Search function

[motogman]

Where can I find a description on how to use descrptors or modifiers in a search to better optimize a search... is there a FAQ or something on this?

[steely]

Can't answer that, but someone mentioned this method a while ago - try using Google with Pelican and Porsche and then your target key word(s). Sometimes it works better than the search feature here on the forum.

Do a search (LOL).

[RWebb]

not sure what you mean

if you want to use something like "/s" (in same sentence as other term) or "w/5" (within 5 words of other term), they you are out of luck -- only a proprietary search engine can do that - I don't even think Google does it

[Grady Clay]

motogman,

You have a valid question and deserve an answer.

The sad truth is that the Pelican Search Function is ‘wanting’.
What is ‘sad’ is the incredible wealth of information lurking within that is difficult (time consuming) to find.

Several Pelicans use an Advanced Google Search of Pelican with some success (I have not tried it).

What is needed?
First, the Pelican ‘Advanced’ Search needs some ‘advanced’ features.
Second, there should be a ‘Help Search’ button that gives the basic search techniques and some advanced methods.
Third, it should include techniques for using the advanced search functions of other search engines (Google and more).
I’m sure there is more.

From the user side, we should include all the appropriate key-words in our technical discussion posts (and not in ‘other’ discussions.)
The most significant and important feature of using the Forum is the ability to include links.
Everyone who has searched a subject should post his/her (edited) links from best to worthless for a given subject.


Part of this touches on my suggestion for Wayne to hire a technical writer to edit the ‘Wiki-like’ feature so often discussed.
This would have a ‘locked’ article on a given subject, edited by a pro.
There would be an associated ‘discussion’ thread for our feedback for content.
The article would have links to the most significant posts and threads on the subject.
I would volunteer to help such a person.

Wayne has created the best database of Porsche technical information in the world.
It is only as good as the ability to easily retrieve desired information.

Best,
Grady

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by motogman

Where can I find a description on how to use descrptors or modifiers in a search to better optimize a search... is there a FAQ or something on this?

Give me a specific example of what you are searching for? Everyone is spoiled by the power of Google and their 100,000+ search servers (I only have one).

-Wayne

[Grady Clay]

Here are a few related threads:

Cool way to seach this (any) forum
(This is about using Google Advanced Search Function.)

Forum Search Functionality

Is the search function working??????

Search function limitations

How to do a search using 2 words?



Here is the Pelican Wiki-like discussion:
Help Me Build The Ultimate Porsche Tech Wiki Using This Board!!!

Best,
Grady

[RWebb]

I'll just add that Wayne's search functionality is far superior to other car forums I've seen.

now, about that wiki...

[Rot 911]

Like some others have said. Just post your narrative question in google. Most of the time it will give you accurate hits on the relevant Pelican threads.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

Give me a specific example of what you are searching for? Everyone is spoiled by the power of Google and their 100,000+ search servers (I only have one).

-Wayne

I'll ask again...

Most people want to enter in a basic search term like "brake disc" and have the search engine read their mind as to what they are looking for.

-Wayne

[rfloz]

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

I'll ask again...

Most people want to enter in a basic search term like "brake disc" and have the search engine read their mind as to what they are looking for.

-Wayne

Okay. A simple example - I am about to go on the Targa California for the first time. This looks to be 6-700 miles and my car is in auto-x trim, i.e., pretty well stripped. I wanted ideas on what tools and parts I might want to take.

So, I searched "travel", then "relay" (since any such list would likely include the DME relay), then "tools". Each got me hundreds of pages of hits. I finally found it with "toolkit", IIRC, but still many hits, most unrelated.

If we could combine search terms, say, "relay" + "tools" + "travel", it would really help to thin the list of hits. Perhaps this can now be done. But if so, I haven't figured out the magic decoder ring.

I did find what I needed, it just took a while. And, one thread I found referenced three others on the same topic.


Since we're talking Pelican board issues, one that is a little crazy making is multiple threads on the very same subject, e.g., "How do I lower my 911?" or "ducktails". Now, these are legitimate inquiries, but there must be hundreds of threads on these and many other basic topics. I've seen different people post the very same video six to twelve times, all in the same time period.


One board I frequent, Corner-Carvers.com, requires people to search before starting a new thread (and they can be down right nasty to those who don't). Also, the mods take it upon themselves to combine threads on the same topic. Now, C-C is a bit anal about such-like, but the basic idea is, I think, sound.


Please understand, I use and value PP.com. And, I'm not going to pout or stop using it if nothing changes. But, it would really be nice if things were tightened up a bit.

Thanks for listening. And thanks for making this board available. It really makes owning and maintaining a Porsche, especially an air-cooled one, a lot easier.