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[GWF TEAM]

Sphinx search engine trial


A recurring theme on the GWF is the performance of the search engine.

Collectively we have created a huge database, as might be expected of a 10 year old forum devoted to serious research, and it gets bigger every day.

At the recommendation of our hosts Invision, the Sphinx system was implemented for a trial period early this year, but with mixed results, partly due to compatibility issues with older forum software. It was then decided to withdraw Sphinx, and try it again once the upgrade was completed and stabilised.

So, in the next few days the Forum’s inbuilt search facility will be transferred to Sphinx for another trial period.

We will not say when the switchover and switchbacks will be implemented, because we want the Sphinx trial to be a blind tasting.  Members can assist us by running favourite searches now, noting the results, and running identical searches over the next few weeks.

As was noted during the previous trial, Sphinx will take up to 15 minutes to re-index new information as it is posted, so there may well be delays between creating a post or new topic and its appearance in the New Content list. Please be assured that your post has loaded. The delay can apparently be reduced, but we are seeking optimum search performance rather than quick rebuilds.

Our subject and our members deserve the best possible Search engine, and Invision continue to recommend Sphinx as the best option for the GWF.


Please see the Sphinx search engine trial threads in About this Website