Oct 17, 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 and guidelines 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, as well as for not starting numerous threads in a single Pool.
  • 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. Also note that including multiple links in your comment might automatically put it in the moderation queue, which will delay its publication.
  • 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

853 Comments

Comments are closed.

Close Comments

Comments

    1. Hi Ida! I enjoyed reading your post and left a comment over on your site as well. The only other thing I would have liked to hear more about was the way you breakdown story telling and your thoughts on how each of those categories play a role in good fiction.
      Also I LOVE the illustrations used throughout the post. They’re beautiful!

      Liked by 8 people

      3. Thank you for your feedback! I did wonder whether I should elaborate more on each category, but I didn’t want my post to run too long. Maybe I’ll make a part 2. Or maybe I’ll dedicate a whole post to each category. I’ll see how it goes!
        I’ve downloaded the illustrations from Creative Market. They offer free downloads every Monday. ^_^

        Like

    3. You have put up a very interesting post Ida. Enjoyed reading it. I also break down a story into various component most are same as yours but there are a few more according to the things I forget to keep in mind while writing.
      Keep up the good work.

      Liked by 5 people

    4. Hi Ida! I always love to find other Canadian bloggers 🙂 I loved this post- you have an engaging style of writing, and you convey a great deal without becoming dry. The illustrations are absolutely perfect 🙂 I would have loved to hear a bit more about your writing process, though! If you have a second, I would appreciate any feedback you have on my blog: anhistorianabouttown.wordpress.com!

      Liked by 6 people

    7. Your blog is very neat! Really enjoyed your posts on writing and your theme 🙂 it’s always refreshing to find other Canadian bloggers as well, keep it up!

      Liked by 6 people

    10. Nicely written James. It has everything you expect from. Well thought out.
      Feel free to browse through my page and share your thoughts on anything that interests you.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I am very happy that you liked it and specially that it made you smile. Yay mission accomplished 😄.
        Yeah, true! But who knows maybe Ariel or hhmmm well… she comes back again some time 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Hello! My blog, To Cut a Short Story Short, has been going for almost two months now. Thanks again to all those who checked it out and for the constructive comments! There are a lot of stories that no-one’s looked at so far though, so here’s a link to a (clickable) list of most of them (the rest are on the sidebar under recent posts).
    If you enjoy love stories, check out no. 60 on the list, the first post I made once my blog became public. I hope you enjoy it!
    https://simonjwood.wordpress.com/2016/09/20/story-index-tue-20th-sep-2016/
    Also, I’m still looking for writers to join a 300 word fortnightly story group. A starting word and two words to be included are selected at random and you can write in any genre. If you’re not sure, or if you’d like to keep your options open, you can still subscribe to receive the stories. Drop me a line via my contact page if interested and I’ll send full details. The next deadline is the 30th October.

    Liked by 11 people

      1. Thank you so much for your feedback! I really enjoyed writing this type of post, and there will be more to follow. I love the look of your blog. From the header to the widgets, I just really like how you designed it!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I absolutely loved this, sounds like exactly something me and my partner would do! And I love how you ask for other peoples worst date stories, it’s a great way to encourage conversation. Glad you made it through the date!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thanks so much! I really enjoyed writing more of a humorous post and reading the comments! You two are so brave to pack up everything and move to a new country! Can’t wait to read more posts about your transition!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. Nice easy read. Lovely post. One suggestion though, try distributing the pictures a bit more evenly through the blog where ever possible. Currently seems like a bit of text then a bunch of photos. Distribution would probably keep readers interested a bit more. Otherwise nicely written.
      Feel free to browse through my page though and share your thoughts on anything that interests you.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I just popped over to your blog and left a comment. I always enjoy reading your travel stories. And I didn’t know you’ve only been blogging for a month. You’re great at it!

      Liked by 1 person

      4. Thank you so much! Your comment has really brightened my day 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to even check it out and give such kind feedback. I’m so glad you liked it!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Lovely poem Varuna. Good use of tags too. I liked your about page too. Keep it up.
      Feel free to browse through my page and share your thoughts on anything that interests you.

      Like

    1. I’d definitely say keep posting about what you enjoy and stay true to yourself! Maybe people just aren’t seeing your blog. I noticed that some of your tags are very specific, and may not draw in many viewers. Are you using your art as the theme image that shows up in the reader?

      Liked by 4 people

    2. Don’t worry about the stats. Just do what your heart says.
      But you should try interacting with your followers and those who like and comment on your posts. This would create a bond and satisfaction out of blogging. This is what worked for me

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Hi! I wouldn’t worry too much about stats to be honest – although they can be useful in seeing which posts get the most views so you can target your content. However, its your blog and you can post as often or as little as you want, but its better to stick to say one day a week (for example) so your readers know when to expect you. Feel free to ignore this advice, because I am a horrible blogger and just post when I have something to say, haha! But I really like your blog, and although I notice you liking a few of my posts, I apologise for not taking the time to check out yours. Following now though because I love your art and knitting – that bobbly hat is brilliant!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. I like the idea of posting on a specific day. Though that means I have to get myself more organised, but I like the sound of that challenge!
        I love your blog, your work is so cool!
        Thanks for your kind words 😀 I am pretty proud of that hat! It’s the best thing I’ve ever achieved 😀

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Do you know that you can schedule your posts to appear on a certain day (for example if you don’t have time, but its a “blogging day”. I haven’t had to use that feature, but I know a few people who have, and it works well for them. 😀

        Liked by 3 people

      5. Oh wow! I’d love that!! It’s so sweet that you’d suggest it 😀 I’m totally up for that. Which day works best for you? We can schedule them for the same day. Oh my god this is so exciting!!!

        Liked by 2 people

    4. Your post Stationery Addiction made me smile. I could say you are out of control, but that wouldn’t be fair since I do the same thing with scrapbooking supplies 🙂 Regarding stats, I write for my intended audience. As long as I get even a few viewers, I am meeting the purpose of my blog site. Good stats are nice; however, they don’t drive my content. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You have just put the biggest grin on my face 😀 Yay for shopping addictions! hehe.
        ‘Writing for my audience,’ is not something I’ve consciously thought of. Though now you’ve mentioned it I wonder who I write for, because I don’t just write for me. You’ve given me something interesting to think about! Thanks 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    5. I agree with everything everyone else has shared. WordPress offers a great community of bloggers who are often eager to support!

      I’d also suggest promoting your posts on social media. This is one of the hardest things for me because self-promotion can feel icky, but it’s really one of the best ways to get more eyes on your site. I think visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest could be really good for the kind of content you post.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Ooo yes! I love the sound of all of that. I guess it’s time to start putting ‘work’ aka fun into all of this. I means who doesn’t love Pinterest and Instagram! Thanks for the encouragement 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I agree about the need to promote your blog on social media. One way that might make it easier for you to do it and to pre-schedule your social media posts is to sign up for an app called Hootsuite. It is free for up to three social accounts and it has really helped me get on top of and stay on top of social media. I now post on Instagram for example six days per week and have really seen good traction there that I’m hoping will transfer over to the block in time.

        Liked by 2 people

    6. I personally wouldn’t focus so much on the stats. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing, everything else will fall into place. If you are wanting to get more followers or visits to your blog, keep coming here to the Community Pool on Mondays and make sure you are engaging with other bloggers. You will be surprised at how your stats will increase. Again, don’t focus so much on that. Have fun and happy blogging!

      Liked by 2 people

    7. You are doing pretty good, Sandeep. I do look at stats sometimes, who doesn’t. It feels good to see followers and view on something you write. Write what you like in your unique way.
      Do engage with other readers. Read posts. Provide feedback. Learn along the way. And you will start seeing more traffic and make friends. 🙂 keep rocking.
      Feel free to browse through my page and share your thoughts on anything that interests you.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Think I’ve mentioned this before. I love the indentation in your poems. Awesome read too.
      Feel free to browse through my page and share your thoughts on anything that interests you.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Wow, that was really amazing, Komal Golecha. Got me in my feels 😭
      Love is really powerful. Love the fact that the post is also real, it’s something we all can decide to enjoy – forever Love.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Checked out your blog and read the post about friends and relationships when you have health issues. If people can’t look past your health issues, they don’t belong in your life. I was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate so I know how people can look at you when you are dealing with health problems!

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Hi, read your post about friendships and I couldn’t leave a comment, well because I too take the word friend very seriously, and I find it difficult to get any even when as I am, so I didn’t think that I could give a good comment on the topic but if you want it anyway – here it goes – So I reckon it’s wise to play in the courtyard because the issue isn’t really that you’re sick, it’s just really difficult to find true friends.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. My site isn’t very colorful yet and I haven’t branched out and used any pictures. But my hope is that my words help someone that needs it, to show there is happiness outside of addiction.
    I’m doing blogging 101 now and I’m trying to respond to people that have written to me. I’m grateful to be learning and to have found such a supportive group of people here!

    Addiction Doesn’t Start Out Awful

    I would love any feedback!!

    Liked by 9 people

    3. Your posts are raw and real…can definitely hear the voice of experience in them. Don’t be afraid to add some pictures or quote memes to your posts. It will help to break up the words and makes the blog visual as well. Good luck with this!

      Liked by 2 people

      2. I find a lot of mine through yahoo search. I am also on Pinterest so I type in whatever I am looking for and find pictures, quotes, memes, infographics, etc. That’s how I do it, I don’t know how everybody else does it! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Desi. I liked your post today. Very good advise and wonderful quote. I also enjoyed your poem from the previous post although sad. Keep up inspiring people to be happy. Even if only one person reads it, it can make a difference to that person.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Your post was interesting. It helped me better understand why some people enjoy the newspaper. I’ve never subscribed to a newspaper. I listen to the news primarily to get the weather report and a few headlines. Other than that, I find it boring and sometimes aggravating. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    3. Interesting post. I still enjoy reading the paper. Something about physically holding the paper and the smell of the paper and even getting the newsprint ink on my fingers is something that I would miss by giving up on reading the papers!

      Liked by 1 person

    4. Already following u. Good one on the unfelt feelings.
      Feel free to browse through my page and share your thoughts on anything that interests you.

      Liked by 1 person