Introducing a New Search Feature

[Guest]

Heya All,

 

 

 

Well considering I've raised the issue of creating a "search for threads/topics created by a certain user" feature before in other threads on the search button and yet didn't get any response from anyone with any authority on these boards; I thought the best thing to do, instead of wasting my time "attempting" to keep this board cleaner, by posting in other search related threads, which I've done in the past, to no avail, is to create my own thread.

 

 

 

 

 

So the feature that I ask for is a "Search for threads created by a specific user/author". This would be put underneath the search for Author box. And with that, this feature should not be confused with the pre-existing "search for author" feature which when you put in a desired username it brings up everything including posts created by the author as well as topics, making it seemingly impossible (particularly when searching for a topic created by someone with a large postcount) to find the desired topic they created.

 

 

 

This feature would be really handy (I've wanted to use such a feature on many occasions) wanting to see all the different topics/threads a certain user has created, and would be very helpful for others I'd think. It would make the search feature a lot more easier to use as well, and I'm sure it wouldn't take too long of a time to implement.

 

 

 

Thanks.

[InkofDeath]

Well, I might be a little confused, not that you didn't explain it well, you've probably explained it good enough a monkey can read it.

 

 

 

Anyways, little walkthrough of how it might work?

 

 

 

Looks at the menus for search preferences, I do everything I need to get the correct search, but I put in your search preference, which is I presume 'Search For Topic Created By Author?' ? I get my results, and I'm a happy camper, correct?

 

 

 

Though, this could be done in another way, perhaps after selecting 'search for author' option, two radian buttons appear below, and your asked whether or not to search for all the topics, or just the topic's that relate to your text you searched for?

 

 

 

Though I agree either way. Also, some of the names of the search options may be incorrect.

[Guest]

I'm now a little confused in what your saying Skatedog, so I'll try and explain it a little better below. :lol:

 

 

 

Ok I'll state a hypothetical and hopefully it will be a little easier to undertand. Pretty much lets say I want to search for all the topics Bubsa has ever created while being on TIF. This is the feature I'd like implemented that you can put in a desired user's username into a form (such as the search for author one already found on the Search page) and it will spit out all the topics that user has ever made.

 

 

 

This feature would make life a whole lot easier when searching for topics where you know the author but not the title itself. And it would make it a whole lot quicker than just using the "search for author" feature which includes users posts as well (topics they've made and posts they've made, exactly like the feature in a users profile which says "find all posts by ). So if you do that you'd have to go through many pages (particularly for a user with a high postcount) to find a desired topic they made. With the new feature I'd like implemented it would just find all the topics they've ever created and not posts they've made on top of that.

 

 

 

That would make life a whole lot easier and it would be very handy for me and probably many other TIF users. :wink:

 

 

 

Hope that clears things up Skatedog. :)

[InkofDeath]

So what your suggesting is a search feature that brings back all or just the topic(s) most relative to the specified variables?Or both? :wall:

 

 

 

Why you would need to see topics which someone has made confuses me. Couldn't you PM the person, and ask, for a link to that topic? Though, if you wanted to remain anonymous for whatever reason, this sounds like it would work. Even looking to see the topic history for whatever reason too. Though it seems those reasons, aren't enough, perhaps Eel, give a list of reasons why this could good, or used by users? I think its excellent, its just I'm having a hard time seeing true reasons, or a good use that would make it worth implementing?

[Laikrob]

I think it's a great idea, and it's always puzzled me that all posts show up if choosing the existing option.

 

 

 

As Eels said, it's especially useful when the person has many posts. In example when doing moderatorstuff or reviewing TET applicants, a feature like that would be highly appreciated. If it's doable, I am all for it.

 

 

 

Thanks for suggesting this!

 

 

 

Laikrob

[InkofDeath]

As Eels said, it's especially useful when the person has many posts. In example when doing moderatorstuff or reviewing TET applicants, a feature like that would be highly appreciated. If it's doable, I am all for it.

 

 

 

So it works for Tip.It Staff, but I don't see how its going to work for the user in question? How will it help them? Why would they even need this?

[-Devoted12-]

This feature would be very helpful to me. I always wondered why they didn't have this feature, but I forgot to suggest it. Good job! :)

 

 

 

Basically Skatedog, the search feature can help if you are searching for a particular topic. If you know the creators name, type it up. By doing so, it will show all the topics he made, not posted on. I have gone numerous times just trying to find a topic I created awhile ago or a friend created. I would search my or his/her name and 40-70 pages would show up. It would be much easier to search through a Author's Creations search. By doing so, it will eliminate almost all of those pages, thus, saving you loads of time.

 

 

 

Very good suggestion! :)

[InkofDeath]

Basically Skatedog, the search feature can help if you are searching for a particular topic. If you know the creators name, type it up. By doing so, it will show all the topics he made, not posted on. I have gone numerous times just trying to find a topic I created awhile ago or a friend created. I would search my or his/her name and 40-70 pages would show up. It would be much easier to search through a Author's Creations search. By doing so, it will eliminate almost all of those pages, thus, saving you loads of time.

 

 

 

I'm not confused about what it would do, I'm just confused about why anyone would want to search for someones topic, a specific topic. When they could PM the person to ask what, or where a topic(s) could be? The only reasons I could come up with are in my previous post, though they don't attain very well to the average user, and mostly appeal more to the Forum Staff. How would, and why would a normal user, use this feature? I've never gone looking for one topic someone has made, nor for just their topics.

 

 

 

Users mainly want to know about a topic, like say a user wants to know about Nail Biting, and lets say a topic does exist on it. How would they know which user to search for? Why would a normal user search someone for their topic(s)? :-s

[tripsis]

In response to skatedog111 -

 

 

 

A feature like this is hardly a necessity. In my personal opinion/interpretation of this, it would just be a fun feature to play around with when you're bored. Say you have a list of 10 friends from Tip.it and are interested in reading the threads that they have created (because you like the ideas they bring up, are interested in what they have to say, or just because they're your friends..). It's much quicker to be able to search for them in a heartbeat via the search function (and that way you can get it done ASAP) than to PM ten different people, await their response, then hope that they can find the link (which they may not even be able to do).

 

 

 

I've never gone looking for one topic someone has made, nor for just their topics.

 

 

 

You may not, but don't rule out the possibility that others are interested in doing it.

 

 

 

I think we can all agree that the search function.. isn't the greatest. If you know how to use it properly, it does work a little better, but it still doesn't work as well as one would like all the time. But lets say you're trying to find a certain thread. You don't know the URL, you don't know the exact topic title, the search function isn't helping you much, nobody who is currently online can provide you with a link, but you know the author of the thread. Now your options are to wait until someone can provide you with the URL, or search through the author's post history. Now I admit that this situation probably don't come up too often, but it still might be helpful in some situations (for moderation purposes and regular forum browsing purposes).

 

 

 

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As for my personal opinion on this idea, I think it would be a fun feature to have as long as creating it didn't put too much stress on Albosky :P I don't consider it as something that we really need to have, but it would be fun and perhaps helpful at times :)

[InkofDeath]

You may not, but don't rule out the possibility that others are interested in doing it.

 

I should have re-worded my sentence to avoid that sentence...

 

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So I see the situations in where this would be needed, or even useful are extremely unlikely. Unless someone, or more people can somehow give a larger list, then I'm pretty sure no one can safely say this is something we'd need, though I'm still waiting for Eel to give a response.

 

 

 

Users, wouldn't have to have this feature to find the topics, nor do I think many are wanting, or even thinking of this. though of course that is a generalization, and most generalizations are wrong. The scenario Tripsis described seems so unlikely, how would you know who made the topic, but not know anything else about it? Perhaps yes, someone in-game may have told you that 'example1' has made this awesome/crummy thread. Though, if the thread was crummy, or awesome, I'm sure the topic title would be remembered. Seeing as its a new thread it would be on page one, and easy to find with cntrl+f.

 

 

 

If this were an old topic, and it were on page X, how would someone even remember the topic starters name, but not remember the topic?

 

 

 

I think, this feature would be used a lot at the beginning, but over time hardly ever be used on a regular basis. I'd rather have Albosky script in a feature that would be used regularly, then one thats not. Though if Albosky got the time to, I'm sure it wouldn't do no harm. -.-

 

 

 

After you search through your friends on Tip.It for topics they've made, what would be another useful reason to use it? After you've had your giggles and all, what use would it be? I don't mean to sound mean, but it is the truth, unless someone could post a list of the things it would be useful for, for the normal user? You can't deny that this has a very small limit of uses compared to almost every other feature on the forums. Though I'll take this back if someone can post a list, that does not repeat uses, used in a different situation, and makes valid uses, not very highly unlikely, and very unheard of.

[Laikrob]

Short version: Just because you personally don't see the use for it, doesn't mean it's a bad idea. As mentioned, I'd use this function a lot if it existed.

[InkofDeath]

Short version: Just because you personally don't see the use for it, doesn't mean it's a bad idea. As mentioned, I'd use this function a lot if it existed.

 

 

 

I know it sounds like I'm ignoring the fact that others see the use for this, I'm not, Laikrob's post below confirms that she used an already used situation for using this feature(though he re-directs to his other post). Also directed to Laikrob, the moderator stuff would be good to Staff members, not the average user?

 

 

 

There's 4 reasons why you would use their feature, but those four reasons, all lack the motive to use them, or consider them.

 

 

 

Laikrob, how would you use it a lot, for non-mod, or non-Tip.It Staff related purposes?

 

 

 

I agree it would be very useful only until you have found your friends, or another users topic if you were so interested in dropping in on their topics. But besides randomly picking a user, how would you get a user? Besides the above, how would you know what user to search, for any topic?

 

 

 

I know, that since I cannot think of any idea where there is a motive, and a reason, when both of those are present, doesn't mean others can't. But besides searching for friends, and random users, everyone whose gave a reason, has basically(not 100%, but mostly) failed in giving both a motive, and a reason to search that user, besides them being random, and a friend(not to say all TIFers aren't friends, but those closer friends :P ).

 

 

 

Since knowing that my own opinions aren't shared by everyone(this is the part about where you've said I'm not thinking of others using this), is why I ask for a list, that has both a motive(a reason behind thinking of the reason, yes curiosity is a good one, yet that is fitted into the category of randomly, to do the actual reason, you wouldn't go looking for a file without a reason, or motive would you?) and a reason(this reason being the reason why you would download the file you just looked for).

 

 

 

And I'm eagerly waiting a list, and Eels response. But, another thing, why would Tip.It, or mainly Albosky, consider scripting another search function, when its uses are limited, and probably won't be repeated by the same user more then twice(this is considering above reasons named, and may change if a list is made, or not made pending later posts). It sounds like a waste of bandwidth to put something like that on, which would only be used for 'fun', or for friends.

 

 

 

~The below is an example from a normal user, not a Tip.It Staff Member View

 

 

 

Say, I have 4 friends? I look for each of their topics they've made. I would only click on the topics that seemed interesting, or if I was very prudent, I would click and view every single one. After I've searched my four friends, what else does this offer me, besides giving myself the chance to search a random user...?

 

 

 

Perhaps giving myself the option to further check ones posting creditability. The motive for this would be them making a very untrue statement. Perhaps saying they made 20mill in an hour not staking, or pking?(I don't know if its possible, hence the 'very untrue' part). I could background check them, and see if their creditable for their opinions, or statements.

 

 

 

I'm sorry about hogging the thread on posts, but I'm somewhat disturbed by the lack of motive of which this could be used for..and why the few above are mostly in agreement with this. There has been no solid reason for this to be implemented, only excluding that the Tip.It Staff use it for back checking users, or including the user background check for creditability. Though this is simply done by Post Count sadly, and probably even done further on how the text is presented. Probably(generalization) the majority of users don't want to ,or are just to lazy to go into the search, which already has a very bad rep as it says, and risk their precious time(they may have a lot, or little) on varying results, that may be incorrect.

 

 

 

More on the friends thing, after a user is done searching their friends, its over, to use? Its like when a little kid wants something badly, then gets it, then a week later, forgets all about it, and begs for something else.(Though the begging part can be dropped)

 

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I'd also like to point out, wherever I used 'I' in an example, please excuse that, I'm doing it in first person view, since I do that the best when I write, I can't do second person view(narrating).

 

 

 

Also I'd like to go back to something I said earlier in this post, that the search already has a bad rep. And I'll quote Tripsis:

 

 

 

If you know how to use it properly, it does work a little better, but it still doesn't work as well as one would like all the time.

 

And many of you agree, as do I. I don't mean to center Tripsis out, I would have quoted anybody had they said this. You should also include how many users do not know how to work the search properly. That must certainly bring the amount of users who'd use it down quite a ways? If an Admin/Mod would probably say the majority of users do not know how to use the search properly(though this is another generalization, but its one that could be proven with the topics about the search, and commentary given by users in posts all through-out the forum). So while the minority would know how to use the search, how many of that group would suddenly be prompted to search for any reason given above, no matter the lack of motive, or reason behind it, or pushing it forward, or any other reasons that may be posted?

[Guest]

Skatedog I appreciate your responses, but Geez please don't try your hardest to see this feature not come into existence, as it seems! :P

 

 

 

Anyway I'd use this feature heaps if it were implemented and as shown there's been others who have stated they would as well. As tripsis said it could be used for things like, searching for topics made by a certain user you like, or making a search easier if you know who posted the topic you want to find, but not the actual title or not all of it (this would be especially helpful as if you don't get close to the keywords needed for the search or make it too general the words it returns the wrong threads, or in some cases hundreds of threads you don't want).

 

 

 

This of course isn't a necessity, but rather something which would be enjoyable to use at times, and incredibly helpful during other times, when searching. And just because its not a necessity doesn't mean it shouldn't be implemented. You don't want me Skatedog to go over all the other threads on introducing new features I've seen on these boards which haven't been necessities and yet have been introduced, just for an enjoyment factor and also for a helpful factor.

 

 

 

I hope that helps, and its good to see it'll be a help to the mods team as well. I hope that Albosky would be willing to implement this. :)

 

 

 

Thanks.

[InkofDeath]

Finally Eel, the wait has been terrible. :(

 

 

 

And what a good point you'd make on other topics about introducing new features. Though thats not why I had posted such content, my reasons vary, and the main reasons for posting about it so heavily in a somewhat negative way are outlined below...

 

 

 

I'm not trying to see it doesn't come into existence, I've already said I'd like it to be put on. Though it may seem like I'm against it. I'm just really wanting to know more about why we'd need this, and thats what I was pushing for. By all means put this feature on, but before Tip.It does, I think it would be better that Tip.It knew more reasons, and motives for why they are putting this on, not just a few reasons, and all that mentioned in my previous posts.

 

 

 

The other features which have been introduced and used however, have had many more good reasons, and are used, to my knowledge, quite enough to keep them on. Though with the reasons you've seen posted here, do you honestly think it would last in popularity, or would it be one of those features that are forgotten, or never heard of over time? Not to say they're forgotten, just at the furthest back of head at most times. This is also why I've been pushing for more reasons, and motives.

 

 

 

The main reason why I'm in good support of this is because of what you outlined last, that it could help staff members. Thats the 'one and only good solid reason' I was referring to in my above post. I would still like to see a few more reasons before serious consideration is taken in considering to put it on...

[Laikrob]

It wouldn't change anything, it's merely a small addition - hence no need to fill the topic with "what if" arguments. I simply support the idea, and that's it. If there were arguments against it, I would adress those. There just aren't. :)

 

 

 

Noone said it was something desperately needed. Trying to change the discussion to "Why is it really needed" seems a bit overload, since none of us claimed it is a necessity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And off topic: I am female. :

[InkofDeath]

And off topic: I am female. :

 

:cry: , I should really pay attention to signatures more.-.- Sorry=/

 

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I'd rather fill a topic with what if arguments that concern me, then allowing the thoughts to swell, and torture myself until I finally do type out my concerns in some way. I probably got a little carried away...

 

 

 

Though they weren't completely useless, I feel that having these concerns typed out, rather then having an Admin/Mod think about them, and doesn't post because of the positive posts. Or doesn't think much of it. For instance, this feature would either die(as in not used), and be dead bandwidth to the forums. I don't know how many of you thought about all the pretty little concerns I posted, but if I got someone to re-think what their opinion is, it all will work out.

 

 

 

I wouldn't call them what if arguments, merely concerns which I probably exploited a little too much. But I don't feel sorry, or bad for posting them. :D

[the_tallest1]

Forgive me for not reading the entire topic completely through as I normally do, but my quick skim of it made me want to add something which will also explain why I didn't read it all.

 

 

 

Opinion: I don't think anyone will argue that the search feature isn't really awful. I hate it and have had personal uses for wanting to find a topic creator. One instance was trying to find a guide written by someone and I couldn't remember which board it was in. Not having to look through their thousands of posts would have helped.

 

 

 

Now for the comment that was mentioned on another topic but I'll bring it back up here. We're going to be switching to phpbb3 as soon as it goes gold. Release Candidate 4 was just released and if all goes well the gold version should be out within a month or two, according to the information I've read. Without putting words in Albosky's mouth, I seriously doubt he is going to be making any additions or modifications that aren't absolutely required until we're set up with the new software. Making any additional modifications beyond what we already have will only mean more time for him to convert the modifications later on when we move.

 

 

 

I've messed around with the new version, and there will be some modifications needed, but a lot of changes people have suggested will be taken care of with built-in features. There will still be suggestions like this one that will have to be looked at again once the changeover has occurred.

[Guest]

 

 

 

Opinion: I don't think anyone will argue that the search feature isn't really awful. I hate it and have had personal uses for wanting to find a topic creator. One instance was trying to find a guide written by someone and I couldn't remember which board it was in. Not having to look through their thousands of posts would have helped.

 

 

 

Exactly! This feature being put in will only help the search feature and it won't be something which will be forgotten about, as long as people are using the search button.

 

 

 

Finally Eel, the wait has been terrible. :(

 

 

 

And what a good point you'd make on other topics about introducing new features. Though thats not why I had posted such content, my reasons vary, and the main reasons for posting about it so heavily in a somewhat negative way are outlined below...

 

 

 

Before I make a comment back I won't take your comment the wrong way, so could you mind explaining your comment I have bolded. Thanks.

 

 

 

By the way, I was only joking about the trying to "not see it introduced thing." :wink:

[InkofDeath]

Finally Eel, the wait has been terrible. :(

 

 

 

And what a good point you'd make on other topics about introducing new features. Though thats not why I had posted such content, my reasons vary, and the main reasons for posting about it so heavily in a somewhat negative way are outlined below...

 

 

 

Before I make a comment back I won't take your comment the wrong way, so could you mind explaining your comment I have bolded. Thanks.

 

 

 

By the way, I was only joking about the trying to "not see it introduced thing." :wink:

 

 

 

I was only playing along with it. I meant no disrespect, or some kind of insult, I was just taking your 'joke' further along there, and by joke, I mean funny, comical...?