Capturing failed search criteria...

Hi

When using AjaxSearch, if there are no matching results then the following message is displayed:-
’There were no search results. Please try using more general terms to get more results.’


I would appreciate some help in modifying this action.
What I would like to happen is the following, when a search fails to return valid results:-

1.
A comments area to allow the users to explain what content was expected, or what they would like included, so that I can consider adding it to the site.
I imagine that Jot will do this - I just need to find a way to redirect a nil search result to a page containing Jot.

2.
A bit more challenging, I think - I want to capture all failed search input, either into the Db or into a simple text file. Again, this is so that I can see what users are failing to find so that I can add more useful content. I dont want to capture successful search criteria. This information would be for administrator access, not for public viewing.

I intend to have a go at number 1, though help would be appreciated.
I have no idea how to achieve number 2: Please can someone point me in the right direction? ...

Retro

I love the idea for capturing failed searches. Great suggestion.

1.
A comments area to allow the users to explain what content was expected, or what they would like included, so that I can consider adding it to the site.
I imagine that Jot will do this - I just need to find a way to redirect a nil search result to a page containing Jot.

2.
A bit more challenging, I think - I want to capture all failed search input, either into the Db or into a simple text file. Again, this is so that I can see what users are failing to find so that I can add more useful content. I dont want to capture successful search criteria. This information would be for administrator access, not for public viewing.

The 1/ needs to change the layout tpl in order to catch the [+as.noResultText+] value and then integrate a jot comment template request

The 2/ needs development in AS but seems not so tricky to implement. I catch the idea for a further version. And a text file solution, should be light and easier to manage by an administrator.

Remember that a failed search (one that turns up no results) is different from a search that turns up stuff the user doesn’t want. You might want to offer a form below all search results that will let the user submit information.

While you’re at it, you might as well fix the forum search.

I never get used to it turning up no results for stuff I know is there. :’(

Thanks for your comments and help.

I will let you know when (if) I make any progress on this during the next few weeks.

Good idea to include a ’did you find what you are looking for?’ option for all searches - I will have a think about that...


Retro.

About this topic, thanks to look at this new post: AjaxSearch Log manager and failed search criteria