Search Sucks on XDA - About xda-developers.com

I have yet to find anything I'm looking for by using the search function here on XDA. I use specific language in my search, usually looking to sideload apps or mods and every time I attempt to use the search function it NEVER produces the results I'm looking for. Maybe someone should kang Googles search algorithms or something because it just plain doesn't work...
From my Sexii G Nexii 4.0.4

[email protected] said:
I have yet to find anything I'm looking for by using the search function here on XDA. I use specific language in my search, usually looking to sideload apps or mods and every time I attempt to use the search function it NEVER produces the results I'm looking for. Maybe someone should kang Googles search algorithms or something because it just plain doesn't work...
From my Sexii G Nexii 4.0.4
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What are you looking for? I've never really had any trouble.
Also, the search BOX at the top of the screen is actually a google one

pulser_g2 said:
What are you looking for? I've never really had any trouble.
Also, the search BOX at the top of the screen is actually a google one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This^^
If you're having problems with the search then maybe you just need some pointers on search terms.

It takes more time then it should, they need it fix it.

Editing myself now instead of having my post moderated or having to come back and edit it later.

Tell us what you're trying to search for...give us an example.
Personally, I think search works very well considering the sheer number of threads on the forums.

I have no problem with the search, as long as you use specific keywords.

^Agree use keywords to for you to search properly.

Agreed...searches are only effective as the keywords you use
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

missed search button
I do not have problems with search before.
May be I'm stupid, but today search button missed from all brousers (Chrome and IE).
How I can turn it back?

Hmmm..yea, it is missing. I'll speak with the server admin, see what's up.

I've not really had any problems with search on the site, search in the premium app seems to struggle though, maybe it's just me

Maybe the site needs a "server issues" page, since the same issue is getting reported over and over again. It would help people see what's a known issue and find out what's happening about it.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

leonironchef said:
Agreed...searches are only effective as the keywords you use
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
And the ability of people to spell correctly.

the_scotsman said:
Hmmm..yea, it is missing. I'll speak with the server admin, see what's up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
search button is still missed ....

They are having issues with the forum and search button. Look around there's like 100 threads that ask about the search button in the same section your posting in. Give then some time to square it away.:banghead:
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium

Archer said:
Maybe the site needs a "server issues" page, since the same issue is getting reported over and over again. It would help people see what's a known issue and find out what's happening about it.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either that or the sites users need the ability to at least briefly glance at the titles of the first six or seven threads in a given section before posting yet another thread about how search is borked and they need to spam 12 posts to get it back....
:banghead:
Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....

If people could look at the top 3 threads in a forum, then we wouldn't need anything
@Idiots, please learn to read existing threads. They suggest it's not just you having the issue. Meaning we know about it, and it will be back as soon as possible.

conantroutman said:
Either that or the sites users need the ability to at least briefly glance at the titles of the first six or seven threads in a given section before posting yet another thread about how search is borked and they need to spam 12 posts to get it back....
:banghead:
Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....
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Click to collapse
Well maybe there should be an announcement somewhere indicating there are technical issues and some parts of the site are non-functional, then you wouldn't have "12" threads all about how there's no search button!
---------- Post added at 12:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 AM ----------
pulser_g2 said:
If people could look at the top 3 threads in a forum, then we wouldn't need anything
@Idiots, please learn to read existing threads. They suggest it's not just you having the issue. Meaning we know about it, and it will be back as soon as possible.
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Click to collapse
I can understand your frustration with people not reading, but I think your language is inappropriate for a senior mod, don't ya think?

stargaterules said:
Well maybe there should be an announcement somewhere indicating there are technical issues and some parts of the site are non-functional, then you wouldn't have "12" threads all about how there's no search button!
---------- Post added at 12:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 AM ----------
I can understand your frustration with people not reading, but I think your language is inappropriate for a senior mod, don't ya think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pushing an announcement across the site right now, so that will be done in the next few minutes.
Regarding use of the word idiot, if someone will make a thread without their eye being drawn over the top 2 or 3 threads (all on topic of search), I stand by my statement these people highlight the need for Darwinian survival of the fittest...

Related

[FAQ] User signature?

Is there a way I can add my own signature on here? I heard that it is in USER CP but the option isnt there ...
Moderator Edit - Here's the answer from svetius
svetius said:
This was an effort to combat spam, and it's had a huge impact! You'll be upgraded to a full account after a certain number of posts (5 - 8 depending on the feature)--it happens automatically. Sorry for the inconvenience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may take time after reaching the 5-8 post limit for it to allow you access, this is because the process runs in the background.
And when you have enough posts, you can edit your Signature in the UserCP (on the left hand side called "Edit Signature").
Or just click here : Edit Signature
XDA-Dev. said:
i wonder if how does this help in stopping spam ..... anyways .... whatever you feel is good should be good someways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People / Bots were Posting generic messages, like "Thanks this is great" or in some cases, actual responses based on words in a thread. The post it's self was not spam (although pretty pointless), but the users signature would contain 3-4 links to an online company of varying levels of trustworthiness.
We used to find one or two of these bad boys a day. Because they didn't create new threads, nor did they make it obvious to the casual observer, they were getting away with it.
I have not seen one of the so called "signature spammers" since the rules were put in place.
Dave
I had the same question...this is an excellent way to manage spam users. Good job, looking forward to delving more into this forum and getting a signature!
I was a bit upset at not being able to have a signature. Thanks Daveshaw for explaining. Its indeed a great way to stop spammers.
jade12 said:
I was a bit upset at not being able to have a signature. Thanks Daveshaw for explaining. Its indeed a great way to stop spammers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be all set now, check your User Control Panel
finally i found the way!!!thank you
At last I found out why I cant use signature.
I will be using the "search" more.
ah so
so that's why I couldn't see it, cant wait to unlock my sig status
Ya the post limit thing when you start a new account is a good idea to keep the spam to nothing..
Been readying these forums for a while now and finally signed up and that was the first thing I went to go do so I could edit mine to say phone type and what rom and all that nifty stuff nice t see I'm not going crazy and it really wasn't there lol
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Pbwizkid said:
Been readying these forums for a while now and finally signed up and that was the first thing I went to go do so I could edit mine to say phone type and what rom and all that nifty stuff nice t see I'm not going crazy and it really wasn't there lol
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya just takes some time lol.. Alot of sites do it that way nowa days... I always forget to come over to these threads to check on things... Always busy in the EVO 3D ones...
I like and dislike the idea.
I just logged into my account to make post (have like none) so am sorta spamming to be able to post solutions to android revolution HD. /sarcasm. My post aren't spam but i'm going to get 8 before midnight tonight!
I can see how it helps, but jeez. Couldnt post in the developer forum for the audio fix solution I made.
CodyJv said:
I like and dislike the idea.
I just logged into my account to make post (have like none) so am sorta spamming to be able to post solutions to android revolution HD. /sarcasm. My post aren't spam but i'm going to get 8 before midnight tonight!
I can see how it helps, but jeez. Couldnt post in the developer forum for the audio fix solution I made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you could post it in General, and then help a few people out while you were there, in Q&A, if your device has one. Don't bother with useless posts, they will be deleted and you'll never get to 10.
.
reinbeau said:
But you could post it in General, and then help a few people out while you were there, in Q&A, if your device has one. Don't bother with useless posts, they will be deleted and you'll never get to 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you might be right but its not that easy. You know I have experience in those stuff in the development forum, but I have no way to make posts there.
I dont wanna be a sort of spammer by posting stupid stuff to get all the 10 posts.
But this 10 post rule leaves no other way to accomplish...
To find a topic that I can make a useful post takes a lot of time.
If you can't spend the time to make ten legitimate posts before posting in the dev fora, then you don't deserve to post there. This is a developer forum, not a support website.
XiproX said:
Well, you might be right but its not that easy. You know I have experience in those stuff in the development forum, but I have no way to make posts there.
I dont wanna be a sort of spammer by posting stupid stuff to get all the 10 posts.
But this 10 post rule leaves no other way to accomplish...
To find a topic that I can make a useful post takes a lot of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? I was a clueless noob total non-developer when I came here and I had no trouble at all helping people who needed links or a little guidance where to find the information they need. XDA works because people help those who help themselves. Do not post useless posts, they will be removed and you'll never get to 10.
Why did this thread get unlocked? Now it's more noobs that can't read and just complain again.
boborone said:
Why did this thread get unlocked? Now it's more noobs that can't read and just complain again.
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Click to collapse
I don't know, I don't have mod powers here or I'd lock it back up myself
Just posted this in the mod request thread
reinbeau said:
I don't know, I don't have mod powers here or I'd lock it back up myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
boborone said:
Just posted this in the mod request thread
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Click to collapse
I requested that it remain open. I've helped out others with legitimate issues before here. Also, leaving it open allows mods to track spammers easily.

Can we get popup notification when someone quotes your post

XDA the wonderful forum it is, but it has gone too big. Not that i'm complaining, but you're post seems to be lost many times because 100 other people posted after you especially in hot threads or ROM releases. So if you quoted someone or someone quotes you many times you skip it, or have to do a painful searches spanning 10's of pages...
Slickdeals.net (another big forum like XDA) has a wonderful system, that whenever someone quotes you're post you get a pop-up next time you log in with a link which takes you straight to the reply. I was wondering if such a system is possible here also?
Regards
BUMP
This feature would be really nice to have!
I like to idea, but I think it depends on the forum system. As I remember XDA uses vBulettin, you should check if it's possible to do this and if so you could ask one of the admins to set it. So to answer your question it's possible, but the admins won't change the source of the forum to do this.
Sent from my GT-I5700 using XDA Premium App
I like this idea too. It might be too resource-intensive (we never want to add a feature that slows down the site). I'll ping our server admin to see if this would be possible.
I am really missing this type of feature!
Specifically, I know many other vBulletin forums that have a /whoquotedme.php page - it shows a list of the latest posts in which you were quoted. It greatly helps in discovering who's trying to communicate with you, answer a question you might've had, or ask one of you [without specifically sending a pm].
I believe something like http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=255285
I think it checks every post to see if there is a user id present when there is a quote in the post, and then associates a link to that post with the user who was quoted.
I haven't specifically heard of it being a resource hog, but then again I am not a vBulletin admin
ivolol said:
I am really missing this type of feature!
Specifically, I know many other vBulletin forums that have a /whoquotedme.php page - it shows a list of the latest posts in which you were quoted. It greatly helps in discovering who's trying to communicate with you, answer a question you might've had, or ask one of you [without specifically sending a pm].
I believe something like http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=255285
I think it checks every post to see if there is a user id present when there is a quote in the post, and then associates a link to that post with the user who was quoted.
I haven't specifically heard of it being a resource hog, but then again I am not a vBulletin admin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know of a similar addon for the correct version of vBulletin that does something like this...
pulser_g2 said:
I know of a similar addon for the correct version of vBulletin that does something like this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why not post / install it?
ivolol said:
So why not post / install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Discussed it with other mods, but we don't think it is needed at this time.
pulser_g2 said:
Discussed it with other mods, but we don't think it is needed at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow really, is it because is it too resource intensive? Slickdeals, is also hosted on vBulletin platform..
Sorry for the late reply and digging this thread up but ironically, I forgot to keep track of this thread
Mafioso said:
Wow really, is it because is it too resource intensive? Slickdeals, is also hosted on vBulletin platform..
Sorry for the late reply and digging this thread up but ironically, I forgot to keep track of this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it was determined to be very resource intensive, for a site with 4 million users, as every post would have to be checked as it was made, to see if it mentioned someone...
pulser_g2 said:
Yes, it was determined to be very resource intensive, for a site with 4 million users, as every post would have to be checked as it was made, to see if it mentioned someone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how about allowing users to jump to their last posts in a thread?
having to search for your own post in a thread, especially a popular ROM thread for example, is a very annoying...
vis80k said:
how about allowing users to jump to their last posts in a thread?
having to search for your own post in a thread, especially a popular ROM thread for example, is a very annoying...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree, nice idea. coul be also nice to have a better implementation of the actual search in a topic... Right now it is a bit confusing
That would be cool, but I'd be happy if notifications worked at all. Mine quit working two updates ago and haven't worked since.
PieceKeepr said:
That would be cool, but I'd be happy if notifications worked at all. Mine quit working two updates ago and haven't worked since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to notifications to new replies on subscribed threads or new PMs? Those are definitely working. If your having an issue with that, we can certainly help you get to the bottom of why your not receiving yours.
When I want to go back to recent conversations I was involved in I use the "Find all posts by" link.
Click on your user name at the top right, select Statistics and there's the link - "Find all posts by your username". I've bookmarked this for easy access.
That way, if I've taken part in a conversation then I can carry on where I left off. If I don't want to see what people responded with then I obviously don't care, and that's up to me to choose. It's the easiest way to keep track of what you were involved in.
svetius said:
Are you referring to notifications to new replies on subscribed threads or new PMs? Those are definitely working. If your having an issue with that, we can certainly help you get to the bottom of why your not receiving yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm. Well I just upgraded to a new phone yesterday so let me see if they work on the new one or not. I didn't turn them on assuming it was broken. I had an Eris and a lot of Eris users were complaining that the notifications had quit. I'll let you know.
Thanks
My notifications definitely are not working. I wiped all app caches, uninstalled the xda app, wiped data/dalvik cache and cache/dalvik cache and rebooted twice. I then reinstalled xda app, logged in and set preferences. Still no notifications and I have no idea why. Email and text messages work.
Sent from my ThunderSheded Thunderbolt using XDA Premium
all very good suggestions!
I hope they find a way to realize that.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
pulser_g2 said:
Yes, it was determined to be very resource intensive, for a site with 4 million users, as every post would have to be checked as it was made, to see if it mentioned someone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you think of it like that way, it is...
However at slickdeals I think its implemented like whenever someone quote's, a notification is being sent to the ID whose post was quoted...that notification later pops up at bottom when that user logs on, similar to PM dialog which pops, you don't make an actual search in the post that if mentioned someone, so not that resource intensive I feel

Search this thread

What happened to the "Search this thread" button? It was there last night, but gone today. Am I just not seeing it somewhere?
What's up with search?????
Me too.
I'm logged in, yet every forum page I go to does NOT have a search tool.
What's going on with these forums.
This happens all the time!!!!!
Yeah I'm also having this issue. At least now I can post stupid threads in the wrong places and no one can say to search before I ask dumb questions.
This site has been riddled with nothing but problems a lot of yesterday and so far today. Hopefully, the team will be able to get it sorted ASAP for us
Sent from Sony Xperia S using XDA Premium
Join my threads here and here
If you're using the new theme then it may be in the collapsible side bar. Otherwise it's a bug.
Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....
Why does search keep disappearing and reappearing?????
What is going on with this site????
Search is absolutely essential to get anything done here.
Why does it keep going away???????
It's gone again..?
Perhaps it's in maintains mode?
Would be nice have some kind of notification/warning when such things happened.
yeah it's gone again coz i'm not seeing it :/
It's gone... And the n00bs are going to be even more dumb if they don't even have the option to search Help!
+1 I need search!
This is really annoying. Makes large threads hopeless to search...
Azurael said:
It's gone... And the n00bs are going to be even more dumb if they don't even have the option to search Help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's already started!
I understand if the site is having a problem with the search function. Those kind of things happen. But if it's broken, then please put up some prominent stickies to let people know it's broken and what the status is!!!
Because, well, with the search function broken, we can't search the forum to find out if the search function is broken! See how that works?
Please bring this back!
FYI, I was using the 2010 theme and "Search this thread" disappeared. I just switched to the new beta theme, and now I can see a "Search this thread" function, but when I use it, I get a message that "search is temporarily not working". An error message is definitely an improvement over a disappearing function.
I really hate this too. If its broken mods could easily let all us know in the portal.
The google search function works but it **** hard.
I always get this error
vBulletin Message
Search is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
They must want everybody to stop using the pesky search function and just post new threads. Easier for everybody that way.
thepieguy said:
They must want everybody to stop using the pesky search function and just post new threads. Easier for everybody that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nooooo
without search function it's hard to find anything in lots of pages thread
It's back!

Search is broken

I have a post on this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1714
It fell off the first page so, to find it, I entered my screen name into the 'search this forum' box. It returned nothing and brought me to an advance screen.
I then entered my user name into the search box on the advanced form labeled "SEARCH BY USER NAME".
Again, no results found.
Search isn't broken.Change the search term to something more general and try again...
POTATO!!!!
Right now, I keep seeing a cat reading a book when I try to search... :silly:
Prawesome said:
Search isn't broken.Change the search term to something more general and try again...
POTATO!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when trying to find posts with my name in them, I should search for "General Synpax"? I was unaware of this promotion; I'm flattered.
The real problem is that the author field isn't included when the search is run, and it should be.
Really, why even bother having a site search functionality if it's going to be this bad. Just use Google.
synpax said:
So when trying to find posts with my name in them, I should search for "General Synpax"? I was unaware of this promotion; I'm flattered.
The real problem is that the author field isn't included when the search is run, and it should be.
Really, why even bother having a site search functionality if it's going to be this bad. Just use Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can search by author in Advanced Search.
synpax said:
So when trying to find posts with my name in them, I should search for "General Synpax"? I was unaware of this promotion; I'm flattered.
The real problem is that the author field isn't included when the search is run, and it should be.
Really, why even bother having a site search functionality if it's going to be this bad. Just use Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is by design - the vast majority of users want to search for keywords. If a user happens to share username with a keyword, they don't want to be inundated with their mindless musings in off topic...
If you want to find a post by a specific user, just hit the little cog for advanced search, where you can search based on username.
XDA has 4.6 million users, and 21 million posts, so search needs to be a little bit more specific to ensure that you can actually find things.
To find your own posts or threads, use the link to your own profile There's a button there to show all your posts and/or threads.
pulser_g2 said:
This is by design - the vast majority of users want to search for keywords. If a user happens to share username with a keyword, they don't want to be inundated with their mindless musings in off topic...
If you want to find a post by a specific user, just hit the little cog for advanced search, where you can search based on username.
XDA has 4.6 million users, and 21 million posts, so search needs to be a little bit more specific to ensure that you can actually find things.
To find your own posts or threads, use the link to your own profile There's a button there to show all your posts and/or threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer.
As a web developer myself, we recently had this same issue come up. We shifted all the search to Bing. This both got us better results and eliminated one target for a DDoS attack.
I tried searching earlier today for: Zenithink (the brand name of my tablet), and didn't get any hits. At the time of this post there did seem to be a problem with the search, but it seems to be working now.
k.
Also, keep in mind that search results can be delayed up to 10 minutes:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/faq.php?faq=searchlight_search#faq_recent
Hi all. I would like to ask something please if any one else have the same expierence:
When I search something and I get some results, I have a problem when i chooose the link (Thread) .... I dont see the thread that i have clicked on, but I am lead to a different page...
Can anyone help me?
Thank you in advanced
It happens with me too.
Sent from my GT-I8160 using Tapatalk 2

xda needs threads inside threads

xda forum posts are a pain to search through- multiple topics are discussed in a single thread for a rom, a thread system like reddit would make this site so much more efficient to read. Alternatively, posts could be auto-tagged or categorized by issues and the user could filter based on those tags- imagine clicking on the tag "camera" and getting posts related to camera issues/solutions rather than reading through the whole thread. :silly:
Great idea, I've never thought of that...this could make it too easy to read the threads like u mentioned..this feature can be made for Android Development and Original Android Development sections, but one does not simply ask for a change. :silly:
(and you earned your first thank from me)
.:QueNNch:. said:
Great idea, I've never thought of that...this could make it too easy to read the threads like u mentioned..this feature can be made for Android Development and Original Android Development sections, but one does not simply ask for a change. :silly:
(and you earned your first thank from me)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. magnificent
We have a search function on the site and in our app also. Your idea is very good though, probably could reduce a lot of useless post and unneeded Question thread. The only issue I see for this though is implementing this into xda, one way we could do it small sections at a time. I'll bring this thread up with other mods and Admins for sure.
But it would make things horrible in large threads. Everybody would be wanting to participate in the main convo of the OP, and irrelevant issues could be dragged on and on; both of which would defeat the purpose.
Plus, there would be countless possibilites where a new post would appear.
a.cid said:
But it would make things horrible in large threads. Everybody would be wanting to participate in the main convo of the OP, and irrelevant issues could be dragged on and on; both of which would defeat the purpose.
Plus, there would be countless possibilites where a new post would appear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not be able to choose the way you view the thread and subsequent replies? (Also, they can be hidden from view unless clicked on)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
You want threads inside threads and just make more mess of the current layout and then more mods when not needed. Just leave things as they are. No need for more mess and more mods running around the place. :banghead:
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Yo dawg, I heard you like threads, so I put the threads inside your threads, so you can read the threads while you read the threads
-sent from my awesome phone-
If you're using a browser, go to the top of the page and check under "display modes". One of them allows you to see the thread in conversation mode, so replies are tied to posts, making it more of a treeview.
I think this is what you're asking for.
If you're looking for it on the app then you'd have to speak to the Tapatalk developers about integrating said display modes into their app before it ever made its way into the xda app.
Archer said:
If you're using a browser, go to the top of the page and check under "display modes". One of them allows you to see the thread in conversation mode, so replies are tied to posts, making it more of a treeview.
I think this is what you're asking for.
If you're looking for it on the app then you'd have to speak to the Tapatalk developers about integrating said display modes into their app before it ever made its way into the xda app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea that's what I was thinking. It shows the replies right after the post. Was gonna post this, but ya beat me to it.
Just takes some getting use to, subscribe and store in fav
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app
I don't think its a good idea. With that xda will become very messed up and not noob friendly.
Sent from my GT-I9070

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