Are you satisfied with the search functionality of most directories? Is a simple mysql query without any ranking criteria measuring relevence to the query enough to bring satisfying results? I don't think so. The google custom search provides a good alternative, the business edition allows to remove the ads. I implemented it in enQuira, have look and leave your feedback. example query for socer (typo for soccer)
Looks good we have multiple search options on our sites too, it helps the viewer and the surfers find listings
One huge gripe I have about many directories search function is that they don't list the directory category that results are located in. It's such a small and simple thing, but it makes a huge difference when you are trying to find the right category to list your site.
that's true, listing the category is very helpful for the submitters. and also users if they want to find more similar listings. However using the google technology you get the most relevent result which is usually the main category for the listings. If not you will always find a way to get there from the search results (details pages).
I think some of the newer versions of one of the popular scripts does list categories in the search results. For example, if you search "homeless" at eWebPages, it returns the category Society: Issues: Homelessness and the related listings. The search results also include the category that the listing is found under. mhamdi - thanks for posting an alternative option; it can really improve the functionality of a directory by providing relevant search results.
I 2nd this gripe, just about every time I look for a site in a dir, I can see it's listed, but not where it's listed.. worthless imo
That's great news CReed. This is something so basic, every directory should offer it IMO. an0n, you are listing the cats. Thumbs up.