Tech: So how's the Search Function? - Fixed!

Subject: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 03:39 AM

Once again I tried the search function of the forum to bring up an older thread I needed a link to.

No results whatsoever. Any combination of words from the thread title (which also occurred in the first post) and any combination of filter. Nothing, no results.

I had to bring up the thread by clicking my own name and scrolling down the list of posts.

Is it broken again?

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 01:19 PM

Yeah, it's broken again. The index gets corrupted, and then it doesn't work. I'll get word to Max. Thanks to Peter and Rain Dog for letting us know.

In the meantime, try the Mudcat Google search that's on almost every Mudcat page, or the Old Advanced Forum Search on the QuickLinks dropdown menu. You'll find searching tips toward the top of the FAQ.

And the oldest and most reliable Mudcat search tool is the Filter, located just above the list of threads on the Forum Menu.

Sorry the regular search engine is out.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 01:41 PM

Thanks Joe.

Just tried another search which did come up with results, then tried the search that prompted this thread but nothing there.

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 01:47 PM

What was your second search, Peter? I tried several and got no results in the Forum at all - but did get results in the Digital Tradition.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 01:51 PM

It is often the case that Google will find it in Mudcat easier than the local search.

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 02:29 PM

I was looking for something about Jesse Winchester's Skip Rope Song. Skip Rope Song gives a few results in the forum but none in DT.

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: mousethief
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 02:34 PM

Joe, is there a "tips" page for using the filter? Every time you give a filter setting for even the simplest query, it seems awfully esoteric.

Easiest way to search Mudcat is to search in google and include site:mudcat.org

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 02:46 PM

Peter, if you can't find it here, they have the lyrics and tabs HERE.

Subject: How to use the Filter
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 05:00 PM

Max fixed the Search within a few minutes after he received my e-mail.

Alex, I haven't given detailed instructions for the filter. In what way do you find it esoteric? It's completely linear - no wild cards, no Boolean stuff, no fancy doo-dads except that you can check the box to filter OUT stuff if you like.

Here are the tips I have:

The Filter works only on thread names, which narrows down the search right there. You put a word or sequence of letters in the box, set the age back to where you think it might be, and click the "Refresh" button. I've only come up with one Filter search trick that I'm proud of, and it's not particularly clever: the Filter reads any sequence of letters in linear fashion - so if you're not sure of certain words, use part of one word and part of the next. Let's say I'm looking for "dilly dally" which I suppose could be spelled with or without the letter "e." Rather than searching for the entire term, I can use the filter for y da and get pretty good results. Oh, another thing I'll do is make a fairly broad search, like maybe bor gold. Then I'll use CTRL-F to narrow the search. Maybe I'd like to find threads on gold mining and miners. I filter for gold, and then use CTRL-F on the results to find min. I think I use the filter more than any other search tool we have. It's quick and easy, and very powerful - especially if you use CTRL-F to narrow down your Filter results.

-Joe-

P.S. Thanks a lot for fixing the search, Max. Have a good trip to England.

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 10:13 PM

I hear the Search function is down again.
I'll let Max know.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function? - GOOD!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 01:24 AM

Just fine now. Thanks, Max - and thanks to the person who let me know about the problem.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function? - IFFY!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 02:33 PM

I spoke too soon. The search works, but does not cover messages posted more recently than April, 2010. I sent the information on to Max.
Thanks to my persistent informant. This is something we really need to know about when it's down. It's not a problem you notice unless you're really observant.
-Joe, not particularly observant-

Subject: RE: Tech: So how's the Search Function? - Fixed!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 01:27 AM

Fixed. Thanks, Max.