As the search function of the forum software is not, well, let’s say, not very advanced, I found a way with Google I wanted to share with you. Today I was interested what faithlessgod posted in the free will thread (I know, I am a freak, please forgive me…). So I typed following in Google:

faithlessgod site:http://www.centerforinquiry.net/forums/viewthread/474

You find the thread number just by clicking it in this forum, or copying the link to the topic.

And voila! And Google is very uptodate!

If you do not see what you expect, let Google show you all results, without “leaving out similar results”. And sometimes one finds deleted postings, by clicking in Google on ‘in cache’...

So far the hint of the day.

FWIW I talked with previous tech folks about getting Google as our primary search, in the Forum search box. (That IS doable). At the time I was told that since Google took several days to index recent posts, it was suboptimal; it would not return the most recent results. But perhaps it’s a worthwhile tradeoff.

dougsmith - 06 April 2011 08:52 AM

At the time I was told that since Google took several days to index recent posts, it was suboptimal; it would not return the most recent results. But perhaps it’s a worthwhile tradeoff.

True, the longest period I encountered was about 3 days. But that is not bad. The shortest was 3 hours. I assume it is just coincidence at what moment the ‘search agent passes by’. And I think when people search something, it is a bit older. But that is not always the case, of course.

Is it not possible too have both? The existing forum search, and a Google search. Maybe even I could create a simple html search page, based on Google.

GdB - 07 April 2011 12:54 AM

Is it not possible too have both? The existing forum search, and a Google search. Maybe even I could create a simple html search page, based on Google.

Well, the issue is about the search box in the upper right hand corner of the CFI Forum webpage. (I don’t think they can put two search boxes there. Recall that this is a software package that isn’t infinitely customizable).

Everybody can give it a try, if it makes life easier. Otherwise just use the Forum search functions.

Rename the attached file into CFIGoogleSearch.zip
Extract the content in a Folder of your choice.
Open the html file in your browser. (In the menu File—> Open file; or double click on it).

Use it!

Examples how to use it are in the html file itself.

Google can be about 3 days behind, mostly not much more.
Sometimes you can find deleted postings in Google’s cache.

Any feedback welcome.

Edit:

Ups, it did not attach, it only accepts real jpg’s

OK, if anybody would have to give it a try, send a PM with your email address.

OK, I made it online available:

http://www.filefactory.com/file/cba8597/n/CFIGoogleSearch.zip

Click the link, download the ZIP file, unpack it as described above.