Use the Search

pjnlorrie · 08-11-2015, 08:44 AM

Welcome to all our new friends! This is meant to be purely constructive, however, over the last couple of weeks I have noted 3 or 4 inquiries regarding specific issues or questions (in this case surge and power protectors). There have been many more on different topics as well. These forums are definitely the place to find answers. We have a great group of people with experience, knowledge and expertise. That said, there had also been 2 or 3 very complete discussions on the exact subject(s) in the same time frame. Of course, as new information, equipment, etc. becomes available there is reason to revisit topics from time to time, but too many repetitive posts tends to water down the information and increases the difficulty of finding relevant data.

Search is your friend.

karrun · 08-11-2015, 08:50 AM

I've noticed the search function is lacking. Too many results return when I do it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? For instance, if I search on "battery disconnect" I get all post with battery and all posts with disconnect. I've tried boolean search "battery +disconnect" but that doesn't return fewer results. Am I doing it wrong?

TURBS · 08-11-2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karrun

I've noticed the search function is lacking. Too many results return when I do it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? For instance, if I search on "battery disconnect" I get all post with battery and all posts with disconnect. I've tried boolean search "battery +disconnect" but that doesn't return fewer results. Am I doing it wrong?

Try advanced search within the search function.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "24 nights"

FIVE2MH · 08-11-2015, 09:23 AM

I'm guilty of this, too. Sorry. ��

**ependydad** · 08-11-2015, 09:31 AM

Generally speaking, I disagree. Being a neophyte in a lot of things, I get overwhelmed when I use the search and cannot make heads or tails for how a previous thread pertains to me.

For me, it's more comforting to ask the question (even if it's been asked before) and get answers that are more specific to my situation.

Besides, almost everything has already been covered- if everyone used the search, there would be no need for a forum.

FRF can be closed and we all get many hours of our lives back!

karrun · 08-11-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TURBS

Try advanced search within the search function.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "24 nights"

I looked at advanced search but don't see how this will return fewer relevant results. I can narrow to specific forum or user or date range, but no options to search boolean as far as I can tell.

pjnlorrie · 08-11-2015, 04:20 PM

Karrun is correct-there is no option for "Exact Phrase" or "All Words" as with other forum interfaces. Apologies for not catching this before making my post.

Took me a moment to find what seems to be the solution (this is buried in the Forum 101 info). Use the Google based search box in the green header bar instead of the drop down button. Boolean searches work there as well as better returns with all words included.

My main concern, which I witnessed on another (non RV) highly technical site, was the tendency for the most knowledgeable members to post great initial responses, but if the same question kept coming up there was a tendency for us to not respond. Even referring the question to a previous post is time consuming, so often the responses to the repeat questions were not answered and the inquirer often formed the opinion that the site members were not helpful, snobbish, etc.

ependydad brings up a good point; I enjoy surfing the forum and I see tons of posts with pitiful titles. It helps to be specific, e.g. posting "Converter" is nearly meaningless. "What brand of converter does Aliner install?" will probably get better responses.

DreiHunde · 08-13-2015, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

Generally speaking, I disagree. Being a neophyte in a lot of things, I get overwhelmed when I use the search and cannot make heads or tails for how a previous thread pertains to me.

For me, it's more comforting to ask the question (even if it's been asked before) and get answers that are more specific to my situation.

Besides, almost everything has already been covered- if everyone used the search, there would be no need for a forum.

FRF can be closed and we all get many hours of our lives back!

and.....all the weekly "discussions" about China Bombs, Weight limits and towing speeds are always good to keep the blood pressure up!!!

mjones12 · 08-13-2015, 09:14 AM

Plus, if we don't want to read them, we can go on to something else.

SuicideSaints · 08-13-2015, 09:31 AM

This is a topic in all forums I am part of. The problem with posts like these is only older forums members see it. New members that join next week wont read this and go on and ask the same questions that have been asked 100 times. I do not get upset, I either just skip over the post or I read it and answer it.

PolarisGuy · 08-13-2015, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karrun

I've noticed the search function is lacking. Too many results return when I do it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? For instance, if I search on "battery disconnect" I get all post with battery and all posts with disconnect. I've tried boolean search "battery +disconnect" but that doesn't return fewer results. Am I doing it wrong?

This one is quite easy actually. Put whatever exact term you are looking for in quotes. For example... "Surge Protector"

That way only post/threads that have that exact phrase come back in results. I manage a digital database at work and can't tell you how many times I've had to share this info with coworkers.

karrun · 08-13-2015, 01:41 PM

Thanks for this. Maybe this verbiage can be added to the advanced search area so people know.

DKRITTER · 08-13-2015, 04:53 PM

I like it when somebody asks a question and about 5-6 posts down is the same question.

spock123 · 08-14-2015, 07:49 PM

Doesn't bother me, most people think they a unique problem and too people like talk, if I think I can help I chime in. A lot on new people going camping

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

abomb · 08-15-2015, 02:37 AM

I think if asking repeat questions bothers you, then maybe your spending too much time on this forum....lol

kandl · 08-15-2015, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjnlorrie

Search is your friend.

Ya but then you'd circumvent all them new debates!

RooVader · 08-15-2015, 03:32 AM

Well, the idea of telling people to use search has been brought up a million times yet here we are checking out the replies.

Boso · 08-15-2015, 11:57 AM

Turbs how do I get to advance search in search function on my iPhone

tugger · 08-15-2015, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

Generally speaking, I disagree. Being a neophyte in a lot of things, I get overwhelmed when I use the search and cannot make heads or tails for how a previous thread pertains to me.

For me, it's more comforting to ask the question (even if it's been asked before) and get answers that are more specific to my situation.

Besides, almost everything has already been covered- if everyone used the search, there would be no need for a forum.

FRF can be closed and we all get many hours of our lives back!

X2

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