Tips on Searching the Forums

[+WRITE SHOP ROBERT]

Whenever I try to search the forums for a topic, I always get a bunch of results that I cannot connect to what I was interested in. For those who are good at the forum searches, can you provide the rest of us with some tips on how you get results that are relevant to what you're looking for. Thanks

Edited September 8, 2008 by WRITE SHOP ROBERT

[+K7CJS]

What works best for me is to check these boxes (radio buttons):

 

- Search Posts from: Older

- Result Yype: Show Results as Posts <<--- this one makes a big difference

[+sbell111]

If you are looking for a specific thread, it's helpful if you can search for a specific phrase that was used in it, but isn't generally used. For instance, if I'm looking for a thread regarding multi-logging an event cache, I search on 'rabble'.

 

Also, sometimes I have better luck using Google's advanced search. This is particularly true if I am searching for a phrase or using a word that is smaller than four letters (because I can never remember the trick to make the forum search work with tiny words).

Edited September 8, 2008 by sbell111

[+JerseyGirl & Bruno]

I've been trying to find a forum thread that will explain how to use html in your cache logs. I've tried every search term I can think of and haven't had any luck. Pointers are welcome....

[+geos of the jungle]

I usually drop down into the specific forum that I think will have what I'm looking for. Then I use the plus sign "+" if I'm searching for more than one term. For example, if I want to find threads that discuss kayak caching in Massachusetts I would go into the New England forum then I'd put "+kayak +Massachusetts" in the search window.

[+trainlove]

Can't add a specific hint here, that's secret information, LOL. Well actually there's not much I can say.

To find a particular topic, you mention HTML, it's good to only look in the geocaching.com web site topics, well most often that's where that is discussed.

 

When I find threads that I like, I do a 'watch this topic' .

 

Here are some topics that you might be looking for, or can help you:

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...=202311&hl=

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...=202453&hl=

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...=185352&hl=

[+thedeadpirate]

The use of the plus sign will greatly increase the likelihood that you will receive relevant results.

 

Without the plus sign you get back posts that include ANY of the keywords.

 

With the plus sign you get back only posts that include ALL the keywords with the plus sign.

 

If you know or suspect that a particular phrase was used you can enclose that phrase in quotation marks. Then you will get back only post that include that exact phrase.

 

BTW, this works for most search engines, not just the one here.

 

There is a link just below the keyword box on the search page that shows you more advanced search functions if you need a reminder.

Edited September 8, 2008 by GeoBain

[+Kit Fox]

I usually drop down into the specific forum that I think will have what I'm looking for. Then I use the plus sign "+" if I'm searching for more than one term. For example, if I want to find threads that discuss kayak caching in Massachusetts I would go into the New England forum then I'd put "+kayak +Massachusetts" in the search window.

 

This is how I do it.