New But Not Improved AdSense Search Box

Having both site and web search still possible?

[Malkovich]

With unpleasant surprise, I found out that my old adsense search was landing on error pages. It happened only on sites where the landing page was on my sites. I replaced the search-box code with the newer one (and accepted new terms) and the problem disappeared. (I wish I had a prompt notice from G about disabling old search codes).

I notice that now I can't provide users with the connivence of choosing between site vs. web search. The new search terms indicate, however, that I can put 2 google search boxes on one page. Instead of putting 2 actual boxes (i.e., site + web) I put a javascript that shifts between the two (i.e., the radio button that hides either one or the other). Am I breaking the Google's rules on that?

[martinibuster]

>>>I wish I had a prompt notice from G about disabling old search codes

The old code is still working on several of my sites.

>>>I put a javascript that shifts between the two...

Altering the AdSense code violates their policies.

[maximillianos]

We also have the old web search working just fine. I would make sure you don't have an error. Note that you can't use the old search box with the new landing page. It has to be all old or all new.

[Sally Stitts]

Malkovich - I completely agree with you.
The old ad code (which I am still running) ALLOWED THE SEARCHER to select between "My site" or "the web". That was perfect.

You can't do that anymore with the new code. Now, the webmaster is forced to pick either "sites I select" or "the entire web". That choice has been taken away from the searcher. That's why I don't use it. Another case of breaking something that worked just fine. Not "improved" at all, as I see it.

Now, for the searcher to have the same functionality, the webmaster would have to place TWO search boxes right next to each other - one for onsite, and one for "the web". This is not likely, because it would look daft. And how would the user know the difference, since all 6 options just say "Custom Search"?

[edited by: Sally_Stitts at 6:17 pm (utc) on Jan. 24, 2009]

[martinibuster]

The new code doesn't work with IE 6. Links won't open.

[maximillianos]

The new code doesn't work with IE 6. Links won't open.

If you guys are talking about the new search box that has the background image in it of Google, then mine works fine in IE6/SP2.

I just tested the links on the search results page, they all worked fine.

Martinibuster - Are you using the old search results page with the new search box? That could cause problems from what I have seen.

[maximillianos]

Regarding losing the site search version web search radio button, my users all seemed to be happy it was gone. The common feedback was, "If want to search the web, I'll go to Google... When I'm here, I just want to search your site".

Most folks did not view it as a handy feature, but rather something they never used. I guess it is just as easy or easier to hit your bookmarked Google home page button in the browser, or simply use your search box that is already embedded in your browser.

[martinibuster]

Are you using the old search results page with the new search box?

>>>The new code doesn't work with IE 6.

maximillianos, when you tested it out did you try clicking on one of the search results?

Was the search local to your site or of the web?

[maximillianos]

I tested the links from my site. It was a local search, as I no longer offer the old version that had both options.

But I rolled my out a month (or two!) ago, so when you guys are talking about the "new" search, maybe I'm not using the latest and greatest code?

[IanCP]

I also tested my old version from last update in 2004 and it works perfect in IE6