I finally tried two different ways to phrase a question online

I was looking for a specific type of bracket in Austin, and my first search was just 'metal bracket'. That got me a million useless results. Then I searched 'L-shaped steel bracket 2 inch for shelf', and I found the exact part at a local hardware store in 5 minutes. Being super specific with what you ask for makes all the difference. What's the most detailed search that actually worked for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

harris.eric26d ago

Yeah, that's the key right there. I was trying to find a replacement power adapter for an old radio. Just searching the brand got me nowhere. I finally typed in the exact model number from the sticker, plus the words "9 volt DC center positive 1.5 amp plug." Found a forum post from 2012 where a guy linked to the right part. It was still for sale. Without that crazy specific string of words, I'd have bought the wrong thing three times over.

cora17721d ago

Ever notice how the internet's full of answers but you need the exact right question? It's like we have all this info but the search bar is a terrible translator. Finding anything specific feels less like searching and more like trying to remember a secret password.

the_cameron26d ago

Wait, the part was still for sale after over a decade? That's the real miracle here. I would have assumed that link led to a dead page covered in internet cobwebs.