Jul 11, 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’m Emily, and I’m a relatively new blogger here, only been at it for a little over a month. I blog about a variety of things, but usually stick more towards the bookish writing side. But here are my last two posts that I would love your feedback on!

    Passionate (a writing piece, deviates from my usual style, very corny): https://emdashzhu.wordpress.com/2016/07/05/passionate/

    And Countless Others #BlackLivesMatter (thoughts on a movement I’m passionate about): https://emdashzhu.wordpress.com/2016/07/09/and-countless-others-blacklivesmatter/

    Have a good week y’all!

    Liked by 17 people

      1. Thank you so much, and loved your post as well. I definitely felt the emotion behind it, and it really is sad to see some of these tragedies limited to a hashtag and nothing more.

        Liked by 3 people

      3. Thank you so much for the lovely comment!! I’m glad you took the time to check out my blog and liked it 🙂 I love your blog layout, its so eye-catching and intriguing.

        Like

    5. Your blog is literally incredible; I am hoping that you would do just fine with it, as well as wishing you all of the success that you will ever have. If and when you get a chance, please be sure to check out my very own blog, which is called Dream In Music, at http://www.j2w7.WordPress.com! With ❤-JW

      Liked by 4 people

    6. I loved the way you write Emily and explain minute details just perfect for the reader to feel the moment you describe.. You gained a follower 🙂
      Do check out my blogs too and let me know if you like them

      Liked by 3 people

    9. I enjoyed the visuals in your “passionate” post, I can picture that room vividly in my head, even the look and feel of that room, I very much enjoyed reading that.

      I normally steer well clear of political posts, especially those from other countries but after reading passionate and enjoying it I thought I would give it a go, even though I knew that it would be a different read.

      I have to say you write really well, whilst of course angry and upset over these pointless murders (because I think that is exactly what they are), even though you didn’t know them (which shows compassion and empathy) you do not write with an abundance of vitriol and venom which I know I find difficult at times if I ever offer my opinion of something when talking to my friends.

      A very good blog, to the point where I hope that you write about more than book reviews, because whilst I like books, I prefer to read about things like the two posts that you have linked to

      Liked by 2 people

    12. Hi Emily! I just read your post “Passionate” and I really liked it!
      You write beautifully.

      Keep writing 🙂

      ♥,
      Inelle

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Em, I read ‘Passion’. I think your writing is very descriptive. I was pulled in and I wanted more. I believed and identified with the characters. Please keep writing and sharing with us 🙂 I really don’t have any constructive criticism on this one – I liked it exactly the way it was.

        Like

    1. That was a powerful piece you wrote. You got me drowning in thoughts. Feel free to check out mine, litcore.wordpress.com

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much! You know what success means to me? When I’m able to get a new insight in one’s perspective and change the way they look at life for better. I really am glad. Thank you, again.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Checked your blog! Read some of your work and following you for you have the amazing work that I would love to see on my WordPress reader’s feed. Keep smiling!
        Also, thank you so much! :’D

        Like

  4. Hi everyone! My blog concerns baby names and character names. Last week I received some great advice here about adding anchors to my “baby name index” page so users can skip to certain letters, and I’ve done so. My question is: should I put anchors at the bottom of the page as well as the top? https://wellinformednamer.wordpress.com/baby-name-index/

    Also, if you’re willing to check out the rest of my site and give general feedback and advice, that’s great too. 🙂

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Emma,

      I really enjoyed your post on the Beyoncé show. I like your writing. I think you are down to earth and funny! You are honest about who you are.

      I also read the Leibster Award 2. Again, I enjoyed how your personality came through. I think I have a hard time with the question and answer style, and I preferred the post where you just wrote. Your personality comes out even more that way.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I love your blog, and how you’re anonymous. It adds abit more excitement to each post. Also I can tell you put in alot of effort into your blog posts. well done. To improve – Some people may be thrown off by some longer words you have used, so some posts maybe don’t use as long words, but overall amazing xo

      Liked by 4 people

      6. I LOVE your blog! The anonymity thing is brilliant! 😀 But I have to say I’m a bit worried, you come across as a bit unhappy… I know I’m a complete stranger on the internet but if you ever feel like talking, my contact details are on my blog 🙂 Congrats on your amazing blog!

        Liked by 4 people

      7. Thanks 😀
        No worries. The mind is a mysterious thing, and one can never truly understand one’s own thinking completely xD
        I really like your blog too! Will ‘stay tuned’ for more 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    3. I really like the pictures that you use on the theme and I like your writing style, I do wonder whether the grey background colour subdues the content a little.

      Liked by 2 people

    5. Christine. You’ve written your emotions so well into your post, I nearly cried. I liked the idea of using a letter format- made your post so much more personal and touching.
      Keep writing and good luck to you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Hey everyone, I’m Anna, however I refer to myself as “A”. I love blogging about beauty and lifestyle, and would love if I could get some feedback. I will give some back, and hopefully you love my blog 🙂 xo

    Liked by 5 people

  9. Hey everyone! Hope you had a great day. Please visit my blog to find some posts on social issue, human behavior, short poetry and teenage life. This is my latest post on “Real people behind fake personalities” https://shonessa.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/real-people-behind-fake-identities/

    This is another post on “Life after death” https://shonessa.wordpress.com/2016/07/05/life-after-death/

    Please share your views on the same and I’ll be most happy to read your blogs and follow you!😊😀😀

    Thank you,
    Shonessa

    Liked by 4 people

      1. Dear Nameless Old Monk,

        Your post ‘Lost and Insecure’ was incredibly well written. I myself have experienced exactly what you describe – both situations. I feel like you described them very well – better than I have been able to myself lately. I really enjoy your writing. It is very detailed, very descriptive, and flows really well.

        I also really appreciated the ending of this post where you shed some positivity and hope on the situation. I feel like as a reader I am walking away with solutions.

        Thank you for sharing.

        Like

    2. Really liked the layout of your page easy to navigate and very organized.
      I also appreciated your style of writing. It’s very articulate, and you can tell you put a lot of thought into each word.

      Keep up the good work! 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

    4. Hi Giulia, Are you able to add an option for the viewer to dismiss the pop up about subscribing to your monthly newsletter? I wasn’t able to see any of your posts because it was covering them up! I’m viewing on an iPad from the WordPress app, but don’t know if that makes a difference… So I can’t really comment on your layout or writing!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Just had another lol, and there is definitely no close button! I’ve taken a screenshot but not sure how to get it to you! I’ve had a look at your posts via WordPress and am now following you 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Hello Everyone! Happy Monday! I just gave my blog a complete rehaul and I am so excited to see what everyone thinks of it. You can check it out here: https://thecontemporaryedition.com/

    Please feel free to share your views, I can take all criticisms 😉

    Also,please post your blogs below, I would love to check out everyone’s blog if possible, I am always on the lookout for new blog obsessions:)

    Liked by 3 people

      3. Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my blog. Thanks for the awesome feedback! I just started following you right now 🙂 I absolutely love your layout, its so funky and fun.! I think Ill take my time later to really browse through your blog, your recipes look delicious. Yum!!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much for the lovely comment!! I tried to check out your blog but I think it may have been deleted? Do you have an updated blog I could check out?? 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Thank you so much! seekingserenity was my old one that I deleted…where did you find a link to it? I must find it and kill it, lol.

        Liked by 2 people

      5. When you comment and I check my notifications, its the link associated with your username. I don’t really know how it works though lol 🙂

        Like

      7. haahaaa, I’m sure it doesn’t matter in the long-run, you new blog looks absolutely wonderful regardless 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much! I think I just got lucky with the theme I chose. If you check the themes section, i am sure there are lots of wonderful themes with 2 sidebars if you are really keen on it. Thanks again for taking the time to check out my blog, you are awesome 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    5. I read your most recent post “No More Hashtags” and it has a powerful message 😀 Your layout is absolutely gorgeous and the skyline picture at the top complements everything so well!
      thelivingmeblog.wordpress.com

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hi everyone, this is the latest post in my christian blog and it’s about proverbs 21:3 “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” and why this is a call to the modern day christian, please give it a read if you get the time! and if you enjoyed it maybe some suggestions for future topics, thank you!

    Justice & righteousness over sacrifice

    Liked by 3 people

  16. Hi everyone!

    I just posted a new piece a little bit ago called Saudade. It’s a creative writing piece, just some emotions I’ve been fighting a while, and the situation seems to finally be closing, and the uncertainty I’m feeling prompted me to write.

    Any constructive criticism would be cool, or if you can just relate, let me know 🙂

    Saudade

    Thanks!
    Lin

    Liked by 5 people

    3. Gemma,

      I really enjoyed your Magic Star Chocolate Brownies post. It was so much fun, so cheerful, and really left me wanting to bake brownies.

      I would love it if you would open up even more in your writing. Your girls night sounded great. It would have been wonderful to hear more about your connection with your cousin, and how the process of the brownie making went.

      🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Hi all. I am David and I run a Travel blog called A Wandering Memory. AWM started a year ago, after I suddenly realised that I really missed writing and sharing our experiences of travel. We have been to 59 countries and lived in 6 of them. These experiences have shaped our life’s and as such we wanted to share them and hopefully inspire others to travel more.

    Unbelievably, I have never been on the community pool before but have had some great advice and feedback from some incredible experienced bloggers. with this we have been able to adapt and actual strike up some close relationships with fellow bloggers around the world.

    We really love what we do and hope to improve and continue to inspire.

    Let us know your thoughts
    https://awanderingmemory.com

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Wow!! I loved this post. Your writing is very descriptive, and your pictures are fantastic. I love to travel as well, but have never considered Croatia. I think I will now consider it. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

      Thank you for sharing.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Hi all,

    I have a fairly new blog that I’d love some layout advice on. I’m currently using the Boardwalk (free) theme, and I love the look, but now that I have multiple posts up I really don’t like how you have to scroll horizontal instead of vertical to view past posts.

    I’m looking for a new theme with a similar look, but vertical scroll, also one that has a more prominent sidebar menu for the “Subscribe” and social media buttons.

    Any suggestions would be great! Here’s the link: https://passionproject.net/

    Thanks!
    Catie

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I can’t recommend any in particular unfortunately, and I do agree about the vertical slide being distracting, but I’m sure I have seen themes similar that go horizontal. Otherwise, I think it looks great!

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Yeah, I’m not a huge fan of the vertical scrolling either (though I love the images — they draw my eye in!). Take a peek at my blog (click on my name). My theme is called Hemingway Rewritten and is also free, but is more horizontal and I think the social media is more prominent, though I wish it was even more noticeable.

      Also, I really liked your post “The Excited Spirit.” 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks Natalie. I like your blog too, although I think I’m looking for a more magazine style layout, to be able to show multiple posts on a homepage. Your topics are interesting, I’ll have to read more!

        Liked by 2 people

  20. Hi everyone. My name is Quincy. I run a blog that teaches how to sew, make cloth patterns as well as proffer diy ideas. We also tell stories on my blog

    Featuring right now on my blog is a detailed tutorial on HOW TO MAKE A WRAP(ENVELOPE) SKIRT PATTERN @ http://bit.ly/29DdrCz

    Kindly check it out and be kind to leave what you think on the comment box.

    Looking forward to reading what you think

    Kisses!

    Liked by 3 people

  21. Hello! I’m still into my first 6 months of blogging and I’m always up for feedback! I’m a resident physician (doctor in training) and I enjoy writing about my patients and life lessons I learn from them. Here’s my recent post about breast cancer, the history of its treatment, and my own failures I had to go through to get where I am today. Don’t worry, I try to use non medical mumbo jumbo as much as I can!

    Also, I will check your blog out as well and provide my own two cents (and probably learn from you as well!)

    A Swollen Arm, Radical Mastectomy, And Becoming A Doctor: How To Overcome Failure

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Hello, your content is really interesting and insightful and it’s interesting to see a blog from a doctors perspective.
      However, I’d like to know why you chose the header image of two palm trees, as I wouldn’t usually associate it with a blog from a doctor.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks I’m glad you asked that. I work in Southern California and there are tons of palm trees here. They’re really mesmerizing to stare at while the wind is softly blowing the leaves. Also I enjoyed watching them in the Caribbean where I went to medical school. They gave me peace between study breaks. The trees on my blog are from the parking lot at my hospital. So it’s sometime I often stare at as I walk to my car after a long days work. It’s the little things in life, I guess.

        Like

  22. HEY THERE!

    We’ve all heard the saying ‘Wrong information spreads like wildfire.’ And to be quite honest, a lot of misinformation stems from the conversations teenagers have among themselves. Which is why, I’ve started The Teens’ Digest (https://theteensdigest.wordpress.com/about/). It’s going to be every teenager’s go-to website and I sincerely hope that it makes them aware in the right manner. Check it out!
    (ps: im working on my first article on sex ed, which will be up in a few days!)

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I like your posts as they cover a lot of different topics! Congrats on your recent awards too 😀 I read a few posts about the girly girl and tomboy stuff and it changed my views on that so thank you!

      Like

    1. Hello! I really love your blog and I did comment on a few posts. I like your casual tone and your posts keep me wanting more 😀 One suggestion, it’s a little hard to read your blog title and the tagline thing under.

      Like

    2. Hey, I posted a comment here but I don’t see it (I hope I didn’t post on the wrong person’s comment…). I really like your casual tone and I commented on a few posts. I really like your post topics and I just want to read on and on and on 😀 . One tip, your blog title and tagline thing at the to is a little hard to read. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha Oh no that would be cringy! Awe thank you, you have been so sweet!
        Yeah I’m working on that, but it’s quite hard to find a good image, but I think it will be sorted before September. 🙂 I’ll check your blog out :).

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice post! I just commented 🙂 Good use of humor. My only suggestion: maybe move your image into the middle of the piece to break up the text a little. Not a big deal, though!

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? Click my name and choose one 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Nice post — there aren’t enough science blogs out there, and it’s great to see a blog both well-researched and well-put together. Rock on!

      My only suggestion: if you want to pull in some folks with less of a science background (I’ve got some engineering), diagrams might be a good way to both add pictures to a post as well as not intimidate curious readers who may not know as much about assorted sciences as you. But not a huge deal if you don’t!

      Would you be willing to read one of my posts? 🙂 Just click on my name and choose whichever one appeals to you most.

      Liked by 3 people