Help with searchform with GET

Question

OK

If im on: index.php?area=characters

and type in eg. Agamemnon Busmalis in the search field:

<h2>Search Character</h2>
<form action="?area=characters" method="get">
Name: <input type="text" name="name" />
</form>

I want it do send me to : index.php?area=characters&name=Agamemnon+Busmalis

but instead it sends me to: index.php?name=Agamemnon+Busmalis

why is this?

Answer 1

Add a hidden form element:

 <h2>Search Character</h2>
 <form  method="get">
 Name: <input type="text" action="form.html" name="name" />
 <input type="hidden" name="area" value="characters" />
 </form>