View Poll Results: Do you find the similar threads links useful?

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38. You may not vote on this poll
  • Yes, I find them useful.

    20 52.63%
  • No, I do not find them useful.

    1 2.63%
  • I'm undecided.

    2 5.26%
  • I didn't even notice them.

    15 39.47%
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Thread: Similar threads

  1. #1
    Formerly octothorpesarus mudsocks's Avatar
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    Similar threads

    About two weeks ago I enabled the Similar Threads feature of vbulletin. Some of you may have already noticed that new threads will display up to four weighted links at the bottom of each new thread. As the name suggests the topics link to threads of similar content. Please note that older threads (prior to ~October 17th) will not have the similar threads links. Yet.

    I'd like to hear everyone's feedback. Please post your thoughts.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    SilvrSurfr's Avatar
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    Looking below at Similar Threads, I see a thread I started 7/14/13 that I don't think is very similar to this thread (other than having the word "thread" in the title). Is the algorithm just guessing based on titles?
    "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Ralph Waldo Emerson

  3. #3
    Formerly octothorpesarus mudsocks's Avatar
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    I haven't looked at the algorithm so I can't comment on how it derives matches. I can tell you that the links are recalculated as new posts are made to each thread. In theory the more active the thread the better the results. There probably aren't many threads similar to this one so it stands to reason the results won't be fantastic on this particular thread.

  4. #4
    Senior Member hk2001's Avatar
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    I've found them marginally useful when it comes to the marketplace.. Honestly, I've not tried them anywhere else on the forums.. but will now

  5. #5
    Herder of Cats OutandBack's Avatar
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    I have not used it yet but I would think it would help a new members wanting to do research on a specific topic.
    We all know how fun (not) website search engines are.

    I want to play with it before voting.

  6. #6
    Senior Member The Tree Frog's Avatar
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    I think it's a good idea. Even if the results of your poll don't prove to be all positive, it doesn't hurt, right?

    To be honest, I saw them below posts I've read, but didn't focus too much attention on them. I think if I was actually searching out an answer, and if the algorithm provided similar links, I would use them. More often, I am just joining in conversations I find interesting or that I have something to say. Again, they will be most helpful to people looking for info on specific topics.
    NJ Hammock Club Facebook Page - Come join the party!

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by OutandBack View Post
    I have not used it yet but I would think it would help a new members wanting to do research on a specific topic.
    I agree..once older posts are included in the suggestions. However, if the algorithm is using the same engine as the vbulletin search, the suggestions may not be 'on topic', much. Time will tell, I guess.
    Quote Originally Posted by OutandBack View Post
    We all know how fun (not) website search engines are.
    OT:
    These days, I use Google with the 'site:' feature...it works better.
    Try searching here for "sewing machine" and compare the results to what you get with the Google search string:
    site:hammockforums.net "sewing machine"

  8. #8
    Senior Member
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    It's available on another forum that I am part of.

    I find incredibly useful for research there. But then the things I'm looking for there are more of a technical use so when I'm looking for a solution to a problem the 'similar threads' link has helped me find info that is of value.

    Only time will tell if the feature will be of use here..probably more so in sections like the DIY than anything else.

  9. #9
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    Now that I know where they are, I find them very useful.

    ETA:

    Perhaps you can make that a choice in the poll.

  10. #10
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    I noticed them the other day and have begun to start using them. Nice touch! How about something referencing the change in the "news & announcements" section on the homepage to remind us?

    Thanks Octo for all the hard work you put into this place.

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