Abstract: A system and method for manipulating Internet-based ads, wherein the ads are manipulated using a browser that detects such ads. The detected ads can be displayed, deleted, replaced with other ads, or saved to a memory device by the browser. The browser can either be pre-programmed with instructions as to how to manipulate detected ads, or the browser can contact a web site maintained by the manufacturer of the browser each time it detects an ad so as to determine how to manipulate the ad. The manufacturer can earn revenue by only allowing the browser to display ads for which the manufacturer has been compensated by an advertiser. The present invention also includes an interface feature for selectively or automatically capturing detected ads, wherein such ads are not displayed on the browser but are instead stored in a memory device according to user-defined criteria for viewing at a subsequent time.

Abstract: An extensible business method for performing research over the internet is presented. A first community web site is provided for a first targeted industry. User profile and feedback information is gathered from the users of the first community web site. The gathered user profile and feedback information from the first community web site is provided to at least one subscribing client of another web site. This method may be duplicated by repeating the above steps to a second targeted industry. In one example, a method for performing on-line consumer research over the internet is implemented comprising the following steps. User reaction of at least one user to at least one advertisement displayed on a first web site is gathered. Then research information is provided to a subscribing client on a second web site, based on the gathered user reaction on the first web site.

Abstract: Enhancements to a business method for performing research over the internet are presented. In one aspect, a user is requested to select a ratable object. The user is then requested to select a color to associate with the selected ratable object, after the selected ratable object has been viewed by the user so that research result is obtained. In another aspect, a community web site is provided for a plurality of users for a first targeted industry. User information for the plurality of users of the community web site are gathered. Thought leaders among the plurality of users of the community web site are then identified. In yet another aspect, as a way to entice users to a website for gaining research information, a user is allowed to select an advertisement from a plurality of advertisements and the user is allowed to send an email containing a link to the selected advertisement.