Forum search function

[Seadog]

The search function seems to me to be rather random in its determination of what is a valid string.

For example "Is it safe" returns a result.

"What is this for", as a title search, which I'm fairly certain does exist, returns:

Oops! We ran into some problems.​

The search could not be completed because the search keywords were too short, too long, or too common.

 

[Screwdriver]

I would imagine because except for the word "safe" every other term in your searches exist in 99% of all posts...

 

[Morrisman]

Can it be made to search for an exact phrase, by adding - or " in or around the phrase? Some search engines do.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

^^ I'd try a + instead of a space between each of the search criteria.

 

[Seadog]

I would imagine because except for the word "safe" every other term in your searches exist in 99% of all posts...

Why, then, does it not exclude the word if it so common?

 

[julianf]

Google Search

 

[julianf]

Google Search

Got passed badly for reading -

"is it safe" site:.mig-weldong.co.uk

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Why, then, does it not exclude the word if it so common?

It's an inclusive search, as opposed to an exclusive one.

 

[Seadog]

You're missing the point. "Is it safe" returns many results. In my view that should fall into the category of "the search keywords were too short, too long, or too common."

 

[slim_boy_fat]

No, I got the point... I think.

Have you PM'd a Mod to see if they agree?

 

[Wozzaaah]

No, I got the point... I think.

Have you PM'd a Mod to see if they agree?

I agree that the search function on here is a bit rubbish.
Unfortunately it's the software itself so nothing we can do to make it any better. @julianf has the best solution.