skyangel was just discussing having problems getting the search links to work, I am assuming that if one member has a problem with it, then it probably happens, at least sometimes, to other members as well.
The way it should work, when you click on the word search at the top of the page, in the row of options that starts with USERCP, FAQ and etc. is a small box should pop open and you can then click in the box, type what you are searching for, then click GO to start your search.
Alternatively you can click the link underneath the box that says Advanced Search in blue letters.
However, since the search box itself is a small pop-up box, some browsers may block it because they read it just like they would an advertisement pop up. Another issue is that some computers allow you to get that far, but when you click the GO button, nothing happens, because it reads the search results page, which tries to open a page of results, as being a pop-up, so it blocks that activity as well.
Now, I cannot change the way the site software works, I have no control over that, but I can provide everyone with an alternative solution, the link I am posting below, will take you directly to the Advanced Search page:
http://forums.dealofday.com/search.php
For those of you on dial-up or with slow connections, this is actually a much easier and faster search to use, because rather than searching the entire site as the basic search does, you can click the specific forum you wish to search, you will see that box on the lower right of the search page. So rather than searching, literally, hundreds of thousands of posts, you can restrict your search to ONE single forum, such as Found a Freebie, the list even includes the sub-forums such as baby and business freebies as well.
You will see various other options that you can customize as well, such as searching for posts by a specific user, customizing the dates; for instance, no need to check for duplicate freebies all the way back to the sites inception in 1999, you can just search from say last year, until now.
You can also customize how it lists them, ascending or descending, so you can make sure the most recent posts, or older ones are listed first, according to which you prefer.
You also have the option to view your results as individual posts, or a listing of the relevant threads.
If you are logged in, at the time of your search, you can even select the option underneath the search box at the bottom to have the site save your search preferences for you.
Most times, I just use a quick search by typing in what I am looking for, selecting the forum to search, leaving all the other stuff at the default options, then clicking the Search Now radio button.
So, I am hoping this info will make it a little easier for some of you, because I know that no one who uses a pop-up or ad-blocker, wants to have to turn it off to use the site.
So just bookmark this link, or click on this post, which will remain sticky at the top of the forum, and click the link here:
http://forums.dealofday.com/search.php
Have a fantastic day everyone!