Jun 6, 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.

Show Comments

1,130 Comments

Comments are closed.

Close Comments

Comments

  1. Hi guys, Hope you all had a great weekend! Doing something a bit different this week so I have a question, not a link. I’ve been struggling to write a blog post about my trip to Paris at the end of 2015 and I was wondering if you guys could share some advice on what kinds of travel posts you like to read (lists of things to do in a city, travel diary/recap with photos, essay on one specific experience, etc.)

    Thanks so much! Can’t wait to read your stuff 🙂

    Liked by 11 people

    1. Hi! Personally I love reading posts that include travel diaries with photos AND essay on one specific experience. But I know that many people are only attracted to travel diaries with pictures and lists seem to be very popular amongst travel bloggers. 🙂

      Liked by 7 people

    2. Nice looking blog. There are a number of travel blogs out there and they are all unique, so in a way why not a combination of all of them. You can make it a Paris ‘series’ instead of just one post. Or if you felt like your experience was different in any way (different type of destination off the tourist track) then maybe that could be an idea too. In any case, I gave you a follow (fellow New Yorker here!)

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you, Robert! I’m intrigued by your idea of a series.. I definitely love reflecting on my trip, so I’ll take any excuse to do it. I think that’s what’s been stumping me, actually – trying to do it all in one post. Thanks so much for your feedback. Heading over to your blog now!

        Liked by 6 people

      3. OK so I had to come back and say how much I love your blog! Followed you right back. And you’ve inspired me to go improve my About Me page, which I’ve sort of written off for the longest time.

        Liked by 3 people

      4. Jhaneel, thank you! I appreciate that very much. Glad you liked the About Me page. I was egged on by several bloggers to improve it, and it really lets people understand who you are and what your blog focus is. Seriously, thank you for checking mine out.

        Liked by 2 people

    3. Photos are fantastic for travel writing. As for what I’d like to see…I love historic sites and museums. I haven’t yet been to Paris, but the Louvre and the Catacombs are at the top of my list. Many people will want to know about visiting the Tour d’Eiffel, also.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks for the ideas. I never made it to the Catacombs but it something I want to do when I go back. The Louvre was was beautiful, but I loved the Musee d’Orsay even more!

        Liked by 3 people

    4. I think my internet cut out the first time, so sorry if you get this twice.

      Anyway, I know I prefer personal stories, so either the diaries or the essays on a specific experience sound good to me. I think it probably depends on what audience you’re looking to attract, though: people who are looking to plan a trip or people who just want to read your writing?

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Both..? Haha. No, I’d say more the latter. Although I’d be happy if it inspires someone to check out a few places. Thanks so much for chiming in! This really helps, and I’ll do some more thinking about my audience.

        Like

    6. if you can post about the expenses and about affordable places to stay or dine , it would be great cause many of us are not very affluent to make very expensive trips.. some recaps with photos will be fun to read too

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks, pujjya. I’ll see what I can come up with, considering that this trip was a little bit of a splurge for me. But I agree it always helps to have tips on how to see a city without breaking the bank.

        Liked by 1 person

    8. I’ve been traveling a bunch the past two years. My readers love my travel logs. I post every few days while on a long trip. I write what we did, adventures we had, and post pictures.

      I like to read the personal side of the travels, not like reading a printed travel guide, but what you loved! Or the misadventures you had that turned out to be great.

      Liked by 2 people

    10. I don’t read a lot of travel posts, but consider outlining a trip highlight and a lowlight (if there is one) so you can really explain what you loved and didn’t love and that way, people can keep that in mind for if/when they go to Paris.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hmm.. That’s a good idea! I published my Paris post already, but I think I might do that for my next travel post – I’ve got Rome, London and San Francisco coming up!

        Liked by 1 person

    11. Particularly, I like to read blog posts that contain lots of photos and a mix of lists and short paragraphs. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    12. I like the trip recap type post.
      Tell us what you did, what you saw, what you learnt.
      Share your pictures or videos too. That’s always good 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    13. Just left one of my top bucket list for this month on your blog. I have been posting few photos of my mini holidays around the state while explaining what the photo and the place really means to me and the things I’ve learnt from my mini travel. 😊😊

      Liked by 3 people

    15. Hi! I love travel blogs, but especially ones which include more than just the well-known tourist attractions. I like to know about the local / cultural treasures you may have found – even if it’s something simple as just a really cool coffee shop! I also love it when the writers personality comes across – makes it much more enagaging 🙂

      Like

      2. Thank you! I just posted part 1 of my Paris Travel Diary, as I’m calling it, if you’d like to check it out. I tried to inject as much as my personality as possible. I’ll be writing a Part 2 with all the local food spots we tried, including some funny food-related adventures.

        Liked by 2 people

    16. Great blog! I haven’t been lucky enough to be able to travel much, so it was fun looking at all the places you’ve been!

      And I looove your layout!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you, Naaria. Funny you should say that because I’ve been wanting to change my layout for ages! And I hope you get to travel some more soon – I’m a big supporter of getting out there, even if it’s a new place in your city.
        P.S. My Paris post is up, if you’d like to see 🙂

        Like

      2. I’m sure whatever layout you choose next will be great! Looking forward to more posts 🙂

        Like

    1. From the very first post on the first blog I said wow and I decided that I like you 😀 (because of Glass Animals). And by clicking the second blog and finding the post about Harry Potter I started to like you more :))) And then I found out that you even have more posts concerning Harry Potter. Well, you’re awesome. Keep writing, I’m definitely waiting for new posts! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Just had a read through some of your posts and I love how chatty you writing is! So easy to read! I don’t know how you are a teacher, I think it would drive me crazy haha! Also it’s great you’ve made changes to get healthier body and skin, the progress so far is amazing! 😄

        Liked by 2 people

    2. We’re on the same journey! Best of luck to you!! Great page! I’d love it if you could check mine out as well! 😀

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Oh that’s brilliant, I just had a read through some of your posts and your writing style is so chatty and easy to read! I have followed and look forward to see what else you will write! Good luck with your journey too, I’m sure you will do great! 😄

        Liked by 1 person

  4. One question I see most often is how to grow a blog. The answer is networking, and to give a little push to anyone who needs it, I’ve come up with a Blog Drinking Game!
    I am half joking, but if you’re intrigued, check it out.

    The Blog Drinking Game

    Feedback/thoughts appreciated! 🙂

    Liked by 11 people

    1. Hello, I had a look at both posts and found them very engaging! I like your style of writing – it flows well, is personal and made me smile. I definitely agreed with you on the pop-star existential crisis post. I’ve followed too after having a snoop at your other posts. Side note: I also really liked your header 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Your existential crisis post made me laugh. Specifically when you said you were freaking out about turning 30 in 7 years. I’ve got 5 years! But that’s plenty of time!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Kristin, I really like your blog design. It’s clean and minimal, which really puts the focus on the content. And I like that you break up longer posts with different formatting so it’s easy on the eye. Great job!

      Like

    4. Hi Kristen, I just found this community yesterday and am really glad I did. I’ve already found lots of great books – yours included 🙂 I like your minimalist design and especially love your logo. I also had a quick look through your blog posts (planning to have a longer look later) and came across your ‘trail blazers’ post. Really enjoyed reading it – it’s something I can identify and relate with completely. I’m often doing the same thing; being to hard on myself for not getting things perfect. You’re post is a great reminder that it’s okay to mess up!

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Hey everybody I have a few new posts up on my blog! I’d love it if you’d check it out! Most of my writing has to do with self-help and growing as individuals. Here are links to my two latest posts!! Hope you enjoy! Comments and other feedback are welcome and appreciated, as well as sharing if you like! Let’s support each other!

    https://creatingkings.com/2016/06/01/welcome-to-the-packmentality/

    https://creatingkings.com/2016/06/06/prince-five-weapons/

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Hi! I love your blog and your writing so I followed! The only thing I’d suggest is an About page for readers that are new and that don’t necessarily come from the Community Pool.

      Best,
      Giulia 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Cool and thank you! Yes I have an “about” page , it is my Honest Invitation post but I should probably rename it for readers sake! Thanks for the support, I followed your blog as well! 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

    1. Great post! Slight suggestion, add what you blog about in your about page or add categories and recent posts widgets in your sidebar so visitors can check out your posts easily 🙂
      P.S. If you’d like to see, I’ve posted a few posts on blogging tips, they might be helpful for you

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Hello.. I only know about beauty , health and natural remedies, but whatever topic I choose to write has already been written about by someone ,somewhere.. Can you guys suggest few topics which are untouched till now or may be some topics which you all will want to know more about.. It would be of great help
      https://stayhealthy-happy.com/
      Thanks in advance

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi pujjya, I think you wrote that comment directly to me in response to a comment I posted. Take a look at your comment and see if you want to repost… My answer to you would be that you can only write about what you know. Everything has been tackled before, your job is to tackle it your way. Then getting it read by someone? Well, that’s what I was asking.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ohh my god , I am so sorry , i was reading your blog and i thought in the mean time i can post my query and after i finished reading your blog will comment about it .. but i am new in this blogging thing so i ended up doing this blunder.. Please do not mind and thank you for suggestion ..

        Liked by 1 person

      5. thank you Sir , I hope I can cope up with the pressure of writing as I am a novice here.. But thank you for your support Sir

        Like

    2. I am shamelessly plugging my June 1-30 Challenge!

      Daily prompts. Some poetry, photos, opinion pieces. However you choose to meet that day’s challenge. It’s a fun way to meet new bloggers! Here is today’s challenge prompt.

      June 6 Challenge

      The real reason I started it was to get out of my old writing habits and to force myself to try something new.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Good morning Community Swimmers! I have recently posted a few travel related posts from a Memorial Day trip to Mendocino, California. I hope you will check out my fern valley hike and my trip to the lovely Mendocino Botanical gardens. Feedback is always welcome and I will be more than happy to check out your site as well. Thank you, Jenny

    http://www.bulldogtravels.com

    Liked by 7 people

  13. Hello all! I started blogging a couple of months ago and would like some feedback on both my layout and my content. Both are fairly simple, so some critique would be good.

    My latest post, which is fairly typical for the blog is here: https://ljtreads.wordpress.com/2016/06/01/forest-of-memory-by-mary-robinette-kowal/

    But it would also be nice to get some suggestions on this one: https://ljtreads.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/forgotten-fantasy-the-chronicles-of-amber/

    I’m hoping to make it into something of a series would like some feedback regarding the format and concept.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hi there! I have a couple suggestions.
      1) Maybe add a little color to your blog by changing the background color? Gray is fine, but it might seem a little bland.
      2) Add a small blurb to your sidebar that tells viewers what your blog is about. 1-2 sentences that give us a good idea of what to expect.
      3) I’d remove the “Meta” widget from your sidebar, as it doesn’t really do anything to enhance your viewer’s experience.
      4) If you’re going to make a series about the Chronicles of Amber, I’d suggest cutting back on the book summary; those who haven’t read the book don’t need to know that much details, and those who have won’t care. Make the meatiest part of your post your own thoughts/beliefs.

      Good luck in your blogging adventure!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks for the advice. I’ll have to tinker with some things soon; I need to work out an icon and some more graphics anyway.

        The series is supposed to be overviews of older fantasy series, so I do want more than just the blurb summaries I do for the reviews, even if only to differentiate them. You’re probably right that one went on too long, though. I’m going to have to strike some sort of better balance there.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. Setting myself a challenge is always good. I find that if you don’t feel like writing, challenging yourself to write about somehing outside your comfort zone helps to push you along, and you can often find you have something interesting to say about it!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I love challenging myself. I agree it does push you along. As much as I LOVE writing it does get difficult when your mind works against you! Great tip! Thanks!

        Liked by 2 people

  16. Hi everyone! As some of you already know, I curate a blog about names (baby names, character names, etc.). My latest post is on the name Shasta, which has ties both to nature and to beverages; you can read it here: https://wellinformednamer.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/the-name-shasta/

    I’d love some discussion on this name and perhaps my other posts. General feedback about the blog is also very welcome. I will happily read your blogs and give feedback, too! Happy reading. 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

  17. Hi everybody! I write a blog called misstery blog where I write about anything that interests or inspires me. I have been blogging for a little while, and absolutely love it with a passion. Would love if you could check it out 🙂 hope you are having a great day

    Liked by 5 people

    1. A very nice post and a very nice theme. You are very brave that you write everyday. It will change your writing style a lot and you’ll feel the differences. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  21. Hi, all. By goal in today’s post was to promote a new theater production and a new novel, both based on Shakespeare. For the first time, I’ve aggressively included a variety of exterior links in the hope of seeing more “clicks” and thereby getting a better sense of engagement. Let me know how it works for you, please.
    Hope you like the content. If you are local to the DC area maybe you’ll take advantage of my theater recommendation.
    Many thanks!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hi Ellen! I always enjoy reading book reviews and the like, and it’s great to know plays are showing where. I’d like to follow your blog but I can’t find a follow button…is it only via e-mail subscription?

      Liked by 3 people

      1. You can follow via WordPress’s reader as well. When you are visiting the site look at the bottom right corner. An option to follow should be floating on the screen. That will add it to your reader. Thanks for the feedback

        Liked by 2 people

  24. Hi, recently started my blog, it’s about all the funny things to watch on Youtube for if you’re bored on the internet and you just don’t know what to watch.

    Would love for you to come check it out, if you need some feedback on yours just reply to this and I will go watch your blog 😀
    https://tubeboss.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hey man, great-looking blog! It’s a lot of fun. I followed you ,and look forward to reading more when I get the time! Any feedback you have for me would be greatly appreciated!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. I’m dedicating this month to my novel in progress along with other writing advice and discussions. I published this introduction to my story and was wondering if it sounds interesting enough to catch my reader’s attention.
    https://enetteventer.com/2016/06/06/felixvsaida-intro/

    Anything you think I should add at all would be useful. Is there something my readers would wonder about or perhaps some question? Big question is will this catch their attention? (I’m writing extra posts as well but this is the main focus of the month)

    Liked by 4 people

  26. My blog pairs up my own photographs with a song or piece of music I think fits it, thus giving a photo its own ‘soundtrack’. For my latest one I did something very different-photos from famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi’s museum, and music that was partly created by plants (yes, that is not a typo). Have a look here, and any feedback is appreciated!

    Living Music

    Liked by 3 people

  27. Hey everyone! I’m a super new blogger (only just started last week), and my blog is about recent discoveries in the field of biological/cellular/medical sciences, making the results accessible to people who are not experts in that field, and putting the results into context of public health and medicine…

    I’d be so grateful if you could have a look (especially at my first post: https://biologyyak.wordpress.com/2016/06/03/the-extraordinary-monocercomonoides-how-a-chinchilla-introduced-us-to-one-of-the-worlds-most-unusual-organisms/) and I welcome any feedback! This is all so new to me, I’ve never done much writing before and I’d love to know what people think, and whether it’s actually understandable

    Also, if anyone has/knows of any similar science blogs, I will follow them too! Very happy to also look at other blogs and give feedback too 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I absolutely loved your home page (being a movie fanatic myself, I was legit losing my head at it). Your reviews are pretty forward and to the point. Doesn’t give away much.
      Great work on your site.
      https://a28598blog.wordpress.com (If you want to check me out when you have the time.)

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I really like your blog and there are lots of good movies in there! I’d like to see an ‘about’ page maybe where you explain what the blog is about. Although it’s quite self-explanatory, it’s always nice to read a little bit about the person behind 🙂

      Like