Search engine categories

[Roy]

An offshoot of the "Another discussion area?" thread. Given: topics are scattered across categories (poster dependent), and we have occasionally deviated from the original thread subject /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif. (And sometimes, the best information is contained within those sidebar discussions). Whenever I search, I use the 'Forum to search' option of 'All Forums', which is at the bottom of the list. Does it make sense to put 'All Forums' at the top of the list so that it becomes the default criteria?

 

[Muhammad]

Oh, right! I'll look into that... it does default to search the forum you are coming from now... do you think all forums should be the default in addition to being on top?

 

[glennmac]

I think almost every search I've ever done is in All Forums.

glenn

 

[Bird]

Me too.

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Another vote for "all forums"!

Why would a searcher take a chance on missing an answer tucked in an unexpected place by limiting his search?

"Casting a wider net" with the same effort seems to make sense to me.

Larry

 

[Muhammad]

Ok, so do you guys think we should just have the search go to all forums only, or do you still want the option to search the other forum?

 

[Roy]

My vote: All as the default, but allow for specific categories.

 

[Bird]

I agree with Roy, although either way is no big deal to me since I'm nearly always going to search all anyway. Of course, it ought to be a little faster if I know for sure in which forum I'll find what I'm looking for.

Bird

 

[Roy]

Bird - I'll be honest, I have never used the specific category, at least not on purpose. I have accidentally forgot about it, and then realized my error after it came back with no hits. So, in reality I concur with you, either way is OK by me too.

While we are looking at what search criteria is most commonly used, any suggestions about the default Date Range value of 7 days? I tend to always go for the max, but I also realize as this forum grows, an All Category/All Dates post can really eat up the query server (and people tend to use defaults).

 

[glennmac]

Just have it be the default, appearing first on the list.

 

[Bird]

Yeah, Roy, I tend to go for the max, too, unless it's something I recall having seen recently. I don't know enough about how much more server time, etc. is required, so I'll just leave that up to Muhammad's good judgement.

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Roy's suggestion of "all" as default with "specific" options gets my vote. Unless I'm looking for something that I KNOW I saw on a specific list, I always use all.

Muhammed (anybody), does using "all" as a matter of policy add an undesireable load to the system in some way?

I'm no computer expert fershur , so I'll defer to the opinions of those who know!

Larry

 

[Muhammad]

<font color=blue>Muhammed (anybody), does using "all" as a matter of policy add an undesireable load to the system in some way?</font color=blue>

Everything puts a load on the system, but we can handle the load without a problem. To search through all forums might take you a little bit longer but really not a lot... don't worry about using the all forums search. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Use it all you want.

 

[ERNIEB]

Ditto Roy's suggestion. I've searched both ways. "All Topics" is usually best, but sometimes brand specific is the way to go.
ErnieB

 

[Roy]

We will leave it your capable hands, Muhammad. Let us know whenever we are placing stress on your system, and when our behavior should change. Just being cautious, don't want to place you in a position of purchasing additional hardware just to accommodate our ignorance.

 

[Roy]

Is this change in the plans?

Roy

 

[Muhammad]

Of course! There have been some other things a little higher on the list that has kept us from working on some of the smaller issues. This and other changes will be made. I apologize for the delay.

 

[Roy]

No need to apologize, Muhammad, you do a fantastic job! I know that your busy, and that book took up a lot of your time last year. I just wanted to make sure that the change didn't get lost in the list. I'll be patient.

Roy