problems with the search function

[xgoldy]

anyone else having problems using search? sometimes when i try to search within a forum, all i get is a blank screen. when i try to search again, i have to wait 30 secs. its not the screen that says no results - just a plain white screen. anyways - just askin.

thanks

 

[Lavan]

spotty results here too.

 

[A.P.F.]

I have found that is fairly common. When your search parameter is too large, the program just runs home to mama. Try less words or more specific words.

 

[tholiver]

Its the most finicky search engine i've seen. If i use more than one word in a search it goes to a blank page. Same result even if you separate the words with commas/plus signs/etc.

 

[Eric Isaacson]

 

[JatMat]

But, I use Google even for searches in BF, put your search terms in Google and then look for BF threads, they do show up. Have had much better results in that manner.
James

 

[Cougar Allen]

It works if you coddle it. Please read Sticky: Search Engine FAQs & Tips

 

[Tracker2]

A better search function would go a long ways in reducing repetitive questions. I too google for better results.

 

[kuribo]

The search function absolutely sucks. I have never seen a site with such a poor search engine. I really wish something was done about it....

 

[xxguitarist]

best search engine option is to use the advanced search on yahoo or google, and enter "bladeforums.com" as the "search this website only" area, then your query in the main search line.

otherwise, in the main bar, things such as " query site:sitename" work, EG: "cool knives site:bladeforums.com"

 

[knarfeng]

The BF search engine works quite well once you learn a key concept.

The key to understanding the search function is that it uses an OR operator instead of an AND operator. We are all used to Google. Google uses an AND operator. Read on for explanation.

If you put in "Native Steel" in the BF search engine, it looks for all threads containing either "Native" OR "Steel". Since "steel" is a really common term, the search engine gets overloaded and returns a white screen.

If you did that with Google, you would get all thread containing "Native" AND "Steel". With the BF search function, adding terms broadens the search instead of narrowing it. This makes a Big difference in how you run searches.

Here are tips that work for me:
Always use the "advanced search" option on the search pop-up.
Always do single word searches. Try to choose a unique term that would only apply to what you are looking for.
Start by searching titles only in a single forum.
If you don't find what you need, expand to more forums.
Still didn't find it? Search entire texts in a single forum.