Many people here have trouble using the search function. This usually results in multiple threads with the same topic and information. When these new threads are started it makes searching even harder, because now there are even more threads to weed through when searching for information on a specific topic. Learning to use the search function could eliminate a lot of these problems. Here are a few tips for searching.
What am I searching for??
First you need to figure out what it is you are looking for. Once you know what you are looking for it's time to do some thinking. Some questions you should ask yourself are "Which forum would be most likely to have this information?" and "What words would be included in the title of a thread with this information?".
Where should I search?
Let's say I am searching for info on headlight bulbs. The exterior forum would be a great place to start. First thing I want to do is go to the exterior forum. There is always a possibility that there could be a thread on this topic on the first page. Check there first. If there are no recent threads about what you are looking for, then you can click on the search button at the top of the page. Always take note of the forum you are in when you are searching. If you are in the wheel & tire forum and the search is set to search the current forum, chances are you won't find much information about headlight bulbs.
Narrowing down your search
The words and spelling you use play a big part in the search. If you do a search for "headligt bulbs" chances are you're not gonna find anything. Always check your spelling and to make sure you didn't miss any letters when typing. Another thing to remember is to specify exactly what you're looking for. A search for "headlight bulbs" will most likely bring up more information that you will want to look through. Try narrowing it down some. A search for "9007 bulbs" will usually weed out threads about other bulb types.
Other search features
Username/Author: These options can be used to search for posts made by a certain person if you know their user or display name.
Message Bodies: When this option is checked the search engine will search through the body of posts for words or phrases.
Drop down boxes:
*You can choose to search the current forum you are in, or to Search All Forums. A search through all forums will most likely provide more results than a search based on one forum.
*You can also choose to search based on the time the threads were made. Try All Dates first. If you do not find anything, then you can try searching Archive.
*Exclude Replies: Searches for All Posts may list every post from each thread of a certain topic. If you wish to narrow it down you can click the drop down box and select Exclude Replies. This will eliminate the replies and only provide the original posts of a thread.
If anyone else wants to contribute to this thread please do!
nice but i think the problem is people are to specific about what they search for and thats why they come up empty handed. also if someone type is 9007 bulbs and there is 3000 matches. they arent going to start looking through threads. most people would much rather make a new thread instead of taking the time and reading.
Yeah, I agree the biggest part of the problem is laziness.
agreed but even though your post was noteworthy it won't stop people from not researching
15.2@89mph 2.171 60ft. 9.830 1/8 R.I.P. "LULU"
Yeah you're right. I didn't expect this to help much, but I figured it may be a help to some.
STICKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the addition Kardain!
nice write up micah. thanks, now i know and knowing is half the battle
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J-body.org Join date: Monday, January 21, 2002
AIM & Y!: COGcaviZ24
it does help to a certain point but you'll always have those people who "searched" and didnt find anything even though if you searched for what they are looking for its the first thing to come up.
nice write up... this is exactly what the newbs need to be reading, and even some of the older members as well
Check out my build thread!
that actually helped me out and ive been here awhile. thanks.
I vote sticky on this one.. who is in charge anyways?
HP Tuners | Garrett T3/T04B | 2.5" Charge Pipes | 2.5" Downpipe | 650 Injectors | HO Manifold | Addco front/rear | Motor Mounts | HKS SSQV | Spec stage 3 | AEM UEGO Wideband | Team Green LSD | FMIC | 2.3 cams | 2.3 oil pump swap | 280WHP | Now ECOTECED
