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?

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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!
  • 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!
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  • If you haven’t looked at our Commenting Guidelines in a while, now might be a good time.
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    1. Looks pretty good to me. I would suggest that you make your text color a bit darker to increase contrast with background… I like gray background though.

      Also, if you can decrease size of that header that separates comment section… lots of unused space there.

      If you have time, let me know what you think of design of my blog:

      http://howtoaddict.com

      (you can tell I’m fan of gray backgrounds, right? 🙂

      Liked by 8 people

      1. First of all, I’m a real big fan of your name ✌️and your design looks really professional. Thanks for the feedback I will consider altering the things you mentioned as I also had some doubts about it. Thanks alot!

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Initially I was thinking a lot on “Addict”… but settled on the fact that I like the world even though it can have negative connotation. Glad that someone else likes it 😉

        Liked by 4 people

      3. I do – especially here on Community Pool. If I don’t have much to add then instead of replying I like the comment… show appreciation for what person wrote + it’s mark for me which comments I’ve read 😉

        Liked by 2 people

      4. That’s great and all…but I’d really rather not have someone blow up my notifications with likes. You do it every week. It looks as if you are stalking my conversations–and even if you aren’t, unfortunately that is how it’s being perceived. Please consider this…thank you

        Liked by 3 people

    2. Hi! I adore your layout! It’s simple and complimentary. Also, the blog is very straightforward and easy to navigate. Not sure if I could go vegan right away; I have a sensitive stomach and it would be something I work up toward. Thanks for sharing; your writing is great, too. 💫

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Yes I think it’s best to listen to your body and make small changes when you can if that’s more convenient for you. Thanks for your feedback on the layout! I’m glad you like it 😊

        Liked by 2 people

    3. I love the simplicity of the layout , and the small personal touches ! Interesting post , being vegan isn’t easy ! I’m vegetarian so people say it would be easier for me , but I can’t part with my dairy , which is practically the reason that I’m not dead right now 😂

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Thanks alot! I spent alot more time being vegetarian myself because I really felt like pizza 🍕 was my one true love 😂 so I understand the struggle. Hopefully, if you feel the transition is right for you I can be there to offer you some tips but for now I hope you remain strong in your vegetarian lifestyle as you have alot to be proud of. I salute you! 😎

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Okay in am struggling with income right now my son is very sick right now and I am trying the best that I can to get is medical bill paid for and I lost my job because what idoit we got in office this . isn’t even helping me and my wife Tanya as two boys one is 5 and other one 7 years old it their was I god we wouldnt be in the predictable we would have barrow the money but they have turned us down everywhere we went to

        Get Outlook for Android

        ________________________________

        Liked by 2 people

    4. I love the theme and tyhe look of your blog, but maybe a bit more contrast on the post background and text? Some readers may find it hard to read similar shades. I would suggest lightening the background or darkening the text. But in any case, your blog looks really welcoming. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    5. Hey Chris,
      Just had a look at your site. I agree with what most comments say, it is really neat and clean. If I may though, I would suggest for you to make the title of your blog – RisFit – appear in the header, next to your picture. I believe that would make it even clearer. Hope this helps! Great posts by the way. I loved the Superman Diet 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you I had it in the header previously but it was hard to read so I put it under the image temporarily until I decide whether to change the header image altogether or change the font color. Thanks alot for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed my post 😊

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Bit over my head as i mostly stick to silly poetry but dig the layout and your enthusiasm is really evident and you’ve a rather pleasant writing style

      Liked by 4 people

  1. Happy Monday, all!

    First time dipping my toes into the Community Pool (because sharing my words isn’t scary enough, so let’s try doing it whilst wearing a bathing suit, shall we?). I wrote this blog post a couple weeks ago, and I’m still no closer to having a diagnosis. I figured splashing around in here would be a good distraction while I continue play the waiting game.

    Fair warning – I completely overshare (including my nicknames for my breasts) and use words like “nipple” and “bloody discharge.”

    Has anyone had a similar experience – either with unexplained bleeding, or a long wait for a diagnosis? I’d love to hear your thoughts over on my blog.

    http://www.traciyork.com/have-my-fathers-eyes-possibly-his-cancer-gene/

    Liked by 18 people

      1. Awww, thanks so much! I do often hear things about my sense of humor, but usually it’s “grate” (as in, “you’re really grating on my nerves, Momma”) not so much “great.” You totally made my day! 😀

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi! I don’t have a similar experience, but I’m sure keeping tabs on yours. Humor and an unflinching eye at seeing what is, and smiling anyway gives me hope that I’ll have a good example in you to follow if I do have to deal with this in the future. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    2. I love the way your sense of humor shines through your writing. I really enjoyed reading this and I wish you luck as you navigate this medical journey – whatever it turns out to be.

      Liked by 3 people

    3. Wish you strength! Love your sense of humor and the way you write. Hope we can continue to celebrate your blog in the future. Look forward to reading more 😊

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you so much, RisFit! I really appreciated your kind words, and I’m hoping to do come more celebrating (with future good news) sooner rather than later. Fingers crossed!

        Liked by 1 person

    4. It’s a pretty serious matter, but how you write makes me feel like it’s no big deal. I’m sure you’re going be okay, Traci. Have faith. 🙂 Everything happens for a reason. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Hey, are you new to wordpress in general or just to Community Pool?
      If the latter, then welcome – just share a few lines and a link to your latest post, and I’m sure you’ll get a lot of feedback from everyone here! And don’t forget to check out other people’s blogs as well :p

      If you’re new to wordpress, you’re still welcome here obviously, but I’d also recommend you try out First Friday. It’s intended exactly for people who are just starting out 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Loved it! I personally think turning flaws or weaknesses into strengths are one of the most liberating things you can do. I really enjoyed this post 😊

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi, thanks for reading. My inspiration for this particular story was several observations I made about relationships on campus. I just decided to get a fiction out of it.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. hello wonderful bloggers , here’s a dark short fiction for you guys -https://finallyunchainedone.wordpress.com/2017/07/18/psychotic/
    hope you guys like it . 🙂 😉 ❤

    Liked by 6 people

    1. I like your writing style! Also, I think the format of this particular piece helps to make the story more…well, it resonates better, I think. Thanks for sharing!! 💫😌

      Liked by 3 people

  3. What do you think of my side bar widgets on my blog at https://birdflight.blog? The order of the widgets, the number of posts under each category, and do you think listing “MY MOST POPULAR POSTS” (posts with most “likes” to date) is better than listing “MY TOP POSTS” (which lists posts in the last 48 hours with the most views)? The latter will always be more recent posts. The former could be from much further in the past.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. I like how you have them set up, and definitely have the most popular posts instead of the top – that way, since you have your recent posts also listed, it will give you more variety (if that makes sense).

      Like

    2. I think they look fine, but I’m on the app. I’ve been contemplating side bar widgets on my blog, too, like how much is too much or too little. Yours looks neat and organized from my end! I struggle with having too much white space. I didn’t see any issues for you. Does this help? Let me know if you’d like more specifics. Cheers! 💫

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thanks so much for the feedback, theloyalbritwit. It’s much appreciated. Yes, I have tried to create a balance between filling the white space but not overwhelming the space.

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Michael. Perhaps they show at the bottom of your screen instead of on the side, depending on the size of your view area. Thanks for looking.

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Thanks, MyStoriesWithMusic. Actually, my most popular posts are neither my favorite nor the ones I’m most proud of, but I do want readers to see the ones they want to see.

        Liked by 4 people

      1. I used to write very long posts too. I found that gradually people were not reading them as much, but I occasionally still throw a long one in every once in awhile. Its your blog after all! 🙂

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Very true, some won’t read longer post. I figured that I will just have one type of posts that are these stories with music and if someone are in the mood for that type of post, they know where to find them 😊👍

        Liked by 2 people

  4. Thanks to support of you here on Community Pool I am well on my way to blogging regularly. Last week again produced record amount of comments so I’ll be instituting “Featured comment of the week” on all my Monday posts from now on. Here is the latest post:

    http://howtoaddict.com/give-surrender-can-focus-things-matter/

    Please let me know how you like it and if there is anything you think I could do to make my posts more attractive.

    Liked by 13 people

    1. Solid, powerful, and sage advice. Wow. I’m struggling to articulate right now. Thank you for sharing and happy blogging!! I always look forward to your posts here on Monday. 😃💫

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Ahhhh I’m glad you think so! The BA is just a piece of paper that tells me I somewhere survived four years of hardcore education. 😅 I’m always glad to comment! And yes, I do need to pop in more often!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Surviving four years of hardcore education is a worthy feat! And I can tell you are quite disciplined… writing those blog posts of yours every day is quite a feat. Anybody reading this comment – do yourself a favor and go to theloyalbritwit’s blog and read few stories… you’ll be hooked in no time.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I liked this post. We too easily get caught up in all the drama in the world today. We need to prioritize and stand our ground on the things that matter most to us.
      Thank you for your post. Keep up the good work.

      Liked by 4 people

    3. Awesome post! Let go of the things that don’t serve you and focus on the things that offer you lasting success. This is a great idea and I’m pleased to read your perspective on it. Really enjoyed this! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Wow! This poem was beautiful and breathtaking. Is this your first foray into poetry, or just writing romantic poetry? Whichever the case, bravo!! Your pacing and imagery are well thought out and I sincerely adored the concept of time through daylight, nighttime, dawn, twilight etc. Thanks very much for sharing! 💫🙂

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I’ve been writing poetry for quite a while now, but always shied away from romantic poetry. I’m so glad you liked it! You, in specific, because I love the work you meticulously put up on your blog everyday. Thank you! ^_^

        Liked by 2 people

      2. You are quite welcome dear! I always enjoy yours, too. I wrote poetry whenever the mood strikes; but lately I’ve been writing it like crazy and yours has easily encouraged me to keep at it. 😁

        Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m so glad you liked the poem! I wish I had something more helpful and/or witty to say about how you could start, but all I have is: emotion, image, rhythm, flow.
        It’s wonderful to meet a fellow (Indian?) blogger!
        Cheers,

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I thought this blog was well written. Great ideas usually come from those who aren’t afraid to be themselves. Society has always consisted of the idea of thinking alike, fitting in, doing what is expected etc. I just think we see it more today because of social media. Either way, I agree with the message you are sending. Nice job!

      Liked by 3 people

  5. Hi everyone!
    I’m back with a post today after a little while, about music and playing the piano, among other thoughts. I’d love it if you gave it a read! https://justaplatypus.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/of-piano-lessons-and-prodigies/
    My previous post was about how I’ve been writing a bit less often, as well as sharing something interesting I recently did – and I’d really like to know what everyone thinks of this idea, and if you’d like to try it too! – https://justaplatypus.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/writing-therapy-and-peoples-perceptions-of-me/
    Good to see everyone here this evening, can’t wait to discover lots of new blogs to follow! 😀

    Liked by 11 people

  6. Hi Everyone! I would love some feedback on my site’s setup and readability (as well as any other feedback you may want to offer). I am only a few weeks into blogging, and I am really looking to grow my audience. If you are interested in home improvement, home design, or DIY projects, please feel free to follow or subscribe. Check me out at http://damselwithadrill.com/ and thank you so much in advance.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. My Fiance and I just closed on our first house not too long ago and are moving in in less than 2 weeks! I have so many projects in my mind of what I want to do. Glad I found your blog for even more inspiration!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I like the idea and the layout …wasnt quite sure what each post was on though as there was an affiliate disclaimer thing going on that took up most of the space .

      Liked by 4 people

  7. It’s July 31st so it’s time for a Monthly Look Ahead! The coming month isn’t too exciting for me but if you’re interested, please write your own MLA post! I’d love to read them!

    Liked by 7 people

    1. You’ve got pertinent, relatable, and great information in your post, Ida. There’s so much that goes into writing and editing that could lead to a writer throwing in the towel. Great advice and comments. Cheers! 💫

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome! One has to do what one can, right?! 😜 The whole chugging along and cajoling the muse seems to be my current motto.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Happy Monday all! My blog focuses on video games, Netflix and Tv Show Reviews, fanfiction, creative writing and anything geeky! I’m always looking for new friends so don’t hesitate to drop by! The link this week will be for my creative writing piece, it’s a poem about the daily topic :Lust! Feedback appreciated as I’m trying to get better with 1st person!

    https://gamersunitedgg.com/2017/07/30/daily-prompt-lust-explosive-love/

    Have a great day!
    -Luna 🙂

    Liked by 6 people

    1. These are cute, I particularly like the awkward date 🙂 This set-up is different and I personally like it. Not sure how old these stories are, but you have your whole life ahead of you to fall in love! Keep writing though, these are good memories

      Liked by 1 person