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Our search form is fairly self-explanatory, with two exceptions:
1) All searches are simple string searches: On the positive side, searching for the word 'sex' will automatically return anecdotes containing the word 'sexual' and 'sexuality'. Moreover, spelling-impaired users may search for 'winsk' or 'Strav' to find results pertaining, respectively, to Monica Lewinsky and Igor Stravinsky. On the other hand, searching for 'art' will, alas, also return anecdotes pertaining to 'Bart Simpson' and 'farts'!
2) Using the 'Any Occurrence' option (to return anecdotes containing any of the searched-for terms) may return more results if the order of the terms is reversed.
You'll find more search tips here.
[We are currently working on improvements to the search tool, work for which your support would be greatly appreciated!]
Anecdotes may be listed by Keyword or Last Name.
You may also view lists of our favorite anecdotes, visitor favorites, and the most popular keyword and keyword searches.
Each anecdote has been painstakingly indexed with relevant keywords, a list of which may be found here.
[We are currently working on improvements to the keyword search, work for which your support would be greatly appreciated!]
* To read several anecdotes on a list like this one, either use the Back button on your browser or right-click on each link and Open Link in New Window.
* To toggle between windows hold the 'Alt' key down and press 'Tab' on your keyboard.
* To abort a stalled search, press the 'Escape' key.
* Each entry concludes with a brief biography. Thus, users in search of anecdotes pertaining to musicians named "Prince" or "Jewel" should search only the "Last Name" field to isolate the desired results from those pertaining to royalty.
* Each entry is keyword-indexed. Thus searching only the "Keyword" field for a term like "Vanity" or "Marriage" will yield significantly more refined results than will a wider search.
* Searches are NoT CasE SeNsiTiVe!
* To abort a stalled search, press "Escape" on your keyboard.
* Still need Help? Mail us!
Following the steps below will provide you with a better understanding of how the site works! Each link will open a new window, allowing you to return to this page more easily. (To toggle between windows hold the 'Alt' key down and press 'Tab' on your keyboard.)
1) Visit our home page and click on the lower left 'Random Anecdote' button a few times. Then press 'F5' a few times (to refresh the page). Every time you revisit this page, you'll see a new randomly-generated anecdote!
2) Return to the home page and use the blue arrows to scroll to the end of the anecdote. Click on the 'View/add Comments' link and leave a comment!
3) Return to the home page and use the blue arrows to scroll to the end of the anecdote. Select a number and click on the 'Rate Anecdote' button to leave your rating.
4) Return to the home page and click on one of the categories listed on the curtain at the top. These links lead to the corresponding keyword searches.
5) Return to the home page and click on the lower left 'Your Favorites' button. This page lists anecdotes which have received high ratings from visitors like yourself!
6) Return to the home page and click on the lower right 'Editor's Choice' button. This page lists our favorite anecdotes.
7) Return to the home page and click on the lower right 'Search/Browse' button. This is our Browse/Search page. Click on some of the links at the top of the page. The 'Our Faves' and 'Your Faves' links on this page lead to the same pages as #5 and #6 above. The other links are explained here.
8) Return to the Browse/Search page and try searching for a keyword of your choice by selecting the 'Keyword' option. More likely than not, you will find several relevant items; if not, try using a synonym. [If you have entered the keyword corresponding to your click on the curtain frill (in #4 above), you will see the same page as you did in that step.]
9) Return to the Browse/Search page and try searching for a last name of your choice (eg. 'Churchill') by selecting the 'Last Name' option. If you have found a critical gap in our collection, please let us know!
10) Visit our Subscribe page. If you'd like anecdotes sent to your mailbox, simply enter your email address and press 'Enter' on your keyboard. (This is the page to which you should send family and friends who you think would like to be added to the list!)
11) Spread the word! Click here to recommend us to family and friends!
12) Now return to the home page... and explore!
