         if @state.add_searching # already searching
             return
         search = @state.add_search.trim()
-        if search.length == 0
-            @setState(err:undefined, add_select:undefined)
-            return
+        #if search.length == 0
+        #    @setState(err:undefined, add_select:undefined)
+        #    return
         @setState(add_searching:true, add_select:undefined)
         add_search = @state.add_search
         salvus_client.find_directories

                                return true
                        return false
                    resp.directories = (path for path in resp.directories when not omit(path))
                @setState(add_searching:false, add_select:resp.directories)

    clear_and_focus_assignment_add_search_input : ->

                        <Input
                            ref         = 'assignment_add_input'
                            type        = 'text'
                            placeholder = "Add assignment by folder name (enter to see available folders)..."
                            value       = {@state.add_search}
                            buttonAfter = {@assignment_add_search_button()}
                            onChange    = {=>@setState(add_select:undefined, add_search:@refs.assignment_add_input.getValue())}
