How To Search This Forum

Suggestions, complaints and news about coffeeshopdirect.com
Post Reply
User avatar
geoffk
Posts: 4459
Joined: Sun 8th Apr 2007 02:09 am
Contact:

How To Search This Forum

Post by geoffk »

So we all know the search function on this site is wonky, putting it nicely. So how does one properly search the forum then and not add another redundant post? Well, I'm glad you asked.

I use Google. I type the following into Google: "site:coffeeshopdirect.com/forum" then I type the subject I'm looking for. In this case, I'll be a little generic and type "best strain" in. Then I get the following results:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&output=sea ... 80&bih=939

Simples. Now there's no more clogging the forum up with redundancy.


http://mokum2006.tumblr.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://mokum2008.tumblr.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Slip & Sal
Posts: 1431
Joined: Fri 30th Sep 2011 09:39 am

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Slip & Sal »

mad trick
I don't take drugs, I am Drugs.
User avatar
2stick
Posts: 133
Joined: Mon 21st Jan 2013 08:17 pm
Location: Helsinki

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by 2stick »

..I know, this is an old thread, but that is quite nice trick! Thanks geoffk!

On further notice, when opening the search link (search.php) below the quick search box and searching from there, results seem to be good.. So maybe the quick search box at the upper right corner isn't configured quite well or at all?

Maybe there is some sort of phpbb quickfix that someone knows?

Edit: Found these differences when tumbling around:
At Quick Search
<form action="http://www.google.com/search" method="GET" target="_blank">
<input type="hidden" name="ie" value="UTF-8">
<input type="hidden" name="oe" value="UTF-8">
<input type="hidden" name="domains" value="www.coffeeshopdirect.com">
<input type="hidden" name="sitesearch" value="www.coffeeshopdirect.com" checked="">
<input name="q" type="text" value="" size="20" maxlength="255">
<input type="submit" name="btnG" value="Search">
</form>
And at search.php it starts with:
<form method="get" action="./search.php">

Followed by tables and other formatting info along with info as where to search from.
User avatar
Lemming
Site Admin
Posts: 3399
Joined: Sat 5th Mar 2005 07:17 am
Location: UK
Contact:

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Lemming »

Good point!

There are two searches. The one that appears at the top of every page uses Google to search the main site. The other one is in blue text and only appears on the forum pages. This second one only searches the forum.

It would obviously be better if there was a single search that combined the function of both. I'm not sure whether this is possible but I'm working on a brand new look and feel for the whole site so I'll look into that at the same time.
User avatar
Lemming
Site Admin
Posts: 3399
Joined: Sat 5th Mar 2005 07:17 am
Location: UK
Contact:

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Lemming »

OK, here's a prototype search that covers both parts of the site.

Follow this link and type your query into the 'Google Search' box towards the top right, then press Enter or click the magnifying glass.

Click here to try

It searches the main site and the forum, presenting results on three tabs: 'All', 'Directory' and 'Forum'.

I've tested it with Chrome (my favourite), Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari. It looks slightly different on each browser but I've tried to force them into line as much as possible using the style sheet.

Please let me know how well it works on your browsers and devices.

Thanks
Lem
User avatar
jim n soj
Posts: 184
Joined: Thu 2nd Feb 2012 04:23 pm

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by jim n soj »

Looks good Lemming, it works fine on my Chrome. :D
User avatar
Lemming
Site Admin
Posts: 3399
Joined: Sat 5th Mar 2005 07:17 am
Location: UK
Contact:

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Lemming »

Thanks jim n soj. Anyone else tried it? I'd like to be sure that all's OK before I roll it out across the site.
User avatar
Smith2
Posts: 731
Joined: Sat 25th Feb 2012 09:14 pm
Location: Stînga Nistrului

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Smith2 »

Works fine in Chrome. Not for me in FF, because I've got NoScript. Though even when I tell it to allow all scripts, it doesn't work, but that's the case with quite a few sites. Which is what I use Chrome for.
User avatar
Lemming
Site Admin
Posts: 3399
Joined: Sat 5th Mar 2005 07:17 am
Location: UK
Contact:

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Lemming »

My Firefox seems to be infested with adverts but otherwise works. I seem to have version 30.0. What have you got? Could you still have something switched off?
User avatar
darkglobe
Posts: 1210
Joined: Fri 15th Aug 2008 07:28 pm
Location: elsewhere

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by darkglobe »

Search engine is working fine on the latest Firefox 30.0. and looking great .Well done man...oh and...
Lemming - use Adblock to get rid of all those annoying ads 8)
"That cats something i can't explain"
User avatar
Lemming
Site Admin
Posts: 3399
Joined: Sat 5th Mar 2005 07:17 am
Location: UK
Contact:

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Lemming »

Thanks Darkglobe, that's reassuring.
I'd still like to hear from more of you so please try it if you can and let me know how you get on.
worldcitizen1723
Posts: 1122
Joined: Mon 1st Mar 2010 12:10 am

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by worldcitizen1723 »

working fine on safari : >
User avatar
Lemming
Site Admin
Posts: 3399
Joined: Sat 5th Mar 2005 07:17 am
Location: UK
Contact:

Re: How To Search This Forum

Post by Lemming »

It's now implemented on the forum. It'll take a bit longer to roll it out over the rest of the site.
Post Reply