Jun 15, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/63057306@N04/5734415538">Beachfront Solutions</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(CC BY-SA 2.0)</a>

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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    1. It does sound like a struggle! You’re definitely handling it better than I would, anyway. Remember to breathe and eventually it will be fine, I’m sure. Good luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. oh it’s really hard in our situation. we all wish to have a time machine to skip something we don’t want to experience but we need too because experience is the best teacher! it will be all fine! 😀

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks very much – I hope so haha! I like the idea of having to go through things to gain the experience… Puts a different perspective on things!

        Like

    4. I’ve been reading your site regularly, Suzie and I am sorry it’s been so hard lately. You’re so astute and intelligent even when you’re up against a wall, though that I can’t see this ending any way but positively for you.

      Liked by 1 person

    5. I liked how the post flowed and at the end how you asked others how their week has been. I find this interesting because sometimes by talking with other people about struggles, we can learn from others and have a common connection.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you – I always find that readers are more inclined to respond to the post when they are invited to at the end – Ive developed some very supportive friendships that way…

        Like

    6. I found it interesting, but maybe a bit long for one post. I have done a similar thing a year ago…just packing in my job with a vague plan in place for the future. I haven’t looked back .. so good to have been exploring new things and yes – taking time off in term time too! I wish you well and doubt very much you will regret it. Blogging is a great way of documenting the change and stopping to reflect on what you have learnt and what the next step should be. Stay on track!

      Liked by 2 people

    7. you are handling it so well! I’m in a very similar boat. I am moving out of state next week with my boyfriend and my last day at work is this friday. I had money saved up for our move and i ended up using 90% of it at the department of motor vehicles today to pay fines i forgot i had and to renew my drivers license. i felt like i was making great strides forward only to be tossed back 5 steps. all we can do is keep our sights on the end goal and congratulate ourselves for making it through another day. keep your head up. you’ll get your vacation and it will be worth it!
      XO

      Like

      1. Oh no! It’s so soul destroying when we have a plan and work towards it only to have it dashed later on… I hope everything gets back on track for you! Thanks so much for your comment!

        Like

    8. Hi Suzie – I liked the fact that your post was framed by your conversation with your friend. That was generous.

      The move from one big boss to many little bosses is always going to throw up a few weak links in the chain (which is making me think of Aretha Franklin!) but you’ll be wielding the soldering iron and making new, clean strong ones. Now I’ve stretched that metaphor about as far as it can go!

      All good luck with your adventure. Expect the unexpected and don’t discount any opportunities. Success can spring from the most inauspicious-seeming, cobwebby corners while the shiniest offers can crumble into glitter dust.

      All best wishes
      Elaine

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I absolutely love your comments Elaine – your metaphors and analogies always make me smile! Thanks so much for all your support – it’s always appreciated! And now I’ll have Aretha Franklin in my head for a while haha!

        Like

      2. You’re sweet to say so. I hope you have a lovely relaxing summer, revelling in the sweet knowledge that it won’t end when the autumn term starts. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the adventure of getting some of your plans right and some of them wrong.
        If things get tricky, I’d try finding one of those bright little flowers you see growing up between paving stones or pushing their way up through cracks in concrete. They’re inspiration in a tiny burst of energy.
        All best wishes
        Elaine

        Liked by 1 person

    9. Checklists are a great start! It also feels great to remove things off the list, which can keep you motivated. Good luck! Great website! Take a look at mine if you have time and give me some feedback

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you – I will! I’ve done an epic checklist and stuck it on the wall in the front room, and I’m in the process of crossing them off at the end of each day

        Like

    10. I recall that you’ve posted your blog on here a long time ago – you had a different theme. I can see that your writing as improved a lot and your theme looks amazing!

      Liked by 1 person

    11. Hi Suzie, I read some of your post and comments. Well, i thnk your writing is goos, as you tell this little story which many of us identify with. Even though I am not a huge follower of personal posts as this, I prefer those posts that give advices, on how to build stuff, etc.. But i respect your post, anyways. Keep it going ! I am not a doctor in struggles, but I have lived some in my lifetime, to understand that, even the harshest things that happens , is not something that happens to US (as if we were objects of something, or victims…) , it is a huge construction, we are building our lives together. Of course, it doesn’t mean we don’t need help some times. Congratulations on being courageos to express your problems , and also get some other people (like me) to express a bit through comments.
      It is a good exercise, just like sitting during the end of the day and thinking, “what have i done today? what did i want? what did i get? HOW can i get what i wanted?” It is a good self observance. Sorry for bad English, hugs from Brasil!

      Like

      1. Your English isn’t bad at all – thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I really like the advice about self reflection – taking each day at a time and looking at daily achievements rather than the big picture…

        Like

    12. Hi! Checked out your blog and it’s pretty awesome! I adore your #sundayblogshare idea!

      Like

    1. Hello Benedict,

      I am very happy to say I am now following your blog after reading what was on the main page. You truly have a way with words which is something I truly appreciate!

      Liked by 2 people

    5. Hi, I enjoyed reading your post and appreciated the image that came with it. Wouldn’t normally read fiction on the screen, but having taken a look, I am glad that I did. It flows and reads well – an easy yet thoughtful style. Thanks.

      Like

  4. Allo all! Leisel from Skill Up Skillet here (https://skillupskillet.wordpress.com/). I run a weekly updated geek and game themed food blog. I’m nothing short of stunned about the feedback I’ve received here these past couple weeks, so thanks to anyone I haven’t thanked before!

    Last week I posted up an authentic WWI recipe and managed to integrate it with a video game (probably my biggest challenge that didn’t have to do with the actual cooking bit, geez). I intend to post up a unique ‘health potion’ recipe this Thursday. That aside, two things today:

    1. I don’t seem to have many specific recipes planned for this summer, except for 4th of July. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know! I like to try to make all requests happen. You guys offer some pretty good inspiration.

    2. Does anyone have any suggestions to increase followers/grow your audience? I’ve had an overwhelming response this month and would like to continue the trend.

    Should be here most of the day, and occasionally throughout the week to give my two cents as well. Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I followed your link; I think I know what today’s reading will be! I’ll try to think of a suggestion for you.

      As for increasing/growing audience, that’s something I’m also struggling with. I find that joining some Blogging U courses can help connect with people and develop different skills.

      Like

      2. If u want to build following, you’re on the right track. comment on things like these! also partner up with other bloggers whos brands supprt and compliment and do guest blogs for each other

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I love your blog! It is such a cool and unique idea, incorporating two things (gaming and food) together. You did a great job of building up a social media presence on different sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), my suggestion would be to make sure to keep creating content that is unique to each page in order to keep people coming to each of them and not just sticking to one.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hm. How do you mean, unique to each platform? I’d like to hear more. Personally, I suck at Twitter and Pinterest – I just don’t get it. (I am a terrible 25 year old.)

        Like

    3. I have found that if I devote least 1 day a week to go through community pools like this. As well as really take the time to read or least look through my reader: Those I follow, then suggested, and maybe one or two tag searches just to see.

      It really has helped slowly but surely, the more active you are the better. Good luck!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. hello, I really like your blog! Really love the post that you are posting and I noticed that I am following your blog, haha!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Great post, Bianca! Totally identify with it, even the obnoxious part. People like “These Girls” only on film, and even then they have to look like Zooey Deschanel to matter, and get called Manic Pixie Dream Girls.

      Liked by 1 person

      3. I’ve taken a look at your post and I love it! You’re so right! Even if you write people don’t like giving you the title of a writer until something is published or you have become successful. Even if I never get noticed I still write so why shouldn’t I be called a writer? Very thought provoking post! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Hey guys! MY name is Jerrod Anielle Lopez and I blog about my thoughts. I just redesigned my blog and changed the theme and please give some comments on my blog or the design, it will help me so much about it! 😀

    http://itsjerrod.wordpress.com/ ~ that is the link, thanks in advance!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Very interesting main page. Very bright and full of personality. I’m not sure if it’s the monitor I’m on, but TV Show (under My Categories) and Random Post appear on their own separate line like an orphan which sets my OCD off something fierce. Will check back on my main computer later.

      Like

    2. I love your DIY section, I am always searching for ideas to use at home. I would love to see, yes I’m saying it now, DIY for the holidays. Especially christmas decorations and gift ideas.

      Like

    3. Hi Jerrod ! you have amazing theme ! It’s so colorful and vibrant! Although I did notice this one thing,in the drop down menu of “blog” there is this random post thing, I clicked on it and it was a dead end :/ please do fix it, because it is an amazing Idea ! 😀

      Like

    1. i am a Filipino and I am hearing all of those things and I relate to you, but America has its own “things” than our countries, you’ll get use to that!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. For most (if not all) of these points, good point! Most things I chalk up to general laziness or desire to make cheap products. I especially love the bit about Father’s Day cards, and cards in general. Slushy… that’s the perfect term for it! Personally, I refuse to buy them anymore, unless I’m told to acknowledge my mother’s birthday.

      It’s kind of nice to see someone nicely implying we’re all nutters and poking fun, rather than outright bashing. Great post.

      I don’t know if I’d say it would look better in paragraphs, but it does read as a giant block of text despite the numbered list. Double spaced numbered list?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for checking out my blog! I agree with the spacing, I think maybe I need an extra line between each point I make to make it less of a wall of text. I shall edit that tonight. I’m really glad you liked the post, I’m definitely more about tongue in cheek poking fun rather than bashing what is different. 🙂

        Like

    4. I love the post! Your personality really shows through, and it is extremely relatable- even if you’ve lived in the US your entire life like me! Great job!

      Liked by 2 people

    5. Hi Tom, I enjoyed your blog. Perhaps the main suggestion is to space your paragraphs so that it is easier for the reader. Would love it if you take the time out to go through my blog as well. Cheers.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for looking at my blog! I just checked out your blog, It’s a fascinating account of Japan and the photos are great. It would be great to see some information about you on your “about me page”. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Hello everyone! Please check out my essay which won as the runner up of the “Imagining My Future” online writing contest sponsored by The Immigrant Entrepreneur and hosted by Kendii.
    It is originally entitled “On Fantines, railroads, and perished dreams”.
    Aside from reading the whole text, I want you to drop comment regarding your ultimate dream(s), and what do you think are the challenges you have to conquer in order to fulfill them. I really want to know what’s inside your heart. ❤ 🙂

    Here's the link: https://suejutakeshi.wordpress.com/2015/06/13/on-fantines-railroads-and-perished-dreams/

    Good day and happy blogging, everyone!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. love it and wait, your filipino, i thought you are a chinese or japanese or something like that! you are following my blog, too!
      more thoughts on the essay, I just love it. You are a great writer, keep blogging! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, Jerrod. By the way, Josue Mapagdalita is my real name (very Tagalog, right? Haha). I hope you follow my blog too, and stay in touch with me.
        Hehe. Not a great writer though. I was merely inspired when I wrote this. 🙂

        Like

      3. I do not like much of anime. I only watch Naruto and Fairytail. 🙂
        My pen name has indeed a deep meaning, which applies very well to my personality. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Excellent, excellent, excellent post. I hope my comment was what you’re looking for. You managed to capture my attention for that long; consider that a real accomplishment. Cheers.

      Like

      1. Thank you, Leisel. I hope more people, especially the youth, may have the chance to read this article.
        And yes, your comment is what I am looking for. Your story is inspiring, Leisel, and like what I said in the pool, I hope both of us will never give up. 🙂

        Like

  10. Hello there,
    I am blogging for a while now and got used to a certain way of picturing things, my style of photography is still in development (some say under construction 😉 ) and I would be happy to get a bit of feedback from you… Anyways, does my layout suit the blog or is it not what you as visitor would appreciate?
    Thanks a lot and see you soon,
    mary 🙂

    Like

    2. I do like how your blog layout is. Easy to decide which section or post to look at, the month and year helps as well. I would suggest watching out when you post larger “header or title” images with each blog post. The eyes one..how huge they were. Made me react in a “whoa! Hello!” type of fashion. Before I went further downt o the original picture. Maybe a smaller size and instead of two, group of four like a square-grid concept?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey, I very appreciate your Idea but I don’t understand about the grid concept- Do you think about sizing down the header image? The problem is, If I don’t select one, the start page is not shown properly and I can’t size down things because the header zooms in by default… Or do you think about structuring content different?
        Anyways, thanks for your nice review (If you’d explain that grid thing a bit further I may adopt it as well 😉 )
        Yours, Mary

        Like

      2. 1 2
        3 4

        Like that…instead of as I mentioned with your eyes picture at the top of that specific blog.
        1
        2

        Here I find it just too big and “in your face” it took away from the original pictures below. I hope this helps clarify

        Like

    3. I’d like some advice on my blog I’ve seen a lot of great blogs from you all with blogs…. Please read my posts and give me suggestion s

      Like

    1. Hi Melissa, I just read your latest post – I liked it.I’m not sure that’s particularly helpful feedback. But it’s nice feedback…

      Like

    2. I like the concept:) Your posts are real and funny and we can all relate to some of your experiences:)
      I love the layout oaf your blog, it’s easy to navigate…you can always add more pictures to your posts to increase the effect of the message:)
      Good job so keep sharing:)

      Like

      1. Thanks for your feedback. It’s funny because I just changed the format to try something different (like 5 minutes ago). I agree that it could use more pictures. Have a great day! 🙂

        Like

    3. I like it; there’s a good variety of posts and it’s well written (as one would expect from a teacher haha) and the useful links tab is a great idea. The only suggestion that I would make is having a look at the theme, I’m not a huge fan of the one you are using as it comes out as a narrow bar of text in the middle of the screen. But that might just be me! Good luck with getting back into blogging. 🙂

      Like

    4. Hi Melissa! I truly enjoyed your blog. I’m a mom of 3 and am always looking for different, entertaining ways to teach my kids lessons. I like the layout especially the color and the fish in the background.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Absolutely loved your site, just a tiny glitch : the two menus at the bottom are the same! Otherwise, experiment with menus, and try to categorise your posts better. Love you writing though!

      Like

    2. Hello there, liked your writing style. bit zany, more crazy and much more expressive. You may want to change the theme to suit it :). Currently it’s flat not complementing the words. Just my opinion though. Keep blogging.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hello everyone, I feel I always get great suggestions here. So, if anyone could give me any suggestions wih respect to my layout, I would love to read them and return the favour

    Also, I have two new posts up. Constructive criticism on them is always welcome.

    Have a nice day!

    Here is my poetry (mostly) blog :
    https://ascintillaofthoughts.wordpress.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Very nice. Two things, if you feel so inclined:
      1. Occasional relevant pictures to break up the text. People are very visual and even the most avid readers (raises hand) need an occasional break.
      2. Read More tags for your posts. It makes it easier for the reader to scan for content they’re interested in. I wouldn’t do it for snippets of poetry, though.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hello! I’m a teacher too – I share your pain with regards ‘finding time’. I’ve only been doing this for a month or so so my opinion is probably worthless, but I’ve decided that even if I think what I’ve written is rubbish, I’m going to post it anyway. Weirdly I’ve had some really nice feedback on my ‘weaker’ posts, so I’d say when it comes to blogging, ignore your doubts and post it anyway.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hi Sare. I like the content in your blog and the pops of color. The tiny issue I have is that I have to leave my name and email in order to comment on a post. For some, like myself, this deters me from commenting. Overall great blog!
      By the way,I love the graphics in your logo Teachaholic. May I ask how or who created it for you? Thanks a bunch!

      Like

  19. Hey everyone, hope you’re having a pleasant Monday.

    I’ve been blogging for a while now, but I never put down the chance to get feed-back on my writing because I feel there’s always room to improve. Visit my blog for pieces meant to inspire in every way possible.

    https://originaldante.wordpress.com/

    Side note: Im also looking for collaboration partners in my poetry, If anyone is interested please contact me on my page.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Amanda ! I’ve always had this weakness for travel blogs :p
      I’d advise you to adopt a theme which makes the words a little more bigger, and accommodates the lovely pictures you click on your travels ! Other than that, It’s pretty fantastic 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    1. i would just say that don’t give up, i experience downing myself about my blog because i think i am the worst blogger but blogging is not just about follows, it is about doing what you love.

      Like

    2. Write for you and give the world the finger, if only for a minute. If you’re not enjoying it, it’s nor worth it. Blog for you. I’ve read that if a blog is going to take off, give it two years to get off its feet, so I’m kind of going off of that and I haven’t been disappointed yet. Posting up in the Community Pool helps, too.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. I love how your site looks in mobile. It’s not cluttered but still has color.
      I also love your use of clean, good photos. This is something I need to get better at!
      The best way to increase folowers-
      1: post regularly and frequently. .. a couple times a week minimum if possible.
      2: comment, comment, comment!!!!! if you want people to participate in your site, you first need to participate in theirs. your reader is your best friend! leave genuine comments, and invite people on threads like this to visit your site

      Like

  22. Hey people 😀 it’s that time of the week again! When we all get together and get better! So, this week was amazing in a way for me! I got the dragon’s loyalty award, wrote a poem and reblogged this amazing post.
    But the problem I face now is that I need a topic to write for the inquisitive minds section 😦
    So go through its theme and if you could please give me a topic I could write upon for that page ? Thanks 😀
    And do link your blog in the replies! I’d love to go through them and be inspired enough to follow you 🙂
    https://inquisitivemindandstubbornheart.wordpress.com/

    Like

  23. Hello everyone,
    I have recently started my first blog ever on personal growth through travel experiences. I am new to the blogging world and only have a couple of posts so far. The thing I am struggling with right now is optimizing the theme and word font to suit the subject/ mood. I have experimented a bit and I would love to have some feedback or suggestions on the theme and look of the blog.
    If you would like my feedback on writing/ ideas for your blogs, please do comment. Thank you!

    https://swathimanda.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks Lopez, I too like the antique look that these sunset colors have in the background picture of the bay. I would like to retain the picture, but perhaps change the theme later. Your suggestions would be welcome 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Sid, I thoroughly enjoyed your blog post on Japan travel and posted a detailed review there. Thanks for your feedback!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. It looks good! For someone who is slightly colour blind like me it is hard to read your “About” page because your text and background are a similar colour. Apart from that its good and you write really well. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      2. Thanks a lot! It feels good to receive such encouragement especially as a beginner. I will work on changing the background color, and perhaps even the theme (but retain the picture). You are welcome to give any alternative suggestions for the theme as well. Thanks!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. Why don’t you try hemming-way rewritten/written if I remember correctly ? It would look amazing with the nature of your articles, since because of the background pictures, it gets a little tough to read at times :3

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey Jaisal, Thanks for the suggestion! Its a good theme. I just tried it, everything looked great except for the home page image where I was unable to customize the text directly over the image. Instead it appeared in white over a black box which didn’t quite feel right with the image. So I switched back, but I did figure out how to change the underlying background color. Do check it out once and let me know if it does feel any better. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I look forward to reading your chapters more thoroughly soon. Keep going and don’t let any hesitations take over your process!

      Best of luck

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I’ve been trying to figure out how to say it since you posted up chapter 3… I’m enjoying the story so far, but the first paragraph of this one just bothers me. The sentence structure for this paragraph seems… I don’t know. It’s an uncommon sentence structure, which is great here and there, but it’s repeated over and over and it just doesn’t flow right to me.
      I don’t like cliffhangers, I do hope you’re writing! (I may even need to take a week or two off so I can read multiple chapters at a time.)

      Like

      1. Hi Leisel, don’t worry! Hey feedback of any kind is exactly what I am looking for. I have always been told to mix up sentence length. Particularly in this genre so I am in the process of experimenting to some degree. If you don’t like cliffhangers though psychological thrillers may not be the best genre for you! 🙂 thanks for your feedback. Mark

        Like

      2. Nah, it’s just because it’s in progress. Waiting slays me. It’s like reading a book and turning the page to find a series of blank pages, hearing scribbles, but seeing nothing.

        Like

    3. hey there – thankx for sharing – looks fun – i would maybe consider changing your cover pic as it definitely captures the idea of fun but i imagine you could find/create an even more enticing picture in terms of deliciousness so at the moment it is okay but i think if that picture improved it would up the vibe of your page a lot.

      In terms of your baseball party post, again the image of fun is well captured – love the suits and the picture at the bottom looks quite fun – only suggestion i would make is a bit of space so break up your big text paragraph into two or three shorter ones to give readers space to breathe in between – often a big chunk of text scares people away.

      But really keep on – looks like a complete piece of vibe and fun and i’m sure people will enjoy it.

      love brett fish

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I must say, it’s so true that art is a misunderstood subject, even for the people studying it. At college, I know all the maths students in my class think that art is one of the ‘easy’ subjects and don’t understand how it can generate any stress whatsoever. Whereas, when I get to my art class, all the people are saying how their artwork is rubbish and everyone else’s is so much better and how they’re probably going to fail it no matter what they do.
      So in a way, I agree with you when you say you have to love art in yourself as well as yourself in art. It’s sort of like dying and yang, you need one in order to do the other, is probably my personal opinion on it.
      But I checked out what you wrote, it’s a good read! I don’t see any glaring faults, and you’ve got some good points in there.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you very much! There is definitely the ‘easy’ aspect of it, probably because successful artists get media coverage more than successful people in any other profession. Successful politicians and athletes find it imperative to discuss how they prepare for their work but artists, even if they do discuss it, have more attention drawn to their personalities, personal life etc, as if making that piece of art is only a small part of it.

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Hey guys!
    I’ve just posted an article about my thoughts about the movie “The Aviator” please do check it out, I’d also love some feedback about both the content and the layout of the site…
    I’ve only just begun to use more and more images so please do temme if they’re working out fine!
    Thanks 🙂

    Like