How to efficiently "search" within forums??

[TROXZILLA]

Thank you for the assistance. Using the Google search option was very useful.. Kind of frustrating that the normal search function does't work very well.

[AK370Z]

Hi,
Normal search function works well if you're a bit advanced user and play around with the drop down menu and ctrl button.

a. you MUST make sure to use dropdown menu and change to (thread) title only. if you keep default, nothing will generate.



b. To minimize unwanted results, first ask yourself "what are you looking for?" are you looking to buy berks exhaust or looking for berks review. Use ctrl button on keyword and highlight specific forums. The forum search function can be just as effective, if not more effective if you know the tricks (search is in time sensitive order). Try it. Have fun. thanks

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Hi,
Normal search function works well if you're a bit advanced user and play around with the drop down menu and ctrl button.

a. you MUST make sure to use dropdown menu and change to (thread) title only. if you keep default, nothing will generate. ...

I'm not familiar with vBulletin but you should be able to change the default. If not through a config setting, then by modding the PHP code (should be a very simple edit).

[AK370Z]

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

I'm not familiar with vBulletin but you should be able to change the default. If not through a config setting, then by modding the PHP code (should be a very simple edit).

I have thought about it but been really busy. I'll look into that. I just assumed people used drop down menu

[SouthArk370Z]

Originally Posted by AK370Z

I have thought about it but been really busy. I'll look into that. I just assumed people used drop down menu

You need to learn how to delegate.

Most users will not spend more than a few seconds trying to figure out a web page. Many people, especially those who have just discovered this site and don't realize what a great resource they have stumbled upon, will get frustrated and go looking for a site that is easier to use. IMNSHO, the user should initially be presented with a very simple search interface with the option of using advanced search (see any web search engine for examples). Requiring the user to make a menu selection to do a proper search is just going to frustrate people and scare them away.
I am familiar with how search engines work and enjoy a good digital challenge, so I spent several minutes trying to figure out the site search here with the intention of writing a How-to. I quickly decided that using Google/DuckDuckGo/et al was a lot easier for most users and returned better looking results to boot.
YMMV

It appears that there are two search engines available in vB5. If you have the same option in vB3, give the other one a spin and see if it looks like it would be any easier for the average user.