Test Search
posted by Ben Engebreth on 03.06.2005
I finished adding a new feature that allows non logged-in users to search the database of users before they create an account. I'm trying to make the barrier to entry here as low as possible and this is just one thing that I imagine will help.
So, on all public pooln pages you can search the carpool database by entering your home zip code, work zip code, or both in the form on the right. The sort is determined by the amount of information entered. If you enter the home zip only you get a search sorted by distances between homes. If you enter work zip alone the search gets sorted by distance between work zips. Finally, if you enter both your home and work zip code the search will sort by the sum of the distances between your home and work zip codes and everyone elses -- just like how it is done when you are a logged-in registered user. Of course, to contact other users you have to register and log in to be able to access the built in messaging system.
You'll also notice that the search now reports how it is sorted down by where it lists the page number (the bottom right of the list). When you are logged in you have the ability to change the sort to Home, Work, or Sum by clicking on the appropriate link. When not logged in you can do the same thing by just specifying only the information you want to sort by (just enter your home zip to sort by distance from home for instance).
I tried to make this new trial search form user friendly by using a kinda weird technique to try to supress the POST warning messages that you often see when you hit the back button to view an old page with forms. For me it seems to work perfect, but I'd be interested to hear from people who get POST warnings about expired data...cause that ain't very user friendly.