How do I find stuff?

Since the "new" version of Be Communities came online, there have been various inquiries about how to find information that was migrated to the new infrastructure. Some of those inquiries have included the comment:

"I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING!!!!"

or words to that effect :).

My advice to those asking has usually been something like this:

1. Chill... take a deep breath.
2. Use the site's Search function -- it works... it really works.

I have observed over time that searching for information is a combination of science, art, and a little bit of voodoo. Okay, maybe not the last part, but some seem to think that there is some trickery involved, when there really isn't. The science part of it is what to actually search for. Most search engines (including the one used on this site) will return pretty much exactly what you ask it to. If you provide too little or too much input, your search results will likely be poor. The same is true for too specific or too vague search criteria. My personal experience has been most successful when providing three "search words", each part of what I am looking for. For example, if I am looking for a specific forum on this site, and I know it is for MicroStation V8i VBA, I would use

in the search field. If you choose your search words properly, what you are looking for is likely to be on the first page of the search results. If it isn't, you can narrow your search down by clicking the "Advanced search options..." right below the search field on the results page. That provides the ability to search within specific applications (e.g. wikis, forums, groups, etc.) on the site, within certain date ranges, or who authored what you are looking for. Once you are satisfied with the results, you can even subscribe to that through RSS to have "dynamic results" delivered to you through an RSS reader.

If you are unsuccessful in finding what you are looking for, that is where "artistic creativity" comes in. Consider not using "common words" (e.g. and, to, the, etc.) Also, try using different words -- maybe ones that are not as specific. For example, if you are looking for a TechNote on a community wiki and search for:

and cannot find anything, use less-specific terms that also describe what it is you are looking for. Instead, try something like

You can search across the entire site (the default) or within a specific community (including its sub-communities) if you happen to be in one. For the latter, click on the down-facing triangle next to the magnifiying glass and change the Search Option.

The current Be Communities is quite a bit different than it was, but as it has been described many times, it is much, Much, MUCH better than it was. It is better organized, easier to navigate, and finding things is SO easy. There are many ways to find information on the site, but your first option should be with the site Search. Go ahead, try it out -- I think you will be happy you did.