[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #8166: Plugin Search Algorithm Creates Barriers for New Plugin Discoverability

[Making WordPress.org]

#8166: Plugin Search Algorithm Creates Barriers for New Plugin Discoverability
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 Reporter:  webstepper        |       Owner:  (none)
     Type:  enhancement       |      Status:  new
 Priority:  normal            |   Milestone:  Improved Search
Component:  Plugin Directory  |  Resolution:
 Keywords:                    |
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Comment (by yani.iliev):

 **Search** and **discovery** are different functions and both exist to
 serve users, not authors.

 Search answers "I know what I want. Help me find the best match." The user
 has intent and the algorithm's job is to connect that intent to the most
 relevant and reliable result. When I search for "discount rules" I want to
 see the plugins that thousands of other users have already vetted through
 installs, reviews and support interactions. Popular results ranking higher
 is search working correctly. This is how search works everywhere, from
 Google search to app stores.

 Discovery answers "I don't know what exists. Show me something
 interesting." This is where surfacing new, unproven, or niche plugins
 makes sense. It can be done through curated sections, trending lists, or
 recommendations. These should not be injected into search results or it
 will degrade the search experience.

 If I search for a specific feature and get a random new plugin nobody has
 tested then that is not helping me but it is using my search as marketing
 opportunity.

 Quality plugins and themes eventually bubble up to the top because:
 - Users install them and keep them (installs grow)
 - Users leave reviews (ratings improve)
 - Users ask questions, authors respond (support history builds)
 - Users recommend them to others (organic growth compounds)

 This takes time. It is supposed to take time. The time is the filter.

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Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/8166#comment:2>
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