Forum Search could probably be improved

[olof]

An example:

At the Forum top level ('Board Index') in Search field top right, the following search terms result in zero hits:
MCT-100
mct-100

"No posts were found because the word mct-100 is not contained in any post."

The same result if you go through 'Advanced Search' and using 'Search for all terms or use query..." (all other options) at default settings)

The term 'MCT-100' is definitely present within the forum. See for example:
http://www.domoticaforum.eu/viewtopic.php?t=2555

Only in 'Advanced Search' and using 'Search for ANY terms' are the results of 'MCT' shown.

Regards,
Olof

[Bwired]

phpbb3 is known for bad search....
try: site:domoticaforum.eu mct-100 in google

[Rene]

If this provides better results, can we sent the search request to google instead of phpbb3 from within the forum?

[olof]

If this provides better results, can we sent the search request to google instead of phpbb3 from within the forum?

I agree. As the volume of the content grows in this forum, it is going to be harder and harder to find the right information.
That would be a pity, because there is a lot of unique and valuable information available.

The alternative route (via google) was not known to me and perhaps also not for many other visitors.
Besides this detour, while helpful, is a bit cumbersome. Need to open a second browser tab + enter "site:domoticaforum.eu mct-100" + read the results outside of the forum.

Suggestions:
1. If possible, Rene's suggestion to enable Google search within the forum
2. Or, disable existing Search and inform visitors to go to Google.
3. Or at the least, put a sentence near the Search Box informing them of potential poor search results and advise them to go via Google

Cheers,
Olof

[wwolkers]

don't use the - char in the search, and you'll find what you are looking for (and more probably, granted)

[olof]

don't use the - char in the search, and you'll find what you are looking for (and more probably, granted)

Granted, this workaround delivers much better results.

Still, search could be improved.....