wait 15 seconds between searches

[Azguz Bloodfist]

Why does the forum implement this annoying feature? Is Ubuntu short of bandwidth or has it been getting haxored?

[matthew]

We want to keep our server from catching on fire.

[komputes]

The problem I constantly run into is that I put in a search which comes up with no results (even if a reasonable match is available). :mad: BAD, BAD SEARCH YOU! Once I finished my search, with no results, the only thing I want to do is search again (usually making the search string simpler).

I also believe that this feature stuns productivity since I make a search every, let's say... 5 seconds. I think 15 seconds is a long time to wait between searches, mostly with a very picky search engine, such as the one provided by vBulletin.

IMHO there are three possible solutions to this.

1) Bring the waiting down to 5 seconds (perhaps if you can program this, the timing could be variable according to the load on the server).

2) Install a local Google machine which will search the site constantly (I think it goes through their bandwidth.)

3) Make searches IP or cookie specific with a specified limit of 20 searches per day or hour before the 15 second policy kicks in. Whatever suits the server load.

What do the users think?
What do the ubuntuforums moderators think?

[baxterdog]

I think that this is one of those things that should just be chalked up under the 'Gotta other stuff to worry about' category.

I certainly empathize as I too have been slightly frustrated. But it's kinda like the frustration at moving to a new OS. Things are just done a little differently here.

Also, I usually use google to search the forums. I haven't had to post a question yet because my question has always been answered somewhere, somehow.

HINT:
Type "Ubuntu <your issue>" into the search bar. (with or without the quotes)

[FuturePilot]

I think 15 seconds is fine. A lot of other forums make you wait 60 seconds.

[aysiu]

I use Google to search: site:ubuntuforums.org whatever I'm looking for The only times I use the forum search is for finding posts or threads by a particular user or locating a thread by the date it was posted.

[yabbadabbadont]

They used to do this at the Gentoo forums. Now, registered users don't have to wait but guests do. Perhaps it could be changed so that a registered users with a certain minimum number of posts don't have to wait? Probably not, since it is proprietary software, but perhaps ubunut-geek could request such functionality from the vendor?

[yabbadabbadont]

I use Google to search: site:ubuntuforums.org whatever I'm looking for The only times I use the forum search is for finding posts or threads by a particular user or locating a thread by the date it was posted.

That doesn't help much if the posts for which you are searching were made in the last day or two. ;)

[komputes]

They used to do this at the Gentoo forums. Now, registered users don't have to wait but guests do. Perhaps it could be changed so that a registered users with a certain minimum number of posts don't have to wait? Probably not, since it is proprietary software, but perhaps ubunut-geek could request such functionality from the vendor?

yabbadabbadont, you are completely right, registered users should be allowed to a certain number of searches/day without waiting. And google works well, but only for older posts, since the spider doesn't come on the site every day (thats why I recommended the google hardware).

[PriceChild]

yabbadabbadont, you are completely right, registered users should be allowed to a certain number of searches/day without waiting.Why? I'm sure it annoys them as much as it does registered users.

[yabbadabbadont]

Why? I'm sure it annoys them as much as it does registered users.

You seem to have missed the point. Registered users should not be annoyed if possible. ;)

[PriceChild]

Just playing a little devils' advocate... may not be my opinion.....

But what makes registered users any different to guests? Why do they deserve better treatment?

[yabbadabbadont]

Just playing a little devils' advocate... may not be my opinion.....

But what makes registered users any different to guests? Why do they deserve better treatment?

You may as well ask, "What makes forum staff any different to guests?" :D

My suggestion was for registered users with a certain minimum number of posts to not be subject to the delay. These are the people who are, most likely, taking the time to help others with their issues. They are the ones who are least likely to try to DOS the forum through it's search function. (which is usually the reason given for the search delay) Consider it a reward for good behavior. ;)

[PriceChild]

You may as well ask, "What makes forum staff any different to guests?" :)Forum Staff have contributed to this community, and have been entrusted/enslaved with a responsibility to help keep this a great place. That's what makes them different to the guests or users. As a matter of fact, we also still have limits on searching and posting like everyone else. Our only "perk" being a more lenient signature.

The search restrictions are there to keep the servers healthy as matthew has already stated. With the usercount constantly increasing, and no change in hardware, I can't see things changing much...
I'm speaking here as a user, still with a little devils' advocate, not representing the staff and I know little to nothing about the current server loads/software limitations preventing this suggestion etc. etc.

[komputes]

Registered users are more important because they could post. You don't to **** those people off. Anyhow, weather the wait time is there or not, it's not a big deal, although we all wish it was gone. But we rather have a server that stays up.

If it's not necessary - take it down...or at least make it shorter. As much as i love twirling my thumbs, I think it's easier to tell the forum you want to make a new post and the forum tells you:

"Here are the similar threads we found:"

I think that search is quicker and more accurate anyway.

[LookTJ]

Did they fix the search engine yet? 'Cause otherwise I'm still using google for searching this forum(easier);).