[Rd] RSiteSearch, sos, rdocumentation.org, ...?

[Spencer Graves]

Hello:


       What search capabilities seem most valuable for R users, and how 
can those needs most easily be met?


       I ask, because the database behind RSiteSearch and sos is based 
on Namazu, which is no longer maintained, and Jonathan Baron, who 
maintains that database, is considering alternatives. 
"rdocumentation.org" provides some but apparently not all of the desired 
capabilities.


       Might this be an appropriate time to consider a redesign of 
search capabilities for R?  The "sos" package is designed to search 
packages more than help pages.  Unfortunately, I don't understand how it 
interfaces with the database.  If changes to Baron's database break 
findFn{sos}, I'd like help in fixing the problem -- or in deciding to 
discontinue sos in favor of something else.  (Of course, if changes to 
Baron's database break findFn, RSiteSearch may need comparable maintenance.)


       Thanks,
       Spencer