drewbarb
picnic like it's 1999
Is is just me, or is the "Search" function for this forum screwed up? At least 90% of the time I try to do a search, I get an error message, and zero results. Example- I click the link above that reads "Search". The little window opens; I leave the "Show Threads" button checked, and enter search terms, such as (for instance) "Fuji Neopan SS processing". I hit enter, and get an error message that reads:
The search term you specified (ss) is under the minimum word length (3) and therefore will not be found. Please make this term longer. If this term contains a wildcard, please make this term more specific.
I then have to wait 30 seconds before trying again; I might re-order the words, try to make the terms simpler, or more specific; I have tried entering a simple list of words, and I've tried complete sentences- no joy. I have tried the advanced search and the simple version, and very occasionally I will get a list of threads, but most of the time no matter what I do, I can't get the Search to show me a single thread or post. Useless. It also seems that on the rare occasions I do get results, I cannot find a single useful hit. A search for "Speed Graphic" might yeild a seemingly random list of threads, none of which have anything to with Speed Graphics. And I have come to consider it a lucky break if I get anything at all, never mind that the results might have nothing at all to do with my search terms.
Most of the time, I resort to a google search- which often brings up relevant threads on RRF- but I'd love to be able to search the archives here, to find things I know have been discussed here, or to see what RRF folks think about a given topic, but I am constantly thwarted by the non-functioning "Search". Same results whether I use Mac or PC, BTW. Is this a known code error with this site, or do I simply not have the required advanced degree to be able to operate this feature? Anyone else have similar problems, or better yet, a useful answer?
The search term you specified (ss) is under the minimum word length (3) and therefore will not be found. Please make this term longer. If this term contains a wildcard, please make this term more specific.
I then have to wait 30 seconds before trying again; I might re-order the words, try to make the terms simpler, or more specific; I have tried entering a simple list of words, and I've tried complete sentences- no joy. I have tried the advanced search and the simple version, and very occasionally I will get a list of threads, but most of the time no matter what I do, I can't get the Search to show me a single thread or post. Useless. It also seems that on the rare occasions I do get results, I cannot find a single useful hit. A search for "Speed Graphic" might yeild a seemingly random list of threads, none of which have anything to with Speed Graphics. And I have come to consider it a lucky break if I get anything at all, never mind that the results might have nothing at all to do with my search terms.
Most of the time, I resort to a google search- which often brings up relevant threads on RRF- but I'd love to be able to search the archives here, to find things I know have been discussed here, or to see what RRF folks think about a given topic, but I am constantly thwarted by the non-functioning "Search". Same results whether I use Mac or PC, BTW. Is this a known code error with this site, or do I simply not have the required advanced degree to be able to operate this feature? Anyone else have similar problems, or better yet, a useful answer?
Matthew Allen
Well-known
This is a very elegant solution:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/modules.php?name=News&file=showarticle&threadid=58754
Matthew
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/modules.php?name=News&file=showarticle&threadid=58754
Matthew
drewbarb
picnic like it's 1999
Thanks guys, these are both helpful. Since these solutions have been created, I'm guessing this is a known issue. Too bad, but it's nice I know that I'm not crazy (or if I am, this problem isn't a symptom...). Thanks.
Pherdinand
the snow must go on
it is indeed very much useless.
erikhaugsby
killer of threads
I thought that the search was supposed to be fixed in the recent server changes, but alas it has proved just as useless as ever.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
It is broken.
Matthew Allen
Well-known
The one I linked to works in FF, it becomes one of the search engines in the drop down menu of the search bar. Probably not with Safari though...
Matthew
__hh
Well-known
Not sure what you guys did for the plug-ins, but I have always used the following search strings in the Google search box:
site:rangefinderforum.com search terms here
That seems to work for me fairly well. The search terms can be the normal google boolean qualifiers (and, or, not, etc)... and it's useful to search on particular items and/or member names.
site:rangefinderforum.com search terms here
That seems to work for me fairly well. The search terms can be the normal google boolean qualifiers (and, or, not, etc)... and it's useful to search on particular items and/or member names.
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
It's not RFF, it's vBulletin - their search interface has always sucked. That's why many vB admins use a Google search hack - it adds the ability to Google only the website.
Matthew Allen
Well-known
The plugins are just a very slightly faster way of doing that, the results are the same. I always used to type that too but now I don't have to.
Matthew
Michael P.
Bronica RF
The search function is next to non-functional.
gdi
Veteran
I need to take this opportunity to thank Robert (Digitalintrigue) - I have been using his link for the last few weeks - now I totally ignore the pitiful RFF one.