The Pub Discussion Board

Okay, I'm starting a new topic, so that things don't get confused.  We've already discussed the way the results of a search come out.

Now, I'm interested in how you would prefer to enter your search query.

The current version is a lot of checkboxes.

I'm wondering if this is the preferred method.  An alternative method I'm considering would be to have a set of list boxes with the options in them.  You would highlight the items you want to search on in the list box, and then click a button.  It would then show all of your search terms in a different box, so you could see what you were actually entering as a search.  You would have the ability to remove any selected items from your search before sending it.

Another, related option would be to simply have you highlight all your options in the list box, and when you click "Send", it sends it.  I don't prefer this option because it makes it harder to see what you've chosen.

A third option would be to have checkboxes, but instead of having them spread out as they are, represent them on a "tree" structure (like a directory listing).  This could be collapsed/expanded as needed so you could look it over and change your mind before sending off your search.

I can't really think of other ways to do this, so the question becomes:  checkboxes, or list boxes?  And scattered checkboxes, or a tree of checkboxes?

This is not about what kinds of searches you can do.  It is only about how you will get your search criteria into the site.  I'd like some feedback about what you guys think.

Of course, if you have another idea, I'll listen to that, too.

Eric Storm