[secretStash]

Why are searches using three-letter words not allowed??? This is ludicrous. My first time back and on the "new" site and I can't search for "air box"??? I CALL SHENANIGANS!!! And on top of that, I had to wait what seemed like forever to execute a new search! This feature should be disabled! TBH, I liked the old format A LOT more.



-sS

 

[n2o2diver]

Can't search for GAS, OIL ect its a PITA

 

[secretStash]

Can't search for GAS, OIL ect its a PITA

I wasnt going to get into specific words, myself; but thank you. It IS a PITA.



And all in the name of WHAT? Saving bandwidth??? How about blocking photos in quotes??

I've seen so many threads that have the same pictures over and over because people quote

entire 4-page tutorials in their replies. THAT would be much more effective.



-sS

 

[RodneyReed]

Rich came up with the ultimate way to search the site. Goto google.com and type this in:



site:tw200forum.com oil

 

[secretStash]

That may work; but, (insert all obvious statements here).



The search feature is the one of the most critical features to site membership,

short of an intuitive interface. But it blocks MANY motorcycle terms.



Doesnt that seem pretty, um, stupid? A user will find a different forum

before they bother to do a site-specific search on google.



-sS

 

[RodneyReed]

That may work; but, (insert all obvious statements here).



The search feature is the one of the most critical features to site membership,

short of an intuitive interface. But it blocks MANY motorcycle terms.



Doesnt that seem pretty, um, stupid? A user will find a different forum

before they bother to do a site-specific search on google.



-sS

I understand your frustration, ss. And I agree, it's a real shame. I wonder if it's a setting that can be turned on and off or a limitation of the forum software.

 

[Mark In WA]

Anybody running an IRC GP1 for a front tire?



Don't know. Can't search it.

 

[frog13]

New tw rider....I agree with the above!!!!..........much easier to search on TT and advrider.

 

[Gerry]

Gentlemen, I earn $16.25 and hour. I donated six times that to help Charles get the NEW forum up and running. No-body here owe's YOU (us) anything. If you want a better forum start one yourself or ask Charles how much he needs to improve the search function and you can ante up the cash. If you are a 'new member' it is my opinion that you should wait until you "give" something to the forum before you offer up "ANY" criticism. Just my opinion. Gerry

 

[Trailerpark]

As long as no one gets pissed when the same question s get asked who cares, I can't believe the info I get for free pretty sure every thing is covered many times and looking for the info leads to some sweet finds.(like digging through a parts yard) This is my first forum though so can't compare.

 

[secretStash]

If Charles needs cash to change the settings on the search function, then what he really needs is a new webmaster. I would have gladly redone the entire site for half of what you gave to Charles and I would've had it done much sooner. There are loads of strong PHP forum templates out there that are free and easy to upload and install to the server. There are also many technically and technologically skilled members who were willing to donate their time and skills to the site. But what was it that really brought about the change? What's the motivating factor here? You guessed it; $$$$$. Hmmm... Now that's some tasty food for thought.



Somewhere on the server, there is a file, and within that file is a variable, whose assigned value is probably 4, the minimum number of characters needed to execute a search. All you have to do open it in a text editor, change that to a 2, or even a 0; and click save. Then upload it, overwriting the old file. It really is AT LEAST that simple. It's a 60 second fix. There is another variable for how long you have to wait between searches. Please change that to 0 while you're at it. Thank you.



-sS

 

[Gerry]

As long as I have been here (5years); easy search, hard search good software or bad, same question still gets asked many times over. Just recently someone posted how they were having difficulty finding some info here and another member replied back with multiple examples of where that information was. If you see an issue with the site, PM the moderator or Charles with your thoughts, and as well ideas about how YOU can help improve the situation ............. Gerry

 

[admiral]

In regards to the search funtion issue, I think mrgizmow hit the nail on the head...PM a moderator or ChopperCharles with your problem or concerns to see if it can be resolved.



Not related to the search issue, but I had a different problem that was resolved by the administrator. I and another member (at least 1 other member) lost the ability to log into this site from our home computers. In my case it was only my home computer. I was able to log in as normal from any other computer, i.e. from my sons computer at his house or at my work, without any issues. The problem I and the other member had was not related to our computers, software, or internet service provider, but I believe related to IP address recognition. I PM'd a moderator with my issue. He was unable to resolve the problem, but referred me to ChopperCharles, the site administrator. I did PM ChopperCharles and within a day, I and the other member were again able to log in from our home computers. Problem resolved.

 

[lizrdbrth]

As far as I'm aware, Chopper Charles no longer even OWN's a TW. His was stolen long ago, yet he and others continue to devote time, effort and resources to maintaining this site.



It's been a process. Folks who got here long before myself established a pattern of self-policing and helpful attitudes which have resulted to this site becoming the leading internet resource for our bikes. No foul language, a minimum of pointless interpersonal bickering, where good information is verified and bad challenged. all accomplished with no dues or solicitation. I value that enough to do the workarounds on sniggling things like the search function. Even the ADVrider search engine won't accept 3 letters and it is aguably one of the biggest and most complete single-subject website's on the 'net. Ain't no thing.



I for one would prefer the site procede in the same spirit. Should it become more techno-friendly that will be icing on the cake.



Gizmow is right. If you think you can do it better, either start your own, pony up or work to improve the site by offering your services and suggestions without coming unhinged.



There ain't no free lunch.