Abstract: A client computer program provides instructions for a processor to locate and retrieve rich media and HTML files for running in a three-dimensional graphical user interface. The program provides instructions for the processor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) graphical user interface on a display. Then, the processor generates a metaphorical user object for navigating and interacting in the three dimensions within the environment via navigational and interactional inputs, respectively, from a user. The processor also integrates an HTML object into the environment, and interacts the user object with the HTML object in response to an interactional input from the user. Preferably, the processor generates one or more additional user objects for additional users. Each of the additional user objects can also interact with the HTML object, the first user object and/or each other within the environment in response to interactional inputs from the additional users.

Abstract: A method and system for providing online live auctions platform is disclosed. The online live auction platform is provided among a group of bidders having similar or same interests or in one or more virtual communities. An auction process starts in a first community that permits a member of a first virtual community to list an auctioned item for bidding. All members in the first virtual community can participate in the bidding and members in a second virtual community may participate in the bidding by becoming part of the first virtual community or through one of the members in the first virtual community.