Search function didn't work the way I expected

Hi, guys.

I really like TDPRI, as a beginner guitarist and tele owner, I am thrilled that TDPRI exists. A big thank you to the admins! I don't like to complain too much, but I have had some problems with the search function. Here's an example.

I was searching for info on what size allen/hex key to use for my new (used) Squire Standard Telecaster, to adjust the saddle height. So I used the Search function - I put in the following search terms:

allen hex key saddle

and selected "Show Threads". It returned dozens of threads, the first ones in the list being as follows:

Classic Vibe Tele owners club.
The Emeraldcaster Project (aka Son of Meloncaster)
Prob stupid question
show your esquires...
When did the 6-saddle bridge start being included with a '52 reissue?
Bridge for MIM?
New Tele, but with bridge problems!
etc.

I started reading some of the threads, but none of them seemed to address my question, so I posted a new thread, with the title "Seeking info on allen/hex keys for saddles". When I read my thread, there's a list at the bottom of the page called "Similar Threads", which shows the following thread titles:

Desperately seeking sd 5/2 lead stack info
Allen keys - What sizes for Strat & Tele repairs?
Allen keys
Seeking Guild Mahogany Info
new to tele's , seeking info

The 2nd and 3rd threads in that list are about allen keys, and were directly related to my post. So, why didn't those two threads show up in my first search, near the top of the list?

This isn't the first time I've noticed this, it happens often when I use the search function:
- I search
- I don't find what I'm looking for
- I post a thread
- I check the "Similar Threads" at the bottom of the page, and find threads I wish I had found with the Search function.

Is there something I don't know about how to use the Search function?

Thanks,
Richard

Just read some of the 'Similar Threads', and I see I'm not the first to notice this.

Sometimes it takes a loooong time and much effort to suss out the info I need.

So much great info but a sometimes clunky interface to find it!

When and if I put an idea up here I try to place a title that will lead others to the correct info, but I really do not hold out much hope.

This site has thousands of posts and attendant ideas, the titles may or may not help much.

Can be a challenge can't it! Doug

The search function that comes with this software is kinda quirky, but you'll notice that there's also a Google search (that searches the TDPRI) available when you click on "search", and it does a very good job. I just use it instead!

Tim

Also, did you define the search under Keyword by using "Search Titles Only" over on the upper left? That should have brought the other threads up near the top. (Just a thought.) -- CS

good ideas Mods! tanks

Now why does the instructions to embed pics seem like they are not current and useful...yet so many embed with elan!?

One more thing... three letter words aren't included in the search. So, Hex and Key will be ignored.

Use the Google search for searches with three letters.

I'm guessing that the majority of threads that you saw in your search results all had the word "saddle" in them.

why does the instructions to embed pics seem like they are not current and useful...yet so many embed with elan!?

I think that thread was started by Geir back when we had PHPBB software. So, it's way out of date. However, the posts after mid-2006 would be appropriate.

Really, the way to do it hasn't changed exactly from when that thread was written, but we've added 3 or 4 other ways to do it now.

If you know anything about working on the internet with files, URLs and such then posting a photo is bang easy. No instructions needed. Plus, the way it works here is the way it works at millions of other forums across the internet.

I'd guess a google search of "how to post photos on a forum" would no doubt give you a zillion results with the answer. For some reason folks don't think to look there. But they should. There are millions of forums and hundreds of millions of forum members around the world and the question has got to have been asked and answered hundreds of times -- and each on of those archived in Google.