It has been suggested that an instruction on how to use the search function be posted. I'm sure this to some is like teaching your grandmother to suck eggs, but this is not meant for you.

This is for the didn't know there was a search function and the can't be bothered I want to be seen members. Firstly it's location, at the top of the screen next to logout, got it?

Now we come to the search parameters, instead of 'It don't work I want my money back' try something like 'error reading from source' then press the search button.

This hopefully will produce at least one(this is the aim) thread will something related to your problem. This will be better for all concerned, for those with the problem, they will all be in one place.

For those who wish to help, one answer serves all or most. Eventually as each one is -=SOLVED=-, it will become a reference source, for those in the future with a similar problem.

Again this is to help everyone concerned, not a directive from 321 or afterdawn. Thanks, tommy

I've used the search engine from the get go tommy, and my personal observation is that it's muddled at best.I've yet to see results that are as much of a mixed bag as when I've used the search feature here causing me to read many threads here just to sort information relative to my search.I'm resolved to calling technical support in the future rather then spending hours sorting out the catastrophic mess parts of this forum have become.

Nice idea to finally include moderators here though, profanity filters would be a nice touch as well.
After 12 years as a Paramedic in Los Angeles I can live without seeing the rants that get posted here.This is a public place deserving of the consideration that my kids or yours may choose to read here and try to learn as well.

I agree the search feature is weak. Try searching for "ice age". The results give you practically every thread because "age" is in "message".

Not exactly the results I had hoped for.

As far as I know every search engine I've used returns unexpected results, which is why I try to use search parameters to compensate.

True there are no 'match exact' 'and' 'or' etc, so it could do with some enhancing.

HI again Tommy, I'm a real veteran of using forum search engins and unfortunatly for the users here they are much less then adaquate, actually and not to merly inject colorful speach here "they suck man!" sorry about that.
I'm here for the long haul, so maybe you can have a pow wow with the other authority figures here and see if it's possible to tweak what forum software there is , fix replace ect.... just a suggestion for improving the stability of this community

putting things in quotes is a good thing, try "ice age" (notice the quotes), or even iceage...both return very narrow and specific results

that's just one example...i haven't found the search function lacking much...it's pretty much like any message board search