Modify default date parameter in Search
 

In the Search function I'm wondering if it might be worthwhile to change the default date parameter from "any date" to "one year ago". I recognize that a valid argument could be made for keeping a Search as broad as possible, however, I think that limiting the results to the past year may be worth considering.

* Posts older than that frequently refer to issues or conditions that no longer exist, or to (obsolete) versions of packages or distros that have subsequently been revised/corrected/improved. Advice that may have been applicable to the old release may simply no longer apply to the current release.

* With over 1.2M posts and counting, at the database level I'd assume that limiting search queries to a date range would be more efficient than a full table scan, thus yielding better response time and reducing the load on the LQ servers

* Posts that get "revived from the dead" can clutter up current discussions and cause confusion, because they may describe things completely differently than more recent/current threads.

Just to be clear, I'm not advocating that the "any date" choice be removed, only that it not be the default choice. For LQ'ers who want the broadest possible Search, "any date" would always be available, however, for the typical LQ'er doing a typical Search, I think that the "one year ago" value may be a better default.. Like everything else, just my 2 cents. -- J.W.

Thanks J.W. I think it's a good idea - it's been done.

--jeremy

Wow - Thanks for the amazingly fast fix Jeremy. I do think that this change shouild have a positive effect. -- J.W.