Location search feature for classified ads

Originally Posted by RDLinATL

Or at least a beta until the coding for the state search could be resolved.

There is nothing else planned to be "resolved" about the state search function. Searches are rather easy to implement programmatically. The problem is really GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) concerning the data the algorithm has to work with. Without coding very strict requirements for entering location info at registration for new members and somehow going back through all 90,000+ members to get that info to comply with those requirements (or somehow FORCING all active members to do that themselves), a search algorithm will never be very satisfactory, much less completely accurate and comprehensive.

So if the tag system would be adapted to provide search functionality for location data, then it would have to be used as such EXCLUSIVELY. At this point, I'm not sure how doing so might make other impacts (such as search engine accessibility) that would prove to be unwelcome in the long run.

There is quite likely not going to be a whole lot of effort put into this. Quite frankly, I believe the focus of the classified sections of this site should be more oriented towards internet sales of animals and merchandise, and not the promotion of localized dealings done face to face. Promoting shows, of course, will always be beneficial to all involved, but the narrow focus of single sale local transactions is probably never going to be much of a priority here.