Updating The Way Searching The AnswerBank Works

[AB Editor]

This evening The AnswerBank will change how the site's search bar will work. Or more appropriately, who can use it.

Last weekend we experienced especially high traffic from anonymous visitors using the search box. Anyone around on Sunday night may have seen the site "wobble" briefly.

We feel the impact these anonymous visits had on the overall enjoyment of the site for regular, loyal users like yourself was unacceptable.

We've decided to, once the upgrade is in place, hide the search box from all visitors who are not logged in. This should see us avoid issues like those experienced last weekend.

Thanks for your time,

AB Editor

[Tomasina]

Great idea, good move.

[HA7RO3D6]

May-be other sites could do this, at least untill the mythical although long promissed High Speed Broadband fibre optic system is a reality. I myself used Answer Bank for a while before I ralised it would be worth-while registering so could you loose potential customers by doing this? Perhaps when fibre optics are general with their masive capabilities in moving data you may re-consider?

[Forgetit]

Thanks very much indeed for all you have done - and best wishes for the future

Derrick Griffiths

[fairoak]

Seems like an eminently sensible move to me! Congratulations.

[venator]

Does this mean I'm not a wierdo, then? <[:-)

[bravejordy]

I'm all for anything that improves the running of the site. Admittedly, I have been guilty of using the search facility without actually logging into AB, I usually only log in when I want to post a comment or take part in the surveys but I have absolutely no objection whatsoever to the proposed upgrade.

[bazpix]

Excellent idea, the few seconds extra in logging in will be well worth it.

[HowardKennitby]

Hi Ed

Has this new 'search' feature been implemented yet?

I thought I would see how it works so yesterday I logged out from AB when I was finished. Today when I accessed the site(still logged out) the search box was visible and worked fine.
I could not post anything till I logged in.

Currently running XP Home and using FF9

Howie

[planetzog]

Great idea Mr Editor

[bookbinder]

Good idea.

[AB Editor]

"Has this new 'search' feature been implemented yet?"

It was, but we had some negative effects from it's removal.

We're working on a modified solution.

All the best,

Ed

[HowardKennitby]

^
thanks for the update

[vivandorron]

G'afternoon Ed...I was going to comment along the lines of it having pros and cons. (No suggestion that it is a con job.) However, in view of your latest posting, I am refraining for the moment, until it is 100% clear as to how the whole thing will work to the advantage of AB members and not put off prospective new members; who will be unable to appreciate the full potential of an excellent site.

Ron.

[Tinkerpuss]

I think this is an excellent move. if people cannot be bothered signing up for access to this site, then they should not be able to cause problems to registered users when they decide en-masse to look for answers.
Well done!

[Tinkerpuss]

I posted my reply before reading the latest update. I hope a solution can be found soon.

[Querty]

I too had an anonymous visitor, who sent out emails NOT from me to everyone in my Contacts. I hope this has resolved the matter for this excellent site.

[Pudcat]

Thank you