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19th Apr 2012, 12:15 pm | #1 |
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Google Custom Search
As an experiment I have added a Google Custom Search bar to the forum. This is set to just search this forum, not the whole internet.
Google spiders this site very frequently so their index should be updated within a few hours of threads and posts being posted, but it won't be instant. However it should be a better way of finding posts and threads than the forum built in search, and by having it more prominent it may encourage people to search before posting. Comments welcome please. |
19th Apr 2012, 12:52 pm | #2 |
Nonode
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Re: Google Custom Search
Thanks Paul, That's a huge improvement
Over the last few days I've been typing "Pye Black Box" into the forum search engine and I think it's been showing me every thread containing the words "Pye", "Black" and "Box" (not "Pye+Black+Box"). The Google search is far more specific and is showing me loads of threads that I didn't see before. Regards David
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19th Apr 2012, 12:57 pm | #3 |
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Re: Google Custom Search
Will it search the "modern equipment" areas that are not visible to non-members?
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19th Apr 2012, 1:09 pm | #4 | |
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Re: Google Custom Search
Quote:
The forum search has a minimum word length of 4 characters (which can't be changed as it is a MySQL setting for the whole server) so that example search for "pye black box" would only search for "black" as the other two words are too short - so the chances of finding what you need are quite slim. The Google search will find all the right threads. Indeed if you put it in quotes "pye black box" in the Google search it will find the exact phrase. No, it will only search sections that are visible to someone who isn't logged in. |
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19th Apr 2012, 1:17 pm | #5 |
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Re: Google Custom Search
If you use Firefox, install the AdBlock Plus extension if you want to hide the adverts on the Google search results.
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19th Apr 2012, 1:59 pm | #6 |
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Re: Google Custom Search
I've just enabled the Google image search too. I'm not sure how useful it will be though, as it only shows the thumbnails and will probably show avatars in the threads too.
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19th Apr 2012, 2:30 pm | #7 |
Pentode
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK.
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Re: Google Custom Search
I think it's a great improvement, but it does take up a lot of vertical space on every page, which isn't so helpful if you're using e.g. a netbook, a phone, or a widescreen monitor. Is there any way it could be made hidden until clicked on (like the current forum search is, not taking any space up until "Search" is clicked)?
Ed. |
19th Apr 2012, 2:55 pm | #8 |
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Re: Google Custom Search
Yes, I agree that it takes quite a lot of space, however I do want it always visible to encourage people, especially new members, to search before posting.
I may look into putting it on the title bar, and making the title and advert smaller to give space (probably a complete redesign of the title bar). However I want to get more opinions on the usefulness and other aspects before doing any more work on it. |
19th Apr 2012, 3:29 pm | #9 |
Dekatron
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Re: Google Custom Search
Very useful indeed, Paul, thank you.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds the forum's inbuilt search facility next to useless, as Radio Dave has illustrated. Nick. |
19th Apr 2012, 3:38 pm | #10 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
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Re: Google Custom Search
Could we have a Google web search as well? I'd be happy to set this forum as my home page then
Regards David
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19th Apr 2012, 3:56 pm | #11 |
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Re: Google Custom Search
No, that would just cause confusion with two search boxes. The search here should only search here, not send people elsewhere.
In most modern browsers you can set two home pages and they open in separate tabs. Also most modern browsers have a search option built in which can be set to use any of the major search engines so no need to go to the Google homepage to search Google. |
19th Apr 2012, 3:58 pm | #12 |
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Re: Google Custom Search
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19th Apr 2012, 5:11 pm | #13 |
Heptode
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Re: Google Custom Search
Hi, what can I say, as someone who was Always defeated by the search, as was, mainly the problem was trying to 'find' the right words and remembering them also, I have just tried the new search and it is fantastic and a great help.
It might even save me asking questions and bothering people with "simple" questions. Great, thank you very much indeed. Cheers. Geoff. |
19th Apr 2012, 5:11 pm | #14 |
Retired Dormant Member
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Re: Google Custom Search
Thats brilliant! Adds a new dimension to the site.
Thanks Paul. Regards, Rob |
19th Apr 2012, 6:54 pm | #15 |
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Re: Google Custom Search
Assuming the Google Custom Search works out OK (which so far it seems to be) I am considering redesign the page header to incorporate the search box, something like this (just a PhotoShop mock-up so far):
https://www.vintage-radio.net/VR-New-Banner-Idea.jpg This keeps it prominent but doesn't waste any extra page space. The white background on the header feels more modern too. |
19th Apr 2012, 7:05 pm | #16 |
Dekatron
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Re: Google Custom Search
Works very well.
Thank You |
19th Apr 2012, 7:40 pm | #17 |
Nonode
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Posts: 2,879
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Re: Google Custom Search
Well done Paul, you are right - it is a better search once you get used to it. And your mockup looks just the job - neat placement.
I had always wondered why some searches here produced odd results - it was the "4-character" search rule. Thanks Jeremy
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19th Apr 2012, 8:08 pm | #18 |
Rest in Peace
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Re: Google Custom Search
Works very well, I just dragged up an old thread I remembered from 2004 in a few seconds.
Regards, Mick. |
19th Apr 2012, 8:14 pm | #19 |
Retired Dormant Member
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Re: Google Custom Search
I just tried looking for T311, the Ekco TV. Almost instantly all the relevant thread appeared. Huge improvement over the old forum search. The only shame is that it can't "see" the Modern Equipment section.
PS: I don't know about advertising. I run Firefox with Adblock+. I suppose I don't miss what I don't see |
19th Apr 2012, 8:18 pm | #20 |
Heptode
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Location: Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK.
Posts: 643
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Re: Google Custom Search
A very positive step forward Paul and the proposed header looks absolutley fine to me.
Thanks for your efforts.
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