Jun 12, 2017 / Community Pool

Community Pool

Where bloggers come together to give each other feedback and advice.

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).

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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!
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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. Good Monday morning, bloggers!

    I recently wrote a number of longread stories on my blog, and some critique is much desired on my work. I have pasted two very different stories – a little bit for everyone – which I really like. Read one, or both, or whatever you feel like, and I would be happy to hear your opinion on it! Thanks!

    A Letter to My Hypothetical Daughter: Why We Broke the World
    http://nothingconsidered.com/a-letter-to-my-hypothetical-daughter-why-we-broke-the-world

    I Will Never Be an Author, and Why You Will Not Accomplish Anything Either
    http://nothingconsidered.com/i-will-never-be-an-author-and-why-you-will-not-accomplish-anything-either/

    Liked by 24 people

      1. Thank you, Dacian! And to you as well, nice mix of content. Can’t say I have had a chance to read any of it yet (responding immediately), but I did check out the front page, and will dig a little deeper now 😉

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Thomas your post was amazing , (I will never be an author….) .
      Just a small suggestion , start believing in motivation… , And open ur comment section , I think you need to make it public

      Liked by 5 people

      1. I am pretty sure my comment section IS public, and accessible by logging in through 5 different social networks. Is it not?

        Thanks for all of your kind words, they are really appreciated. I rely on good feedback like this, when motivation fails me. 😉

        Liked by 2 people

    3. That second post was great. Certainly struck a chord. Can I ask why you decided to go with hosted WordPress since you say you don’t intend to monetise your blog? Do you just like the freedom?

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂

        Well, I am a journalist, freelance writer, and – paradoxically – a web developer, so, like you correctly assumed, I did it part for the freedom and plug-in capabilities; part because a personal top-level domain is more recognizable if you want a stable readership (which any writer wants, non-profit or not); and part because I intend for it to be a portfolio of my capabilities to clients, and so, it looks a little more professional to use a top-level domain.

        Excuse the run-on sentence, I hope it clarified! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Motivation is a dangerous mistress. Try bringing a notepad, or just a paper with you, and as soon as something hits you, write a full paragraph, take five to think, or get home or what you need to do, and start immediately. It helped me a lot!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Hi Thomas… nice article about Motivation.I have recently started writing and when I think I have to,write I can’t then suddenly something strike my mind may be a thought ,a word or a situation…i start writing. I think motivation comes itself and if try run after motivation the path may be difficult.

        Liked by 3 people

    5. I liked one post and then followed your blog with intention to read more later (I’m supposed to be working 😉). The quick glimpse I got was quite interesting.

      Liked by 4 people

    8. I also couldnt comment, but I liked your second post. I think you said motivations is a bitch maybe one too many times, but I get your point. Amazing author Anne Lamott said that the key to writing was keeping your butt in the chair and to STOP NOT WRITING. Stop not writing. stop. not. writing. And to “Stop co-signing your own rationalization.” I’m glad your enjoying the process

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Thank you, first and foremost, for the kind words. And allow me to reciprocate. I wrote a submission for the “What inspires me” section of DailyPost a while ago, unfortunately not one that was featured.

        What inspires me, I wrote, is optimism. More specifically optimists. I like to consider myself an optimist, almost to a fault, to the point of naïveté. Despite constant reminders from the more pessimistic (or realistic) members of society, to “grow some”, to “stop trusting people”, to “stop feeling safe in a dangerous world”, I cannot help but do exactly that. The way I look at it, a short, happy life, is better than a long, dreary one.

        Reading your first few posts, including your recount of the recent tragedy in Manchester, I found some of that inspiration and optimism in your writing. Since you bill yourself as an eternal optimist, I should have somewhat expected that. Either way, long story short, your blog is the most surefire “follow” I have given today! 🙂

        Liked by 5 people

      2. Oh that made my day, thank you! Can’t change the world staying silent, right? My plan is to revolutionze the world with kindness confetti throwing and a whole lot of love. Optimistic? Definitely. Naive? Absolutely. Hopeful? Always.
        I’m happy with the small changes for now, if I can change one person perspective, even for a day, then I feel like I’m doing something important.
        Have a good day and happy blogging😊

        Liked by 5 people

    16. I really enjoyed your motivation blog post! I can relate, motivation is a weird thing. It comes so easy to some and sometimes you wonder why your motivation couldn’t be like theirs. I’m glad you’ve figured out a way to conquer that and you’ve given me some insight on how to manage mine as well. So thank you for that. 🙂

      -Annie

      Liked by 4 people

    17. There was something haunting about your “hypothetical letter,” almost as though people can see what’s coming but embrace it for the same reason they love disaster movies.

      Liked by 3 people

    18. I read “A Letter To My Hypothetical Daughter”. This was very good. Very, very good

      Like

  2. Hey Guys,
    RisFit is big on being patient and consistently building an environment that allows us to take our time completing goals. Here is another post that helps describe the importance of taking things slow. Check it out and comment your thoughts! Thank you!!! 😊

    Don’t rush just love

    Liked by 15 people

    1. Beautifully written and moving. I didn’t quite understand what happened to make you leave university though. You had an injury but it didn’t seem to be that. Hope you don’t mind me mentioning it.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Just read your article. Beautiful story. I’m glad to see you’re better now, especially because I know exactly what it feels like. Looking forward for your next articles.

      Liked by 2 people

    4. You are a great storyteller. Your writing style reminds me a lot of my own — please do not take that as an insult 😉

      That is one more follower for you. I am excited to see what may come next!

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Haha. I take that as an incredible compliment. I always love it when I find writers with a similar style. It’s so unsettling, fascinating and easy to read!
        Thank you for the follow, the excitement and the compliment! ❤

        Liked by 3 people

    7. Sometimes I think people don’t understand how hard it is to lose the life you had and just step into another one. It’s not so easy just to pick up another life and start living it without mourning the one you had. I understand that more than I can say. This was beautiful, really beautiful and heartfelt💞

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I like your style. Particularly in that latest story, it takes a little bit of “imagine if Heaven was just the doctor’s waiting room” kind of vibe, and runs with it. Great result you got out of it, I’m staying tuned for more!

      Like

    2. It was a great lead image with all the typical things of gratitude and then the shark picture, and a nice tie back to it at the end. I think it would have been stronger writing if you had not used bullet points, but the content in your list was wonderful. Congrats on a succesful transplant!

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Hey everybody! Here is this week’s #MondayMotivation where I talk about how being weird and different is totally okay and something we should accept openly.
    https://aestheticgraphy.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/different-is-okay/

    My blog content is very diverse and doesn’t really fit into one criteria like “writing” or “photography”. Its an all in one blog, including haiku’s/weekly motivation/quotes/my travel adventures/photography and basically my life on a blog. I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

    I’m nearing 500 followers soon,hope to reach there as soon as possible!

    Do leave links to your blog as I’d love to check them out as well.

    Have a great week ahead.
    Riya

    Liked by 16 people

  8. Hello!

    Here’s a recent post of mine, I always welcome feedback – https://justaplatypus.wordpress.com/2017/06/11/unapologetic-fangirl/?wref=tp

    One specific thing I’m looking for advice on, however, is the layout of my blog. I’d started it with nothing particular in mind – I write random personal thoughts, some fiction (poems+stories) and things like articles and reviews. Some of this stuff is therefore quite silly and childish, other things are pieces of writing I am actually rather proud of. And especially in the context of showing it to people as an aspiring writer, I don’t know how I should best organise them on my blog.

    Do you have any suggestions? Is my current layout comprehensive? Are there any themes you can recommend I switch to? Should I consider making 2 separate blogs?

    Liked by 8 people

    4. I love the content of your blog. You clearly are a writer with something to offer. Now, you asked for feedback on the layout, so I will add a few things there. Do note I am currently on mobile and will update from PC in about 15, if I have additional comments then.
      I’m happy to see your site is mobile-first. What I mean by that, if you are not a developer, is that it is developed for mobile and then scaled up. Gives great visuals and loading time.
      I would probably dim the light green background a little (add some grey in there to “flatten” it), because it is visually quite distracting.
      Since you want your writing to pop, why not either remove featured images from the front page entirely, or cut them to small banners that are less intrusive?
      Because “stories” can also mean stories from your own life, I would probably rename the sections to “Fiction/Nonfiction” instead of “Articles/Stories” for clarification. Especially is the primary target audience are prospective buyers. They often prefer simplicity and ease of access, rather than writer lingo.
      As a final note, and this may change on desktop if you have sidebars I cannot see on my phone, I would put more emphasis on your email subscription/newsletter. You have to hook and reel those buyers, and e-mail is the single best way to do so.
      I want to reiterate that your content is fantastic, so I have nothing to add there; at all!

      Liked by 3 people

      1. PC time:
        * The green is a lot dimmer on my desktop screen, very pleasing. It might just be the iPhone that distorts the color, I cannot really tell.
        * I would definitely put the e-mail subscription button near the top, not at the very bottom; particularly seeing as the sidebar is not fixed-position (it does not scroll with the screen)
        * For the sake of consistency, I would also consider getting a favicon for your site. (The site icon, the little one in the address bar)
        * I feel like there is a lot going on, on your site, when I am reading. Maybe consider keeping the side-bar to your pages and let the posts show in full-width? Then again, that is a taste-thing, but it would certainly help put your writing front and center.

        – That is really all I have. I hope it helped a bit!

        Like

      2. Wow Thomas, thanks a lot! I’ll definitely be using some of these tips
        Featured images are actually something I’ve only been adding recently, as it occurred to me that my blog felt too text heavy and it is solely for this purpose that I’ve been trying to find suitable images to add.
        I do like the ideas of changing the terms I use and shall do that, thanks again! Glad you liked my content 😀

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Good job explaining the change and the rebranding looks good! Its always hard to shuffle things around. I’ve been contemplating a new theme myself (currently on my second one). The look suits my content, but I also think a refresh might stir some excitement.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Happy Monday everyone!

     

    My name is Mark and I am currently a self-published author/writer looking to turn a few heads on my journey of literacy!

     

    I am currently working on my second novel, the first in a new crime series featuring my new best friend, DCI Morgan. My first novel ‘A Hole in Serenity’, was released last year.

     

    I am looking for all the support I can get so please do stop by, say hello and follow if you can. I would be forever grateful!

     

    Take care and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

     

    Mark

    http://www.markdraycott.com

    Liked by 10 people

    2. Hi Mark, I’ve had a look at your blog and I really like the theme. I love crime stories so I’ll be looking for your book to download to my eReader as soon as I get home! Looking forward to following your journey for your next book.
      I’m new to the blogosphere but if you get the chance, check me out: https://walkingonforeignchels.wordpress.com/ 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hey there! It’s great to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and follow. You’ll have to let me know what you think of the book! 🙂 o will definitely take a look at your site in return. Thanks again and take care! Mark

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I’ve had to follow so I can keep up with your blog! I’ve never been much of a crime series reader myself (it’s the optimist in me🙄) but my twin sister and my dad love them! I’ll definitely have to mention this to them, they’re always looking for something new to read!

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Hi! Sykes here..
    I’m still peddling excerpts from my debut fictional epic-tribal novel (phew!), Lords Over Kenia: The Prophecy of the Moon Chief. And hoping to hear what some of you think about them. You can find them here:-

    http://wasongamatinde.com

    As always, comments, likes, shares are highly welcome!

    Asanteni!

    Liked by 10 people

    1. You have some terrific content here and I’d like to read more. I’d also like to see it go somewhere, but an “Uncategorized” post goes NOwhere. To spread your writings around the reader, you need to choose a few proper categories, like Personal, Mental Health, Journal or Reflections.

      In fact, you can ditch that Uncategorized completely by going to your Settings (second from the bottom on the pop-out left-hand bar.) Then in a bar at the top of your new display you’ll see the words General, Writing, Discussion, Traffic. Hit Writing, then hit Categories. It will show you your Default category: Uncategorized. Choose another, or type in one where it says “Add New.” Maybe Personal or Thoughts. Then save your changes.

      Ps: Don’t OD on categories. They are going to be like the drawers in your blog’s filing cabinet. Rather use a few main categories and a dozen tags.

      Next, tag your posts well. WordPress allows a combination of up to 15 C’s & T’s. Check out https://en.wordpress.com/tags for ideas. For these posts you could use tags like Journal, Health, Experiences, Musings, Relationships, Memoirs, Thoughts, Addiction, Substance abuse. This will send your posts more places in the Reader so more people can see them.

      All the best!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I really enjoyed your posts! I’ve always wanted to go to Japan so I’ll be reading through all your posts to travel Japan vicariously through you! I also blog mostly about travel and I’m pretty new to it, so I’m still finding my feet on the best way to do it. Check me out if you get the chance: https://walkingonforeignchels.wordpress.com/

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks so much for reading! Your work is looking good so far 🙂 keep up and you’ll always be improving. One day I hope to read about your Japan trip!

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Hey Monday buddies,
    I strongly believe that the growth of one’s blog entirely depends on the personality of the blogger..regardless of how well they write!

    .. let’s make some new friends and then start falling in love with each others writings yea?

    Come say hi if you’re got a sec! Much love from the darkness! xoxo, 😏✌

    http://chaosxdblog.wordpress.com/

    Liked by 19 people

  20. Happy Monday Guys!
    It’s been a while. 🙂 I just published a new essay “You’re Allowed To Stand Still” – You can read it here: http://wp.me/p8iCv2-1evAn Feel free to check out anything else (I also write poetry) and I’d love to hear from you. Have a great week!

    Liked by 9 people

  21. Hello everybody,

    I just started my blog last month, I write about conspiracy theories and other nonsense on the internet. My most recent post is about the rapper Capital Steez, who committed suicide on December 23, 2012 two days after the “end of the world” date.

    I would appreciate any feedback on this long read:

    https://realitychallenged.blog/2017/06/12/the-dark-side-of-the-new-age-love-and-light/

    If you’d like for me to comment on your blog, please link it in a comment below!

    -RC

    Liked by 9 people

    1. I can totally relate to this post. Hesitation is what had been stopping me from starting a blog, but I finally took a leap of faith and did it 🙂
      I hope your post encourages many others to do something they’ve been wanting to do for a long time!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Wow! Thank you so much! Believe me, there has been many posts deleted and stops and starts along way too! Keep going!

        Liked by 2 people

  26. Hey all,
    I’m still getting back into the swing of things while life is getting hectic, but check it out if you want, I’m focused on grad school and general life happenings. Always room for advice and improvements. I’m trying to get better about the consistency, so feel free to leave comments.

    peopleandpracticeblog.wordpress.com

    Thanks

    N

    Liked by 9 people

      1. Yup, food is always a hit! I’ve been sharing food pics on Instagram. People would think I’ve gone crazy if I share them on Facebook! Thank you very much for reading and responding!😁

        Liked by 2 people

    5. I think in some way or the other, a certain amount of validation can be a positive thing – whether it’s the quality of the photo you took, or the creativity of what you are eating. Maybe it’s a sign of boredom. I don’t know, but I am one of those who quite frequently has the urge to share my food pictures – If i had to guess, I’d say it’s to boast about excellent food and service, I believe in word of mouth advertising and best trusted by people you know…

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Oh, I definitely appreciate that. Many of the photos on Instagram are extraordinary, and as you point out, social media can be a great source for finding out about places that are not well known, as well as getting honest reviews. I appreciate the creativity and the convenience, but don’t like the need to participate all the time and everywhere. Like, you can’t even get your medical supplies at a pharmacy without downloading their app first!
        Thank you very much for reading and your excellent comment!😁

        Liked by 2 people