16 replies to this topic

[drtrmiller]

The native forum search is pathetic, and in serious need of an upgrade. I would urge site admins to integrate Google Site Search into the forum, so that users, including myself, can more easily search and browse topics of interest without having to navigate outside the forum.

Using site search operators outside the forum is not an acceptable workaround, as most users do not know how to do this.

Edited by drtrmiller, May 29 2016 - 9:26 PM.

[dermy]

Umm isn't the whole point of a forum to help out people? I get the whole Search thing then ask your question, but on other forums that doesn't work very well, and in fact discourages a lot of people from starting up in a hobby.

[drtrmiller]

The forum should be easier to use, and an improved search would make it easier to find answers to commonly asked questions.

My problem isn't with the users, as they aren't to blame for the poor search functionality. However, I, dspdrew, and other users far too frequently post references to another part of the forum, simply because it takes an expert to find anything here.

I would gladly help users find things if we had a better search. I simply can't, in good conscience, ask or expect people to use the site search, because of how poorly it currently works.

Edited by drtrmiller, May 29 2016 - 9:27 PM.

[LC3]

I agree with drt. Needs better search thingy. Sometimes it's incompatible with two words and other times you have to type a specific word in order to get anything useful to pop up.

[dspdrew]

IPBoard is known to have a crappy search script. Maybe if I find the time, I can do something about it. However, I don't think that is going to solve all the problems. There's still people out there who are just lazy and want to be spoon-fed information.

[NightsWebs]

Hahahaha that's me Drew that's me!  actually, when I find useful things I have a tendency to save them.

[Foogoo]

site:formiculture.com <search terms>

 

directly into google does the job for me.

[drtrmiller]

site:formiculture.com <search terms>
 
directly into google does the job for me.

Using site search operators outside the forum is not an acceptable workaround, as most users do not know how to do this.

I'm not about to tell someone—especially a new member to the forum—that they should leave the forum and input specially formatted words in Google just to find something.

 

I understand using search operators works for you—it's the same thing I've been doing ever since I joined this forum.  But if Google Site Search can be integrated into the forum, so that it is easily accessible to everyone, then we should go that route.

[Loops117]

Idk if this falls in the same category, nor did i read all the posts. But i've come across a search issue. When i use the search function in the forums, i find only main, headlining posts. Not older ones. In order for me to find older posts, i have to type them directly into Google search, and click the links that take me back to this forum.

[dspdrew]

I'll look into this as soon as I get a chance.

[PTAntFan]

What version of IP Board are we on?  Maybe this add-in from the marketplace would work?  https://invisionpowe...google-cse-pro/

[Loops117]

Well, i'd like to also add in that this forum is well laid out IMO. I'm a member at many other forums, and this one is pretty easy to use compared to some. It also shows all the new posts without having to click each topic, which is a great feature. 

 

A little good to put out there.

[PTAntFan]

My wish is for the mobile view to have the ability to jump to the end of the thread.  GAH!  Am I missing something?

[Kingjay]

I think this forum is nice how it is.Like yesterday I asked drew for black light traps and he gave me a link.You can always ask people for the link of the article also like Drew said some people just want to be spoon fed information like me.

[drtrmiller]

Adding this functionality would not deter you from continuing to ask others for help, but only serve as a tool for the vast majority of members who want a more convenient self-service option.

 

Neither the admins, nor the moderators, nor the other members here exist to be your or anyone's personal operator or search assistant.  The fact that members here help others navigate the forum, is not an excuse for inaction on this issue.

Edited by drtrmiller, June 15 2016 - 5:29 PM.

[dspdrew]

Adding this functionality would not deter you from continuing to ask others for help, but only serve as a tool for the vast majority of members who want a more convenient self-service option.

 

Neither the admins, nor the moderators, nor the other members here exist to be your or anyone's personal operator or search assistant.  The fact that members here help others navigate the forum, is not an excuse for inaction on this issue.

 

[aqandres4]

I'm sorry if I was ever one of those "wanting to be spoon-fed" people.