Search feature inaccuracy causes reposts!!!

[pickmyname]

After finding a deal on free spy sweeper 1-year subscriptions, I used the keyword search bar to make sure it wasn't already posted, searching terms "spy sweeper" (2 words) and "spysweeper" (1 word). There were no previous threads listed on this deal, so I started a new thread.

A few minutes later, my thread was merged with the original thread (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=701362), which was posted 5 or so hours earlier. I searched again, and all of a sudden, the thread was listed in the results, only get this: the title I made was what was listed ("WEBROOT Spy Sweeper FREE 1 Year Subscription!!!"), and directs to the original post with a different title ("webroot spysweeper free 1 year")!

SD, you need to fix your search bar! This is not the first time this has happened to me, only the latest example!

[random.]

I believe the title of it was probably just mod choice (Yours seems a bit cleaner looking) or perhaps an accident.

[ajskhan]

I think SD should partner with google search. That would be cool!

[pickmyname]

I believe the title of it was probably just mod choice (Yours seems a bit cleaner looking) or perhaps an accident.

Thanks for the compliment. Either way though, it shows that the thread result was manipulated after the fact. It's the only proof that I can show, but before I posted, there was NOTHING listed. It's definately a glitch on SD's part.

It's not the first time it's happened either, like I mentioned. It's only the latest example.

[Count_Chocula]

I did a search on "webroot" & found 8 pages of stuff.

[serra]

I did a search on "webroot" & found 8 pages of stuff.

i agree, webroot would be a better choice keyword. IMHO, i think it's all in the keyword used to search.

[GoneForNow]

The main point here though is that there are search problems at the core of the repost problem.

I ran into a search issue yesterday, but didn't report it because I couldn't make it happen again.

I searched the hot deals forum for one of the following terms
Cd
CD
CD-R
radioshack

and probably a few others. I searched in thread titles only.

The first time I searched, http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=175857&t=700639&highlight=radioshack did NOT appear in the search results. After doing a few other searches, then realizing it should've appeared in one of the first searches, I tried them all again and this time the thread appeared. It's certainly possible that I just missed the result the first time, but since there were so few current deals, I don't know how likely that is. I certainly wouldn't expect the search results for the same term to show me different results running them several times in a row. Anyway, just more anecdotal evidence. If I find something repeatable, I'll be sure to flag it for someone.

[brisar]

This is just in response to the Title change issue ....

The title change happens if we merge the original thread INTO the repost thread (reverse merge) and then do not change the title.

The reason for sometimes merging originals into reposts is if there are many people viewing the repost thread (since it is newer) and we don't want to merge the other way and then the people are in a dead thread if they refresh the page.

Normally, when we do a "reverse merge", we then change the title to the original.
In this case, perhaps someone forgot to do so.

[redsolar]

On a related note, I am working on a Search FAQ to clear out some confusion, and hopefully help the search process be more clear and results better.