Search Function / Button

[sailorboy1]

We get lots of new threads by newer members, who ask the "standard" questions. Older members either just ignore the question, or it goes down the trashing the dream road of replies lots of times.

Maybe what we need is a search button on CF that is more visable so people see it and just maybe use it!

[Minggat]

Since it seems to be a common complaint that "I tried to search here, but......", and having been frustrated by the Search funtion myself, I'd like to see a more effective search function.

To get to this thread, I typed in "Search Function" just to see what I got. Here's a thread with "Search Function" in the title and it didn't come up until 3/4 of the way through the 2nd page!!

I for one would like to see a search function that looks for your seach words in the title first, rather than somewhere in what might be a lenghty thread. If there's no title with your search words, THEN start looking inside the threads.

I have even done searches for my own threads and been less than happy.

If I realy want to find something, I Google it. Guess what? It very often takes me to a CF thread, which makes me happy but confused as to why the CF search is so much less rewarding.

[TaoJones]

Okay, folks . . . it looks like it's time for the Search re-training:

When you open the Search function by clicking on Search in the menu bar that runs just below the box containing your User Name when you're logged in, it will open a drop-down menu. Ignore the Search box at the top of the menu . . . scroll down to the Google Custom Search box and enter your search term there.

Before someone responds with, "Why don't you eliminate the Search box at the top of the menu if it sucks?" I will point out, again, that it is built in to the vBulletin software that this site runs on. Yes, it sucks, but we can't remove it - that's why the Google Custom Search was added.

Pass the word . . .

TaoJones

[Minggat]

Hummm. I feel I have earned the right to feel a little stupid.

Before I say anything more, let me first say that I love your work Tao.

I don't know that I've ever even tried that search button. The one I'm talking about is the one on the login page, halfway down the page in the right hand column. So now I know we have 2 sucky search function buttons, plus a "Google Custom Search" that was added to overcome the suckiness of one of the search buttons.

I'm sure I'm digging my own grave here, but.... the "Google Custom Search" button.... I've uh.. searched and searched and , uh..can't see it. EZ to find "Ads by Google"

[Hud3]

Click on the link in my sig line and bookmark it. Then it'll be yours forever more!

It's the same Google custom search of CF archives that's available in the "Search" pull-down menu located just below the "World Cruising and Sailing Wiki" logo at the top right of the page.

[Cotemar]

Minggat,

Here is the Google Custom Search.

[Minggat]

Ahh, there it is. A search button within a search button. Tricky, you guys.

Thanx for enduring my "duh".

So, the sucky search button down the right hand column. If it could be made to search thread titles first, then post within threads...... I'm thinking re-training could be reduced and the word "sucks" could be recycled.

[TaoJones]

Minggat, can you post a screen shot of what it is you're seeing as Cotemar did, above? I'm having a hard time visualizing what it is you're referring to.

TaoJones

[atoll]

tried it, works very well on custom search.
thanks for the info
atoll

[Cotemar]

Minggat,

Is this where you want it made to search thread titles first, then posts within threads ?

[sailorboy1]

I always use the custom search and feel it works as well as any other internet type of search.

But I still say as in the OP that a nice big visable search buttom would hopefully get people to use it. And as it refers to new people asking the normal questions if they didn't get the discouragement from asking the "old" questions maybe they would hang around longer.

[Minggat]

OLD Guy computer skills here. Can you open this?

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Hud3

Click on the link in my sig line and bookmark it. Then it'll be yours forever more!

It's the same Google custom search of CF archives that's available in the "Search" pull-down menu located just below the "World Cruising and Sailing Wiki" logo at the top right of the page.

Mine, under "If you didn't have the time/$ ..." looks like this
Custom Search CF ➥ http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=01...%3A2lb6ozabif0

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Minggat

OLD Guy computer skills here. Can you open this?

New Guy (2002) computor skills here.... what is it... apart from a MSWord Document... don't open unknown material...

[TaoJones]

Originally Posted by Minggat

OLD Guy computer skills here. Can you open this?

Sorry, Minggat, but it comes up blank for me. Take a look at this: Learn how to make a screenshot / take-a-screenshot.org . . . It's really easy, and there are instructions for both Windows and Mac operating systems.

TaoJones