14 replies to this topic

[rover96]

Hi all,

I do like the layout of the new forum....What still needs work is the search engine.

For example: I search for: Quick Release Bonnet Hinge

Results:

One or all of your search keywords were below 3 characters or you searched for words which are not allowed, such as 'html', 'img', etc, please increase the length of these search keywords or choose different keywords.

This is a direct thread topic....If the search function was improved, it would also eliminate a lot of double posts/questions and improve an already great forum.


my two cents worth

Jon

[R1minimagic]

I agree, the search facility is terrible, i gave up using it as the results are nothing to do with what i have searched for!

[R1mini]

Just search google, far better than any inbuilt search function

Type "www.theminiforum.co.uk Quick Release Bonnet Hinge"

Cheers
David

[R1mini]

or a more detailed search

"site:theminiforum.co.uk Quick Release Bonnet Hinge"

Cheers
David

[Deathrow]

Well I've no idea where you're going wrong. I searched the exact term that you say doesn't work and the first two results were this thread and:

http://www.theminifo...ge&fromsearch=1

[rover96]

That may well be, however I see the search function as more of a game of roulette than a reliable tool....I'm glad it works for you. I think I'll stick to the Google technique...more reliable results...

Jon

[Deathrow]

If you want to use Google instead, fair enough.

But the fact I can make it work reliably every time suggests that you're using it wrong and that's why you're not getting the results you're looking for. I'll write a new guide to using it in the future when I have time.

The only down side to it is that it won't accept 3 letter search terms.

[Spiffingly Good]

I've always found the forum seach to be a little useless, you can use it, but on some occasions you have to enter too many variables to find what your looking for. I did a tool bar a little while ago and made a custom google search for it. TMF Google Search. I can also search directly from the toolbar.

[Deathrow]

I must admit, that works brilliantly, even with 3 letter search terms.

[Dan]

I have lost track of how many times its been pointed out that none of us, not the staff and not Deathrow our IT admin, have any ability to alter the search engine, and yet it seems people still think we can improve it. The search engine comes with the board software, it is written by Invision. It is not in our power to alter its basic function. Would you expect the IT department where you work to be able to improve the calculator that comes with Windows? The new version of the board has a new search engine but if you still can't work with it, use Google.

[Spiffingly Good]

I have lost track of how many times its been pointed out that none of us, not the staff and not Deathrow our IT admin, have any ability to alter the search engine, and yet it seems people still think we can improve it. The search engine comes with the board software, it is written by Invision. It is not in our power to alter its basic function. Would you expect the IT department where you work to be able to improve the calculator that comes with Windows? The new version of the board has a new search engine but if you still can't work with it, use Google.

I think most can understand that, but as is done many times people ask something in the forum, to have there post simply replied to saying search! Now I am fairly practical and can work my way around a computer, but the search function just isn't practical, and certainly not simple enough for everyone to use it to it's full advantage.

Could a custom google search box not be added to the site? I mean google did revalutionize search engines, and they seem to be pretty good at it.

Just my 2 cents, and certainly not a attack against all who work hard to keep this site functioning.

[Dan]

It is certainly a good idea but you have to pay Google to embed a custom search box in your site, and they will weave ads into the results too I believe. We don't want more ads, the Mini Spares one is enough and we just can't afford it really. It is priced based on the amount of searches performed. If all our currently registered members made just 1 search per year it would cost us $500.00, 2 searches per year would cost us $750.00 etc. etc.

[Mini_Magic]

I've found the search engine to be much better and simpler to use since the forum update. No complaints here!

[rover96]

Folks,
It was not my intention to ruffle any feathers...I was simply stating that the search function does not give consistent results for me. The first concrete search returns I got was using R1mini's Google technique.

I do appreciate the hard work that goes into maintaining this forum.

As stated by Spiffingly Good: "I think most can understand that, but as is done many times people ask something in the forum, to have there post simply replied to saying search!"

There is an immense amount of great advice and experience here on this forum...I am just trying to get to those topics without having to weed through the non-related posts.

[rover96]

I've always found the forum seach to be a little useless, you can use it, but on some occasions you have to enter too many variables to find what your looking for. I did a tool bar a little while ago and made a custom google search for it. TMF Google Search. I can also search directly from the toolbar.

Wow good job...That toolbar you created is brilliant...

The best just got better..