Hi All,
Google has a new feature for site owners - Custom search engines (Beta). Now you can search the web for topics specific to model ships and ship/boat modeling. Search results will be displayed on a page within the Forum's site.

I've installed the search box on the Main Search Page (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/searchsite.htm#googlesearch)

What's different about this search engine? I can include sites to be search by Google that only pertain to our hobby. Other sites on the web that have no relative content will not be displayed in the search.

For now, to get started, I've had to include general web sites until a substantial list of domains can be added. However, even these sites may contain relevant terms because I can also include search "phrases" to the engine and search refinements. What are refinements? Refinements are labels are applied to web sites. They appear as a list of links above search results, offering you a way to narrow your search.

As members of the Forum, you can contribute sites and search phrases for inclusion in the search engine. Look over the lists below. You can also view the Google's Home Page for the "Ship Modeling Forum Search (http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=007748243544566308841%3A5hn8tla7pfa)" to see the most current sites and keyword phrases that are in the search engine.

Below is a list of the current sites, phrases and refinements in the search engine.
Note: I can also add Excluded sites. Sites that will not be included in the search engine (possible offensives sites, etc.).
Domains:
www.academyphotos.net
www.shipmodeling.info
www.modelexpo-online.com
www.shipmodeling.net
www.google.com

Phrases:
"model shipwright"
"hull planking"
"ship modeling"
"ship modeling tips"

Refinements:
forums
manufacturers
stores
reviews

Excluded Domains:
None as yet

Apparently there is no limit to the amount of sites that can be included. I've seen some sites that have the Google Custom Search with over 100 included sites! So, if you have a site or phrase to add, use this form - Google Custom Search Engine (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/member_submit_google.php). I'll update the lists accordingly. This form can also be accessed from the Forms for Members (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/member_link.html)

We can build up a search engine exclusive to our hobby!

Some search examples (included sites will be displayed first, then other sites on other pages in the search):
hull planking (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/searchresults,htm?cx=007748243544566308841%3A5hn8tla7pfa&cof=FORID%3A9&q=hull+planking&sa=Search#1149)
model shipwright (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/searchresults,htm?cx=007748243544566308841%3A5hn8tla7pfa&cof=FORID%3A9&q=model+shipwright&sa=Search#1219)
paints (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/searchresults,htm?cx=007748243544566308841%3A5hn8tla7pfa&cof=FORID%3A9&q=paints&sa=Search#1111)

You'll note that using phrases instead of one term often results in more specific search results. Read more.....Search Tips (http://shipmodeling.net/search_tips.html)

Cheers, John