Jan 9, 2017 / Community Pool

Community Pool

The place for feedback, advice, and conversations about blogging.

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

913 Comments

Comments are closed.

Close Comments

Comments

  1. Hi, I just published a new story (700 words) on my flash fiction blog, To Cut a Short Story Short. It’s entitled The Rump of Midas. Please check it out and see what you think!

    https://simonjwood.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/the-rump-of-midas/

    As mentioned in my previous posts, if you might be interested in joining a 300-word fortnightly story group then please contact me via my blog and I’ll be happy to send details. New members are always welcome!

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Interesting concept, like your layout simple neat, nice. Though fortnightly update is pretty slow honestly. If you want to build a bigger following you need to post in smaller intervals. I post daily about writing in general, I am sure you might be interested.
      Blog: adityabhartiyamathur.wordpress.com

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi, thank you and glad you find the layout easy to use. In fact I aim to publish a new story every five days. The story group is fortnightly and that is conducted by e-mail, not on my blog.
        Yes, I will have a look at your blog, it sounds interesting!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. First off, I love the URL and logo! The lay-out looks good as well – I think you and I use the same theme, but it’s funny how different one can make it look :). If I can make a suggestion: I would make the request for your e-mail list pop-up later, because otherwise people can’t read your content before they decide if they want to sign up or not.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Thank you for the reply, it does look like we’re using the same theme 🙂 I’ve been trying to find out how to delay the pop-up, when I installed it the only options are 3seconds or 5seconds after opening the page, and once it’s closed out of it won’t appear to the same person again apparently, now I know I close out of them all the time and I’m wondering how often this is happening on mine, I’ll keep trying to find a way around it lol

        Like

      2. I think it stopped appearing because of the cookies the browser collects, so that’s supposed to happen – otherwise people will get fed up with having to click away!

        Liked by 2 people

    5. Hi Lauren! I didn’t get a chance to read the post above, but did coast around a bit. You have extraordinary talent and your experience shows through in your writing. I do believe the articles I have read about mental illness and one about the transition in school when friends meet new friends, loneliness and such is something that brushes a VERY important topic for young people. I would have loved to have read them when I was younger, as I went though similar experiences. Keep writing and sharing with others…you are sure to help many not feel so isolated and lost.

      Your set up on the page, and structure are very user friendly. They are basic but with class! Simple but to a point and well set-up

      Liked by 3 people

    6. Quite a blog, full with life lessons and help for others. I like people who are willing to help other people. In that aspect, our blogs are similar. I generally try to help the authors but occasionally, I will write a motivational post that would be aimed to help others.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I couldn’t find your comment section, but it seems like we have some things in common, some not. Sorry you had such adverse experiences with people who were supposed to have been helping you on your spiritual way. The ‘church’ it seems is the biggest catalyst for people turning away from God.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I have just corrected it if you would like to leave a comment… and I do agree with the sentiment that the ‘church’ is not necessarily a major selling point for Christianity.

        Like

    2. I grew up in a similar case where church was part of life. I don’t have the same traumatic experiences as you, but similar views. I think the issue is more about “churches” and that image than actual religion.
      I used to be bitter and anti-religion but have softened my views. While I don’t agree with it I can accept that for some people at least it helps during the hard times. The problem lies with those that use religion as a shield to their own hypocrisy.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I enjoyed your post. Be assured that you aren’t the only one whose mind wanders down those kinds of paths. Another perspective is to consider that a tiny thing you do could have an unexpected ripple effect for good or bad that could change people’s lives. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 3 people

    4. “I remember a stranger who had caught my eye as I walking home.”. Oh gosh. Did you read my mind? Everyone walking on the street is a person. They have their families and lives and hobbies and stories and are loved by their friends and families. But, to us? They’re merely a stranger. Makes you think, doesn’t it? Can’t wait to read more.

      Liked by 2 people

    5. Loved this! It feels very familiar, and takes me back to my teenage nights. Thank you for sharing.

      By the way, I can’t seem to find anywhere to place a comment.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for the compliment. I think the comments should be available by scrolling down (tbh I don’t really know, but I’m pretty sure)

        Like

      1. Thank you for the compliment, and I definitely will check out your blog. Honestly, I am a student, so I don’t get a lot of time or motivation to write.

        Like

    1. I’m not much of a cook, but your recipes look delicious. I noticed that you are using the category ‘blogging’ for them all. People searching for blogging are probably looking for advice on blogging.

      By using more descriptive categories such as ‘food’ or ‘vegetarian’ you’ll be more likely to be found by bloggers looking for inspiration for their cooking.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Yes that was, unfortunately, my experience in the beginning of motherhood. It had on so many subjects even regarding vaccinating. You definitely have to stand firm in your beliefs and ways at times because the bullying can be extreme. Thanks for reading and commenting!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I have two usernames. I use paminat0r for my private blog where I access the Community Pool. I use gracelead for my public site where I do my posts and build my library of tools.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Hello everyone! ❤ I just uploaded a new post talking about my online art shop! If anyone is interested in buying art or have any suggestions for what kind,of art they’d like to see, please do let me know ☺.
    I do follow back all the lovely people that follow me!
    https://mysteryvita.wordpress.com/ 🎨🎨🎨❤❤❤ thank you

    Liked by 7 people

  10. Mental Health Bloggers (I know you’re out there), attached is a link to my latest post. Instead of telling a story, I’ve gone all stream-of-consciousness to convey a bad M.H. week. Now that the ‘spell’ is over and I’m feeling better, I’m wondering if the convention I attempted made for an interesting read, or if it’s all just too random. Thoughts appreciated. Oh and if you have a M.H. blog, drop the link here, I’d like to read. https://jefftcann.com/2017/01/05/panic/

    Liked by 6 people

    2. Not random at all. That’s what depression and anxiety do to you and it is great you can write it down and discuss how you feel. I have several blogs where I address my depression and anxiety. Feel free to drop by and have a look. Just click the depression tag on my site to find the ones that address it-though a few others that aren’t tagged under depression do involve anxiety and panic attacks (like my one today titled “From Darkness to Light” https://theyoncecalledherpumpkin.wordpress.com

      Liked by 4 people

    2. I like your layout. One thing that might be helpful is to put an obvious link to your blog posts right on your home page. I, too have a home page that doesn’t include my posts and I think having the link (in addition to a menu tab) is helpful for readers who want to know what you’re saying.

      Liked by 2 people

    3. Looking forward to reading about your adventures! Tip: update your about page so readers know what you’re blog is about & a little bit about you right off the bat.

      Liked by 5 people

    3. My posts flick from serious to humorous too. My train of thought, like yours, has more in common with a tree than a straight road. Some of us are just made that way and need to celebrate our way of seeing the world.

      I’d say carry on doing what you do, but if you have time, leave some of your posts for a while and come back to them. Often when you re-read them you have new ideas or would sort your ideas in a different order. That might sound a weird thing to say, but I think you’ll understand.

      Liked by 3 people

      2. That’s a good point, thanks. Often it can be hard to resist hitting ‘publish’, but a fresh pair if eyes next day is a good way to redraft and edit. Thanks again.

        Like

      1. Thank you! Would love to write more about Cuba. I don’t know much about Panama, but I bet it’d be fun to learn.

        Like

    2. I like the concept of this series and your blog in general, very inspiring! It honestly was a pleasure to read. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    1. It looks like you are off to a good start. Your site has a pleasing look. Your post was easy to read and had a fun tone. My favorite part of your post was “I’m the sort of list writer who adds an item to a to-do list which has actually already been completed just so that I can have the sense of achievement when crossing the item off.” That made me laugh. 🙂 You might want to add an About page. New visitors often look for those to let them know the purpose of your site. https://gracelead.co

      Like

    3. You are off to a great start! One blog post will turn into 10 which will turn into 50 before you know it! I agree an About page will let readers know who you are and what your blog is about! Look around at what other bloggers are doing on their About pages and you’ll get some ideas! Good luck!

      Like

      3. My five year old was, until recently, under the impression that if you had the hiccups, you had THE hiccups – in other words, there’s only one set of hiccups to go around!

        But have you ever seen two people with the hiccups at the same time?

        Like

    3. You should try oil pulling, may help clean out whatever is causing you to sneeze so much!

      Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 30 minutes. Then spit it in the trash. It’s only gross when you initially put it in your mouth otherwise, its fine. I do it when I’m coming down with a cold and it helps every time.

      Like

      1. Hahaha, that’s an interesting idea but most of my sneezes are of an average intensity, I’m afraid. Not to mention that I’d be kind of hard to really chart such a thing.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Those were interesting thoughts. As an introvert, I have no desire for the hassles of fame, nor am I interested in the personal lives of those who act, play sports, hold political positions, or anything else. Admittedly, I am an exception to the norm. I liked your analysis as to why writers are not famous (perhaps Mark Twain) being an exception. To me others are famous because they are visible on the screen, on the field, or on the stage. Seeing them may cause people to think they “know” them and begin to take an interest in them personally. https://gracelead.co

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Absolutely, you hit the nail on the head! Even in ‘visible’ professions, there are people who choose not to be personalities. It might affect their careers, especially when it comes to actors or musicians, but I personally think doing the job as long as it interests you is the most important thing. I think it’s wonderful that you are not interested in the personal lives of celebrities. I struggle with it sometimes (when even the most sophisticated newspapers carry flashy headlines of celebrity gossip), but focusing on what they do is so much better than imagining what they are like.

        Thank you for reading and sharing!

        Like

    2. It is very cool! You really vent far, searched about nostalgia and found out some interesting facts about it. As for me, the whole idea is amazing, but I’d rather made different posts on each topic. That way people would see the topic they’re interested in and you would get more views. Cuz you’ll just have a bunch of huge posts. Everything else ai loved: the language, the pics and colors, the theme you decided to use)))

      Like

  26. I just wrote a thing a couple days ago, I’ve asked a few mental health experts for advice, things like wording and phrasing, and they’ve been helpful. But if I could get people who are not mental health professionals, maybe even people who struggle with mental illness, if I could get their feedback, I’d appreciate it. Thanks in advance. ☺️ https://mybleedingink.com/2015/11/12/seriously-tho-is-it-just-me-a-look-into-the-mind-of-mental-illness/

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Don’t be angry at the winter weather where you are-Cheer up and warm up with a smile by reading my blog, KALEIDOSCOPE(www.j2w7.wordpress.com); There you’ll find a rainbow of fresh posts that would surely tempt your palate, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and go to http://www.j2w7.wordpress.com today! KALEIDOSCOPE:It’s a Great, Big, COLORFUL World!-JW

    Liked by 1 person