May 30, 2016 / Community Pool

Community Pool

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

Have you just published a new post and are dying for some feedback? Are you redesigning your blog and could use some layout or design advice from your more seasoned peers?

The Community Pool is for peer feedback and advice. Looking for more specific information? Check out some of these resources:

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).

Looking for free, self-guided courses to help you get started with your blog (or revive a dormant one)? Check out our current offerings at Blogging U.

To help us make the Community Pool a productive space for discussion, here are some tips you might find useful:

  • While you’re not required to, we encourage everyone who requests feedback to also reply to at least one or two other bloggers who need some help. Spread the love!
  • The Community Pool comments section can get quite big — and starting duplicate threads doesn’t help. Thanks for not posting the same question more than once!
  • If you’re looking for quality feedback, be as specific as you can. Questions about a particular post tend to draw more comments than ones about entire blogs. Questions about specific design elements are more likely to be answered than ones asking for general layout advice.
  • We discourage leaving links without a more substantive message or question. These are often overlooked by other bloggers, and we frequently remove them to make the comment reading experience smoother.
  • Please keep all comments civil and constructive. The idea is to have fun — it’s a pool, after all!
  • To keep from losing your place in the comment thread while you visit others’ blogs, right-click on a link to open it in a new tab or window.
  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
  • No running on the deck.

Are you a new blogger looking to share your very first post? We have a special forum for bloggers just like you in our weekly First Friday posts.

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  1. Hey Everyone,
    I recently added a forum component to my blog and I wanted to know what you think of it and if it actually works? Also, is it possible for you to create topics in the forum? The last thing I want is to have to put in all the topics manually. I have very basic computer skills so I am not sure if I created the forum right. I would love it if you could tell me if everything was able to work ok for you. Thanks.
    http://ellieslittleadventure.com/?page_id=731

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Hello! From what I can gather the forum looks pretty decent and readable on my desktop. One thing you might want to add is a bigger font for the titles of the forums. 🙂

      Liked by 6 people

    2. Hello, the idea is great.
      One thing about the layout, You must fix the text-alignment (make it center align), increase Font-size.
      Also the images you have used have some size issues.
      Rest is best !! 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    1. You are so right about story roots. I love revisiting old stories from my childhood. I made the connection that my favorite secondary characters in books are often similar to my main characters in my past stories. Good stuff

      Liked by 7 people

      3. I enjoyed your blog. I read several posts, and of course Liked and Commented. I especially like the post on diet. My thoughts are: “Love Thy Shell.” I wish you had a Like and Comment section on your About Page. I’ve found that readers love to Like and Comment here too. I probably get most of my interaction on this page. Just a mention!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you! I’ve checked out your blog and I totally understand the fact where you often have too much to write, the opposite of a writers block as you put it. In cases like that the best you can do is just write what comes to you in the moment. 🙂

        Liked by 4 people

      1. Hello, have been in an out of your blog a couple of times today, it has diverse content which is great since allows more people to engage with it. 😃
        Do please check out my blog when you get a chance, looking forward for constructive criticism 🙂

        Liked by 6 people

    9. Hi have a little layout envy, am stuck with what I have at the moment. Enjoyed your posts and like the way it read so effortlessly.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I’m on my phone and found your blog was laid out really well and your paragraph lengths were perfect for scrolling on mobile! Makes it easier to read on a phone when there isn’t huge chunks of text 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

  5. Hi everyone!

    So I’m releasing my debut novel, ‘Lords Over Kenia: The Prophecy of The Moon Chief’ in June and my latest post is an interview I did on Smashwords (They recommend it as one marketing tool).

    #LOKe: Author Interview

    Give it a read and tell me why you think! Would be happy to return the favour!

    Asanteni!

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Hi, I’m a blogger from India who has “Things fall apart” on her reading list since I read about it in my English textbook. Though I’ve only read one story about African Culture called Marriage is a Private Affair, I understand the idea behind your book. I think it’s great because, if I’ve learnt anything from my own Country’s literature , it’s that History is not a one man show. It has so many people, so many emotions, so many backgrounds and plots. So All the Best.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi Anna! Pleased to ‘meet you’!

        Things Fall Apart was one epic book. Fantastic that it’s on your list. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. True what you say about history, without knowing it and understanding it, I feel we lose a great part of ourselves.

        Thank you!

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Hi! I run a humor site. The latest post is the first in a series where the author attempts to better understand the novel Fight Club by starting his own actual fight club.

    I Am Starting My Own Fight Club

    Thanks for possibly reading!

    My question this time around is what do people find to be the best intervals for posting? I try to do a regular schedule of twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday. I’m wondering if that might be spaced out too weirdly (the 4-day gap of Friday-Monday in particular). What have you guys figured out that works best for you?

    Liked by 7 people

    1. That is a great question… (best time and frequency to post)… I don’t think I have an answer and would love to hear what other’s think… It might help to further clarify your question… are you wondering how often you should post to attract new readers… keep current readers interested (and not overwhelmed)… or is this a blog/life balance question?… when does blogging become unhealthy obsession? In any case check out your latest post… great post…

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Hey thanks!
        Yeah, I think my intent is to post regularly enough to keep people engaged and/or coming back. Even twice a week is hard though! I see the people who can post every single day and it blows my mind. I can barely make sure I wake up every single day, let alone spit out a blog post all the time.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I post once a week and have several posts scheduled in advance so I don’t have to worry about rushing to meet my schedule. If I were doing twice a week, I’d do Mon/Thu or Tue/Fri for the reason you mentioned about the big gap. I agree with “weird weekends” that it depends on your focus. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

      1. See, that’s a really solid idea. My problem is the getting ahead part. I got about nine posts ahead one time and then celebrated by writing nothing the next couple weeks and just obliterating my lead.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Intriguing blog, I will have to delve further.. I think posting twice weekly makes a lot of sense and would follow that pattern myself, if I weren’t so hopelessly slow & disorganised. I generally only manage one a week at the moment, but hopefully they are worth the wait.

      Good luck with the fight club, hopefully you’ll get some good scars..

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks a lot!
        Trust me, hopeless, slow, and disorganized are all adjectives that describe me as well. Until recently I was doing one post a week and I would fall behind on that for, like, weeks at a time. Then for some reason I decided to double up? And now here I am, skipping posts the day after I posted this question here.

        I checked out your site, by the way, and like it a lot. So yeah, they seem to be worth the wait!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. I see this question on occasion and wonder if the author realizes how busy people are. They may want to read you every day because you are just that good, but the time isn’t there. I believe you actually do your regular readers a favor by not posting too often. They will probably stick with you longer if they can take a breath between posts. My suggestion would be to post when it feels right to you, and when you have something you simply can’t keep off the page one moment longer. Highest and Best!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. That’s very valid, thank you! I know for sure that I have trouble keeping up with a lot of the sites I love. There’s just so much stuff on the internet. Not to mention, you know, going outside from time to time.
        Thanks for the kind words!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. As long as you keep your blog “fresh,” I believe your readers will continue enjoying it. I just stopped by today, but I liked and commented where I could. The only thing I miss is the opportunity to Like and Comment on the About Page. I believe readers interact well on this page, and might even be better prompted to Follow from your About. The author of any blog is the *, so fill readers in About yourself, and let them throw you a rave. Highest and Best!

      Liked by 2 people

  8. Hi everyone! My name is Dalindcy and I started blogging a little over four months ago over at my personal blog https://dalindcy.wordpress.com. I feel like I’m finally figuring out what I want the blog to be and what I want to write about. I just redesigned my layout and my creativity has been overflowing lately! 🙂 I would love to hear any feedback or thoughts on my writing and blog. Thank you!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I’m on my phone and your layout was really easy to manoeuvre! I also like that you blog about different topics, something for everyone sort of thing 🙂 Have a good day!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you so much! I’m loving yours as well. I just read the post you linked and I really enjoyed it. What a unique and intriguing topic!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much, that means a lot! I don’t think there are many posts ‘off limits’ for me, although I don’t feel comfortable writing about really personal things yet – but it’s coming to me slowly but surely!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. thank you for the feedback! I was a big worried about it’s navigation..
        I have checked you blog, Followed you 🙂 also dropped some feedback on your post “So much to say”

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Hello! 😊
      Although I have only checked out some of your posts your enthusiasm is visible in every post.
      Keep up the good work!
      Also, please visit my blog when you have a chance, I’d really enjoy your feedback of my writing 😄

      Liked by 2 people

      1. A big Hello:)
        First let me thank you for visiting my blog.
        Oh yeah I have checked your blog already, really liked the theme… and yes just followed you to stay updated with your new posts 🙂 thank you

        Liked by 2 people

  10. Hey guys, just started blogging seriously. Wanted go have your opinion on the how and what. What can I do to do better, in writing, design, images etc. thank you. Your feedback is much appreciated!

    Petitebeing.com 🙂

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Hey!
      Just went through some posts. Your style is raw and very nuanced in a way. The rawness doesn’t take away from the underlying angst.
      Great work!
      I’d really appreciate it if you could give me some feedback too.
      Have a great day.

      Liked by 5 people

      2. Thanks a lot!

        I like your poetry 🙂 Makes me feel things, which is good!

        When you write the non poetry things, like lists etc, maybe it would be better to leave spaces inbetween the text and the images, as it is kind of hard to read sometimes. And regarding your writing, I like the stories you are telling, however, the flow of your blogs could be better.

        Thanks a lot again!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Your writer’s voice is enjoyable and relatable. I dig it. I think a little blurb on the sidebar that quickly explains who you are and what you blog about would be great. I’d like to know more about you and I’m sure other viewers would as well.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you a lot! Yesh, I am working on my blurb/ about page, but it is really difficult to pinpoint exactly who you are. I don’t like labels that much haha. Thanks a lot, I appreciate your feedback a lot 🙂

        Like

      1. Hey, thanks for your kind comment… although, sometimes, I don’t try to be grammatically correct.. just write with a flow that comes to my mind.. I must say you have a keen eye… thank you

        Like

    2. I did take a few moments to check out your wonderful writing and complimentary art. I hope you are pleased with your prose as it speaks so well of you. Your blog has a wonderfully inspired feel. And yes, the Community Pool is a super place to grow with others who fill a need to express their real selves. It’s almost impossible not to want to come back again and again. I know I certainly like to. Welcome!!!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Uma!
      I really enjoy your writing style. And don’t worry, blogging helps tremendously with the acquisition of tech knowledge. The more you do it, the more you’ll learn.
      My main suggestion is that you add an about page and explain who you are and/or what your blog is about. I also suggest including images, but mainly you should have something to make the blog appear more self-explanatory.

      Liked by 3 people

    3. Blogging is a bit of a learning curve, but it’s overall pretty easy, so don’t worry! As for your blog, I suggest adding some colour, through theme and images, and an About page.
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

    5. Hello uma, I have visited your blog. All you need is just add widgets to your sidebar or footer.
      You have mentioned that you’re new you can add wegets by clicking on Customize — Widgets (in left bar) — add some widgets and save 😀
      Best of luck ..

      Like

    1. Those are fascinating stories. In general, your writing is good. The Mina story was a little confusing. Did you mean to say that she would have survived if he had taken her to a hospital instead of burying her in his yard? https://gracelead.co

      Like

    2. I really enjoyed your blog, great posts that flowed well and were easy to read! I’m on a mission to be healthier and lose weight this year so have followed you for some inspiration along the way! 😄

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Hi everyone, I write a blog called misstery blog where I talk about things I have been loving, things that are on my mind or just things I want to write about. I have always had a huge passion for writing, so it is amazing to finally be able to do that and have people enjoy it. I would love if you could check out my blog, and give advice or a comment if you want to. Have a great day ! https://missteryblog.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I really like your blog, your passion really shines through in your writing! I look forward to seeing more posts from you! 😄

      Liked by 2 people

    1. This was just my speed. I really enjoyed your approach to AI next to the doom & gloom you’ll find about the subject elsewhere. Because you know that when machines do start becoming sentient it won’t all be Skynet and the end of the world. There will some wonky hilarity to it too, like a toddler learning to stand. Great idea for a story!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thanks! Glad you enjoyed my wonky take on things 😀
        Hope you check out a few of my others that are also a little out of kilter (‘The Party’, ‘Late’, and ‘Logic Violation’ although they’re not quite so light-hearted!)

        Liked by 1 person

  21. A very happy & blessed Memorial Day to one and all…Hey, are you just plain fed up and tired of the same, old, ordinary blog? Would you like to have a blog that is fresh and completely different? Well, do not look any further than the bright, new wonderful world of DREAM IN MUSIC, a blog that is chock-full of many posts of every topic that suits each and every taste for everyone-Yes, even you might want to try DREAM IN MUSIC, because there just might be a post that suits your fancy specifically just for you! So why not give DREAM IN MUSIC a real, good try-You’ll be ever-so-glad that you did! Visit http://www.j2w7.wordpress.com! DREAM IN MUSIC:Plenty Of Everything For Everyone!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I like that you post on a range of topics! I look forward to seeing what else you write about in the future 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I’m loving your range of topics! I’m intrigued by your newsletter; will you have any content specific to it? And are you still looking for posters for your Gen Y series? Looking forward to your feedback! Cheers 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! Well, aside from the month’s blog posts, there will be links I recommend from the internet and I don’t know what else but I’m still eager to get any suggestions 🙂

        Yes, I’m still looking for people for a this blog post! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. yes i had a look at it. quite interesting, If you could look into other types of names as well (non western, non biblical) would be really great. but you have done so much research into this.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello, I could sense that your blog is about photography. If you could showcase your pictures through ‘gallery widget’ then it would be toast to the eyes of your visitors. Also, you are using way too many tags for your posts. Limit your tags and categories to just 15 or less. Else, your post wouldn’t get featured in any of the tags. Thanks

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Ed, Would you consider changing your current WordPress theme to a different one to better showcase your work? I love your photo of OISE windows! Good luck.

      Liked by 1 person

      2. I understand your theme choice, it’s such a personal decision. I think it’s important for you to keep it (theme) as it’s your blog, then my making a suggestion. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I really like your blog and how each picture has a bite size bit of text to go with the image and explain how you are feeling! Also really like how you include the camera and settings information!! Keep at it, your blog is great!

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Your photos are incredible! Maasai Mara looks like an incredible place!! You certainly convinced me to follow 😄

      Liked by 1 person