Advantage of using more descriptive thread titles

[Gruntled]

Recently a member had trouble using the search function for a hard shifting cold tranny. Since the search results only show the thread title, he couldn't find it easily. Centerpunch knew the thread and posted it's link:

http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134&highlight=shift*

This is an example where the subject line needs to be more descriptive. Since the search results only show the title, it means one would have to open every thread in the results screen and start reading each thread.

Bottom line, let's all try and use descriptive thread subject lines, and stay away from titles such as "I need help", "another issue", "does anyone else have this problem", "read this", "this is interesting", etc... It will make the search function more productive and reduce the number of duplicate threads about the same questions/concerns.


Another idea: How about a technical sticky thread that only ONE member is allowed to ever post or edit. It would be a collection of the most common questions along with their answers. Such as:

Fuel filler door is sticky: Carefully spray WD-40 on the spring and hinge assembly.

How to change the oil: Read thread www . fordgtfo.....

Car is hard to shift when cold: Read thread www . fordg....

Engine stalls while rolling to a stop: Dealer needs to replace part of the fuel filler system requiring removal of the front right fender (wing)

Just my $.02 for a site improvement.

 

[barondw]

The search feature is NOT limited to title. It searches the complete text and then highlights your search parameters in red in each thread. The key to searching in all forums is understanding the search parameters and not making your search either too descriptive or too broad.

The more descriptive title line, as suggested by you, is not required for searching. Thus it is very easy to find various subjects if you have not already bookmarked them as us regulars do.

Now if you want to start a thread about hi-jacked subjects, non-descriptive titles, people not using the search function, or what ever have a go at it.

:cheers

 

[dbk]

Anyway, how about my suggestion for a single faq thread?

That's a good idea. I'll make a sticky in the tech section with frequently discussed topics.

Suggestions?

 

[barondw]

Obviously we have a difference of opinion on how the search function works and the imporance of titles.

I just enter key words and it finds them regardless of where they are in a post.

Every other forum that I am a member of works exactly the same way.

 

[barondw]

Thank you centerpunch.

Dave