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Question for Webmaster: Issue with Search feature and filter

I just noticed this past week that the Search function has changed. It used to be that when you keyed in your search terms, it would list the results, and the date it was posted. This was handy because sometimes if there were only a few results, I could immediately discount the older threads and just focus on the new ones, without filtering further.

But now it just shows the thread title, the section it's in (i.e., Travel Forum, Tips & Articles, etc.) and a few lines from the question. Once you filter it, it removes the ones that are not in your date query or forum/section query. But it still does not list the specific date unless you open the thread. I miss that, because I usually like viewing the newer posts (depending on what I'm looking for) and now I have to open each individual thread to find how old it is.

FWIW, this is happening both on my laptop (Macbook Air) and on my iPhone. I'm posting it here (rather than emailing) just in case others have noticed this and have the same issue.

Here is my question to the Webmaster: Is this a glitch? Or a planned change? Either way, I figured I would bring it to your attention. Thanks for reviewing this!

Posted by
117 posts

I was just noticing this and am quite dismayed to be unable to see how ancient or recent the post was made. It makes a huge difference, especially considering the world changed drastically post covid.
I am hoping the powers that be will revert back to showing the date of the post without having to click all the way into it.

Thanks so much!
~Mitzi

Posted by
2826 posts

Agree - I noticed the change yesterday. Having the date is extremely helpful and I miss it.

Posted by
1213 posts

Mardee, thanks for bringing this to the Webmaster's attention. Searches were already difficult. The dates of the postings are extremely helpful.

Posted by
3404 posts

This is such a great website but the search function is and always has been the weakest and most frustrating part of it. It’s just too basic and should be updated to current standards.

Posted by
10242 posts

Philip, that takes money and since the forum is here as a convenience for Rick Steves' aficionados, we're not really in a position to ask for more expensive options. That said, I think this must be a glitch as it has always been here in the past.

FWIW, you can search the forum using Google site search. For example, if you're looking for info on a car rental in Scotland, you would put this URL in the Google search bar - site:community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland "car rental" (note that the search terms are listed at the END of this string). That will limit your search results in Google to the Scotland forum.

Posted by
17515 posts

Mitzi, you do know you can narrow down the search to posts made in the last 6 months, last year, last 2 years, and all years, right? Give a shout if you don't know how to do that.