Selective search

Willber G · #1 (**Post Link**) 17-02-10

Not a bug as such but I'm not sure where else to post this.

Is it possible to specify forum searches with multiple words? For example, "rolling road" brings up posts with "rolling" OR "road" (hundreds of them) but I want to see results for both "rolling" AND "road".

Hope this makes sense.

Cheers,
Willber

AlfaJack · #2 (**Post Link**) 17-02-10

Try the AO Google search from the search drop down menu and put "rolling road".
Is that what you are after?

Willber G · #3 (**Post Link**) 17-02-10

But won't that just return exact matches for "rolling road" as a phrase?

A better example: "GT", "JTS", "oil". I would like to see results that contain all those words but not necessary the exact phrase.

Willber G · #4 (**Post Link**) 17-02-10

Am I the only one who finds this a problem? I'll be happy to learn that I'm missing something obvious

Willber G · #5 (**Post Link**) 18-02-10

Hello? Anybody there?

bobda · #6 (**Post Link**) 19-02-10

As I recall, the AO search works slightly differently - ie, it uses a different terminology.
Let me go check and see if I can find it.

bobda · #7 (**Post Link**) 20-02-10

If you just type [rolling road] into the search, you get what would be on Google ["rolling road"].
If you type [rolling; road] you get results containing rolling or road.
I'm trying to find a way to get rolling AND road recognised.

bobda · #8 (**Post Link**) 20-02-10

Can't find a way. Can you raise a support ticket about this please?

David P · #9 (**Post Link**) 20-02-10

Originally Posted by Willber G

A better example: "GT", "JTS", "oil". I would like to see results that contain all those words but not necessary the exact phrase.

Typing the following ( including the "s ) "GT" "JTS" "oil" seems to get the the results you are looking for as far as I can tell from a few tests

bobda · #10 (**Post Link**) 20-02-10

Originally Posted by David P

Typing the following ( including the "s ) "GT" "JTS" "oil" seems to get the the results you are looking for as far as I can tell from a few tests

That does appear to work.

Bit of a long-winded way of doing things though, so I'll bring it up with admin.

Willber G · #11 (**Post Link**) 21-02-10

Thanks for your replies chaps

I don't mind it being long winded, if it returns the correct results it'll be quicker than trawling through superfluous threads.
If it could be incorporated into the menu options that would be nice though

Gaag · #12 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

what about rolling+road ? as a search string it should only include results containing both?

bobda · #13 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

Originally Posted by Gaag

what about rolling+road ? as a search string it should only include results containing both?

Yes, that works as well.
'Normal' protocol though is that a search engine defaults to individual words with an AND logic. Ours seems to default to a phrase which would normally be searched by using quotation marks. To get OR logic, you normally need to use brackets.

Icheb · #14 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

Originally Posted by bobda

Yes, that works as well.
'Normal' protocol though is that a search engine defaults to individual words with an AND logic. Ours seems to default to a phrase which would normally be searched by using quotation marks. To get OR logic, you normally need to use brackets.

This could be why some people do not use the search function

Willber G · #15 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

Originally Posted by Icheb

This could be why some people do not use the search function

I think this is a problem on a number of forums. Why not put some sort of note (sticky?) on the forum homepage, it may encourage people to use the search more (and more effectively) including me!

Gaag · #16 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

i'd say the problem people don't use the search function is more about sheer laziness than anything else.

bobda · #17 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

Originally Posted by Gaag

i'd say the problem people don't use the search function is more about sheer laziness than anything else.

Nail...head!
Admittedly, it doesn't help that it's awkward to use once you get there though!

Willber G · #18 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

Originally Posted by Gaag

i'd say the problem people don't use the search function is more about sheer laziness than anything else.

That seems a bit harsh, if people know how to get the results they want then they'll use it I reckon.

David P · #19 (**Post Link**) 22-02-10

I wouldn't bet on that, especially considering that there are so many clone threads on the same subject & before submitting a new thread you are shown a list of other possible relevant thread titles

Willber G · #20 (**Post Link**) 23-02-10

Originally Posted by David P

I wouldn't bet on that, especially considering that there are so many clone threads on the same subject & before submitting a new thread you are shown a list of other possible relevant thread titles

Ah, put it down to youthful naivety on my part then

Seriously, I think a reminder and a few simple instructons may go a long way...they certainly won't hurt

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