SearchIRC Penalising Networks that join together

Rory · Guest

From the front page of http://searchirc.com: "SearchIRC features the most complete, up to date and relevant IRC search on the web."

And yet I have found that to be untrue. In the case of my own Network, when we joined forces with another Network, SearchIRC then claimed that we had become "a part of" this other Network, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Also emails to searchirc explaining and asking for corrections in the Network info go unanswered. So far, I would have to say that I'm not impressed with the way SearchIRC penalises smaller Networks that join forces to give better service to their users.

Regards,
Rory

ed · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 4:30pm Post subject:

I must say that when my small network merged with two other networks, then dropped one network, SearchIRC was fairly quick with making the changes. Of course, I was avid in submitting information using the proper forms on the web site.

It is hard for SearchIRC to be able to tell what network joined with another network, and when it is discovered, it is hard to tell what the proper naming, logo, web site, and descriptions that should be followed. If you will notice how many networks they index (1024 last time I checked), it isn't exactly easy to stay on top of that many networks.

Jason · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 4:34pm Post subject:

Hello -- Sorry, but I'm leaving from work, so my answer will be short for now.

Basically, a network by definition is a collection of servers linking together. It does not matter what each server calls itself, the fact remains that the servers that are linked together share the same channels, users and are the same NETWORK.

Now, with that said, personally I don't mind including each server on a meta network, and calling them whatever they want to be called, however, there are some problems that exist:

1) By giving a "network name" to each server on a network, you then monopolize the network listings, by listing each server as a network, you end up with 20 different listings all leading users to the same network. Meanwhile all the major networks only get one listing. Hardly fair when they have many thousands more users.

2) The robot connects to each network to gather a channel list. By listing each server separately, the robot will then visit the same network many times, downloading the channel lists from each. This is a problem because when someone does a search for "chat", and there is one channel "#chatzone" on your network, it will be listed as many times as you have meta networks (servers).

Basically, I don't see listing each server on a meta network as being beneficial to ANYONE, other than the individual servers who wish to call themselves by a unique name. All it does is invalidate the results on SearchIRC, and makes the network lists useless since most would then lead to only a handful of small networks.

Now, the question is, does the majority of the users see things your way, or mine? And can you defend against my points?

I am fairly open to new ideas, but don't start calling me a search nazi unless you can show me that I'm wrong with my position :)

Guest · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 4:39pm Post subject:

Guest · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 4:48pm Post subject:

ed · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 5:02pm Post subject:

The problem is, when a network merges like this (I have coined this type of a merge as a metanetwork), the network technically becomes one. If SearchIRC left both network names here, then it seems as if it is two differant networks, and the channel search listings will be duplicated. Although this may seem great for you, it is unfair to everyone else. (And then of course you would find people who just make a bunch of virtual networks to get their listings in mutiple times).

Oh, and you aren't bringing up a new point, this has been discussed many times before Wink

Jason · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 5:10pm Post subject:

Here are some additional points:

From http://www.newircusers.com/network.html:

Guest · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 5:15pm Post subject:

Jason · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 5:21pm Post subject:

Rory, all that sounds good. like I said, the root of the problem is that SearchIRC cannot index a network more than once, else the channels will start to appear several times in the search results.

It's nothing against you, or small networks, it's just how things go.

Things any clearer?

Guest · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 5:24pm Post subject:

Jason · Posted: Aug 12, 2003 5:29pm Post subject:

No harm done.

I think this just illustrates that SearchIRC needs a FAQ :)

... and for the record, I think I spent at least two solid days discussing the issue of 'meta networks' with ed and others on the searchirc channel.

iigor · Newbie Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 86 Location: Toronto, CA

FAQ is a good idea.