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Forum Search Workaround

LemernisLemernis Member, Moderator Posts: 4,318
edited March 2018 in Site Resources
Update: as the domain of this site changed from forum.baldursgate.com to forums.beamdog.com, to search in Google you need something like:

kensai builds site:forums.beamdog.com
neverwinter nights graphics site:forums.beamdog.com



As we know, our forum lacks an advanced search function. For this we apologize. But fortunately there's a strong workaround that's easy. You can use a Google search that yields excellent results. Here's how:

site:forum.baldursgate.com, ___ (term)


For example, to search the BG:EE forums for just the word: katana

site:forum.baldursgate.com, katana


yields the following result: see here.


For a specific phrase, enclose the terms in quotes

site:forum.baldursgate.com, "___" (phrase)


For example, the results for the phrase "specialist mage"

site:forum.baldursgate.com, "specialist mage" (phrase)


yields this result.


Using Google's advanced search you can also refine the search for the name of forum member plus a word or phrase.

site:forum.baldursgate.com, username+"___" (phrase)


For example, let's say I want to search for all posts, comments, or edits that I have made including the phrase "specialist mage" I would do it thusly

site:forum.baldursgate.com, Lemernis+"specialist mage"


to yield this result.


And what is pretty cool here is that if you click on the ">>" to the right of each result, it tabs out and highlights exactly where it is on the forum page. Click that and it takes you right to the page of the thread it's on.

For easy access you can bookmark any such search in your browser and then just open it and tailor it as shown above to customize the search terms.

Hope this helps!
Post edited by JuliusBorisov on

Comments

  • elminsterelminster Member, Developer Posts: 16,317
    Personally I have always just used something like (If I were to search for "avenger" threads).

    Avenger: Forum.baldursgate.com

    But your suggestions look far more thought out than mine. :)
  • PibaroPibaro Member, Translator (NDA) Posts: 2,989
    Everytime I need a real search I have to look for this thread.
    So thumbs up for the stick :)
  • dunbardunbar Member Posts: 1,603
    Would it be practical or even desirable to move the Search feature to a more prominent position on the page?

    I ask this because I've just spent the best part of an hour going through the archives looking for an answer to a Neera-related problem, which I found. This reminded me how useful the Search function is, especially for newcomers to the site, yet when you go to the New Members Welcome Area (which is where it might be most useful) you have to scroll down to Australia to find the Search box. Would it not be helpful to new members if this function was more obvious?
  • kaguanakaguana Member Posts: 1,328
    Why not just code a better search into the forum ???

    This forum seem like very basic one with no real option to add what one need in it.
  • jasteyjastey Member Posts: 2,780
    edited April 2017
    I know this doesn't belong here, so feel free to move this post.

    If I do forum search, I get hit results of forums I have no right to see. Since post content is displayed, this might not be a desired behavior.


  • JuliusBorisovJuliusBorisov Member, Administrator, Moderator, Developer Posts: 22,754
    edited March 2018
    Updated the OP

    Update: as the domain of this site changed from forum.baldursgate.com to forums.beamdog.com, to search in Google you need something like:

    kensai builds site:forums.beamdog.com
    neverwinter nights graphics site:forums.beamdog.com
  • DurandalisDurandalis Member Posts: 46
    Here's a thought: How about you improve the search function on this website?

    It's 2018. We have the technology.

    Honestly, the fact that I can't even choose between searching for threads or posts is ridiculous.
  • XorinaXorina Member Posts: 138
    OK but why can't there be a search function, I mean it's on my other oft used forum Elite Dangerous...soooo?
  • CalgacusCalgacus Member Posts: 273
    Is there a way to limit search results to specific categories - like to just Neverwinter Nights or even to just NWN:EE Trello Board Discussion?
  • JuliusBorisovJuliusBorisov Member, Administrator, Moderator, Developer Posts: 22,754
    @Calgacus I'm afraid not, but you can add more specific terms into your search.
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