Br Search Function Tutorial?

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I've been around here for a little bit. LOL

 

I always see questions from members that may seem a bit redundant to those who have been here a while or those who are (or think they are ) on a whole other level of fishing. It is usually met with the answer "use the search function."  I have used that answer. I probably will again in the future I'm sure. 

 

Has there ever been a tutorial done on how to effectively utilize the search function of this forum?

 

I think it would be very helpful.

 

Thoughts?

[J Francho]

Well, it's as simple as typing in a topic into the search box.  There are advanced features, but it's mostly self explanatory.  The issue is steering people to the tool in the first place - never an easy task.  Another issue is relevance.  Sometimes topics need to be revisited, either to gain new info, or input from newer members.  Lastly, the search isn't going to help for all the "what should I get" topics, though I really think they can get better info reading articles that pertain to their fishing styles.

[AK-Jax86]

type what you are looking for and click search.

 

I mean I understand people may post redundant questions but we, meaning you the user, chooses to comment or not. People who get "annoyed" by reoccurring topics simply don't respond.  Kind of makes you look petty when you reply use the search function instead of simply answering their question. Not all members are active or "veterans" on this site a lot are just passing through and if they have a question they ask.

 

Now the people who use this site to hijack fishing spots instead of helping to contribute, those are the ones that I have a problem with, I'm sure others feel this way as well. 

[CayMar]

I think alot of people feel like thier question is location specific. Like what kind of rod do I need for bassin' on the river? The same as you would use on a lake.Lol. And I think some people just want to feel like your talking to them. I didn't know to use the search bar and asked a few redundant questions. My fave is: Which kayak should I buy? I asked it and have seen it probably 20 times since. I know J and Hanover Yakker must bang thier heads on the wall when they see it. I am skittish to ask any questions lately for fear that they may be redundant. Lol. Oh btw which polarized sunglasses should I buy?

[Brian Needham]

I myself had responded "search" but still try to answer the question.  

 

The reason I respond search is at one time I have answered a question with a LONG response and it is simply too much to type, or have seen an answer by, Catt, WRB, Speedbead, ect ect that was an EXCELLENT answer and if they use the search function they will find the BEST answer for them.

 

using the search function is pretty easy, type in your query into the box and up comes the results.  

If you can narrow it down to the forum "general", "tackle", "baitmaking" you can go to that subforum and search just that forum.

 

Think of the search box as a google for message boards.  

I used google and message board search boxes MANY MANY times when I first started. I really enjoyed reading all the old threads and think I am a better fisherman because of it. You can never be too informed.

[tomustang]

Tutorial part one: Look on the first page for the same subject before posting your thread, if you don't see your topic then check the second page. If you do not see the what you want to post in a recently thread then post away.

I've been on forums for over 15 years, I've seen countless repetitive threads but what I've also seen with them is different people replying with different answers. The biggest problem though is when there's two threads that are the same right next to each other on the first page and someone needs to post up another exaxtly the same.

[Brian Needham]

Only time I get annoyed is Jig fishing and sunglasses

there are probably 20+ pages of results to a search of jig info on this site and most of it is pure gold. The past conversations about jigs will never be replicated and a person wanting to know about jigs owes it to themselves to seek that info out.

 

Sunglasses, everything that can be covered already has been. I know I have posted info on every lens color, % of light transfer, recommended activities for each lens color ect ect. its all there if a guy wants to find it.

 

 

and Speed I KNOW I am on a whole other level of fishing........and its about 20 levels UNDER yours!!!

[Glenn]

Dangit Wayne... I hate it when you have a great idea! 

 

Really it's not as simple as using the search box.  Ya, it's a quick hit, but it doesn't return results for anything older than 2 years old.  You have to go to the advanced search and select "archives" for that.

 

That's just one tip.  There's more.

 

It would be a good tutorial.  I'll work on making one, as I'm the only one that really knows how it works end-to-end.

 

Glenn

 

P.S.  Gotta do the Roadtrip video first.  So be patient.

[ClackerBuzz]

good suggestion wayne.  i'm guilty of posting the same questions...and of answering 'use the search function'.  to be perfectly honest, this the first site where i really 'learned' how to search forums.  i don't know how it's powered glenn but the forum search function works AMAZING.  it yields result that get me side tracked reading good posts for hours. search functions and websites back in the day never yielded such relevant information.  i've always known to search creatively on google. but I literally had to learned how to search creatively here on BR.  getting members to understand that our search function works as good as googles might help flip the switch. it took working thru it for it the light to go off for me.  coming right out and saying might cut the chase.

BR search function: like Google but only better b/c it's all about fishing. or Use the search function just like you would Google.

 

Direct examples always work well for people.

 

How about suggestion people type the exact title of their potential post directly into the search bar:

 

"Baitcaster under $100"

"Best $100 rod"

"Hook set help!"

"Night fishing"

 

Also try leaving off words to compare one object to many:

"Curado vs"

"Avid vs"

"Mono vs"

 

And a little creativity goes along way with search results. Try using verbs, adjectives (I had to look up how to spell that) etc

"Confidence"

"Crimp"

"Invasive"

"Panic Box"

 

The 'two' search bars is confusion though.  The homepage search bar yields article results and the forum search bar yields post results.  The forum search is where all the magic happens. Don't believe me? Just type toilet paper

 

Maybe a fast easy fix would be a Pop-up screen before u are allowed to post a new thread. It could suggestion something like:

 

"Before you post please take some time and try our search bar.

Search for the title of ur proposed post and/or it's related subject:

'Baitcaster under $100'

'Curado vs '

'Connection knot'

'Pond lures'

Think of our forum search bar just like Google. Be creative.  

Edited October 29, 2013 by ClackerBuzz

[Hyrule Bass]

Dangit Wayne... I hate it when you have a great idea! 

 

Really it's not as simple as using the search box.  Ya, it's a quick hit, but it doesn't return results for anything older than 2 years old.  You have to go to the advanced search and select "archives" for that.

 

That's just one tip.  There's more.

 

It would be a good tutorial.  I'll work on making one, as I'm the only one that really knows how it works end-to-end.

 

Glenn

 

P.S.  Gotta do the Roadtrip video first.  So be patient.

 

this, it really isnt as simple as typing in the search box and hitting go. there are all kind of options you can use to broaden or narrow down your search. i got pretty acquainted with the search feature looking for a couple old threads one day. someone didnt believe me about the guy here that posted a thread about catching bass on a shoe string...

[SPEEDBEAD.]

^ LOL, that would be Paul.