CUNY Academic Commons

Hey Scott. Can I ask you to set up some documentation on commonsinabox.org related to implementing search in Commons In A Box installations? Roughly, I'm looking for something like the following:

- A note stating how Commons In A Box doesn't have any search turned on by default, because the ideal strategy for implementing search in WP/BP differs greatly from case to case
- List a few options for setting up search:
- The default WP search widget will only search WP content (posts and pages)
- Something like a Google Custom Search engine https://www.google.com/cse/ You can set up an account, and then use a WP text widget to place the search box where you'd like it. Here's a tutorial: http://www.netmagazine.com/tutorials/implement-google-custom-search-wordpress Alternatively, there are plugins to help you get started: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-custom-search/ It's worth pointing out that the free-as-in-beer CSE displays ads, and that you're somewhat limited in customization options. (This is the option we use on CAC.)
- A real search engine, such as Solr or Sphinx. These are external systems that need external support (from IT for example), but they're infinitely customizable, and keep all of your search in-house (rather than farming out to a third party like Google). There are WP plugins to help integrate: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/search.php?q=solr http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wordpress-sphinx-plugin/

Please feel free to set up a stub to begin with, and leave space for the stuff you're not sure about. Ray or I can jump in to help with the nitty-gritty.

Thanks!