gnome-search-tool cannot find files in a hidden directory

OK, I get it. You have to press the "Add button".

This seems rather unsatisfactory, since the option is shown. I don't suppose there's any chance of refining this behavior a little?

If you define it once it'll be kept for the next search, at least it's here the case.
You can do the same via gconf-editor and select preference there.
/apps/gnome-search-tool/select

Or use CLI tools to locate files. (e.g. find, locate, whereis)
http://www.thegeekstuff.com/2009/03/15-practical-linux-find-command-examples/

Id recommend changing your question into a bug. This is kind of annoying, but consistent with gnome's simplification of options theme.

Id had a quick look but did not see any existing bug; though I may have been using the wrong keywords

OK, but I'd like to rewrite it, since the original question as stated is not correct. I'll just start with a new bug report and link this discussion. Do you suggest Ubuntu gnome-utils, or send it straight to Gnome Bugzilla?

But first, I have a suggestion on how to fix it.
1. Add a blank option to the list of dropdown options.
2. Change the "Add" button to a blank button (or no button).
3. If any option (except blank) is selected, then the button automatically changes to "Remove" status.
4. Change "Available options" to "Other options" or just "Options". (If this involves any sort of delay because of international string translation, skip this step.)

This is the simplest and least disruptive way I can think of to fix it. It preserves the space-saving but informative nature of the current system, and it's easily discoverable. Coding changes would limited essentially to a single logical test and replacement of two strings with blanks.

I have a screen shot, but I don't seem to be able to attach it. Are there any comments before I submit it?

#3
An added option does already change the button to 'Remove', at least here on 10.10.
Also described there.
http://library.gnome.org/users/gnome-search-tool/2.91/gnome-search-tool.html

It isn't possible to attach a screenshot on LP 'answers' but to bug report.

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Bugs/Upstream/GNOME

## Anyway, I wouldn't have a problem with the layout(function), although I actually never use this tool, I rather use CLI.

3. Although the grammar wasn't clear, the intention is to change it from blank to remove, or preferably from a grayed out "Button" to an active "Remove" button. I have rethought it a little, and the revised change is about as simple and easy as I can make it for both program maintainers and users.

I have reported it as Gnome bug https://bugzilla.gnome.org/show_bug.cgi?id=638715 . Any hints on getting someone to actually read it and make the changes?

There is a mailing list.
http://live.gnome.org/GnomeUtils

Not sure if anyone will work on this seriously.
> gnome-search-tool - not needed in Unity, needed for 2D experience
## next to last line at the end of page.
https://blueprints.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+spec/packageselection-desktop-n-gnome3

> gnome-search-tool - not needed in Unity, needed for 2D experience

I don't know what that means, but Ubuntu doesn't even know about this bug because there's no Ubuntu bug report.

I think they need to fix the search tool or replace it. Although I think I have the errors fixed in my copy, it doesn't seem all that reliable.