In Episode 4 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey dive into the complex world of search systems and the importance of semantics in delivering relevant results. This episode explores the frustrations users often face when search systems fail to recognize variations in spelling, synonyms, and context, which can drastically impact user experience.

Virgil and Cole discuss common issues with search systems, such as treating every search term the same and ignoring common phrases and alternative names. They share real-world examples, like a bank where users searched for one name in numerous ways, illustrating the need for search systems to recognize and account for these variations. The team also emphasizes that improving search functionality requires more than just turning it on—it involves continuous work, testing, and understanding of user behavior.

To wrap up, Virgil highlights best practices, including using “push search” technology to guide users to the right results and leveraging search analytics to understand how people are searching. By the end of the episode, listeners will gain practical insights into making search more intuitive and user-friendly.

Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com.

(0:00) - Intro
(1:26) - A lot of search systems suck
(1:57) - Search needs semantics
(3:04) - Search with VS without semantics 
(4:48) - When AB&T meets AB and T
(6:14) - The English language is funny
(8:00) - The power of curated results
(10:50) - Virgil's biggest piece of advice
(12:41) - Outro

S2E4: Why search systems fail without semantics

[Instrumental intro]

[Verse 1]
We love simple solutions,
Let's apply them everywhere.
We love simple ideas,
Let's grow them without care.

[Instrumental break]

[Pre-chorus]
We dream of calm, but storms still rise,
Truth and lies blend before our eyes.
What's real dissolves, what's false remains,
And nothing ever feels the same.

[Instrumental break]

[Verse 2]
We love rich illusions,
Let's build them everywhere.
We love a richest humans,
Let's grow them in our heads.

[Pre-chorus]
We dream of calm, but storms still rise,
Truth and lies blend before our eyes.
What's real dissolves, what's false remains,
And nothing ever feels the same.

[Chorus]
But this is real world...
So contextual.
But this is real chaos...
So unpredictable.
But this is real human...
So emotional.
But this is real life...
Nothing simple...
is applicable.

[Solo]

[Verse 3]
We love new things,
Let's spread them everywhere.
We love new feelings,
Let's dump old and don't care.

[Pre-chorus]
We dream of calm, but storms still rise,
Truth and lies blend before our eyes.
What's real dissolves, what's false remains,
And nothing ever feels the same.

[Instrumental break]

[Chorus]
But this is real world...
So contextual.
But this is real chaos...
So unpredictable.
But this is real human...
So emotional.
But this is real life...
Nothing simple...
is applicable.

[Solo]
[Solo 2]
[Outro]

Contextual

This piece explores the intertwined histories of two characters: a wandering ronin and a kappa. My aim was not only to develop distinct themes reflecting each character's essence but also to convey through a freely enough interpreted musical language a deeper context for their relationship and the unique "chemistry" between them.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5QPeppSczN6AE5TbThIC8B?si=4qeADGKLS0aWD-c41nRzaQ
VK: https://vk.com/music/album/-2000826590_24826590_f5682129a5b6edc39c
Yandex: https://music.yandex.ru/album/37611763

Shirohebi no rei to kappa

Shirohebi no rei to kappa [PREVIEW]

THE FOG IS HERE

A collection of forward thinking tracks that I've been sitting on for quite some time. Some a few years, some more recent. I've been feeling music in a different space and very excited to test some of these out in the future. Thank you to all my friends and family who believe in my project. Thank you to Seity for always keeping my art dripped up and to sh1elds for the new facelift on the ole logo :)

XPEREMINTZ ID MIXTAPE 2025

Defter - One man Ukrainian band created in early 2012. Post rock and atmosphere texture music influenced guitar soundscapes and instrumentals.

# Inspiration everywhere

Sentient Loser 
contact me; bookings/
slomatotunes@gmail.com


SUPPORT:
https://soundcloud.com/subcietypresents
https://soundcloud.com/blackmoonsyndicate
https://soundcloud.com/aspirehighermusic
https://soundcloud.com/citrusgrovecollective

Discussing Stupid returns to the airwaves to transform digital facepalms into teachable moments—all in the time it takes to enjoy your coffee break! Sponsored by High Monkey, this podcast dives into ‘stupid’ practices across websites and Microsoft collaboration tools, among other digital realms. 

Our "byte-sized" bi-weekly episodes are packed with expert insights and a healthy dose of humor. Discussions focus on five key areas: Business Process & Collaboration, UX/IA, Inclusive Design, Content & Search, and Performance & SEO. 

Join us and let’s start making the digital world a bit less stupid, one episode at a time.

New tracks tagged #contextual