Search Alerts

So I was going back and forth as to whether or not to add craigslist support to the query alerts. On the “pro” side, it would be an incredibly useful feature. On the “con” side, it could be a bandwidth/database buster if it’s too popular. But in the end I decided “what the heck” and voila: search alerts now notify you of new craigslist posts, as they are created, checked on a daily basis. But I reserve the right to cut down the frequency of the checks if it looks like it’s going to bankrupt us. =P

If you haven’t seen the search alerts yet, check it out. (click the email icon to the right of the search bar) I think it’s the coolest feature of the site, after the actual maps of course!

Lots of changes!

Hey all, I thought i would give a rundown on what’s changed at allurstuff, if you haven’t been here in a while.

From the major-new-features dept, check out the following:

• Searches can include data from craigslist. We have the entire db of which CL cites are located where, and we can automatically search the craigslist site closest to you when you search allurstuff. There is a checkbox under the “advanced search” feature that turns this on and off, but it is turned on automatically whenever we have nothing matching your search locally. (there is also a “add results from CL” at the bottom of the search list) CL ads display below allurstuff ads (obviously – post here first! ) and show less information than allurstuff ads, but we do try our best to make sense of CL locations and put them on the right spot on the map for you.
• Speaking of CL, crossposting is now much more robust. We support a LOT more of their servers (over 400), and can auto-pick the closest one to you. If you haven’t seen the crossposting feature, it lets you post your ad and your pictures here, and we automatically upload them all to craigslist for you too. Just saving you time…
• The advanced search options are also cool. Every search is run through a formula to decide the order all the ads should appear in. But some people may have different preferences (say you live on campus and don’t have a car….distance may be much more important to you than other considerations). Just adjust the sliders and reclick the search button.
• Speaking of the search page, check out the “big map” view. Like? Think it’s useless? Let us know.
• The search alerts are my personal favorite change. Search like usual, click the email icon to the right of the search bar, and type in your email address. We’ll automatically email you any new posts that match your search, whenever they happen to get added. Very handy if want to jump on some new deal, but don’t want to come and see us every day. (sniff)
• Check out the locations page. You can see everywhere anyone’s used the site…

After that, just lots and lots of bug fixes. (over 5000) Keep emailing your suggestions! And thanks for stopping by!