Searching

ATS Search
Using the Boolean Search
Searching for content on ATS
All about repeat topics and what to do about them

ATS Boolean/Google Search

At the top of the screen, you will see a button labeled "search." By clicking on this, you will be taken to our boolean search function, as well as an integrated ATS Google search. If you're looking for specific information on ATS, the search functions will help you find it. Before you start a new topic, be sure to use the search to see if there's already a thread on the same subject. For information and instructions, please click here.

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Boolean Search

Unlike other message boards you may find, we've initiated a very powerful means of locating content within our discussion board threads. This came about for two reasons, our database of over 540,000 posts has become massive and unwieldy for simple-text searches, and there is such a large quantity of similar content on ATS that a boolean search (using logic) is the only way to get the content you're looking for.

Our boolean search wizard is a very powerful way to search the Above Top Secret discussion board. A boolean search takes advantage of logic modifiers to specify precise search terms, apply logic, and define your results. Our beta version of the ATS Advanced Boolean Search offers four search term fields.

Field One

The first field is for single-words which can contain a wild-card modifier. With the wild-card on (*), a search on the term robot would also return results for "robots", "robotic", "robotron", and so on. This field is for single-words, do not enter phrases.

Field Two

The second field is also for single-words, but does not allow a wild-card modifier.

Fields Three and Four

These two fields allow both single-words and phrases. When you enter a phrase, simply type it in the field, do not add quotation marks. Enter the exact phrase you're searching for.

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Boolean Modifiers

To apply boolean logic to your search, each word and phrase needs a boolean logic prefix for the search. The boolean modifiers are explained below for a mix of search options on a two-word search on "alien gray":

REQ - This requires the presence of the word in your search.


(alien is required, grey is optional, and "aliens" is allowed because of the wild card)

NOT - This specifies the word must not be present.


(alien is required, grey cannot be present in the results)

LESS - This specifies the word is less important.


(alien is required, but grey is less significant, results will be ranked this way)

MOR - This specifies the word is more important.


(alien is required, but the presence of "grey" is more significant, results will be ranked this way)

DET - This means the word detracts from relevance.


(alien is optional, grey can be present but detracts from relevance, results will be ranked this way)

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For information on topics not discussed here see the ATS Freshman's Forum or the Website & Message Board Updates Forum