Why does "search" suck so bad?

It doesn't like you. You gotta ask politely, or it'll screw with you hella bad.

Doesn't like three letter search .

Use google
"SEARCH TERM site:forums.mtbr.com"

example

AZ.MTNS said:

Doesn't like three letter search .

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It doesn't just not like them, it specifically ignores them. The forum software has to keep an index of all the useful words on the forum to be able to search that many posts that quickly without using all of a server's resources just to search. The default setting for that index is to ignore words that are three or less letters for the sake of efficiency because there are so many words posted that are 3 or less letters yet most words that short aren't significant enough to be worth searching for.

boomn said:

It doesn't just not like them, it specifically ignores them. The forum software has to keep an index of all the useful words on the forum to be able to search that many posts that quickly without using all of a server's resources just to search. The default setting for that index is to ignore words that are three or less letters for the sake of efficiency because there are so many words posted that are 3 or less letters yet most words that short aren't significant enough to be worth searching for.

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It doesnt keep an index of search terms. Not at all.
The reason 3 character search terms are ignored is because of wildcard attacks. Its a query of the db. search for *.* with a basic script 4,000 times in a minute and watch 50,000 MTBR members get a server busy error.
Its a default setting, and it sucks. These days there are better protections in place for DOS attacks. using "and" and "-" in your search terms can help focus results.

the_owl said:

It doesnt keep an index of search terms. Not at all.
The reason 3 character search terms are ignored is because of wildcard attacks. Its a query of the db. search for *.* with a basic script 4,000 times in a minute and watch 50,000 MTBR members get a server busy error.
Its a default setting, and it sucks. These days there are better protections in place for DOS attacks. using "and" and "-" in your search terms can help focus results.

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oh well, I've been wrong before. However, I'm still quite sure there is a search index involved, whether it's handled directly through the forum software or behind the scenes within the database server. That's simply how database searches work, and for example, this is the only way MySQL can search a full-text database like a forum.

Also, public searches are often (and should always be) secured against such attacks through "input sanitation" that ignores malicious terms or code snippets or even, if so desired, wildcards. MTBR's search appears to be set up to refuse any search string that includes a wildcard

Well even with search terms longer than 3 words, the mtbr search is a bit weak. Use Micka's advice and use google, but restricted to this site.

Type the following into google "ZEN trail stoke site:forums.mtbr.com" and your post is the first response.

Pebkac

It doesnt matter if it's 3 letters or 15. It sucks......you shouldnt have to google it. Like the OP said what's the point of having it if it does not work?

Are you guys using the search function in between New Posts and Blogs in the blue heading? If you do that & use the advanced search option, it works pretty well. At least, it has for me.

I don't know why they have to have 3 search options on the same page, tho. Confusing.

There's something about how the site admins have the search setup, it sucks. I'm pretty sure it could be setup to work properly, not sure why they don't do it.
Look at the site thumpertalk.com, it's a very similar layout yet their search works perfectly.

Micka said:

Use google
"SEARCH TERM site:forums.mtbr.com"

example

Click to expand...

You can also scroll to the very top of the page, where they have conveniently placed a google site search.

When I searched for 'search' using the search at the top of this page, the first hit was for the mtbr search page. When I went there and searched for 'search', the seventh hit was for a post entitled 'My Ass Hurts'.

MTBR search is alive and well. :thumbsup:

Never met a forum software search function I liked.

You need to be clever. Example:

The other day I wanted to learn all about Deore LX cranks. I first searched for "LX cranks" but it ignored "LX". Next I tried "Deore cranks" figuring I could just sort through all the threads about other Shimano cranks, that proved to be a pain in the butt. Next I searched for ""LX Cranks"". Notice the double quotes, I included quotes in my search, and it returned exactly what I was looking for.

I agree though, I hate when it ignores something like that. What if you just want to search for XT, X9, SS, DT, FR, DH etc. There's so many bike related terms that are only two or three characters.

Search functions on message boards suck so noobs can use it, get frustrated and ask a question to let the trolls jump on him for asking.

Use the google search box on the top left of the MTBR page.

ZEN trail stoke is the 4th link to show when searched with that method (searched for ZEN).