Some new Search Experiments. vBulletin Search Help?

[Richard M.]

Hi Guys, Has vBulletin ever updated their Help files regarding rules for the Boolean search?

I was helping a member search some threads using the advanced search and noticed different results when using parentheses around some of the Boolean functions.

Example: This search yielded NO results......(Titles Only)
(196* OR C2) AND (shift* AND (plate OR console)) Result: Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

However, adding spaces between each paren and their adjacent characters yielded successful results. (again Titles Only) Like this.....
( 196* OR C2 ) AND ( shift* AND ( plate OR console ) ) 22 Results: Type: Posts; Keyword(s): 196* or C2, shift*, plate or console

So I started peeling off spaces one at a time. Interesting results.
( 196* OR C2 ) AND ( shift* AND ( plate OR console )) 22 Results: Type: Posts; Keyword(s): 196* or C2, shift*, plate or console
( 196* OR C2 ) AND (shift* AND ( plate OR console )) 21 Results: Type: Posts; Keyword(s): 196* or C2, (shift*, plate or console
( 196* OR C2 ) AND (shift* AND (plate OR console )) 21 Results: Type: Posts; Keyword(s): 196* or C2, (shift*, (plate or console
( 196* OR C2 ) AND (shift* AND (plate OR console)) 21 Results: Type: Posts; Keyword(s): 196* or C2, (shift*, (plate or console))
(196* OR C2 ) AND (shift* AND (plate OR console)) 21 Results: Type: Posts; Keyword(s): (196* or C2, (shift*, (plate or console))
(196* OR C2) AND (shift* AND (plate OR console)) Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

When time permits we may want to add this little tidbit about spaces at parens in the Search Help section.

Thanks,
Rich

[Gary C.]

Re: Some new Search Experiments. vBulletin Search Help?

Rich,

Good info. Updates to FAQ are on us. Will let John know. Thanks,

Gary
....

[Richard M.]

Re: Some new Search Experiments. vBulletin Search Help?

Thanks Gary. There are many members that don't know about the Boolean search functions. I've got a inkling to write up a article for the Restorer that may help spread the word. I bet it may help defer the fear that some folks have about using it. I'll try to keep it simple and do it when I get some time. Before I submit it I'd like you guys to check it out first, okay?

Rich

[R N.]

Re: Some new Search Experiments. vBulletin Search Help?

Rich, thanks once again for your help. Often I'd give up in frustration because of the lack of results while trying an advanced search. So the tips on seaching are appreciated. It comes down to a favourite saying of mine.... it's easy when you know how.

[Richard M.]

Re: Some new Search Experiments. vBulletin Search Help?

Your welcome Kurt.....glad you got your answers. Lots of good info in that thread you started about the shift plates.

Rich