View Full Version : Did you know there is a SEARCH? Function?Newbies?
Way novel idea. Here is how it goes. Look at the top right of the page..................and then think. If you have a question, odds are it has been asked here at LEAST 243 times. You can simply add the search word into the window OR choose the Advanced search. The advanced search allows you to add a user that might have posted on this subject.
As an example, if I am looking for flathead info I add Bruce Lancaster or Kevin Lee or Flatdog in the user window, I know SOMETHING will link to killer info.
Lots of folks here just tend to throw up a post without looking back even a few hours. Might be something as minor as a magazine feature, it might be EPA info. The fact is, lots of time is wasted with 2,3,4,and even 5 threads on a topic. The threads would be much better w/o diluting the info among several.
Take your time before you post, run a quick search. If you aren't that bright, do us a favor, just don't post!:D
CURIOUS RASH
12-24-2007, 01:05 AM
Someone made a good point the other day...
It's not just the Newbies, I mean, some of them are brand new to the whole message board thing so the search feature, Private messages, basic rules of etiquette are all brand new to them. So is how much some of that worthless junk they have sitting around is worth. :D
We could help the newbies and the efficiency of the search function with some more descriptive thread titles. We should all think, "what shoudl I put in my title that will best help it be found by a search?
This means cut the slang and try not to use words that are 3 letters or less....
Another thing that may help is for people to change the settings at t he bottom of the forums so they see older posts. I think the default is to show the posts from the last week only..
Good points Rashy!
Here is a sample search I just did.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=2917479
And just to keep it real... the search function doesn't work as well as it should. Don't sweat it though, I'm working on it.
This thread most likely belongs in the QA forum, but lets let it ride in here for a bit.
I see a lot of folks get ragged on for posting shots of their "rat rod" or less than traditional hot rod. And you know what? Those users doing the ragging have a point at times... This is a forum dedicated to traditional hot rods and customs. However, how is a guy to learn if ya just tell them their ride is a piece of shit? Wouldn't it be better for all if some constructive thought was actually put into your reply?
New Years Resolution... Don't let just shit spew out of your mouth. Use your power for good superman... TEACH.
john56h
12-24-2007, 01:25 AM
Namecalling doesn't seem necessary just because a fellow hobbyist is trying to alert people of a potential for a lot of problems. Yeah, maybe the search could have revealed the fact that the subject has already been widely discussed...but with such high site traffic these days it's not easy to keep track of these things.
Should posters fear being ridiculed because they may have missed one of hundreds of threads? I don't see what there is to gain from discouraging someone who was trying to be helpful.
Should posters fear being ridiculed because they may have missed one of hundreds of threads?
Only if that fear will make them use the search function more. :)
Frankly, I was one of those kids that could hit the card file in the Library and be knee deep in cool WW2 books in a matter of minutes. That was 20 years ago. Maybe our education system doesn't prep folks like that anymore?
I started this post after doing several searches today for flathead info. I was amazed how much I missed even though I am online most of the day! That, and idgits asking the same question as someone else did yesterday!
Namecalling doesn't seem necessary just because a fellow hobbyist is trying to alert people of a potential for a lot of problems. Yeah, maybe the search could have revealed the fact that the subject has already been widely discussed...but with such high site traffic these days it's not easy to keep track of these things.
Should posters fear being ridiculed because they may have missed one of hundreds of threads? I don't see what there is to gain from discouraging someone who was trying to be helpful.
Bullshit! Common sense needs to be employed. Lets say for example I want to know about FLATHEAD RELIEVING...................a person with COMMON SENSE will think..."hmmmmm, I bet this has been discussed before?" and do a search. I, in fact did this search today, and was blown AWAY by the info!
Many time those of us that have been here for a while will mention "use the search, it was covered here last week" and get crap thrown back at us for being "nazis" "know it alls" and such. So, if I call a dude a dipshit is is just fucking TOUGH LOVE. USE THE FREAKIN SEARCH if you wonder.............
I agree with ya TMAN...I almost posted a thread the other day to ask if anyone did license plate restoration, but I checked the old threads first...you know, just in case. Damn if I didn't find 10 good threads with recommended restorers AND a ton of info with advice on how to make sure the DUHpartment of Motor Vehicles will let me use 'em. Some of the threads I found were fairly recent, but since I wasn't interested in the topic at the time they were posted, I didn't even notice.
And,,,the old threads kick ass. Tons of great tech (in the archives too), funny stories, and occasionally some insight into some of the people that are or used to be here. I don't think the newbies understand the caliber of people we're surrounded by here...
So, if you don't know how to use the search feature, learn to http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129171,,,it's easier than a lot of shit we do to these cars.
Bryan
sgtlethargic
12-24-2007, 03:20 AM
...
I started this post after doing several searches today for flathead info.
...
That, and idgits asking the same question as someone else did yesterday!
Okay, the real reason (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=230795) came out at the end.
Thanks,
Kurt
HHRdave
12-24-2007, 03:27 AM
And just to keep it real... the search function doesn't work as well as it should. Don't sweat it though, I'm working on it.
This thread most likely belongs in the QA forum, but lets let it ride in here for a bit.
I see a lot of folks get ragged on for posting shots of their "rat rod" or less than traditional hot rod. And you know what? Those users doing the ragging have a point at times... This is a forum dedicated to traditional hot rods and customs. However, how is a guy to learn if ya just tell them their ride is a piece of shit? Wouldn't it be better for all if some constructive thought was actually put into your reply?
New Years Resolution... Don't let just shit spew out of your mouth. Use your power for good superman... TEACH.
I need to learn to spew forth better "constructive criticism" as I can see your pointed finger aiming straight at me. Thanks
Constructive criticism and research only helped me become a better builder over the years.....I think others need to look at things that way and stop calling people profane names for giving sound and intelligent advice from years of experience.
HHRdave
12-24-2007, 03:34 AM
So, if I call a dude a dipshit is is just fucking TOUGH LOVE. USE THE FREAKIN SEARCH if you wonder.............
Exactly.....
kustombuilder
12-24-2007, 04:01 AM
learning to friggin spell could help sometimes. i've been guilty of it a time or three myself. there have been occasions i've tried searching for threads i KNOW i'd seen before and was sure i knew the title name, only to later find out that because a word or words in the title where spelled wrong (or slang was used) it did'nt come up in the search.
and for what it's worth. all the tough guy "i'm smarter/cooler/more greaserific than you" bullshit pisses me off and quite frankly shows a lack of class as well... even though i am occasionaly tempted to be "that guy" myself at times.
GizmoJoe
12-24-2007, 06:42 AM
Frankly, I was one of those kids that could hit the card file in the Library and be knee deep in cool WW2 books in a matter of minutes. That was 20 years ago. Maybe our education system doesn't prep folks like that anymore?
I agree!
I'm an instructor in an IT program. Accurate searching capabilities is one of the most important tools that an IT pro must posses.
The students of late (in my area anyway) really are getting MUCH worse at coming into college with the basic knowledge of how to research. This immediate Internet world we live in sure doesn't train them in basic research smarts. If they can't find it quick, they have little idea what to do.
Having said that, like Rash and others have said... the search features only work if people do title their thread properly. Why advertize your car for sale but title your ad: "You can look cool!"
Frankly, the best thing for me is google.
My only comment on the shit-slinging: I try to ignore it but I know good rodders and young, curious ones who have been turned away by it here. If that's what people need to do to feel important... so be it. I'll give them the amount of my time that they deserve. Precious little. So if you sling it at me.. don't expect come-back. I'm busy building my truck.
Twobit
12-24-2007, 07:08 AM
As a newbee I understand.
But, there has to be some reason applied here or the site will shrivel up and die. Hasn't about everything been discussed by now??
Shall we wait for something brand new to come along before we post??
Regards, Twobit
Not only can you search from right here on the wonderful HAMB, but you can do site specific search from Google. I usually search here first, if I don't find what I need then I surf over to Google, you can put whatever you are searching for followed by site:jalopyjournal.com then you can use the power of Google as well.
As a newbee I understand.
But, there has to be some reason applied here or the site will shrivel up and die. Hasn't about everything been discussed by now??
Shall we wait for something brand new to come along before we post??
I don't think you understanding what is being said. Before you post about the new EPA regs, do a search, you'll notice 4 or 5 threads from the last two weeks, comment your observations on them.
The HAMB isn't gonna shrivel, but bandwidth costs money and repeat threads clog the tubes. We like to see what you're building or buying, what you had in the past, what your daddy had. But a flat black s10 with WWW is gonna get some get some shit. So will a Lexus interior in a '40.
40Tudor
12-24-2007, 08:01 AM
Remember when search didn't work at all? Some question would come up every 3 days and get an answer every time. Often with a little bit different info each time.
It sucked not having search capability, but there were no "Do a search" posts - which aren't helpful anyway.
In the vein of encouraging constructive dialog to help the dumb newbies, at least suggest some search terms.
tommy
12-24-2007, 08:06 AM
So the goal of the HAMB is to became a library where there is no interaction but just a compilation of dry facts and figures?
Do you bite the head off of the 35th guy at a show that asks you where you got those rare wheels?
One of the things that I've always loved about hot rodding (the HAMB) is the willingness to share info one on one. We didn't have speed secrets. We didn't say..."read the book"
I've learned a hell of a lot about Buick's and Olds' from the HAMB that I never had the pleasure to play with. There is no way that I would ever do a search for that stuff. It always pisses me off when someone responds to a question with a "PM me". What? Is it a secret? I'd like to learn something too.
If you wrote a 2 page article about a subject 4 years ago, it only takes a few clicks to copy and paste it into a response. Someone else (the infamous LURKERS) might see it and get inspired or learn something new that they were not looking for or even knew existed.
I know that what I've said here is the other end of the spectrum and I hope like hell we don't grow closer to that end. I do hope that we can still bring up old subjects and maybe get some different new responses.
I've learned a whole lot more eaves dropping on the experts in the garage than all the books that I've read. I just hope that the dialog doesn't dry up. Be careful what you wish for...you might get it.
JMHO
BinderRod
12-24-2007, 08:19 AM
I wonder what buttons to push to get Tman wound up? I would bet it would be the search button.
Trent, have an egg nog or 10 and have a Merry Christmas!!
See you in chat!
Keith
TMan - This has been posted before..............Did you do a search before you posted this?
I dunno, It seemed funny to me !
Remember when search didn't work at all? Some question would come up every 3 days and get an answer every time. Often with a little bit different info each time.
It sucked not having search capability, but there were no "Do a search" posts - which aren't helpful anyway.
Yeah there was no "Do a search" it was more like "what the fuck is wrong with you dipshit can't you see that the same stupid shit was asked 4 days ago and is on page 4. What the hell is wrong with you"
Yeah those were the days... :D
If you wrote a 2 page article about a subject 4 years ago, it only takes a few clicks to copy and paste it into a response. Someone else (the infamous LURKERS) might see it and get inspired or learn something new that they were not looking for or even knew existed.
LOL, I pretty much copy and paste (after doing the search myself) for a lot of the Nailhead replies these days, I wrote it out a couple times, now I just go grab it out of an old thread and put it there. It's actually cooler when the old thread gets brought to the top by someone who is digging for info...
i always do a search first, but because the titles are not always clear on the topic they dont come up, just like the title of this thread has nothing to do with helping people do a search, and then if you do find some info it usely comes after pages of post about why that person didnt do a search, but luckly there are some great guys on here who over look all this waste and jump in and help out, i'd like to thank all the guys who ignore all the sillyness and make this a truly great site, my advice is that when we post we think about the next guy who might want this info and use clear wording in the titles of posts.
KomptonKid
12-24-2007, 08:28 AM
Re: "Tommy" 's reply. Very well put.
I think some of the irritation from the seasoned posters is from being too general with requests. If someone needs a broad amount of info on a topic, fine, send them to the search function in the legendary HAMB gentle way. However, I find that if I am very specific about what I need to know, and that I have indeed tried to search it(and why that failed or what info I didn't find), I get generally helpful and generous advice. As a previous poster noted, common sense goes a long way on this forum. Usually.
Terry
12-24-2007, 08:35 AM
Very well said Tommy, that was just what I was thinking!
But I'll go one step further. I miss the comments in the classified as well. Seeing what others had commented or asked saved me from PMing the same question to the seller that he had problably already been asked 100 times
So the goal of the HAMB is to became a library where there is no interaction but just a compilation of dry facts and figures?
Do you bite the head off of the 35th guy at a show that asks you where you got those rare wheels?
One of the things that I've always loved about hot rodding (the HAMB) is the willingness to share info one on one. We didn't have speed secrets. We didn't say..."read the book"
I've learned a hell of a lot about Buick's and Olds' from the HAMB that I never had the pleasure to play with. There is no way that I would ever do a search for that stuff. It always pisses me off when someone responds to a question with a "PM me". What? Is it a secret? I'd like to learn something too.
If you wrote a 2 page article about a subject 4 years ago, it only takes a few clicks to copy and paste it into a response. Someone else (the infamous LURKERS) might see it and get inspired or learn something new that they were not looking for or even knew existed.
I know that what I've said here is the other end of the spectrum and I hope like hell we don't grow closer to that end. I do hope that we can still bring up old subjects and maybe get some different new responses.
I've learned a whole lot more eaves dropping on the experts in the garage than all the books that I've read. I just hope that the dialog doesn't dry up. Be careful what you wish for...you might get it.
JMHO
RodLand
12-24-2007, 08:40 AM
Well put Tommy. That is what I wanted to say but I was busy doing a search to find If it had been mentioned somewhere in the past.:D
MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!
KomptonKid
12-24-2007, 08:43 AM
And I really like the egg nog suggestion. Now that is the common sense I'm talking about.
Ho, ho, ho.
73roundlight
12-24-2007, 09:33 AM
I think both Tommy's post and t-man's origin have good points (sorry for the diplomacy).
There are a lot of questions that should be searched for first, that however doesn't mean you are going to come up with an answer. That's where Tommy's comes in. It helps to define something that may have been asked before, or expound upon the same.
I seriously don't think we need to worry about not bantering about on this forum. Everybody here has an opinion (not one I always agree with of course :D). But if people were smarter about how they use the resources here, we all would be better off.
TMan - This has been posted before..............Did you do a search before you posted this?
I dunno, It seemed funny to me !
Irony Chaz!:o
But, some things have to be said by separate people for it to sink in. :D
I am going back to the wealth of Flatty info I found and do some reading to start a vacation day off!:cool:
Sam F.
12-24-2007, 09:56 AM
i wonder what would happen if no new threads were allowed to be posted,but rather,
you would just have to reply to old threads.
..hmmm.....
..sorry,was just thinking outloud...
CURIOUS RASH
12-24-2007, 09:58 AM
Location: Cobra Kai Dojo
That's funny!
Sam F.
12-24-2007, 10:03 AM
That's funny!
would you like to join? :)
http://www.cobrakaidojo.com/classes/
here is a listing of our schedules.
http://www.cobrakaidojo.com/schedules/
http://www.cobrakaidojo.com/img/classes03.jpg
speedaddict
12-24-2007, 10:07 AM
I have heard of this button Tman, but thought it was only urban legend...now I know...and knowing is half the battle.
Ruiner
12-24-2007, 10:11 AM
This topic always cracks me up, and I know I've been guilty of not doing a search before...let's face it, we have all asked stupid questions at some point in our lives, they just need to learn how things work around here (which is why Ryan explains everything in his welcoming post), but it seems like either nobody reads it or it doesn't sink in like Trent said...how about we all just go out and get a few drinks and just be patient with the idiots and try to get each and every one of them up to speed on how things should be done around here...Merry X-Mas you bunch of nazi's...hehehe...
Even if the topis was covered before, maybe another new memeber has a better idea.
That will give us a chance to hear more new points of views.
Ruiner
12-24-2007, 10:17 AM
well, if they have another idea or another point of view, then add it to the existing thread(s) on that topic...no sense in starting a completely new thread to tell someone they found another way to clean grease off an engine block...
well i've tried the search many times with no luck. tried the search for converting 4 dr to 2 doors came up empty .had to go back 2 weeks of posts to find it. i guess i'me trying to say search function needs improving
well, if they have another idea or another point of view, then add it to the existing thread(s) on that topic...no sense in starting a completely new thread to tell someone they found another way to clean grease off an engine block...
Now THATS funny!:)
Merry Christmas.................and for the slower members M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S !:D
Searcher
12-24-2007, 10:21 AM
I'm going to take my 35 Ford out and SEARCH for an answer to all this....it might be down some little road in the country.
SinisterCustom
12-24-2007, 10:22 AM
Having a topic posted over and over has it's benefits.....it keeps it fresh and helps one learn it......repetition is a learning tool....posts about 97's, linkages, Olds motors, suspension setups, top chopping, etc, never get old.....
But having multiple posts about Merry X-mas, EPA, some ugly POS on Ebay, etc.....well....that's different.
well i've tried the search many times with no luck. tried the search for converting 4 dr to 2 doors came up empty .had to go back 2 weeks of posts to find it. i guess i'me trying to say search function needs improving
What words have you been using in a search, maybe we can help?
breeder
12-24-2007, 10:24 AM
i shaved my balls for this???:(:(:(
So you got all the hair off then?
32v, here is a quick search I did using "4door+conversion"
The "4" can not stand alone it is less than 3 characters.
This is a classic thread with some good info.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49081&showall=1
Ruiner
12-24-2007, 10:29 AM
Having a topic posted over and over has it's benefits.....it keeps it fresh and helps one learn it......repetition is a learning tool....posts about 97's, linkages, Olds motors, suspension setups, top chopping, etc, never get old.....
But having multiple posts about Merry X-mas, EPA, some ugly POS on Ebay, etc.....well....that's different.
OR, instead of throwing 30 topics about 97's, Linkages, Olds motors, etc...you could drag up the original topics with fresh questions...that way someone reading that thread for the first time might find a TON of useful info, instead of seeing a "how do I hook up this linkage" thread with a little bit of info...it doesn't matter what the posts are about, we should try our damnedest to consolidate them into one thread, that way ALL that info is concentrated...just like radiator fluid, it's gotta be diluted a bit, but you don't want it to be diluted until it's useless, do you?...Merry F'ing X-Mas...
john56h
12-24-2007, 10:31 AM
Again...I see no problem with suggesting that someone try the search function. I really like the idea of suggesting "key words" for someone to search the appropriate subject. I often will find an appropriate thread and post a link to it for someone who is asking.
I just don't get why it is necessary to disrespect someone while offering that advice. Repeat offenders, yes....but some posters deserve to be cut a little slack, don't you think?
And while I'm on my "soap box"...I understand that a lot of garage talk is of the four-letter variety, and it isn't easy to break the habit of such words coming from the mouth at any given time. But, c'mon guys....you can't tell me that they get typed out on a keyboard without a consious effort made to do so. Why not CHOOSE not to use such words when they are not necessary? Just my opionion on the matter---we're all here for fun, relaxation, entertainment and many times...to learn something. Last time I checked, I already knew all the four letter words.
Ruiner
12-24-2007, 10:32 AM
32V, look for Squablow...he's got a thread link in his signature on 4-door to 2-door conversions...
Jesus Trent, it's almost like you've set up a receptionist desk
"Hello, welcome to the H.A.M.B., how can I help you?"
"I need to find a thread on the EPA"
"One second sir and I'll connect you, Merry X-Mas"
breeder
12-24-2007, 10:41 AM
[quote=Tman;2452593]So you got all the hair off then?
yeah but i got a lil nick!:( maybe youve heard of him.....drives a blue 32 vic??????:eek::D [ ohh no he di'int!]
the search got more difficult a couple weeks ago when you coulndt type say, 30 model A , anylonger...hard to hit the old threads now...but the boss is workin on it so im not to worried...
but i would like to know...
whats this thing worth?
what a kool name for a cc would be....
what kolor should i paint it....
and does this condom make me look fat......
and does this condom make me look fat......
Damn!...underlined, but no link :confused::confused:
Brhyan
SinisterCustom
12-24-2007, 10:44 AM
OR, instead of throwing 30 topics about 97's, Linkages, Olds motors, etc...you could drag up the original topics with fresh questions...that way someone reading that thread for the first time might find a TON of useful info, instead of seeing a "how do I hook up this linkage" thread with a little bit of info...it doesn't matter what the posts are about, we should try our damnedest to consolidate them into one thread, that way ALL that info is concentrated...just like radiator fluid, it's gotta be diluted a bit, but you don't want it to be diluted until it's useless, do you?...Merry F'ing X-Mas...
You're right....to a point.
Have you ever looked at an old tech post? Many people clean out their pics, so while the old post has good info, the pics will be red X's or an image hosts banner saying pic has been deleted.
If every topic was consolidated and "filed" like a library.....ya might as well have the HAMB as "read only"....since pretty much any topic dealing with building trad cars has been covered........
Ruiner
12-24-2007, 10:51 AM
well, maybe there should be some topics filed and archived...oh, wait!...they are!...but most people wouldn't have a clue that we actually have a tech archive...but what I WAS getting at is that there are plenty of still active, pics and all, threads that can be added to with your new information, instead of having 5 stand-alone threads with little bits of information, which if put together would make one killer thread...
SinisterCustom
12-24-2007, 11:08 AM
Again.....I agree with ya....just trying to look at it from a different angle.....
Sometimes when an old post is brought back up, guy's will reply with "WTF, why ya bringing up an old post?"
Have I pissed you off at some point????
Dude, as a BADASS FNG I use the search function most of the time I'm on here. I know their is a SEARCH haha. Later E.C.
40Tudor
12-24-2007, 11:43 AM
Yeah there was no "Do a search" it was more like "what the fuck is wrong with you dipshit can't you see that the same stupid shit was asked 4 days ago and is on page 4. What the hell is wrong with you"
Yeah those were the days... :D
Haha - yeah, there was some of that, too. I remember wondering why the hell the search didn't work, but learned to ignore it when you called me a dipshit.:D:D
BTW, I did a search on the word "search" and got 500 hits.
Unclee
12-24-2007, 12:05 PM
Having said that, like Rash and others have said... the search features only work if people do title their thread properly. Frankly, the best thing for me is google.
Thanks, GizmoJoe, now that's some helpful info, I don't care who ya are!;)
Digger_Dave
12-25-2007, 03:03 PM
Originally Posted by GizmoJoe
Having said that, like Rash and others have said...
...the search features only work(s BEST) if people do title their thread properly.
Frankly, the best thing for me is google.
I think I was one of the people that Rashy was referring to about suggesting
CAREFUL choice of TITLE WORDS.
Trent (Tman) and I were "lamenting" the other day about a particular subject that had "popped" up for about the 110th time.
I took all the KEY words that were being used in the question; and tried a "mix" of the KEY WORDS used.
(I also added some words knowing what the subject was about too)
And I came up with at least 70 possibilities.
Using just the KEY WORDS, (that were in the subject line) I only found TWO possibilities - and one wasn't quite on "target."
And that was after moving the search window back to the BEGINNING!
My point? Well, the SUBJECT LINE MUST be CAREFULLY detailed, and with careful choice of KEY WORDS. (and to the point) THIS IS WHAT MAKES SEARCHES WORK!!
If it ISN'T done then the choice of words for the SEARCH, that includes at least a partial combination of the SUBJECT, (words) anyone searching for this SUBJECT; just might come up "empty handed!"
Should we return to old posts and "carry on??"
I don't think it's a good idea, because once a thread gets longer than TWO pages, most people get impatient and go on to other threads.
BUT ... if a search reveals a subject you have been wondering about shows up; but just doesn't QUITE answer YOUR question - the one "floating around in the back of your head" OR, you have some information to add;
THEN start a NEW THREAD with the same title.
And maybe say for example; "Flathead Ignition Setup - Part TWO"
It should be noted that several "old hands" do this.
Then in the opening line of your first paragraph; you could post the link to the earlier thread.
If someone is new to the HAMB, it would give them a "trail" to follow on the subject.
OT stuff ... well, I usually just "pass it by!"
Nuff of my babble; Merry Xmas - seeing as this is Xmas morning!! :D
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