Searching for someone

Hi

I tried searching for the leader of a FC on my world that I am looking to join. Yet when ever i do the search by either first or last name it says player not found...or something like that.

So my question is
1. Am i doing something wrong?
2. Does the player search function only work when characters are on line?
3. Is there an easier way? I assume that Tells only work as well if player is online?

Thank in advance for your help.

1. No
2. Yes
3. No. Yes.

Thank you for answering.

ps I now also understand all the 10char posts as all i was going to say was thank you. Lmao :p