Constructive Criticism: Escapist Search Tool

[Azeban]

Anyone else dislike the Escapist's search tool? It would be so much better if it had just a few more advanced functionalities.

1. Dates topic/post created in search results list: So that you see the day in which each topic was made, so you could determine whether it's a dead thread without clicking through. Also makes it easier to determine how long down the list you need to look to ensure that your topic wasn't talked about in the last few months, for example.

2. Search by topic name or post name or post body options: If there was an option to just search through topic names, I could have quickly scanned to see if this topic was talked about before. Instead I had to read through a list of posts with the word "search" in it, which, when you think about it, is a list of people whining in other topics that the topic has been talked about before.

No offense intended to whoever created the Escapist's search tool. I certainly couldn't do any better.

Is there a reason that the tool doesn't have these functionalities? Does it hog too much bandwidth? Is it being revamped as we speak, and I'm whining pointlessly?

 

[Shade Jackrabbit]

Also a few more functions that I think could be helpful:

1. When no topics return, tell us that no topics return. So many times I've been like "Wait... so did it go through or..."
2. Let us search specific subforums like Off-topic Discussion and so forth.

I'm really surprised with the search feature. It really is kinda poor. I actually find it discouraging to use. =/

 

[CapnGod]

And yet if you happen to create a thread that's already been done, instead of contributing or ignoring, someone feels the need to abuse you for not finding the previous thread.

 

[DannyDamage]

There are 2 search functions. 1 that's a bigger bit of text with a text input box that searches the site for articles and videos etc.

And secondly, there's a smaller link for searching the forums. Funnily enough, this link says SEARCH FORUMS.

Sadly, most people are too stupid/lazy to think of clicking the latter and use the easier option with a text box and then act like they've searched properly.

It's not a difficult concept to grasp so don't whine when someone (often me) picks you up on duplicating a thread that was created that week. (or that day in the case of the St. Patrick's Day threads)

 

[Meta Like That]

This is covered in the Suggestions/Complaints thread.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.64125#1014221

I don't think there's been any major news on the search engine's fixing.

 

[Azeban]

There are 2 search functions. 1 that's a bigger bit of text with a text input box that searches the site for articles and videos etc.

And secondly, there's a smaller link for searching the forums. Funnily enough, this link says SEARCH FORUMS.

Sadly, most people are too stupid/lazy to think of clicking the latter and use the easier option with a text box and then act like they've searched properly.

It's not a difficult concept to grasp so don't whine when someone (often me) picks you up on duplicating a thread that was created that week. (or that day in the case of the St. Patrick's Day threads)

I was referring to the search forums feature in my post. I know it exists. The search forums feature.

This is covered in the Suggestions/Complaints thread.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.64125#1014221

I don't think there's been any major news on the search engine's fixing.

Ironically, I couldn't find this thread, because the search feature is so bad. Lol.