Aug 1, 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. Hello!

      I really enjoyed your post. I appreciate the pictures so that you know what it should look like if you try to do it.

      I would want a little more information, such as what is halloumi and where to buy it.

      Thanks for sharing!

      🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I didn’t know what halloumi was either! At first I thought it might be some type of squash or root vegetable. I’m now assuming it’s cheese… and not a vegan substitute cheese? A photo of it before it was cut up – label and all – would help. I guess to me the transition from BBQ to frying cheese(?) seemed a bit odd.
      However, the one thing that stood out to me even more is that your blog’s name isn’t anywhere on your blog, except in the URL. And you don’t appear to have an “about” page.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for taking the time to write a comment, you certainly gave me a lot to think about 🙂 ah, yes it is a cheese, and I will make sure to make it clearer. Looking back I can see how this post was a bit muddled!
        I have had trouble trying to work out how to present my pages from the home page, but I will get to it! Thank you, Im sure I can improve my blog now!

        Like

    3. Welcome to the blogosphere! Like a few others mentioned, adding pictures in posts and an about page are very good ideas. Also, is there anything on your home page? If not, definitely add something there, even if it’s a little welcome message. Go through the settings to change around what is shown on your blog and where!
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Nice post! Good content, good post length. Very thought-provoking 🙂 I like the feel of the site, though I think your “perfection” definition image is a bit large, but it’s not terribly detrimental to the feel of the site. In fact, I think better advice would be to add an image to your post, to add more color to the post and break up the text.

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

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I totally feel your frustration and anxiety in your writing. (Not sure if that is a good thing or not – lol!) For me, I would like a photo here or there as the white space is A LOT of white space and if you are looking to get followers that might help. But in a way the plain white space underlines the starkness of what you are writing about.

      As an aside, I’ve been there. The name of your blog is what caught me because I can really relate. I wrote this three years ago and a lot has changed… https://wordpress.com/post/rev2point0.wordpress.com/52 Good luck to you! I’m following.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Hello, swimmers! 🙂 I just posted a super-timely post — it’s about Community Pool, and how much it has taught me about blogging and connecting with other WordPress users. Check it out, and let me know if the writing is interesting:

    Swim on: WordPress Community Pool

    Of course, if you leave some feedback for me, I’ll check your blog out, too 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi Natalie, that’s a great post, really sums up the community pool, we’ve chatted on here before and it is a great way to find new blogs and get constructive feedback on yours. I like your who is Natalie about page. Have you seen many people do that? I have a Who is Milly and Who is Lauren page and haven’t seen anyone else have those type of pages! I’ve actually updated both of mine today and would appreciate your feedback.

      https://millysguidetohappiness.wordpress.com/about/

      https://millysguidetohappiness.wordpress.com/who-is-lauren/

      Like

    3. I am also grateful to WordPress for providing the Community Pool. There is no way I would have found such a diverse set of fascinating blogs on my own. And, like you, I have had more people curious enough to visit my blog. Thanks for reminding us of the gift WordPress has given us. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I enjoyed My Other Friends. For me you captured a sense of what it’s like to feel akin to nature. I did find one small area to fix… “with a soothing movements” should either be “with soothing movements” or “with a soothing movement” https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Yo, cool website, I couldn’t find much to critique! My only suggestion is to perhaps add a picture to your home page. You might as well considering you have that blank space between your home post and your footer widgets.
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yo back at ya and thanks for the visit, comment and the suggestion- Gotta fill that space up indeed lol!

        I actually planned to do that but I don’t always take photos so it got delayed till I kinda forgot about it haha so thanks for the reminder- I’ll put one there soon 😉

        Checked out your blog too btw which got me curious… Your nick here on WP lol why “Donovan”? Is that your name/ family name?? Or is there a hidden meaning to it? Or am I reading too much into things lol!

        Cool blog btw, it’s real hip and all which really suits your personality 😉

        Just wanna ask this too, aside for fun and self expression, is there any other purpose to your blog?

        Your pal,
        Benjamin

        Like

      2. No hidden meaning. Donovan is kind of both my name and my nick name. Not very feminine, but I don’t mind it, which is why it’s my username.
        I’m glad you liked my blog! I don’t have any other purpose for my blog. I mean, I’m hoping it can one day help me get a job I enjoy, but for now I just like to write and share my opinions with the internet. Do you think I need another purpose? I’m always open to suggestions and feedback!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Haha will do! Thanks for the feedback! Btw, nice blog you got up 😉

        Do take note to add a “About Me” Page so that visitors can get to know who they are “Listening” to!

        Keep up the good work bud 🙂

        Your pal,
        Benjamin

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice content! 🙂 I really liked the post about treating workers with kindness. It really struck a chord with me! As for suggestions, consider adding an image with your posts to break up the text and add a bit of color. Just one is enough!

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

      Liked by 1 person

    1. What an awesome concept! Nice content, good use of images AND music, good post length. That was a fun read 🙂 Keep up the awesome posts!

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much! I just gave you a follow and read your ‘cursing’ post. I will go back and look at some more shortly, but I like the content of your posts and your willingness to write about what you are really feeling. Great stuff!

        Like

  15. Hey everyone! An awesome blogger (https://natalieschriefer.wordpress.com) gave me some good advice on using pictures to help with the flow of a post. What do you think? Here are two of my posts (with and without pictures)

    “Waiting of God” – https://rosschellis.com/2016/05/19/waiting-on-god/

    “Young People & The 2016 Election” – https://rosschellis.com/2016/07/28/shine-like-stars-young-people-and-the-2016-election/

    All comments are appreciated.

    And, please leave a link to a page/ post so I can check out your work!

    Blessings!

    (I tried sending this message a moment ago, but it never appeared in the thread. I apologize if the original post appears…not meaning to duplicate on the thread).

    Like

    1. Cool post! Nice content and good post length. If you’re looking for suggestions, consider adding an image to break up the text a little and add more color — something as simple as a stack of books will do 🙂

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

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Been awhile since I posted here, I’ve been posting on underground and avante garde music and punk rock and that sort of thing for awhile now here:https://alphastare.wordpress.com/

    I’ve also since started a couple of blogs, one for photography/iphoneography:
    https://alphastarephotography.wordpress.com/
    And a band blog:
    https://andalusiaroseblog.wordpress.com/

    One thing I’m looking for might be suggestions on a good theme for the photo blog, any of the free ones anyone has experience with, I don’t totally love my current one but it serves it’s function.

    Thanks and enjoy! Looking forward to any feedback!

    Like

    1. I took a quick look at you site. I’m a fantasy sports guy – football and basketball. I immediately wondered if you covered these sports. I was not able to tell, because it would require scrolling through all of your content. Who has the time?

      I would encourage you to consider adding categories to your page. In addition, you may want to even create a link to those categories in your Main Menu. And, an “About” page would probably be good, as well.

      If you have any questions about how to add these categories or hoe to place these categories in your Main Menu (to give the appearance of different dynamic pages)

      Like

      2. Thank you for the feedback I do cover all sports but most of my time is devoted to mlb right now but it will soon be reverted to nfl thanks for the different pages advice though. I will get right on that.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I won’t stay long, as guess what…I am heading out riding, haha, but like what I saw, have followed and will be back later in the week to read more.
      The border for you blog is SOOOO fitting, pictures are awesome. In reading your latest post, I am very old school. Just love to ride and run for my enjoyment without any electronics. 🙂

      ~Carl~

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much for the feedback!! I will take another look at the image in the background – I would like to try having it as a border rather than all the way around – but haven’t been able to figure it out.

        Thank you very much for the feedback on my writing 🙂

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice poem! I just commented 🙂 My only suggestion — move the first line of the poem down a bit, so it’s not on the same line as the image. I almost missed the first line entirely, and I bet others have had the same issue!

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

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Hey there my writers! I’d like to hear some thoughts on my most recent post on the implications of the fashion and beauty industry, particularly focusing on beauty bloggers. I am quite judgmental in the post but I point out my own hypocrisy and envy and would like to hear some opposing views or if you agree with me. Would love some feedback and will be sure to do the same on your posts!

    Beauty and Lifestyle Blogging vs Consumer Culture

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Nice post! It’s a real challenge to grapple with such a difficult topic, but you handled it well, I think. My suggestion — perhaps add a few more images to break up the text. Images make longer posts look less intimidating 🙂

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

      Like

    2. Hello!

      This is a very powerful post. You have taken on some very important topics in here. Your writing is very intense, and draws the reader – and gets them thinking about their own position on these topics.

      My suggestion is to break it up a little more. You may want to focus on one main topic, and write a series of posts tackling each one. Shorter paragraphs may also help the reader to digest all of the information.

      🙂

      Like

  23. Hello Ladies and Gentleman!

    It’s been a month since I started blogging and please check it out if you have spare time 🙂 And maybe leave some feeebacks too or follow.

    Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

      2. Nice blog! I like how you pair each poem with an image — that’s a great tactic to use 🙂 Keep up the good work!

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

        Like

    3. I think everything is great, but the design could use improvement. The checkerboard-repeating background image was somewhat distracting, and the fonts could also be cleaner as well.

      Like

    1. My only suggestion would be to add an image with your post — it breaks up the text a little and also adds some color 🙂 Other than that, your layout looks great. What do you want to know about linking?

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I think I will try to incorporate breaking up text to make it readable, I see it works well in a lot I have read. I found some buttons who have seemed to help on WP including follow ~_^ thanks!

        Like

    1. Glenda, I think you are off to a good start with your blog site. I found your post to be encouraging. If He wants you to reach out to us with a blog, He will give you the strength to do it. I’m glad I stopped by your site. https://gracelead.co

      Like

    2. Fear is definitely the worst emotion/feeling. But blogging takes time and care, and you’ll soon get comfortable with it and your accomplishments. You don’t have to have the BEST blog as long as it’s one you’re proud of!
      As for feedback, I suggest adding images in your posts to break up the text a little.
      Happy Blogging!

      Like

  27. Hey everyone,
    I am very very new to this blogging medium. Would love some feedback on my blog winduptoy, tales from youth and social encounters. Any feedback would be great, both content and set up as I a newbeeee.
    Thanks
    Winduptoy

    Stories

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Nice content! I really like those little images that you’ve added, the drawings. They add a very personal touch to your blog that standard stock images don’t have. My suggestion: your home page currently displays the full length of each post. Maybe use the “Read More” tag when writing the post so that your home page doesn’t stretch on forever, and readers can find more articles there in a smaller space.

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

        Like

      2. Thanks for the feed back and comments. I honestly didn’t even know that button existed so thanks a bunch.
        I read one of your works, The Power of Water. Really good imaginary, the characters really good, got a little chocked up to be honest. In between the world of fairy tale and reality, which is what I love reading so thank you again keep it up 😀

        Like

  28. I started a new blog this past week introducing an idea for a group art project about gratitude. Would love feedback on how I can get the word out beyond my friends and family. Word needs to spread for the project to be successful! I’m grateful for any feedback you have. Even better if you decide to be a contributor or help spread the word!

    https://collectivegratitude.com

    Liked by 4 people

  29. Hi. I run a blog on writing fiction, and I have recently added a new excerpt from my novel. I would appreciate any comments ya’ll might have and will gladly return the favor.

    Liked by 4 people

    3. I really enjoyed your posts on writing advice. Self-publishing (and editing, my field) is such a brutal world, but your posts offer humor and great advice. Rock on! 🙂

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

      Like