Time in between searches.

[caravel]

Just had a "problem with the database" page a few minutes ago.

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

Hmm, it's quite laggy now (16:09 GMT Tuesday 24th April). It took me just under five minutes to get to this thread. Although, it is quite often, almost randomly, like this, so it may, or may not, have anything to do with the search function's re-enabling.

[Shahed]

Hello Sinan,

It's good to make sure points aren't misunderstood.

The google search is something to consider too. The normal search can't find CA. Google will spit out over 300 hits in 0.04 seconds. If only we could have such a complete and fast search but with tigher integration with the forums :(

Hi Tosa,

Actually what I meant is exactly whay Whacker has stated.

Is the problem with automated search engines or bots doing this, using the search function? I'd like to see the imposed delay reduce significantly or eliminated all together, this is one area where twcenter tends to shine. One can search as often as they want, one just needs to enter the characters from the graphic it displays each time to prevent bots from abusing the system.

If it is possible at all, elimination of the delay is ideal. Note keywords, if it is possible at all.

However a reduction in the time between searches is already a big improvement.

Also as Whacker suggests, and as I have noticed on TWC as well, when you type a search there you have to fill in a visual reference, a set of integers and alphabets before you can search the system. I believe that helps prevent bots from abusing the system.

One should note that TWC is not the fastest forum out there.

What exactly are people using the search feature for anyway?

I've never found the need....

I always use the search function first before I post a thread or ask a question; chances are high that it's already been answered. Usually you'll see me following up old threads because I often take the time to look for answers myself if I can.

There are times when I'm just too lazy or in too much of a hurry though.

EDIT: and BTW often while searching for answers I can answer questions on the way, for example:
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showt...ghlight=replay

Maybe the questions are already answered but the search does tend to make me answer threads that need a follow up. It helps the forum overall, we all come here primarily looking for answers.

[TosaInu]

Hi Tosa,

Actually what I meant is exactly whay Whacker has stated.



If it is possible at all, elimination of the delay is ideal. Note keywords, if it is possible at all.

However a reduction in the time between searches is already a big improvement.

Also as Whacker suggests, and as I have noticed on TWC as well, when you type a search there you have to fill in a visual reference, a set of integers and alphabets before you can search the system. I believe that helps prevent bots from abusing the system.

Hello Sinan,

Bots can not search. So, having to type a key only adds more stress to the users and does not slow down bots, as bots aren't there at all.

[Shahed]

Hi Tosa, Oh I thought part of the problem was that bots or malware could slow down the server by spamming the search function. Ja mata.

[TosaInu]

Hello Sinan,

Under certain conditions, yes.

I'm not 100% sure that bots can not arrive at the start a search page (like walking into a deads end street, but that's what can happen with the enter key option too, actually it's 100% sure bots can arrive there with the key option). But bots can not search.

[caravel]

More downtime just now, for about 15 minutes or more (it could be longer, I've lost track). It seems to me that since the search flood was decreased that the board has begun to lag again and that the "there seems to have been a problem with the database" problem has returned.

[TosaInu]

I noticed the downtime too Cambyses II. The host fixed it quickly.

[FactionHeir]

On the bright side, reporting people no longer gives me an odd code header in my confirmation window.

[caravel]

I noticed the downtime too Cambyses II. The host fixed it quickly.

So it was the hosts fault this time. That's good to know that it's not the search flood then.

On the bright side, reporting people no longer gives me an odd code header in my confirmation window.

I've never noticed that, though I've only reported someone once IIRC, and that was either a bot or someone posting commercial spam in the EH.

The only error that I know of is this one, where someone has used bbcode in place of html, that you see when you try to post but aren't logged in:

Please use the [b]remember me[/b] option while logging in when you see this message. That just fixes your cookie. Please contact the forum administrator when you still get this message.