busted links

Subject: busted links
From:
Date: 24 Aug 01 - 02:58 PM

Paul Foster here. I'm new to forums like this,so I'm not sure where this query should go,so I'll just post generally. In perusing the lyric data base, I've noticed that many of the titles lead not to the song,but to it's parodied version.WHY? Is there no way to keep both? I've also noticed many busted links,that is to say no song at the other end. Are we , the users,responsable for reposting if we can, or is there a site administrator who reviews and updates? I ask with no criticism intende.My only desire is self education. Respectfully P.F.

Subject: RE: busted links - Digital Tradition
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Aug 01 - 03:06 PM

Hi, Paul - the Digitrad and Forum Search is the best tool for finding songs in the Digital Tradition. The blue search box also works, but it's a bit harder to use. The titles list in the blue search box doesn't work very well at all, so I recommend that people not use it. The links are generated automatically, and are sometimes flawed. Since we don't generate the links, we can't fix 'em.

Generally, our search engines search within the text of a song, and will pull up every song that has that word or phrase. If you pull up the wrong song, you may find a link at the top or bottom of the lyrics that leads to another song which is quite possibly the song you're seeking.

We don't pay much attention to song titles because they can be misleading - songs often go by many different titles, and titles often are shared by many different songs. Better to search for a distinctive phrase from the song you seek.

Once you get used to our search engines, you can find most things quite easily. If you have trouble, don't hesitate to ask for help.

Hope that helps.

-Joe Offer (e-mail sent)-

Subject: RE: busted links
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Aug 01 - 03:09 PM

Hi Paul, welcome to Mudcat. I'll try to answer some of your questions. As to the links, there is often a "Next Page" option. Sometimes you have to click on that several times to get to the version you want. The alphabetical title idex is the WORST way to search--it was an experiment and didn't work too well.

My favorite is SuperSearch; the white box labeled Digitrad and Forum Search. It takes several days/weeks for current threads to show up there, though. If you want something current, your best bet is to re-set the Filter box back to when you think it showed up, and click refresh.

No, we the members are not responsible for the DT; Dick Greenhaus is the only one who can make changes to it, and he is behind because of computer problems. Broken link notification is always appreciated; the best place to post it is probably the Help Forum. It's up top on the right side of the banner. The help forum is designed to help with technical problems of the entire site.

One of the clones or elves will no doubt be along soon with more info.

---

NOTE FROM JOE OFFER: It doesn't help at all to notify us of broken links. They are generated automatically, and sometimes the generation process has flaws. Since we don't generate the links, we can't fix 'em. If a broken link stops you from finding something and you can't get to it through one of our other search engines, post a message in the Help Forum (Help link at the top of most Mudcat pages). We'll be glad to get the information and send it to you.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: busted links
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Aug 01 - 03:10 PM

(We have to stop meeting like this, Joe. grin)