FLoJo
Well-Known Member
Ok, so I consistently see the same threads about the same topics over and over and it is starting to get on my nerves a bit. New comers get angry when people dont respond to their posts, obviously because the question has been asked numerous times.. I understand though, when I first started using these forums, and others like it, it took a while before I was able to effectively use the search feature.
This is why I want to start a thread explaining the most effective way to use the search feature..
First of all, as I am sure a lot of noobs have tried to use the search, and realize that when you just type in what you are looking for, you get hundreds of pages of results..
This is because just typing something in the search box will result in the database showing you every thread that contains the key words you selected.
If you put your search terms into "quotes" the database will search for a phrase containing exactly those words, in exactly that order.. for example.
If you are type in hydroponics feeding schedule, the database will bring you back every thread that has the words hydroponic, feeding, and schedule. if you put the phrase in quotations like this "hydroponic feeding schedule" it will show you only the threads that have the phrase hydroponic feeding schedule.
If you search for purple urkle, the database will show you every thread containing the words purple, and urkle.. they could be talking about grandaddy purple, purple kush, purple haze, purple NL, purple grape soda, etc.. if you simply put your search terms in quotations, it will narrow down the search just a bit..
Now this next part is just slightly more difficult, but you will find, that it will give you EXACTLY what you are looking for...
When you go to the search feature, underneath the box there is a section called ADVANCED SEARCH.
this page is your BEST FRIEND!!
If you look on the left hand side, where the search box for terms in, you will notice that underneath the box, you can make a selection between, SEARCH TITLES ONLY, and SEARCH ENTIRE POSTS.
This is a very KEY feature.
If you have a specific topic you want to look for, 99 times out of 100 there is already a thread about it.
If you select the option to SEARCH TITLES ONLY, this means that the database will look for your key words, and search the titles of the threads..
For instance, if you are looking for topics around cloning or clones, select search titles only, and type clones in the box.
This means that the database will bring you back EVERY post EVER created that has the words clones in it.. this could be topics like, clones in rockwool, clones in soil, how to make clones, my clones are wilting please help, my clones are turning yellow, how big should i cut my clones, should i grow from clones or seeds, etc..
It is quite simple really, think about what words YOU would put in the new thread that you are starting, put one or more of those words in the box and click search!
Now here is another way to narrow your search down EVEN MORE if this does not work well enough for you..
On the right hand side, below the box that allows you to search for posts by member name, you will notice a box that has every sub-forum categorized.. these include General Marijuana Growing, Indoor Growing, Orgaincs, Plant Problems etc..
Again, lets say you are looking for clones, however you are having problems..
First you would type clones in the search box
Then select the option to search titles only
Then go to the right hand side, and I would select the General Marijuana Growing, Newbie Central and Plant Problems sections.
This will give you every thread EVER created in those 3 sections that has the word clones in it..
you can do this to look for feeding schedules, nutrients, additives, different plant deficiencies, different growing methods, examples of strains, grow journals for specific strains, info on lighting, light spacing, light and lumens per sq foot, temperature, humidity, soil mixes, hydro methods, aero methods, hybrid methods, plant pests, flowering times, DIY methods, and LITERALLY everything else you can think of.. be creative
I know reading is not all that fun for everyone, and getting the easy answer is the American way, but let me give a piece of advice.. in this hobby, you will ALWAYS encounter new problems and hurdles, and if you are new to the site people will be MUCH more willing to help you and give you much more RESPECT if you show that you have done your homework, and not asking the same questions over and over.
I feel this will make all of us better growers, and really help reduce the redundancy on this site..
grow big,
grow green,
and search on,
FLo
This is why I want to start a thread explaining the most effective way to use the search feature..
First of all, as I am sure a lot of noobs have tried to use the search, and realize that when you just type in what you are looking for, you get hundreds of pages of results..
This is because just typing something in the search box will result in the database showing you every thread that contains the key words you selected.
If you put your search terms into "quotes" the database will search for a phrase containing exactly those words, in exactly that order.. for example.
If you are type in hydroponics feeding schedule, the database will bring you back every thread that has the words hydroponic, feeding, and schedule. if you put the phrase in quotations like this "hydroponic feeding schedule" it will show you only the threads that have the phrase hydroponic feeding schedule.
If you search for purple urkle, the database will show you every thread containing the words purple, and urkle.. they could be talking about grandaddy purple, purple kush, purple haze, purple NL, purple grape soda, etc.. if you simply put your search terms in quotations, it will narrow down the search just a bit..
Now this next part is just slightly more difficult, but you will find, that it will give you EXACTLY what you are looking for...
When you go to the search feature, underneath the box there is a section called ADVANCED SEARCH.
this page is your BEST FRIEND!!
If you look on the left hand side, where the search box for terms in, you will notice that underneath the box, you can make a selection between, SEARCH TITLES ONLY, and SEARCH ENTIRE POSTS.
This is a very KEY feature.
If you have a specific topic you want to look for, 99 times out of 100 there is already a thread about it.
If you select the option to SEARCH TITLES ONLY, this means that the database will look for your key words, and search the titles of the threads..
For instance, if you are looking for topics around cloning or clones, select search titles only, and type clones in the box.
This means that the database will bring you back EVERY post EVER created that has the words clones in it.. this could be topics like, clones in rockwool, clones in soil, how to make clones, my clones are wilting please help, my clones are turning yellow, how big should i cut my clones, should i grow from clones or seeds, etc..
It is quite simple really, think about what words YOU would put in the new thread that you are starting, put one or more of those words in the box and click search!
Now here is another way to narrow your search down EVEN MORE if this does not work well enough for you..
On the right hand side, below the box that allows you to search for posts by member name, you will notice a box that has every sub-forum categorized.. these include General Marijuana Growing, Indoor Growing, Orgaincs, Plant Problems etc..
Again, lets say you are looking for clones, however you are having problems..
First you would type clones in the search box
Then select the option to search titles only
Then go to the right hand side, and I would select the General Marijuana Growing, Newbie Central and Plant Problems sections.
This will give you every thread EVER created in those 3 sections that has the word clones in it..
you can do this to look for feeding schedules, nutrients, additives, different plant deficiencies, different growing methods, examples of strains, grow journals for specific strains, info on lighting, light spacing, light and lumens per sq foot, temperature, humidity, soil mixes, hydro methods, aero methods, hybrid methods, plant pests, flowering times, DIY methods, and LITERALLY everything else you can think of.. be creative
I know reading is not all that fun for everyone, and getting the easy answer is the American way, but let me give a piece of advice.. in this hobby, you will ALWAYS encounter new problems and hurdles, and if you are new to the site people will be MUCH more willing to help you and give you much more RESPECT if you show that you have done your homework, and not asking the same questions over and over.
I feel this will make all of us better growers, and really help reduce the redundancy on this site..
grow big,
grow green,
and search on,
FLo
i know you are j/k tho as am i.. really frustrating seeing the same 10 questions every day.. gets the important stuff bumped to page 3 or 4 just because some people are too lazy to read..
