks for your opinion. Janice

      Like