Nov 30, 2015 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for feedback, blogging advice, and friendly 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?

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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’s almost time… Good evening fellow bloggers! My name is Mark and I am a new writer and soon to be author of my very first psychological thriller novel. I started this literal journey in February and have now reached chapter 21! As you can imagine, I need all the support I can get in preparation for its release. I would be forever grateful if you would stop by and check out my site. If you can follow then fantastic. Your time is very much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you. Mark
    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Hey Mark,
      I wish the best on your soon to be novel. I’ve been thinking of writing one myself, but I’m kind of nervous about starting it. Any tips for someone who’s trying to start a novel that you learned?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi Jesse, thanks for stopping by! I would say that having a good story and one that you believe in is very important but most of all, let your story change along the way. Don’t plan too much and be open to new ideas along the way. You might find that you plan to take your story in one direction and then all of a sudden things start going down another road. Take care and good luck to you! Mark

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I have only read the most recent three posts but I want to read your blog February onwards now so I can follow your journey from the beginning. I always seem to be late for everything.

      I would love to write a book one day as well but for a much younger audience I think.

      Good luck with the novel, am following your blog now so I can catch up and read about your progress.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi, thank you for stopping by and for following me. Your support is much appreciated. It has been a long journey since February but I am almost there! Good luck with your writing too and do keep in touch. Thanks again! Mark

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Definitely a great blog to follow! I would suggest making out mobile friendly. When ever I’m out i like to stop in other blogs from my phone.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I’m trying to one day be a truly great writer and I think I have it in me, but I know I have a long, long way to go.

    I’d love it if you would read my latest post – http://jamesistrying.com/2015/11/27/quiet-lonely-mornings/ (or any of my posts, really) with the following questions in mind:

    What’s holding it back from being truly great? (subject matter, writing style, grammar, too slow, boring, etc) Did you stop reading before the end? What was it that lost you? What do you or don’t you like about it? Is it meaningful to you? What do you think should be the next move for a writer like me? Just keep blogging? Write a book? Submit to magazines/websites?

    I’m really trying to take the next step and harsh criticism is welcomed, as long as it is intended to help me improve. You can post responses here, on my site or email me through my site. Whichever is best for you.
    Of course, I am happy to return the favor and will definitely read through as many of your blogs as I can.

    Thank you all so much, I truly appreciate this community.
    James

    Liked by 6 people

    1. It felt melancholic as hell to me, but I’m not disappointed by it, either. I find I rather enjoy your style, actually. Also, you’re like five years older than me. If you feel that bloody old, I’m terrified.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for taking the time to read through it and comment. And I’m sorry for terrifying you! Haha. I have your blog bookmarked and I’ll be sure to read through it as soon as I can and let you know what I think.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi James,
      Before clicking your link, the way you commented was very earnest of you. I can sense you really want to be a great writer and you really want to improve. I admire that dedication and humility. You definitely have a great attitude.
      I read through it and I liked it. There are parts where I was able to relate because I found myself doing it in the mornings. I enjoyed your writing style as well. You’re quite talented and I see much potential. I read through it all, but I think the reason why some people don’t isn’t because your stories aren’t great. I think nowadays, people just have short attention spans. Also, people who aren’t into stories that see long ones immediately get discouraged to read through it. So don’t fully blame yourself. More often than not, it’s also because of the reader and not your work. But anyways, I wish you the best of luck. I know you’ll get there!
      If you could also give me some feedback on my blog, that would be awesome! And like you, harsh and honest criticism is welcomed. Cheers!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Hi John!
        Thank you so much for taking the time to thoughtfully read my post. I sincerely appreciate it. I definitely agree that finding the right audience is almost as important as the writing itself.
        Your encouragement means a lot to me and I will definitely keep pushing to become the best I can. Thank you again for putting your time and energy into helping me improve as a writer.
        I will read through your blog in the next day or two and offer whatever feedback I can.
        Thank you!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Hi James

      I am no great writer myself so giving critique is a difficult thing to do really as we read things and interpret then individually (of course).

      I liked the premise of the story and I read it through to the end but I didn’t get any emotional hit from it (if that makes sense). I get the feeling that you are trying to portray someone who is a bit down in the dumps, maybe a bit dishevelled a person who is not what they want to be but I didn’t get the emotion of that, all I saw were the words.

      Now in saying that as I say we all read things and take them in in a different way so whilst this is my opinion it’s not necessarily correct.

      One thing I will say is that there are a lot of “I” and I think that maybe makes it sound more like a list, perhaps that is why I drifted a bit and didn’t feel the emotion.

      As I mentioned I do not consider myself a decent writer so I am generally loathe offering critique on others as I probably am less capable than those I am giving critique to.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Wow, thank you so much for this amazing critique. There is certainly no need to discount your opinion, it’s valid and important to me. This is exactly what I am looking for and I very much appreciate that you were able to articulate so clearly what worked and what didn’t work. It was great to read your honest critique. You’ve given me some specific points to think about.
        I will make my way through your blog and offer you some feedback as well.
        Thank you!

        Liked by 1 person

    5. I enjoyed reading your post and I could completely relate to some of it. I read your about page first so when I read your post I wasn’t expecting a story as such and I liked your writing style. I could relate to some of it as well. If I’m up before any of my family in the morning I often spend the quietness pondering about things in my life.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for taking the time to read through some of my posts! I wrote the About page a long time ago and I think my style has evolved a lot since then. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the style. Pondering in quiet mornings is the best, isn’t it?
        Thanks again. I will be sure to spend some time reading through your blog and offer you some comments as well.

        Like

    6. Can i say, i didn’t finish the post. I was to busy hitting follow this blog and then returning here to tell you that more so than i, you are definitely a great writer! Very detailed. A little daunting but a little hopeful. The personality seemed one of a Disorganized mind with a very organized train of thought… if that makes any sense. The way your writing reads sends as if there is a great deal of earnestness and needing of greatness. I hope by the end of your writing you felt both because it conveyed such on both ends (for writer and reader). And that’s not often for me.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I read the first sentence of your comment and felt my heart sink! Luckily, I kept reading and it became quite heart-warming. Thank you so very much for your kind words. You made my day. I’ll definitely spend some time poking around your blog as well. Thank you again!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. 😊 It’s every writers dream connect with a like minded soul (be it reader or another writer). I am glad we crossed paths!

        Like

    2. A really great feature! I might think of incorporating a newsletter along that theme but more so a “what have we learned this month?” For freelance writers. Thanks Donovan!

      Like

  6. HEY FRIENDS! April from The Honest Root here… I write about sustainable living, safe makeup from Sephora, ethical fashion,etc.
    I’d love it if you’d review my blog and let me know if you like the layout, writing style, are the follow buttons easy to find?
    Thanks! Let me know your blog and I’ll return the favour!
    http://www.thehonestroot.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I loved the concept of “safe cosmetics” as i understood it. It’s one thing know it’s not tested on animals and good for the environment- but what about our skin. And more importantly our budgets. I would love to see something along the lines of “Affordable and Eco-friendly: make up that isn’t just saving the planet but sparring your wallet as well”.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. For some reason, I’m only just now starting to appreciate poetry. I loved your poem. It’s cleanly written and simple and deep. It forces me to ask myself questions…and I think that’s exactly what a great poem is supposed to do.

      Thank you for sharing!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I love your humor. I always enjoy being surprised by content. Of course, I know there’s some sort of formula to those movies, but I’ve definitely never thought about it before. It was fun to read your interpretation of it and think about those movies in a different way. Thank you for sharing!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I think in the case of Age of Ultron, you could add: “create romantic chemistry between two random characters.” No, just me? Otherwise, your post is so true. The movies have become tropes by this point, but boy are they good!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello,
      I thought the poem was great! I think the charm of attraction is truly fleeting and what it truly brings is chaos. I loved your writing style. Keep up the great work, my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hey blog buddies! My name is mckelodeon, and I run the nerd lifestyle blog, Nerd•ily! Today, I am celebrating the holiday season with my first ever giveaway! If you are interested, you can check out DA RULES here: http://nerdilyblog.com/2015/11/30/nerd•ilys-first-ever-giveaway-extravaganza/
    I’m also celebrating the site’s biggest milestone to date: 100 followers. This giveaway is a thank you to all who thought my blog was worthy enough to gain a follow, so THANK YOU! If you would like to stop by and check out the site in general, then please do so! No pressure, though 🙂
    Have a great Monday, Nerds!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi everyone! Do you write journals or diaries? I’m planning to buy one for 2016, but journaling seems to be more complicated than I imagined it to be! It would be lovely if you would read my post on it, and tell me what you think!

    Of Journaling

    Like

    1. Great blog. You don’t have comments enabled on a bunch of recent posts and it is driving me up the wall. Take my begrudging follow, darn it.

      Like

    2. Hey Traven,
      I thought your blog was great! The layout gave me a very organized and professional vibe. Your posts are great as well. Very informative and engaging. Keep up the great work! I wish you the best of luck!

      Like

    3. Hi Traven, nice to meet you! First off, I love the layout/set up of your home page. It’s crisp, clean, organized and easy to read. However, I suggest adding a few pops of color here and there to make it more visually appealing.

      As for the content of your blog, I think you should narrow it down to one or two topics, rather than three. Which are you most passionate about? Which do you know the most about? What do these topics have in common and how can you relate them to one another? I think this would make it much easier to balance the subjects you write about. Whew, I know that was a lot! Lol. Anyway, I hope I helped. Best of luck to you!

      Lastly, check out my blog if you have a chance (: http://www.anxieteas.wordpress.com

      Like

      1. Yea, you do have a good point to just talk about one or two subjects. I’ll have to think on how to organize it better or even just talk about my passion of technology instead.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. ‘Lo all. I’m Leisel from Skill Up Skillet, a geeky food blog. Unfortunately I was unable to post a new recipe last week because reasons (Like, driving 300+ miles. And food poisoning. And stuff.). I’ve been feeling like absolute crap about it, too. Can blogging be an addiction? Maybe. Oh well. Just wanted to let you know I’m still running a giveaway to celebrate SuS’ first blogversary. If you have any love for Star Wars and/or breakfast, you really need to get in on this. Because I want you to win.

    Giveaway link: http://skillupskillet.com/2015/11/17/skill-up-skillet-is-1-year-old-its-giveaway-time/

    I do have a bit of good news for the future, though: I’m going to start making double batches of my geeky recipes every week for one of my friends to take to work! This seems like a funny way to advertise and make a bit of commission in one shot. Now I won’t have any weird leftover ingredients sitting in my fridge, yay! Have a great Monday. Anyone else celebrating a victory this week?

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Happy Monday everyone!

    I posted yesterday on my NaNoWriMo win with an excerpt from my novel. I would love some feedback on whether you like the writing style or if I should never be allowed near a novel again! It was my first ever attempt so any feedback would be appreciated.

    NaNoWriMo 2015 Winner!

    Thank you! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  19. HI I would love some feedback on my blog design and I have tried many times to show my total amount of followers, which I seem unable to do! I have many with regular emails, not just wordpress. I see other blogs have no problem with that, so maybe someone could help me? Thanks, Michele

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Hello,

      Little Sunshine is correct — to display your number of followers, you’ll need to activate the Follow Blog Widget, which allows visitors to subscribe to your blog, and allows you to show how many followers you have. You can learn more about it here:
      https://wordpress.com/support/widgets/follow-blog-widget/

      Just note that in your theme, Ryu, the widgets are tucked into a panel near the top of the site; visitors will have to click on it to see it.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. I write a film blog which I’ve been neglecting a little in recent months due to a full time job and lots of travel – meaning I have very little time to write, or even see the films I want to review. In the new year I will, however, find myself with a lot more free time to pursue my greatest passion. In the mean time, I’d love to get your feedback on my site. Does it look good? Do I write well? Are my reviews informative https://edgardiner.wordpress.com/

    Thanks in advance! And I’m more than happy to return the favour.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hello,
      I really liked the look and feel of your blog. Everything is well organized and very professional looking. I also loved your reviews. They were engaging and informative. It also helped that you used pictures for each review. So great job! We all get a little busy with life but I’m sure you’ll get around to it. I wish you all the best of luck!

      Like

    2. I think your site in general looks good; clean cut, easy-to-follow, and very neat. Your writing is engaging and funny at the appropriate moments (I especially liked your line about the “gangster movie factory” in your review of Black Mass). I think if you gave each post a once over just to check for syntax and run-on sentences, then you’re golden. But otherwise, your site is highly enjoyable!

      Like

      1. Hey, thanks for the feedback. I do worry that my writing is degrading somewhat due to my lack of activity in recent months, but it’s really helpful to know the blog generally works! Also, your Christmas swag post is brilliant.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. They were little flubs that anyone can do. I catch myself doing them, and I write nearly every day. You’ll pick it up easily enough! 🙂 And thanks! That one turned into a hit quite fast haha!

        Like

    3. The site seems very impressive….and perfectly portrayed.
      All the best for your blog.

      Would like to know how you have enabled the feature of ‘Mobile site view’ or ‘desktop site view’ as for my site it doesn’t show anything like this

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Hi Eddy, nice to meet you! I really liked your in depth-review of Black Mass. I went to see it a few months ago and I actually enjoyed it! The story line was a little too drawn out for me, but I still liked it.

      Even though our opinions of the film differ, I respect the way you provided insight as to WHY you didn’t think the movie was that great. Most people simply state that they didn’t like it and move on the next review. Your writing style is clear and concise as well. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more of your reviews!

      Lastly, stop by my blog if you get a chance (: http://www.anxieteas.wordpress.com

      Like

      1. Hi Tanasia, nice too meet you too. Thanks for your kind comments 🙂 It really does help as I’ve been feeling rather stuck lately and sometimes I worry that my writing is degrading… Also, I welcome it when people disagree with me about certain films because I enjoy the debate. Glad you liked Black Mass!

        I enjoyed reading your blog. Your articles are engaging and concise, and, importantly, sound genuine. The only recommendation I would have is to stick a follow button right there on the home page so people can instantly see it. But that’s just my preference!

        Liked by 1 person

    5. Looks great could eventually start watching films again when I get more time. Your writing style is good clear and consise. The info is well transmitted

      Like

  22. hey everyone

    Have a post i wrote on Saying “No!” even to good things which is something i am trying to learn to do more of – would love it if you could pop by and leave your thoughts in the comments and your experiences of that:

    Saying “No” to good things.

    Have a super great week and i will hopefully be swinging by some of your blogs tomorrow
    love brett fish

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Don’t take this as an insult, but you need to learn grammar and spelling. Example, on your front page it says:

      “NO COPYRIHT IS ALLOWED!with that being said hi i am captain eyepatch, i used to be called tossedgames but changed it since their was a youtuber called tossed em, anyway, i do game reviews, top 5’s and anime reviews.”

      *Copyright
      *I (capital letter)
      *Tossedgames (capital letter because your referring to yourself as a person.You shoulod have done the same whilst writing Captain Eye Patch. Yes, eye patch is two words.)
      *With that being said, (You needed a capital letter for the beginning of a sentence, and a comma between “That being said” and “hi”

      At least get someone to do your grammar for you.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello there! I love the theme of your blog (: Very colorful and your header image is hilarious!

      Now, is there a central topic that your blog focuses on or is it more of an online “journal” where you write your innermost, random thoughts? If it’s the latter, I suggest organizing your posts into broad categories to make it easier for readers to find content that interests them. I hope this helps! Keep up the good work.

      Also, stop by my page if you have a chance (: http://www.anxieteas.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Hi all,
    I wrote up a round up last week giving thanks to the bloggers who inspire me. Please stop by it, have a read and show them some love. These are some truly talented folks making their humble way in the blogosphere:

    Giving Thanks

    I also write a series of linked fantasy vignettes for the holidays, wherein my characters engaged in everything from pumpkin chuckin’ to Black Friday shopping with a lot of magic and mayhem thrown in. As a bonus, I added some Advent pieces to the mix which I’ll expand on as the season continues. Check them out here:
    http://melindakucsera.com/poetic-holidays/
    And if I could trouble you for one more moment, check out my round up of November. I’m really proud of how that piece turned out:

    November in my Rearview Mirror

    Thank you! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

    Like

    1. Hello,
      I already follow you and have interacted with you several times, but I just wanted to say that I’m always stunned by your photography and the places you go to. It definitely inspires me as an amateur photographer and traveler. I’m actually going to Japan and Iceland this coming summer and plan to take a lot of pictures!
      But anyways, I would just like to encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing. I think you’re awesome mate.
      Just one question though: What kind of advice could you give amateur travelers on how to travel more often?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. going to japan soon, just to let you know, if you are going to take pictures, don’t send it online, you can get a huge fine for having adverts in your pictures

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Hello there, thank you for the comment. I am humbled!

        Sheesh, what advice? First off I am jealous you are going to Iceland and I cannot wait to see photos of your time there.

        First, and this is one I struggle with myself, is to stop and enjoy the trip without the camera so the experience doesn’t pass you by. But, having said that capture what is interesting to you. If it is interesting to you then others on your blog will probably respond to it. Also, try to capture the details. If you are taking shots of landscapes be sure to look up and down and over and get some of the details as well.

        How to travel more often? Good question one I am always struggling with myself. I am fortunate enough to work for the government so I have a fair amount of time off and I try and maximize it. My husband also likes to travel so I am lucky in that he is always a willing travel partner.

        I try to pay attention to travel sites to take advantage of discount airfares. And I try to make the most out of what is local. I try to pay attention to festivals or fairs or activities in the area and take short day and weekend trips. I am lucky to live where I live and have places like San Francisco, the wine country, Yosemite, Sierra Nevadas, Lake Tahoe, Pacific coast, all within several hours drive.

        Tell me why did you choose Iceland? I would love to go there. So many wonderful natural wonders to capture.

        How often are you able to travel?

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Oh wow. I did not expect such a thorough response. I really appreciate you taking the time. I will definitely take these tips to heart. It seems like your way of living fits perfectly to travel haha. Perhaps I will get there in time.
        I travel during the winter and summer. I’m always in school during the fall and spring so I try to go on one trip for winter and another trip for summer. I do my best to maximize how much I can go on trips. I’m going to Iceland because it’s always been on my bucketlist haha. It’s a beautiful place with stunning scenery.
        Thanks again for the tips. I really do appreciate it very much. I look forward to seeing more posts from you!

        Liked by 1 person

      8. You are very welcome. People like you are why I do it. It also pushed me to take more and better photos when I do travel. I have more posts from Ireland scheduled and one where I walked over the Golden Gate Bridge! Stay tuned for that!

        I would love to go to Africa and India some day. Those are big on my bucket list!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Your site is gorgeous! I’m a sucker for Ireland (I’ve been there a few times), so this was a refreshing post to see. You captured the crosses, the cows, and the country. Great job!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! Oh my, I have a lot of posts on Ireland and more to come. I do hope you will check them out.

        Thanks for the follow. Your site looks like a lot of fun. I am a nerd at heart and can’t wait to see what you come up with. I love the theme you are using too btw.

        Liked by 1 person

    4. Love the pictures. I think the descriptions could be more fleshed out and you could use a once over for grammar–primarily missing commas. What can I say–I’m an English teacher. Visually, your whole site is stunning.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hey thanks for the tips. I will be sure to throw in some extra commas for you. The nuns certainly didn’t wag their finger at me enough in that department. Thanks for the compliment and thanks for taking the time to review it. I sincerely appreciate it. You are probably right about the descriptions. I will keep that in mind for the future. I always go back and forth about whether I need more or less. 🙂 Thanks again.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I think your bio is great. Readers get a good feel for you as well as learn about the blog, and that’s the goal. I guess my only suggestion is to add a picture of some sort. 🙂
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I really like your page. It´s very light and fun.
      The only thing I´d say were the photos of the posts, they are a bit big for my taste, but that could be just me…Other than that, I really like your writing style.

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hello Tea Lady!
      I loved your blog! I read through your first post and I found it comical and engaging. The feel of your blog is cute and elegant. Even though it’s only been a few hours, I really like what you did to the layout. I feel anticipant on what’s to come so I gave you a follow 🙂
      One suggestion though, I know you just made it, but if you could further elaborate your About page would be nice. Just because it helps me and other viewers know you better and understand what the contents will be about. But other than that, I think everything else is great. I wish you the best of luck!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wow thanks very much John. I appreciate your feedback and the follow! The About page is on my To-Do list, so I’ll go over it soon. Though I’m really not sure what this blog will be about yet :s
        Hope you like whatever I end up writing in future 🙂
        Thanks again!

        Liked by 1 person

    4. I like your big photos and the simple & clean layout. As well as your sense of humor. My only thought is since there aren’t any tabs. It would be nice for the reader to know what you will be blogging about, your expertise on tea, lifestyle, food ect. overall I really like. Looking forward to your post:)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you very much! I don’t quite have the content ideas planned out yet, so I plan to just go with the flow for now. Hopefully things will start to shape up nicely and I’ll have a clearer idea of where things are going 🙂
        How did you decide on what to write about?

        Like

    6. Obviously not much in the way of content at the moment being so new, I liked the image sizes personally, the images were clear too so always a bonus. The header image seems a bit out of place though.

      Your first two posts mention tea, which I guess is apt with the name of the blog, dare I say will you be able to regularly do a blog on tea alone 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes I think the whole tea talk will fizzle about after a while, I’m not really sure what direction it will go in. I see what you mean about the header, but I think it’s so pretty, it just makes me smile. We’ll see how it all develops. Thanks for the feedback Moi 🙂

        Like