Mar 12, 2018 / Community Pool

Community Pool

Where WordPress bloggers support each other with feedback and advice.

Note: Starting this week, each Community Pool post will be open for two days. Comments will then be closed until we publish the next Community Pool. Enjoy the swim!

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 more information about custom domains, advanced design options, and other enhancements for your blog? Find the WordPress.com plan that’s right for you.

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.

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.

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.

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      2. It seems to me that you fulfilled the requirements. The fact that it said story made it seem like the story did not have to be true so I don’t really know what your teacher was expecting by leaving such an open-ended question with no clear directions.

        Liked by 4 people

      3. Hmmm.. I thought I did. I had some who followed me yesterday and today. You can also check your notification and check who followed then follow me. But let me check on the “follow button” when I get back home from work.

        Liked by 3 people

      4. Thank you. It’s something that had been on my mind for a while. All those great-sounding posts that I thought, ‘What a great title, I must check it out. Tomorrow.’ Now they are all in one place for me to catch up on and for others to check out too!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Okay I actually really like this. A meatier version of the award posts that intermittently make the rounds. I think you’ve just reset my time allowance today as I’m going to be working through your list reading the attention grabbers!

        Liked by 2 people

      1. Ha, yes, it took a bit longer than I’d expected. There were a few hurdles on the way! Two things that helped (for the technically minded) were editing the HTML for the jump to Followers by Date online so I could use Firefox’s ‘find’ function to find the insertion point (otherwise it would be impossible, the file is so long, and everything worked super slowly!) and turning off a lot of my sidebar widgets for the blog category – otherwise the links went over them and looked messy. Got there in the end though – phew!

        Liked by 4 people

      1. Thank you, yes, I’m very pleased to be able to do that. And it’s great to see some I don’t hear from acknowledging my post – tells me that they actually DO still have some interest in my blog!

        Liked by 2 people

    11. Many many congrats for your achievement as it requires the lot of patience to wait for readers and followers. Your way of writing is way to awesome and attractive. We are new to this field, so we would like to request you to please visit our blog for once and follow it iff you like it!

      Liked by 3 people

  4. “Have you ever been involved in a tragedy? I asked him. He was my guide. He hesitated. I trusted him with my life.”
    This is an excerpt from the new short story that’s just been published on my site ‘Searching For Elsewhere’. It’s about fear, something we all relate to.
    I do hope you enjoy reading it and shower me with your critique!
    searchingforelsewhere.com/2018/03/13/the-man-of-the-alps-3-mins-read/
    Lovingly, Nav Samedi

    Liked by 27 people

    7. You’ve got an amazing blog. And your posts surely give out your message loud and clear.
      Congratulations on receiving 100 followers. And now there’s an addition to it.
      Happy blogging.😀

      Liked by 3 people

    8. Congratulations!! 🌸💐🎉🎈 the first 100 is magical, isn’t it?! Can’t wait to explore more of your blog!

      Liked by 4 people

  7. Happy Monday swimmers and toe dippers alike! 😄 Did everyone have a good weekend?

    I have a creating writing blog where I dabble in flash fiction and poetry. Also, I do a daily word or phrase of the day that just so happens to be British English. (Did I mentioned I’m American?) I’m like a glorified dictionary but better because my “sentences” are stories instead of five words long. 😅

    Today I got to share a word with a good friend of mine, too!

    https://britwitblog.wordpress.com

    Feel free to stop on by and I’ll be wading through, too. Cheers, Kelsey 💜

    Liked by 34 people

    7. I liked the flow and description in your story. Great characterisation. The first sentence took me a while to get ‘open plan’. Otherwise intriguing!

      Like

  9. Hello All!

    I hope your weekend was pleasant! For mine, I had a few moments of clarity, and felt a burst of courage that I haven’t experienced in months. Maybe things really will get better!

    Please check out my post “What Happened?” (https://collectivecogitations.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/what-happened/), which references a childhood me that feels so distant now….

    Thank you for taking the time to read, and have lovely day! 😊

    -CC

    Liked by 25 people

    2. Good read! I’m pretty sure I’m gonna be an astronaut when I was a kid. But what happened? I’m still here on earth. 🤔

      Liked by 2 people

    1. It looks great and I’m now following, but I would try to make your question slightly more open-ended. As someone from the field of history who only briefly peaks into science, I don’t really feel like it would be appropriate for me to answer it! If it was a little broader, it would open it up to a wider audience! (If you want a smaller, niche audience, please totally ignore this 🙂 )

      Liked by 7 people

    3. Hi there! I don’t write about wildlife specifically, however, I am an animal lover and am interested in conservation and wildlife preservation. Such a crucial topic deserving more discussion.

      Liked by 3 people

    5. Congratulations on the award! I don’t write about science or wildlife, but I certainly enjoy learning about those things from people who have more knowledge!

      Liked by 1 person

    7. I write a blog called Under the Mirror, which is focused on my own encounters with marine life as well as discussing recently published studies on marine biology. Good luck on your dissertation! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. This sounds incredible! I always wanted to be a marine biologist when I was a kid, so your blog sounds like something that will certainly tickle my fancy! I’m so happy to have seen this comment.

        Like

      2. Awesome! Hey, if you ever have any suggestions for what you’d like to see me write about, let me know. Like, if you have a favourite sea creature or something like that 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Good evening everyone and welcome to this week’s community pool.
    Today I am here with my latest post- https://finallyunchained.blog/2018/03/11/ria-diaries-episode-5-blown-to-shreds/ , a collaborative weekly detective series, tune in and leave feedbacks guys.
    And good news, I am gonna post Downward spiral part 3 tomorrow, those who have already read the previous two parts stay tuned for the 3rd one too, you are in for a surprise .
    I want to thank all those people who visit my site from community pool and leave feedbacks, it really helped me grow and shape up my posts, from untolerable to slightly tolerateable now, somewhere between I found new friends and readers, and both matter a lot to me 😉
    Finally, and again thank you everyone, signing off for today….cheers ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 25 people

    1. This is not usually my type of read but it was a good one! You had me interested the whole time, good stuff !
      I also have a short story on my blog. Please feel free to check it out as well! I love that in coming across so many other bloggers who are writing short stories !! Giving you a follow as well 🤗

      Liked by 5 people

  13. Hello community!!
    Another motivational Monday for you all!! This is another one of my favourite ted talks about POWER POSING. This speaker discusses how you can increase your confidence and lower your stress by simply standing a certain way for 2 minutes. She believes in her work so much she said you don’t need to fake it till you make it, because you can fake it till you become it!!
    Enjoy!
    https://bearybestblog.com/2018/03/12/video-of-the-week-2/

    Liked by 27 people

    4. I could really identify with this. I was drawn back to a time when I suffered the same for endless green fields and open skies. I left you a comment. xx

      Liked by 3 people

  15. i Everyone!
    I am a self-concept blogger (how you view yourself).  My blog, PenDorah’s box, is a quest to understand and engineer a fulfilling self-concept. Please check it out for some amusing honesty, fascinating self-awareness, and some lovely storytelling. I appreciate the feedback and will do the same.
    Most recent article; you owe yourself an apology series: #1 apologize when you don’t stand up for yourself.
     https://pendorahsbox.com

    Liked by 21 people

    2. I loved your first post, apologizing to yourself. It was a great read and I was definitely able to relate in a lot of ways. You actually made me check my self in that moment lol. Going with the flow is good, but sometimes it is dishonesty behind it! Great post! I gave you a like and a follow 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I like the series so far! It’s a shame that your second post hasn’t done as well as the first. Personally, I might add a link to a short, funny video on etiquette (I understand if that’s not your style) 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

    2. I would probably go for a punchier first paragraph. Really grab the reader’s attention and leave them with a question they need answering–why should they read on? Additionally, I would avoid repetition of the same words and choose synonyms in their place, examples were etiquette, dress and greeting. Love your idea of a series. It would be fascinating if you did a piece comparing etiquette in cultures around the world. xx

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you, I’m going to try and rewrite that first paragraph!! I did try to originally write with more word variance, but because it’s more informative, I wasn’t sure if the message would be conveyed with varied words?

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I think it will. It will also sound a lot more professional. I like your content. Keep posting!

        If you fancied, and you haven’t already, I would be really grateful if you could check out my site. Click on the gravitar next to my name.

        Happy blogging! Xxx

        Liked by 2 people

    4. I think it might be interesting to add strange etiquette from older times or other cultures to make the post more interesting to people that might already have a good grasp of regular etiquette.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I am going to do a “history of etiquette” series following this series, so I wanted to keep them separate! I don’t have any knowledge really of other cultures’ etiquette but I am going to try and see if I can find people to guest post for it. Thank you for the suggestion, it’s fantastic!!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh awesome! Guest posts sound exciting, especially when you want to talk about different perspectives. Good luck with that series! 🙂

        Like

    3. Great post! My husband is really anti social media but we’ve pulled him into using apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger for convenience – me, having been on Facebook for nine years, find myself drawing away from it somewhat trying not to overshare like others do.

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Hello fellow bloggers!
    I hope you all are doing well. This is my latest blog post wherein I’ve shared my thoughts about how we, the humans have changed over the course of time. Mainly our mentality and how this change is affecting the people and other things around us. I’m sharing the link below.

    Some Food For Thought

    Do give it a read. Let me know of your thoughts too via comments. Your feedback is much welcomed and appreciated.
    Thanks!
    Have a wonderful week ahead.
    ~ Mabelle

    Liked by 27 people

    1. I would also love to see a peaceful world. Your post is something a lot of people think but many are too shy to speak out about. It is like we are moving backwards by destroying ourselves, and clambering over one another to reach something slightly better than we had.

      Liked by 2 people

      2. I would be really grateful if you had a sec an wanted to check out my site. Just click the gravitas next to my name. If you wish, leave a like or a comment, and if you fancy, press follow and you will be my lucky 60th! Xxx

        Liked by 2 people

      3. While going through your posts, I realized that I had read your first blog post. Then started reading the next and couldn’t stop until I read part 6. Woah!!! You surely have maintained the mysterious aura throughout all your posts and I was hooked till then end. And now I’ll be eagerly waiting to read more of it. Plus, I love your writing style.
        Now you’ve got your lucky 60th too.😀

        Like

  19. Good Day, Bloggers.

    Having recently passed through Nags Head NC, I felt compelled to celebrate the Wright Brothers’ accomplishment in a picture poem:

    First Flight

    And/or if sports are your thing, then check out the “Chapel Hill” post, written as a prelude to March Madness.

    I hope you enjoy them. As for me, I’ll be driving the Airstream to Washington, DC in search of another adventure.

    Liked by 27 people

    6. Whenever I see I have a new post of yours to read, I know I’m in for good stuff and generally a laugh! I tell people I know about your writing, too. 😄 thanks for being such a gem!!

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Very nicely written. Love your style. The effect artwork has over one individual can be very personal and is highly subjective. It was wonderful to hear yours. xx

      Liked by 3 people

    3. Though it’s good and informative it would be better if you targeted your posts to be of at least 300 words. Keep writing.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. OK – Thanks, if you check out my blog there is a mix on longer more text-based pieces, along with shorter more image-based work. I like the variety. Thanks for your feedback!

        Like

    2. It’s nice. Since your site is new I suggest you also try on First Fridays to give and receive attention to other new bloggers.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. I had to look – just Incase it was a new post!! You’re turning me into an impatient toddler! Don’t make me have a tantrum and throw my yoghurt because I have to wait for another episode!!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Oh no! I am so sorry. Now I’m going to hide under the table as I am a bit scared and a bit amused (at the yoghurt-throwing) all at once, and the resulting ambililance requires small spaces to process!

        I don’t have much time this week, but I managed to hash out the beginning. I usually post sometime each weekend. Your enthusiasm means the world to me! Xxx

        Liked by 3 people

    3. The name of your site itself is so mysterious that it invites attention. And your style of writing is an added bonus. Keep up the good work.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I am with you there–bring on the snow days. Those blissful, unexpected white-covered islands in the slog of the day-to-day are highly sought after and rarely given!

      Liked by 1 person

    5. I wish I could help but I haven’t started on affiliate marketing yet. In case you have I can get a tip or two from you.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Wow I am also writing a short story that takes place in CA, mines takes place in downtown LA! So cool to be meeting bloggers who are writing short stories!!!!
      And your read was great! I love the whole concept of it being in the future😱 interesting read for sure!!!! Giving you a follow 🤗

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog and for following me! I really appreciate it. I’m glad that you enjoyed it, that makes me really happy. I’ll be posting more this week. I noticed we have some similar interests and passions. I think you’ll enjoy my stories, they focus on empowering minorities and women in positive non-stereotypical roles that thrive on cultural appreciation. I checked out your blog and loved it! Love that you’re writing about downtown LA, that’s awesome. Looking forward to checking out more of your writing!

        Liked by 3 people

    4. I love short stories and yours are great. I particularly loved the way you express that holds the readers till the end. Keep up the good work.

      Liked by 1 person