Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing news syndication discovery and competitive awareness. The method includes generating a first search set, the first search set including at least one URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for being searched to determine if the at least one URL syndicates content from a first content provider's RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed. The method further includes validating the at least one URL of the first search set, the validated URL syndicating content from the first content provider's RSS feed. The method further includes generating a second search set, the second search set including at least one URL (Uniform Resource Locator) which syndicates content from a second content provider's RSS feed.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for displaying user participation in a Web application. At least one predetermined rule is established for a plurality of user participation levels based upon an amount of at least one parameter of activity on a Web application server. An amount of the at least one parameter of activity that is attributable to a particular registered user is measured and the at least one predetermined rule is applied to the measured amount of the at least one parameter to determine a current participation level for the registered user. The registered user is then provided with a graphical user interface that displays the current participation level of the registered user in relation to the plurality of participation levels. Optionally, the user interface is persistent and provides the registered user with instructions on reaching the next participation level and information about benefits available at that level.