To index search results or not?

[nicole.healthline]

In its webmaster guidelines, Google says not to index search results " that don't add much value for users coming from search engines." I've noticed several big brands index search results, and am wondering if it is generally OK to index search results with high engagement metrics (high PVPV, time on site, etc).

We have an database of content, and it seems one of the best ways to get this content in search engines would be to allow indexing of search results (to capture the long tail) rather than build thousands of static URLs.

Have any smaller brands had success with allowing indexing of search results? Any best practices or recommendations?

[SteveTheWoodsman]

Matt Cutts addressed this back in 2007: 
http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/search-results-in-search-results/ 

Short answer: its best not to allow it as Google will drop it when they catch it so its just a waste of your time.

I hope that helps!