POLL: 500Eboard Member Attitudes About Search Function

[gerryvz]

As I make some decisions about the new XenForo forum, I have a question to ask folks about what they feel about the search function here.

And a few follow-on questions, that I'd like people to address/answer in replies to this thread.

1. How much do you use the search function here on the site? What do you typically use it for?

2. Does this forum's (existing) search function work GREAT / PRETTY GOOD / OK / FAIRLY / POORLY for you? Why?

3. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not needed at all; 10 being highest need) -- how important is it to you to have a search function on the new site that is improved over this site's search capability?

4. Would you trade improved search capability over other cool features on the new forum site?

5. Do you feel that having super-great search capability is worth the site owner paying an additional $50-100 annually for servers with upgraded capability SPECIFICALLY to accommodate the better search function?

Thanks for answering these questions in your replies.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

Useful search is CRITICAL. With poor search results, people will start new threads on topics that have already been beaten to death. It's also frustrating when you know there is a particular thread on the forum, but can't find it via search. I'd say the importance rating on a scale of 1 to 10 would be... eleven. Nobody browses through hundreds of threads looking for what may or may not be a descriptive thread title.

I usually use the Google search bar at the top/right of each page, but that is somewhat annoying as it shows both standard and archive results (resulting in duplicate hits, and an extra click if you go into the archive link). And occasionally Google won't show a result for a VIN that is on the forum, which will show up if you use the vBulletin search instead.

 

[sheward]

I use the search function only occasionally. It works fine in those instances. I can usually find what I'm looking for by reviewing thread titles under headings but understand it may be important due to the reason Dave mentions below. I answer no to questions 4 and 5.

drew

 

[8899]

1. How much do you use the search function here on the site? What do you typically use it for?

2. Does this forum's (existing) search function work GREAT / PRETTY GOOD / OK / FAIRLY / POORLY for you? Why?

3. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not needed at all; 10 being highest need) -- how important is it to you to have a search function on the new site that is improved over this site's search capability?

4. Would you trade improved search capability over other cool features on the new forum site?

5. Do you feel that having super-great search capability is worth the site owner paying an additional $50-100 annually for servers with upgraded capability SPECIFICALLY to accommodate the better search function?

1. I use it a lot....but admit that saying the words "a lot" doesn't really tell you anything. I use it to search for "things" when a job/project needs to be done on my E. So, I search for part numbers, or specific parts. For example if I were to RR the motor mounts, I would conduct searches on both the words "mount" and "mounts". I also search on VINs, cities, states....you name it.

2. I think the existing search function (coupled with a google search that starts with: 500eboard....) works very well. I can generally find what I am looking for within 5-20 minutes of heavy searching. This includes reading through the all matching threads until I find the exact piece of information I am looking for.

3. My answer is "10"

4. Yes.

5. Unfortunately, yes. Hate for you to get stuck with this but let's face it...corporations spend big dollars on the capturing and retaining of knowledge capital. And that is what this site contains.

 

[RicardoD]

1. I use the search function frequently to see if others have posted about a problem I am trying to diagnose.

2. I haven't noticed any issues with the search function. I usually find what I want.

3. I would say, 1, I don't see a problem that needs fixing.

4. no

5. no

 

[nocfn]

I agree with the above, search is vital, especially on the fly with a mobile device. THis is the best site I know of for compliance with a particular format, rules for posting etc. It is moderated, and consistently laid out. Since there are so many How-To:... It got to a point where Honch separated out the How TO by chassis, that helps - active management. THANK YOU!

But I often search by member name if I have a memory of an old post less specific that may make a difference.

 

[Bogeyman]

1. I use search to diagnose problems and to check VIN #s so I can identify cars for sale that already have history here.

2 Pretty good.

3. 7

4. I want it all....

5. I would gladly split the cost with you.

 

[a777fan]

1. I almost never use the site embedded search function. I typically just do a search on google.com with '500eboard' appended to my search string
2. When I have used the embedded function, it has performed better than many other forum searches out there. So... Pretty Good
3. 5 - I can live with current search functionality, as long as I can still search site content on google.com
4. No - as long as I can still search site content on google.com
5. No, but I would certainly pony up to contribute if the majority of site users felt the upgrade was prudent

 

[Maui]

I use the search frequently. I'd rather do a search and find the info than start a new thread.

 

[outrbnks]

1. Frequent use of search, used mostly for specific topics, and sometimes authors

2. OK, not many related answers sometimes, even when you know the objects are there

3. 10

4. YES

5. $50 to $100 annual fee for XX number of active members to get information quicker (or at all), is a bargain.

Thanks Gerry for everything you do. Surveys like this are appreciated, and I'm more than willing to contribute $$ to the cause.

 

[Klink]

I’d happily pay $100.00 a year just for access to this resource. Just sayin’

 

[Hakie]

1) I use the search function a lot. All kinds of subjects.
2) IMO it works fairly because it gives too many results but i can find it, in a while.
3) 8. Not very important. When i search the topic/subject i read other interesting topics. Only takes some time.
4) No.
5) Yes. I would be happy to pay a few dollars.

 

[r44raven]

1. Extensively. My searches cover a wide range of needs, i.e. to find "how-to's", advice on maintenance, part nos., historical problems, etc. etc.
2. 99% of the time it finds what you want. What it doesn't find isn't worth knowing about!
3. 10. Can't imagine at the moment how it could be improved, but if there's something out there that makes it even better, then great!
4. I assume you mean "would I prefer an improved search facility over other cool features" - definitely YES.
5. YES, and I would be prepared to contribute.

 

[JC220]

1: For me the search function on the forum is essential. For the most part I use the Google custom search and it works very well IMO. I do regular maintenance on a array of w124’s so search terms on the fly like “spark plug gap” or “Engine mount part number” gets me the relevant threads quickly. I also put in parts numbers to search if something of interest is NLA for example. I use the search function pretty much on a daily basis!


2: Pretty good. It appears to find the relevant threads – not sure if ALL hits are got though or how extensive the search goes....


3: 10 out of 10 for importance. A search function is absolutely required IMO and any improvements to that function would be awesome!


4: There must be a new site coming! That sounds great – this current site is great already as is. Perhaps some other chassis sub sections like W140, R129 + W201 could be added? (Beyond 126 sub sections only) I keep my W140 posts limited to my owners thread but perhaps some 500E Board quality DIY’s could be formed in the future? I am aware this is 500E board for 036 owners and that’s 100% cool. But these models are all from the same era and share the same motors etc so perhaps more threads would be created without people thinking they are breaking forum rules or filling the “Off Topics” section just because of their chassis. But again, I would hope that the search function does not disappear so I would not trade that away.


5: I suspect what you are driving at Gerry is more; does it offer value for money rather than affordability. To that end yes I think search is an essential feature. And as other members have said I’d be more than willing to chip in to the cost with a few bucks. Why not consider an annual membership fee of $10 - $20 USD? I’m sure it would add up and go some way to help support your personal costs for this great resource!

 

[Benz]

1. I use it every time I need to work on something on my E or if I want to find something specific out about my car ex specific upgrades etc.

2. In my opinion the search function works fairly as many times it gives you too many general threads and if you try to be more specific it only picks up certain keywords and it can be difficult to dig up what you are looking for. However the categorization of the website helps the user find general maint rather quickly.

3.10 out 10 for importance of a search engine it helps avoid over posting of threads on similar topics.

4. Yes I would rather have an improved search engine over cool addons.

5. I believe that paying an additional amount would help keep the site cleaner and more user friendly. Thanks for all the great work thus far !

 

[gerryvz]

I am sort of between a rock and a hard place with regard to the search function. Let me explain.

I currently have two XenForo test forums up and running. One is at www.500ecstasy.org/forums, and the other one is at www.500eboard.net/forums

500Ecstasy.org is using a Linux-based "Virtual Private Server," which is a complete server, running in a virtual machine at the hosting company, that I have 100% complete control over. Meaning, it may as well be a complete physical server that is sitting here in my home office that I can do anything I want to, with, and how I want. This option runs around $15 a month.

500Eboard.net is using a majorly upgraded ("professional-grade") version of the type of account that this site has. Meaning there is more memory, CPU capacity and so forth, but it is still a "hosting" account, and I am at the mercy of the hosting company in terms of some limitations. I cannot get full access to the server, and cannot install certain types of software that require "root" (the lowest level) of access to the hoster's servers. This upgraded option runs around $10 a month, and is a bit more money than we are paying for today's 500Eboard "hobby grade" hosting account, which we will be maxing out (and have been maxing out in a couple of ways) in the future as the site continues to grow.

The conundrum is this: XenForo has an upgraded "stock" search capability that is better than the "stock" search capability that vBulletin has. Meaning that even out of the box, the searching on the new XenForo site is going to be better than it is here. I was able to add Google Custom Search to this site, with not too much difficulty, and combined with the standard Google search-bot spiders and indexing, it's provided a search capability that seems to adequately meet most peoples' needs (including my own).

I will also totally have the ability to add Google Custom Search to the new XenForo site to augment the already better standard search function.

HOWEVER, there is an extra solution (which I have purchased a license for already, from XenForo), called "elasticsearch", and this is like the Maybach of search engine capabilities. Not only is it fast, it's super complete and accurate, and is just totally the Bee's Knees when it comes to searching. BUT, installing elasticsearch requires "root" access to the server. This means I can only utilize it on the VPS-based XenForo install I have (currently 500Ecstasy.org) and I CANNOT use it with the upgraded hosted account that I have at 500Eboard.net.

The catch is that the migration from 500Eboard.com to 500Eboard.net, because both systems are running as hosted accounts, will be slightly easier/smoother than going from the current hosted account to a VPS.

One other thing with the hosted account vs. the VPS account: the hosting company takes care of all operating system upgrades, security patches and administrative work for the hosted accounts (i.e. this one and 500Eboard.net). Seeing as I own the complete virtual server at 500Ecstasy.net, it would be up to me to apply all upgrades and patches to the server, and this is a significant amount of time to do this given all of the security patches and updates that come out on literally a weekly basis for Linux, MySQL, php, and other software. It's not just patching and updating/upgrading the forum software, VaultWikia and other stuff as I've been doing for the past 10 years.....it's patching/upgrading EVERYTHING ON THE SERVER on a regular basis.

So, the root of my question is whether it's worth paying the extra money that gives me complete control over EVERYTHING happening, and enables a super-great search function, and have to spend more time administering things. Or more or less stick with what I have, have a modestly better search capability, pay a bit less money every year, and probably spend a fair bit less time on administration/patching/upgrades to the system software itself.

========================

To those who have mentioned it: we won't ask for donations, membership fees, or advertising with regard to this site. The reason being is that money corrupts, and this site then becomes a commercial enterprise.

Whenever money changes hands, an expectation is set. Even with "donations." People then feel like they have skin in the game, have invested, and have some (however small) level of influence/input/control into decisions made, and so forth. It would be exceedingly simple to absolutely defray the annual costs of running this site, and perhaps even make a bit of profit on it, through ads and donations from members. But that introduces new complications and complexities into the mix -- ones that I do not want to deal with.

I remember when Scott Shell did some advertisements with 500Ecstasy, and also took "donations" from people who offered them. I myself made a couple of donations in the $50-100 range (and was glad to), and I know others did the same. And when that site went down, and a few folks had donated in the immediate months prior, they felt like they were "ripped off" and didn't get to experience the benefit of their donation. And to a degree I can't blame them for feeling that, particularly if they were fairly new to the site and hadn't enjoyed its' benefits for a while before they donated.

Keeping money out of the equation, keeps this site as pure as possible to its true and original intent: a hobbyist site for owners of 500Es and directly related models. There's a clear chain of command, and as I have taken nobody's money with regard to the running and administration of this site, nobody can come to me and question decisions, give input that they strongly feel should be implemented, or question my judgement with regard to operational issues. The executive committee (gsxr, Klink, and Glen) act as a sounding and advisory board when this is required, which is not really that often, and they have full operational control over the site's functions and can/do make changes, edits, corrections and other operational inputs on an ongoing, as-needed basis.

JC, we won't expand the focus of the site beyond the E500E (and 400E/E420), simply because scope creep dilutes things. The W463 (G-wagen) and 126 sub-forums are personal indulgences of mine, although the 126 forum in particular has begun generating a significant following, particularly with folks from "the site that shall not be named," which I have mixed feelings about.

We get a SIGNIFICANT amount of traffic and new members from W124/W104 and W140 and R129 members who are also running M119s and M104s, because as you said people with these non-W124.036/.034 chassis find useful and relevant content and discussions through Google and search engines, that they can't find on other sites.

The best thing we can keep doing is posting high-quality HOW-TO articles and providing value-added information.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[alexis]

Hi Gerry... and all,

To answer your questions :

1°) Not much / for technical words

2°) OK to find the posts / Not everything in the results is always relevant.

3°) 4 out of 10 as most of the members are able to give a better answer to the search than the search engine.

4°) Equal

5°) No, because asking the same question after 2 or 3 years might be a good reminder for other members on what to do/not do or ckeck, repair, etc. Furthermore, the forum categories are quite clear.

 

[Maui]

Gerry, whatever keeps you sane and this site up and running is good enough for me. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

 

[a777fan]

Gerry, whatever keeps you sane and this site up and running is good enough for me. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

This!

I would vote for the slightly better search/lower maintenance version.

I admire your vision and commitment to keeping this site pure honch. I heartily agree with everything you wrote above about donations, ads and ownership. We’re lucky to have a mod with such pure intentions as you. And thanks to the super-user/mods gsxr,klink, and glen too. You guys keep this place clean, focused and super useful for all us obsessed weirdos out there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RicardoD]

Or more or less stick with what I have, have a modestly better search capability, pay a bit less money every year, and probably spend a fair bit less time on administration/patching/upgrades to the system software itself.

this seems fine Gerry, no one is paying you for this, and I don't feel anything is broken with the current search function. The older we get the more valuable time becomes and less admin/patch/upgrade on your end feels like a plus

 

[Benz]

I think you should do whatever makes it easier for you and less time consuming im sure the improvement will be great regardless.

 

[BigWillieStyle]

Just a heads-up, I voted before reading the thread. Search function is relevant, yet I feel like the main page is sub-categorized effectively. Example it would be different if (General Discussion and/or Off-Topic) sub-section contained >50% of all content therefore the process of manual GUI querying becomes much more laborious. In all honesty I don't think enhanced search functionality would be materially beneficial. Only way I could see this adding utility is if in someway the enhanced "search functionality" added thread tagging by (topic, keywords, etc) could be beneficial in expanding global participation. See example photo attached. Thanks for all your effort GVZ.

 

[Jlaa]

As I make some decisions about the new XenForo forum, I have a question to ask folks about what they feel about the search function here.

And a few follow-on questions, that I'd like people to address/answer in replies to this thread.

1. How much do you use the search function here on the site? What do you typically use it for?

2. Does this forum's (existing) search function work GREAT / PRETTY GOOD / OK / FAIRLY / POORLY for you? Why?

3. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not needed at all; 10 being highest need) -- how important is it to you to have a search function on the new site that is improved over this site's search capability?

4. Would you trade improved search capability over other cool features on the new forum site?

5. Do you feel that having super-great search capability is worth the site owner paying an additional $50-100 annually for servers with upgraded capability SPECIFICALLY to accommodate the better search function?

Thanks for answering these questions in your replies.

Cheers,
Gerry

1 - a lot. Often to refresh my memory and provide links to prev threads where ppl have questions that have already been answers. Search is really important, and actually it works pretty well. The search function is a big part of my enjoyment of tne site.

2 - pretty darn good

3 - three. Nothing is screaming to improve the current search.

4 - i think the only feature that would be nice to have improved is the ability to drag and drop photos for uploading.

5 - no. Imho - do the hosted solution. Don’t do the vps. The vps will be a bigger time suck 8 years down the road than you imagined. Keep it a hobby and you will enjoy it. Make it more complicated and it will be work. Did you follow Jim Leff and his chowhound.com board in the early days when he hosted everything himself? This was before hosted solutions... and that huge time suck is eventually why it became no fun for him anymore and he sold the whole thing to ZDnet for a low price. http://jimleff.blogspot.com/2008/12/chowhound-story.html

 

[500AMM]

I think most of it has been said here already, it does at least cover all aspects that comes to my mind regarding the search function. And post #16 from you Gerry was explanatory for what this measures to for you and behind the scenes for us members, very well explained - many thanks!

I won't list my separate comments on the 5 questiones, but summarize that I find the search function imperative for the forum on a daily basis. It could be a tad more precise, yes, but not for the amount of extra work/complexity it may cause for you. You better utilize those efforts on maintaining and developing the site clean & healthy - as you already do in an excellent manner!

 

[gerryvz]

Thanks to everyone for all of the comments and answers to the questions I posed.

I think what I am going to do, is to continue along the path of keeping the "hosted" site, with upgraded capabilities, that I've got going. It's worked very well, and pretty economically, since the 2011 time frame (when I switched from another hoster to the current company, 1&1.com, and over to the vBulletin platform).

The built-in search function will be better in the new XenForo software, enhanced by Google Custom Search as an option.

One thing that may help more, is that I plan to change the naming of threads on the XenForo site to a more user and search-engine-friendly nomenclature.

I'll put the additional money I'd have spent on a VPS, toward a new VaultWiki license and have the VaultWiki folks help migrate the old Wiki data over to the new Wiki once I get it installed. I plan to purchase that VaultWiki license for the XenForo site in the next couple of weeks.

Again, thanks to all for the input. I'm going to review the results of the poll and the comments again tonight in more depth, and proceed accordingly.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gerryvz]

4 - i think the only feature that would be nice to have improved is the ability to drag and drop photos for uploading.

Interestingly, this capability exists in the current vBulletin software. And when I first migrated the forum over to this platform, I had it enabled. However, I found that it didn't work very well, so I went with a more reliable/traditional upload schema.

We'll see if it's improved with the XenForo version of it. Hopefully so.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[Jlaa]

Gerry, are you gonna post the Magic Quadrant results for the forum packages you are considering? Or perhaps we need to see where each of the technologies like search tools, avatars, etc. are on the Forum-Package-Hype-Cycle???



Sorry, super ultra nerdy post --- I read the descriptions of the options for the voting and the first thing that popped into my mind ---- OMG we need a Magic Quadrant. Maybe a Magic Quadrant for Parts Vendors....

 

[gerryvz]

Gerry, are you gonna post the Magic Quadrant results for the forum packages you are considering? Or perhaps we need to see where each of the technologies like search tools, avatars, etc. are on the Forum-Package-Hype-Cycle???



Sorry, super ultra nerdy post --- I read the descriptions of the options for the voting and the first thing that popped into my mind ---- OMG we need a Magic Quadrant. Maybe a Magic Quadrant for Parts Vendors....

I will do the evaluations and draft up a couple of MQs ... some peer review with select individuals will be necessary before final publication. I will also approach my contact at Gartner to ensure that there will be no copyright violations in using the MQ format.

 

[Jlaa]

Hahahahahahaha..... and then the vendors would all try and make all kinds of reasoned arguments on why their MQ ratings are wrong (shoukd be up and to the right!) and you would ignore them.

I can just imagine a vendor now .... “but....but....I carry new NLA parts to a 1967 280SL!” And the reponse would be, “yeah, good completeness of vision, but your ability to execute is poor —- you don’t have free shipping...

 

[gerryvz]

Here's an example of a Magic Quadrant. I work with Gartner and other firms on these evaluations as my "day job"....

https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-43ASM6H&ct=170616&st=sb

 

[makemann]

As I make some decisions about the new XenForo forum, I have a question to ask folks about what they feel about the search function here.

I feel that the current SEARCH FORUM function is adequate for to find relevant threads to help me with my car. In my first three years that I lurked on this site (yes, I take a long time to commit,) the search function helped me form a decision on whether I wanted to buy a 500E. It also helped me find one in a color I wanted and when I finally did buy, this site has been invaluable in helping me improve and repair my car.

And a few follow-on questions, that I'd like people to address/answer in replies to this thread.

1. How much do you use the search function here on the site? What do you typically use it for?

Now that I've had my car going on three years, I mostly look at new threads. But when I do use the search function, it is to find repair posts/threads.

2. Does this forum's (existing) search function work GREAT / PRETTY GOOD / OK / FAIRLY / POORLY for you? Why?

Great. I've never had to ask a question that's already been asked.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not needed at all; 10 being highest need) -- how important is it to you to have a search function on the new site that is improved over this site's search capability?

I rate it a 5. I'm happy with the current search function, but I'm also for constant improvement. But since there is additional cost involved to you, I love the current functionality.

4. Would you trade improved search capability over other cool features on the new forum site?

No. See above.

5. Do you feel that having super-great search capability is worth the site owner paying an additional $50-100 annually for servers with upgraded capability SPECIFICALLY to accommodate the better search function?

No. See above.

Thanks for answering these questions in your replies.

Cheers,
Gerry

Thanks to you Gerry, I appreciate everything you've provided.

 

[makemann]

Thanks to everyone for all of the comments and answers to the questions I posed.

I think what I am going to do, is to continue along the path of keeping the "hosted" site, with upgraded capabilities, that I've got going. It's worked very well, and pretty economically, since the 2011 time frame (when I switched from another hoster to the current company, 1&1.com, and over to the vBulletin platform).

Doh, I guess I should have read the entire thread before giving my two cents! Bravo Gerry. Thanks again!

 

[maw1124]

1. I use it all the time. The site is a treasure trove of information and my memory is not as good as it used to be.
2. I think it works great to pretty OK. Rare is the time when a proper search doesn't return proper results. Even if the result is in the cache, it's worth it.
3. I'm a 5 on this one. If it's really better, I think it's very important to have it. But someone would have to really demonstrate the improvement in real time and real terms.
4. No. Search is the cool feature to me. I haven't seen anything on any other board that is "cool".
5. Yes. And I'd help defer that cost.

Bottom line -- the coolest thing about this site besides the people is the information it contains. The ability to find that information readily, therefore, is the cool. It's the only cool worth thinking about. After that, lifetime pictures, because so much of the information is clarified with pictures.

Gerry, thanks for all you do.

Cheers,

maw

P.S. I just read your explanation. Do what saves you the most time. Sometimes an A- is fine, given the extra time. I would have expected the extra money to save you time, not cost you more of it.

 

[gsxr]

Example of a search fail:

A new 'For Sale' thread was started today with a car that I know was listed previously. No VIN, which makes it harder to find. But the ad had a phone number: (847) 707-5139

Great! But, neither Google nor Advanced Search was able to bring back a result, with or without area code. Booooo.

The city (Lincolnshire) looked like a good unique search term, but nope, Google Custom Search farted on that too. (I should have tried vBulletin search, but didn't... this actually did pull up the correct thread via Lincolnshire.)

Anyway, I finally found it the hard way, here's the thread that search was no help with:
https://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12036

This is why I want an industrial-grade robust search feature. It should take 2 minutes to find a thread, not 20. I consider my time to be a valuable commodity (why I spend so much of it here is a separate discussion, lol.)

 

[nocfn]

Example of a search fail:

A new 'For Sale' thread was started today with a car that I know was listed previously. No VIN, which makes it harder to find. But the ad had a phone number: (847) 707-5139

Great! But, neither Google nor Advanced Search was able to bring back a result, with or without area code. Booooo.

The city (Lincolnshire) looked like a good unique search term, but nope, Google Custom Search farted on that too. (I should have tried vBulletin search, but didn't... this actually did pull up the correct thread via Lincolnshire.)

Anyway, I finally found it the hard way, here's the thread that search was no help with:
https://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12036

This is why I want an industrial-grade robust search feature. It should take 2 minutes to find a thread, not 20. I consider my time to be a valuable commodity (why I spend so much of it here is a separate discussion, lol.)

Pay the man

 

[gerryvz]

I’ve decided not to go with the VPS approach. It will be too much of an administrative burden on me to keep everything patched and secure. I know the ElasticSearch is completely awesome (best & fastest there is) but the trade off isn’t worth it. Not to mention about 40% more monthly cost to have a VPS.

From what I see, the built in XenForo search is better than vBulletin’s, and it will be augmented by Google Custom Search as this site has been.

Decision made. Everything’s a trade off, and you have to draw the line somewhere. If I was getting paid to own and run this site, I’d be happy to pour much of my personal bandwidth into it. But I’m not.

So I will settle for a solution that is 70% of what is could be, but it remains free for everyone.

I think people would prefer a free and “good enough” forum over something that they are charged annually, say $100 per member, to have access to. Or have to be saddled with a Banzworld-type site with ads that slow everything down and clutter it up.

Cheers from chilly Newark, NJ
Gerry

 

[LWB250]

I use the search function only occasionally. It works fine in those instances. I can usually find what I'm looking for by reviewing thread titles under headings but understand it may be important due to the reason Dave mentions below. I answer no to questions 4 and 5.

drew

I agree with Drew - unless I'm looking for something that's weird or unusual, I can almost always find what I need by scrolling through the list of posts in the appropriate forum. I have used the search but not a great deal. I would probably opt for "cool features" rather than optimized search functions/capabilities.

Dan

 

[gerryvz]

I've gone with the Mack-Daddy business-grade hosted forum, not the Virtual Private Server, so I don't have the technical capacity to actually install the elasticsearch software. I experimented with it. It's great, but the combination of the XenForo built-in search capability (which is better than the standard vBulletin search) as well as the Google Custom Search (which I'll implement) is enough to top what we have on this site already.

I will add redirect scripts to the XenForo install, so that when Google search results are clicked on, which will refer people to URLs in this forum, they will automatically redirect to the XenForo imported thread from this forum. The Google spiders will eventually catch all of the links and recreate them in Google with the XenForo software directly, though it may take months to fully complete this process.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[C Cortez]

As I make some decisions about the new XenForo forum, I have a question to ask folks about what they feel about the search function here.

And a few follow-on questions, that I'd like people to address/answer in replies to this thread.

1. How much do you use the search function here on the site? What do you typically use it for?

2. Does this forum's (existing) search function work GREAT / PRETTY GOOD / OK / FAIRLY / POORLY for you? Why?

3. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not needed at all; 10 being highest need) -- how important is it to you to have a search function on the new site that is improved over this site's search capability?

4. Would you trade improved search capability over other cool features on the new forum site?

5. Do you feel that having super-great search capability is worth the site owner paying an additional $50-100 annually for servers with upgraded capability SPECIFICALLY to accommodate the better search function?

Thanks for answering these questions in your replies.

Cheers,
Gerry

1. Often. Use it in typical way to find subsets of threads that mention a specific keyword (e.g. product used, part number, sub-problem).
2. PRETTY GOOD. Finds what i want. But all of this success is predicated by the fact that the forum is well maintained -- i.e. Forum topics are kept clean and overlap is prevented. My thanks to Forum administrators -- i mean you Gerry, but I am sure that there are other heroes that i am not aware of.
3. It is very important -- an 8
4. Depends on the new cool feature. In general, good forum organization and an improved Search function are important.
5. YES

 

[jftu105]

1. How much do you use the search function here on the site? What do you typically use it for?

I rarely use it.

2. Does this forum's (existing) search function work GREAT / PRETTY GOOD / OK / FAIRLY / POORLY for you? Why?

Just tried it and it is fine.

3. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being not needed at all; 10 being highest need) -- how important is it to you to have a search function on the new site that is improved over this site's search capability?
10. Good search capability is always desired.

4. Would you trade improved search capability over other cool features on the new forum site?
Probably not.

5. Do you feel that having super-great search capability is worth the site owner paying an additional $50-100 annually for servers with upgraded capability SPECIFICALLY to accommodate the better search function?
I think it is good as it is and no need to pay extra.

jftu105

 

[gerryvz]

I'm happy to report that the technical direction that the forum has taken, with regard to indeed moving to a virtual private server, has allowed us to install the XenForo "Enhanced Search" capability based on the Elasticsearch search engine. I'm hoping that folks are finding better and more capable search results as a bonus to the forum's migration to the new software platform.