How to SEARCH: Secrets of Nico's Most Ignored Feature Revealed!

[dickie]

Overview:

Hey guys and gals. I noticed that some of you (not the majority) have recently confessed to being unable to find the information you seek using the SEARCH function. At first, I was in complete disbelief as my job here on Nico requires the frequent application of these small invisible gnomes that hide in the internet and fetch topics at your command {see fig. 1}.

fig. 1

Then I realized like a ton of bricks in a brick truck smashing into my face and exploding like my face was a gas tanker truck that the error COULDN'T be in the function itself. Rather, the person attempting to wield it was more than likely at fault for the poor results they experienced.

From my expert research, I have deduced that the reasons behind this are few in number and simply explained:

a) The user is unfamiliar with how the function operates and fails to include proper terms for searching, or does not search using the appropriate filters.

b) The user only uses the search feature extensively enough to justify starting a new thread stating they searched but could not find the information they needed... which most of the time is proven to be incorrect in the first 3 replies.

c) The user is in a state of excitement or frustration which impedes their ability to act and think rationally leading to a combination of the above two scenarios.

I intend to provide a basis of knowledge for searching the HUMONGOUS knowledge base that is NICOCLUB.COM that should provide even the most irascible member with the tools they need. READ ON!

Tools:

-your brain

Procedure:

It is a good idea to verify that the topic you seek is not hidden in plain site before performing a search. For all technical-related information, check the oft-overlooked tech section.

If your information is not so easily found, its time to escalate your quest:

step 1. prepare to click on the button.

step 2. click on the button.

Now you have entered the realm of the SEARCH, which can almost instantly bring data from the farthest, most obscure regions of the website to you to do with what you will!

Type in your word or phrase. Filter/organize the results as needed, rephrase search string and repeat process until desired effect is achieved.

Diagram of Search Screen:



Diagram Key:

1. The search box - your main area of concern. Enter words or phrases dealing with your topic here. Use of Boolean operators and quotation marks to clearly identify your intended information is encouraged.

2. Data Set - This allows you to distinguish between content that has been recently discussed and content that has been archived. While archived threads may be somewhat dated, they can nevertheless provide relevant information that recent topics do not contain.

3. Forum - This feature allows you to narrow the source of the information you seek. For example, searching for threads containing information on wheels would yield a lot of classifieds that could be avoided by highlighting the wheels and tires subforum here. A handy tool indeed!

4. Creator - Looking for threads by a specific member? Type their user name here. Make sure your spelling is 100% correct!

5. Search In - If your search string doesn't show up in post titles or you think it may be specific, try selecting the "post body" option here. Results are guaranteed if you aren't a complete imbecile!

6. List Order - Displays the results in an organized fashion of your choosing.

7. Help! - An excellent feature that is even more overlooked than the search feature itself.

Tips:

These tips will allow you to become a MASTER SEEKER with proper application. Can you believe it?!

- Try using simple words or short phrases as opposed to complete sentences. Narrow the results accordingly.

- Make sure your spelling is 100% accurate. No l337 speek here, please.

- REMOVE ALL PUNCTUATION FROM YOUR QUERY!

- Filter, filter, filter. If at first you don't succeed... re-read this article and start over from the beginning.

- The recent and archived threads will display completely different results. Check both areas thoroughly before proceeding.

- For the love of Pete's sake, TRY searching the post bodies for a change.

- Determination is the key. Don't become discouraged if you aren't successful at first, there are several other methods to try!

Google Search:



The box at the right side of the screen is there to help you! A broader method of searching, but still extremely useful.

Good luck, and hopefully this saves us all from having to read through pages of flames, losers complaining about the flaming and the search feature, and adding a wasted thread to the archives.

[nvrplzd240]

Oh NOES!!! Not teh steps to tha searchy!!!

[audtatious]

Ka-POW

Kickazz

[dickie]

If i weren't having a stress-induced nervous breakdown here at work right now, i think i could add some more helpful information and light-hearted humor to help you through.

But i cant. in fact i think im going to go to the emergency room now.

[Jiggyfry]

(Dan) Rather, the person

[slik_s13]

i feel ya on the stress part man, its crazy over here at my work too!!!!

[neverlift]

well you made that harder for the dumbasshats

[babowc]

search feature in nico is very vague.

one thing nico lacks is search feature.yeah, its pretty inadequate.

[dickie]

someone needs a new custom title.

[duece.four.oh.sx]

you should sticky this if you know what i mean........

[Morph]

Shouldn't the world be ending soon? I mean wow people need a write up on how to use a search tool....

Modified by Morph at 9:37 PM 5/25/2007
Modified by Morph at 11:20 AM 5/26/2007

[tjmhillz]

hey d!ck u just wasted ur time.. ppl still not going to search and the famous line is "ive searched already and still cant find it" lol.. maybe it will help some ppl though??

[efrain240sx]

Oh good I though I was the only one that didn't really know how to work the search button. I'm never able to find the tread that I'm looking for through the search mode, I guess I just FAIL

[slipstream_pnoy]

Best thread very for d!ck

[ddgsxr504]

[evil_intent]

i didnt find it that funny. is there something I missed?

[0wn3r]

I'll have to use my s e c r e t t e c h n i q u e

[/anime voice]

[RB20DETodd]

i searched best way to do s15 front jdm conversion with no luck

[triplesixrivals240]

If this thread was brought up upon my recent post about the rims and tires, I'm sorry...but I searched with nothing in return.

And I just performed another search in a different forum with no luck.

[daconkiftador]

search.. ftw!

[AZhitman]

Lots of people thinking d!ck went to all that trouble JUST for them... LOL

[triplesixrivals240]

Lots of people thinking d!ck went to all that trouble JUST for them... LOL

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking...

I assumed I was a contributing factor to the whole "search" situation.

Big difference between assumption and conceit.

[ishkabibble]

Consider the average 240 owner. Are they ever going to learn to search? Not likely.

[notslow]

Consider the average 240 owner. Are they ever going to learn to search? Not likely.

d!ck, I am saving this thread to my favorites as I am prepared to refrence this on a quasi-daily basis.

lol you should have put it in the tech forums hahaha: "DIY: Search Feature" lol. Its hard to believe that something so technical can be done on your own though.

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

BUMP

[Zee]

If this had to be done we fail as a community.

[dickie]

when you hit rock bottom, the only way to go it up.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

step 1. prepare to click on the button.

step 2. click on the button.

I have been slain.

[turbo2nr]

thank goodness for pic b/c god knows i cant read lol

[Thaddeus]

i couldn't find the search button