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Absolutely!
When I first started fly fishing I never heard the term "searching pattern". I heard "Attractors" a lot. Now, it seems the term "searching pattern" has taken over.

Jeff,
If I copied this correctly, it is an interesting explanation of an attractor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qhTAxTgjb0

Granted, everyone has their own opinion on things, but I found...

Sounds a bit like you care?

Well, when I fish an "attractor", I am hoping to induce a take when there might not be a hatch in progress. I am looking (searching) for a trout that is also "searching" for food and the fly...

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Bucky's is that there is "no difference" between the two. It is my opinion as well. IMHO.

I had also asked Blue Ribbon Flies if there is a difference, as I really respect their opinions.

Got this response from Bucky at Blue Ribbon Flies. He is one of their top tiers and sort of runs...

Thanks to all for their input.

Sorry, I just see no difference.
You said: "an attractor is something that doesn't look like anything in nature". And then you say:"....for example, a Royal Coachman is a pretty good pattern to...

How would you explain the difference between an attractor and a searching pattern?

Hans Wielenmann has an interesting pattern on this site called the F Bug. In answer to a question about the fly's purpose/imitation, Hans explained that the original is a general purpose emerger - as...