I don't know about this forum in particular, but on most other forums I find it rather unhandy because the forum search does not allow to use short keywords (down to 2 characters). This makes it impossible to search for particular phrases such as Windows XP, because the XP will automatically get excluded from search for being too short and therefore the search can return a whole lot of irrelevant search results. Lowering the limit on keyword length down to 2 characters actually allows users to find what they are looking for.

I would like to hear the admin opinions on this matter.

It annoys me too. There's a lot (and I mean a lot) of things which I'd want to search on the JCF, but can't because the keyword is too short. That's really annoying and I do want it lowered, or maybe removed if there are no objections.

There's nothing to add except that I fully and completely agree.

It would like double the size of the search index if not quadruple.

Other than that, I agree. But increasing the limit isn't very practical.

Is it possible to make the search database ignore certain words? I figure the reason for excluding words fewer than four (or whatever it is) letters is so that it doesn't pick up all the words like "I", "a", "it", "he", "my", "to", etc. But if those were exluded then maybe the database wouldn't take such a hit from reducing the minimum length.

Alternatively there is the option to include certain words, regardless of their length. Also, Monolith, many words like those are already discluded by default.

If those words are already excluded, then I think it shouldn't increase the database drastically.

Alternatively you could ask people for a list of short keywords to add.

How about being able to search for exact phrases? Or is that asking for too much?

Seriously, the search could use a bit more functionality.
./aggree with blur

Just make it look like the ultimate super duper ultra advanced google-style search. Supports exact phrases, optional keywords, keywords not to be included, etc.

Edit: Yeah, that's what I had in mind, Stijn. Only JCF version of it. vv

http://www.google.nl/search?hl=nl&q=...G=Zoeken&meta=

Semi-related: Another thing that sometimes bugs me is that when I access the (advanced) search page from a sub forum I would automatically expect it to search only that subforum, but instead it returns the results from the entire forum. I know I must manually choose what subforums to search by using "Search in Forum(s)" listbox however I was thinking if that can be done automatically depending what page you access the search feature from.

Just a thought.