Abstract: A system and method for processing a request for contextual information. The method comprises the steps of receiving a request for contextual information from a client, determining particulars of the request. The method also comprises the step of determining an appropriate response to the request, the appropriate response comprising at least one selected from the group comprising of: (1) enhancing, adding, or deleting select particulars of the request, (2) determining at least one appropriate sponsor or provider to fulfill the request, and (3) determining appropriate contextual information to present to the client in response to the request.

Abstract: A high impact desktop or palmtop product placement or “shaper” display presentation technique overcomes disadvantages of previous ad display techniques while providing high consumer interest and increased flexibility for content creators. An advertisement is run in front of or behind a web browser view so it appears with the user's desktop as background, and in a non-rectangular shape that looks nothing like a traditional pop-up or pop-under ad. A “shaper” ad can, for example, have any desired shape such as for example an exact replica of a product being advertised e.g., a cell phone, a Sports Utility Vehicle climbing a mountain, a plasma television set, etc.