Nov 7, 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.

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    6. Nice post Prachi. If I may make a suggestion – could you use a bigger font size (i found it a bit difficult to read) and perhaps use italics for only those points which you want to emphasize? Happy blogging 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

    7. I agree on the font size issue as it makes things a bit harder to read. Typography is important.

      I also notice that the social media icons in your header go to the home pages for those sites instead of your profiles on them. There should be a place in your theme (maybe the try the “customizer”) to put in your usernames on those services so they link to the correct places.

      Similarly on your “about” page you might want to replace your text twitter handle with a linked version, so one could click it and visit your twitter account. Instead of just @pro_mittal, try: @pro_mittal

      Liked by 2 people

    8. hey Parchi your blogs are very philosophical… 😂 I love your posts… such inspirational speeches.. I lke those…. ..
      I am new in this world. please check out my blog at once

      Home

      and don’t forget to leave a feedback about my new posts…. please don’t discourage me.. 😜😜
      THANK YOU SO MUCH @Parchi

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you so much (: I’d love to visit your blog but my badluck that I have my exams and I poor thing haven’t studied. Will surely do it after exams 😉
        On the other hand, welcome to this bloggers family 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      2. you are welcome sister. It is so great for me that you replied in my comment.. I thought you might never see this. you are the best 😍…
        After all you are the only person on world press I have talked to….
        thanks 💜

        Liked by 1 person

    9. Just left a comment. Good blog and love the picture on your front page…is that in Norway?

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click my name and choose whatever appeals to you most🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you so much, just replied you back there! 🙂
        Lovely suggestion, I was lately thinking of uploading, now that you’ve mentioned it, will do it soon!

        PS: Following you! 😉

        Liked by 2 people

    4. I like the look of your blog! It goes very well with the topic you’re writing about! But could you include more pictures of when you’re cooking the recipes so that the reader can see how the food should look like in the making? I think it would help when people are trying out the recipes. But still, great blog! Could you check out mine? https://josmith1845.wordpress.com

      Liked by 6 people

    5. Your recipes look really delicious! I think the steps seem to be easy to follow. You cover all the necessary information like ingredient list/amount, steps, and serving size. I agree that photos of the recipes step by step would be beneficial. I think photos add to the fun of the experience!

      Liked by 5 people

    6. I’m thankful for these community posts! I love new recipes and you have a new follower in me. As a food illiterate 22yr old I’m looking to spice up my dinners, and I’m gonna have to try this out.

      Liked by 4 people

      2. Quick question: How did you categorized your posts into a specific category? Talking about ‘blog’ category in your menu! How did you do that?

        Like

      5. Not quite sure, but go to My Site on your customization panel. Go to Menus and it’ll give you options to create or get rid of a category. So you’d create Blog or whatever and it will give you Page, Link, Category, Tag, Post. If you click Category then all your categories like Movies, Food, etc can be checked off. And I assume when you create a new post and check off the category it belongs to, it automatically gets put into Blog. Try that and let me know if it works

        Like

    3. I love the eclectic mix of topics, especially the Guess Who it is category!! The design is easy to navigate and comprehensive in its use of widgets and footers. Well done for someone who thinks she has no idea what she is doing!! Keep going!!!

      Liked by 6 people

    5. Just left a comment. Like the layout of your blog, very simple and easy to move around.

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click my name and choose whatever appeals to you most🙂

      Like

    1. I love the layout of your blog and your recent post is great! Only thing I would suggest is to add a short passage in your About tag. If you would prefer not to, I would just get rid of it. I’m going to go back and read some of your older posts now. 🙂

      Liked by 6 people

    6. Enjoyed the post. If anything, I would like a small photo to complement the words as it would help me remember the post. But thats just me.

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click my name and choose whatever appeals to you most🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Well this must be the closest to the top of the first page of comments I’ve ever been!

    Good Evening friends, my name is the 6 Million P Man and I run a photography blog, showcasing my images and sometimes my views on various cameras as well. It’s a mixture of film and digital, street and landscape with some portraiture thrown in for good measure too. Check out a couple of the last few posts below and let me know if you like it 🙂

    Street Photography – Olympus OM-D EM-5; 65

    Street Photography – Olympus OM-D EM-5; 65

    Thanks ALL

    Liked by 10 people

    3. Some beautiful hotos and thanks for sharing. Keep up the good camera work..you should share your tips!

      Would you be willing to check out one of my posts? Click my name and choose whatever appeals to you most🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. i loved this post, and commented on your blog, but I wanted to also mention that maybe inserting read more tabs on your home page would help so that I don’t have to scroll through a ton of writing just to get to the later posts and see the titles. Right now it’s hard to get an idea of all of your posts at a glance.

      Liked by 5 people

  15. Hey everyone, I’d really appreciate it if you have any advice on how I can boost viewer participation within my posts? I’m getting quite a lot of traffic but would really love to see people interacting with my posts and having a discussion. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. https://sharedramblings.com

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Some tips I’ve seen are to pose specific questions to your readers at the end of every post. This tactic is hit or miss for me, but it gets people’s juices flowing – if they make it to the end of the post. That’s my only other comment – your posts seem a little long. I’m definitely guilty of writing long posts too, but this can discourage comments as readers won’t make it all the way to the bottom. Hope this helps, and your blog seems interesting! Keep it up!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks for the feedback! Yeah that’s a good idea I’ll test out. Yep I’m definitely guilty of writing a lot and you’re most probably right about people being put off. Thanks again

        Liked by 1 person

    4. I think the community pool is one of the best ways to boost interaction. I’ve found people I relate to and have things in common with, and that naturally opens up conversation. I like to post my latest blog post, and hope that I will find bloggers who are interested in my content. No one blog is for everyone, but it’s really nice to find the people who enjoy your work!

      Liked by 4 people

    5. Nerdywordybirdy’s tip of asking a question is a good one. I also suggest perhaps using more intriguing titles. Ones where people see it and not only want to read but argue with you?
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 4 people

    1. So ridiculously relatable.
      I like that your points were sharp and to the point, like bam.
      I like that you whined – everyone feels that way and honesty is the best thing to read.
      I like that you resolved to do something about it.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you! I’m always hesitant to post stuff like this because I hate coming across as whiney and helpless to people online who don’t necessarily know me in real life, so I’m glad people see it as relatable and honest. Once in a while, I think it’s fine to do!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I read something earlier today that said something along the lines of… Nobody want to read about you, they want to read about them. So I know what you mean, nobody cares about your daily struggles or cares, but what you wrote was what a million other people are thinking but unable to communicate.

        Liked by 3 people

    2. I liked how raw your writing was. I can relate a lot to the things you said on your post. I think it depends on your purpose of writing. Do you write for your audience? Do you write for yourself? It’s good to find a balance between the two, but if you had to choose… I suggest just writing for yourself as a form of release. After all, it IS your blog.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you! I do write for myself but I also know that I have readers and I’d like to keep them. That’s why I write online than just in a diary. I’m working on the balance, so thanks for the tips!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That makes sense. I feel the same way. It’s nice to know someone is reading your posts, and you get to interact with this wonderful community.

        Like

    1. Hey! I just read your first post and I think you have a great sense of humor in your writing – It’s like watching a little coming of age movie but one people can actually relate to! Keep it up 🙂

      Liked by 6 people

  18. Hello Community Poolers,

    James off of ‘James Proclaims’ here. Haven’t blogged much lately but I did today so you should visit my blog and leave some encouraging comments as a reward for my endeavours.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. I read your Night Knight post. Overall, your post was a fun read. How mean of you to put the image into my head of you clipping your toe nails and running them out to the compost pile. 🙂 I think James should remain your secret identity. Perhaps you could be the Knight Proclaimer. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 2 people

  19. Hello everyone! My latest post is an open letter (which I’ve never written before,so tell me how I did?) to J.K . Rowling ,the author of the Harry Potter Series. I’d love if you could check it out and give me your feedback on it. As usual,I’ll do the same for you.
    I also had a question ,how do you change the date of publishing on a post that was originally a draft?
    Here’s the link : https://musingsofawhimsicalsoul.wordpress.com/2016/11/03/an-open-letter-to-j-k-rowling/

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Hey!

      To change the date, you need to first go to the draft. At the top left corner, there’ll be two button – ‘Preview’ and ‘Publish’. Beside the Publish will be an icon of a calendar. Click that and reset the date.

      Hope that helps. 🙂

      Also, as a Pottered myself, I couldn’t agree more with the letter. Nicely written! 🙂

      Liked by 5 people

    2. I know you have an image at the end of that post, but consider adding more, especially at the top to really grab readers and add some colour. Also, just watch your punctuation, as I see commas and periods with spaces after them.
      Happy Blogging!

      Liked by 4 people

    3. I’m glad to see your blog covers a wide variety of topics so readers have something to latch onto or discover. Your pages have a nice mix of photos and text because of the patterned layout. If you have any questions or would like feedback on a certain piece, I’d be happy to take a look!
      Happy blogging!
      -Author S

      Liked by 6 people

      2. That’s great. We could exchange emails or open a shared Google Doc for writing. I’m always looking for writing partners since I love collaboration.
        Happy writing!
        -Author S

        Liked by 2 people

    2. You have an eye-catching layout with a mix of photos and text, but the blog itself could use some color. Try experimenting with color schemes to take some of the shadowy, dark edge, unless that’s what you were going for.
      Happy remodelling!
      -Author S

      Liked by 4 people

      2. You’re welcome. There’s nothing wrong with that, but not having a balance between light and dark can make the blog seem overly gloomy.
        Also, thank you for the follow! I look forward to hearing what you think of my blog and work as well.
        Happy writing!
        -Author S

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Your blog is very interesting. I did notice there are no widgets. You might prefer it that way, but it’s really helpful to explore when you have an Archives or Categories Widgets on the side in my opinion.

        Like

      4. I created Navigation and Scribble the Path in the menu as my brain organizes things in lists and categories, which those are. I might try and broaden the menu for easier reading.
        If you have feedback on specific things you found interesting or work that resonated well, that’d be wonderful in brightening my Monday.
        Happy reading!
        -Author S

        Like

    2. Most of the front-page photos don’t load, so there might something wrong with the layout. I’m glad to see the content covers a range of topics, so keep up the work on that broad spectrum.
      Happy blogging!
      -Author S

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I like the thought you are conveying. A little editing would make the reading easier. For instance, here’s an edit of a run-on sentence in your post, ” It is brave to chase your dreams, but life is a journey. You have to live in the moment too. Learn to embrace what you have. Sometimes, happiness is knocking on your door and you ignore it.” https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

    1. As a Canadian, I wish your nation nothing but a smooth voting day tomorrow. It’s scary just how important this vote actually is, despite the fact tthat many are off-playing it as a miniacle “self made” business made taking a bar bet much too far. Your post is a great read, but can be easily lost in the monotone presentation of your blog…minimalist themes are great, just try an make sure that your posts are discerable from the rest of your blog.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. I’m actually a Brit, although resident in Denmark. I have many online friends in the US anxious about the outcome and of course it will impact on everyone, to some degree.

        As for the blog theme, taste is subjective and I like the simple minimalist theme, but thanks for the feedback Thomas 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Your post does strike home, and I hope for nothing but to keep Trump out of the White House, or any position of power for that matter. I’ve voted already to avoid the rush, and I can only hope that Wednesday is not a dark morning.
      I agree with Thomas. The blog is plain to look at and can make reading through a post, however well-written it may be, seem monotonous and encourage readers to leave disappointed. Simplicity is great, but a little color certainly wouldn’t hurt. Also, keep an eye on grammatical errors as well.
      Happy writing!
      -Author S

      Liked by 1 person

      1. As a Brit I can only watch from afar and wish you guys good luck!

        Most of my posts tend to feature multiple images, quotes, etc. I guess this one went a bit too minimal.

        If there were any grammar errors I’ll put that down to posting way too late and too tired. Thanks for the feedback 🙂

        Like

      2. Of course, and thank you for the well wishes. I can only hope Americans end up doing what’s best for the country. Feel free to leave feedback on my work as well!
        Happy blogging!
        -Author S

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks! I’m not sure we are any near as smart as we like to think..

        I am fascinated by Japanese culture, although have never had the chance to visit. But your blog is just a click away.. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Hi Bloggers-

    I am currently working on a short piece of fiction that I would like to partner with a male writer on. On the surface, it is a piece about a potential first sexual encounter between a college-aged woman and college-aged man who are interested in more than a one-night stand with each other. Who could, with time, possibly fall in love. The heart of the piece is really how about this young woman with a history of date rape discloses such a history and how this colors this encounter– an all too common experience– and how a nice, but not perfect, young man might internally process such a disclosure and then navigate these tricky waters. I have a fairly good handle on the thought processes and emotions a woman who has this history brings with her but don’t feel that I have the insight into what might going on internally for the young man in this situation or how he might respond. I am thinking that alternating first-person perspectives on the same encounter or perhaps parallel stories could make a very rich, emotionally resonate and interesting piece. If you are willing and interested in partnering, please let me know. I have some broad ideas and some writing done but am interested enough in the idea of the collaboration itself to be flexible.

    I would also consider writing a similar piece about an encounter between two women but feel that I don’t have enough expertise or insight to approach this from the perspective of two men negotiating such waters together.

    Ironically I don’t have any other fiction up right now but I do think that my essays and poetry would give you a sense of my voice and writing style if you consider taking on this challenge:
    https://braveandrecklessblog.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 8 people

    1. I love the idea of writing partners and am always looking for more. It’s a joy to see two styles clash and try to find their way in a piece. I love the spontaneity of it, so I never plan. While collaboration is wonderful, I would encourage writing partners in general instead of one sex to keep participation as open as possible.
      If you’d ever like to partner with me, feel free to drop by, otherwise, good luck!
      Happy writing!
      -Author S

      Liked by 2 people

  27. Hello, everyone! Here is my latest post about letting go of the old and welcoming the new-https://crystalblue28blog.wordpress.com/2016/11/06/welcome-the-new/

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Like the story idea you have for your novel. As for your website, I would really work on trying to find some fonts that make it a bit more minimalist in nature so that that people can fucos on your writing more.

      Liked by 4 people

    2. I agree with Thomas, but it’s not only the font. Just after getting to the home page, I was overwhelmed by photographs, big titles, and content with non-loading substitutes. I’d work on not only fonts and schemes but organization as well. Readers want to be able to latch on quickly or as last be able to find what they’re looking for within a short time.
      Also, you might want to try posting your writing on the blog as well as taking the reader to a whole new site might seem too taxing to be worth it.
      Good luck in your blogging endeavors and happy writing!
      -Author S

      Liked by 2 people

      2. True, customization is more limited with the free plan, but one can make do with the right selected theme and media to enhance it. I wish you the best of luck!
        Happy remodeling!
        -Author S

        Liked by 1 person

    3. UPDATE: I tried to mess around with my color scheme and fonts, but the problem is that I like to have pictures and the book covers for my posts. I don’t know if that’s what’s messing up my color scheme.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey,
      Your blog is really eye catching, so many pictures and colours!
      I went straight to the travel advice section as this is what I personally like to read. My only criticism is that for this kind of advice I was expecting more of a bullet point or list format, with all the picture it just became slightly confusing… But I really enjoyed the read regardless!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you for stopping by! I get your point! I will take it into consideration for my future posts!

        Like

    3. Your blog is eye-catching with the images. The only things I notice on the home page that might not belong are the awards and the list of categories on the bottom. Since the blog seems to be about travel, it doesn’t make much sense to broadcast unrelated awards. Also, there’s no need for the list at the bottom, since the top menu organizes well enough.
      I hope the feedback about the overall look of the blog helps.
      Happy writing!
      -Author S

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Of course. I’m happy to help. Feel free to leave feedback on any post as it’s always welcome!
        Happy reading and remodeling!
        -Author S

        Liked by 2 people

  30. Hi there

    This week i made a bit of a compilation of some posts dealing with key issues in South Africa [although also USA, UK and most other places] in terms of race, privilege and justice and stuck them in one blog to make them accessible. i bet there is something for you and would love it if you have time to browse and pick one:

    Come and Race with me

    Thanks for visiting
    love brett fish

    Liked by 8 people