A new way to search SDN (in case anyone was interested)

[PRmed]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have been pretty frustrated since they took the "Google Search" box off of SDN. The main reason I don't like using the search function on the blue box above is because it will exclude many "common" words which ultimately brings back 1000+ hits of stuff that isnt even relevant. Also it won't let you search for phrases using quotes like Google does. So I found a way to use Google to search the site. I'm not sure if this will bring up everything currently in the SDN database, but it will show plenty of SDN posts and archives (and you can use the "quotes" to narrow down your searches, which is most often what I use.) All you do is go to Google.com and in the search box first type in site:forums.studentdoctor.net and then anything else like you usually would, with or without quotes. Hope this isnt against the rules or something

 

[sheepunite]

thanks - that's great info.
sdn's search function is so nonspecific as to be useless.

 

[MirrorTodd]

I've found that the search fuction is easier to use when you use the tab search located 2 away from the logout button. Click advanced search and search for titles only. Works like a charm.

 

[mshheaddoc]

To maximize the capabilities of search, you can use the "advanced" search button. I use it all the time with minimal issues and usually can find what I need.


When you are searching a "general" topic, of course there are going to be a ton of hits in pre-allo and pre-osteo. Especially with all the repetitive information on those forums, but if you are having issues trying to find something, maybe you need to rethink your wording. If you need any help searching SDN, let someone know.

Also, google in general is a great way to search SDN. Searching medical stuff on there (Its my main search engine) SDN pops up all the time.

 

[PRmed]

To maximize the capabilities of search, you can use the "advanced" search button. I use it all the time with minimal issues and usually can find what I need.


When you are searching a "general" topic, of course there are going to be a ton of hits in pre-allo and pre-osteo. Especially with all the repetitive information on those forums, but if you are having issues trying to find something, maybe you need to rethink your wording. If you need any help searching SDN, let someone know.

Also, google in general is a great way to search SDN. Searching medical stuff on there (Its my main search engine) SDN pops up all the time.

I agree, all searches I do with SDN search are with the "advanced" feature. I like that one especially since you can search only pre-allo or only a certain other forum. I tend to use SDN search if I definitely want "forum-specific" searches. On the other hand, if I want to search using quotes, then SDN search won't let me.

For example: if I had a question to ask that I know has probably been asked a gazillion times, I will search first before posting on SDN. The question I am thinking in my head is (for example) "how have you guys been studying for the new mcat?" In SDN search if i put: study new mcat as keywords, I will get back tons of threads that contain the words study, new, and mcat. So it could be something like "I got a new car since I passed my mcats. Damn, i should really go study now for the classes ive been neglecting." If i put study "new mcat" it won't work and will return 0 results. But with google I would put site:forums.studentdoctor.net study "new mcat" and I would get posts from people asking the question just as I would have: "how have you guys been studying for the new mcat?"

Its pretty much just a matter of who has gotten used to using quotes when they search. I use them all the time and so I find this way a little bit easier and just wanted to share it with anyone else who obsessively uses quotations in their search like me 🙂