It has some advantages in getting to a better defined end result, but it is a lot more cumbersome to get around in - particularly if you just want to change a minor point. Previously, If I wanted to search for a MS66 coin, I just put that in my search. To change to ms67, I just changed the 6 to a 7. Now, I almost have to start the entire search over again.
It's horrible ... slow .. and a pain in the ass .. I guess they will call it progress. Anyhow , I emailed them and told them my thoughts.
That's kind of how I feel. Initially, I didn't like it, but I've gotten used to it. I just haven't yet seen any advantages, so I don't know why they changed. Sometimes folks change just for the sake of change, to give a "freshness" and perhaps an illusion of progress.
I have news on this front. At least for the short term Heritage will be running both the new system and the old system side-by-side. This is TEMPORARY though, so you should play around with the new format so that you are at least comfortable with it when the old format is no longer supported. The key complaint that I hear about the new system is that you have to start over if you want to change some small part of your search. This isn't true, it is simply a failure to understand how to back up one step without starting over. One of the strengths of the new system is the ability to back up any one search parameter without changing all the other search parameters. As you refine a search be conscious that you can undo any search refinement by clicking on the "remove" button at the top of the page (each individual search parameter is individually removable). Additionally, if you are looking at the ms 66's and you want to look at the 67's, just look to the left and click on the ms 67 link and it will add those to your search. If you then want to remove the 66's then go to the top of the page and click the remove button immediately following the term MS 66. I am willing to work with anyone who has questions regarding the new system, just pm or email me. I was skeptical at first, but I have played with it a little bit (Less than 2 hrs total) and am beginning to see the strengths. I think with time I will appreciate not getting every coin dated 1894 regardless of mint of origin when I am looking for 1894 Philly dollars more than I dislike having to adjust to a new system.
I didn't like it the last time they changed. But this one, the change is not so radical. I got used to it pretty quick. Things change, that's life - we move on.
Thanks CT. I missed those "remove" on the top. I like the results you can get with this search, but I still think that it could be so much easier if you could select from popups and say go. That way I could build a complete new search in 1 step in stead of 4 and up.
The dropdown menus are one of the old features that most people were comfortable with and we are working to add them to the new design. They will shortly be available, so that should help.
Someone needs to put some high octane in the new search engine. This thing is god-forsaken slow. I use Verizon DSL service and it takes a couple of minutes just to load up a page. The new search format may be fine ... if you have the patience.
