As promised, once the database server upgrade and transition was complete, we've returned two important aspects of site functionality that had become
problematic.
ATS-Powered Search
Nearly three years ago, we initiated core changes in our database schema to accommodate boolean searches of posts and threads. The boolean method
provided exceptionally granular search capabilities, but over time, the massive size of our content database ended up being an overall performance
issue, both for accommodating boolean capabilities, and in the search performance as well.
The new
ATS Search linked in the menu bar is a completely re-written search routine that
comes very close to the granularity of boolean as well as delivering a retooled search result that more closely matches the "ATS experience."
Our new search pages provides a collection of search tools:
1) Google: a more detailed form for using Google to run more complex searches on all of ATS than what would be possible with the small form at
the top right of every page.
2) Search Topics: a form for searching only the text of thread topics within all forums, select forums, and by author name.
3) Search Posts: a form for locating specific text and phrases within the content of posts in specific forums, by specific members, within
specific time frames.
4) Search Tags: a brand new method for searching thread tags, focusing on searching for single-words within the site-wide tag cloud. (this one
is still in-progress as more functionality is planned in the near future)
All Posts By Member
The same attributes designed to accommodate boolean search was also slowing down delivery of results from the [POSTS] button that displays all posts
by any given member... and as a result, high-volume use of this function would result in site-wide slow-downs.
After the upgrade to our new server and roll-back of the boolean accommodations (with a few other special ingredients), this function no longer
impacts overall site performance, and has been returned. You can easily find all posts from a member by the link just below each of their posts, or
the link on their profile page.
If you encounter any issues you may feel are bugs or needed improvements in the ATS-Powered searches, please use this thread to bring them up.