Abstract: A system and method of providing information to improve efficiency of human searchers obtaining information on behalf of users is described. A query is processed to improve its form prior to being presented to a human searcher. A type associated with a query is determined which may affect a probability that a human searcher will respond to the query. Actions of a human searcher may be used to modify automated processing and decision making for processing of a query.

Abstract: A method for determining whether secondary activities (activities that can be executed during system “down time”) should be executed at a time, and executing at least one of the secondary activities according to a priority or interrupt scheme. The invention monitors a threshold, which can be based on several factors, to determine when system conditions are such that secondary activities should be conducted. When system conditions are such that secondary activities should occur, the invention conducts secondary activities according to an interrupt scheme.

Abstract: A method for determining whether secondary activities (activities that can be executed during system “down time”) should be executed at a time, and executing at least one of the secondary activities according to a priority or interrupt scheme. The invention monitors a threshold, which can be based on several factors, to determine when system conditions are such that secondary activities should be conducted. When system conditions are such that secondary activities should occur, the invention conducts secondary activities according to an interrupt scheme.

Abstract: A system and method of providing information to improve efficiency of human searchers obtaining information on behalf of users is described. A set of resources and tools which is optimized to locate a search result is described. Custom search tools, custom rendering, multiple query submission, and caching of results are used to assist a guide. A system and method of selecting an offer and delivering the offer to a user along with a verification code is provided.

Abstract: A system and method of providing information to improve efficiency of human searchers obtaining information on behalf of users is described. A first responder to a request is provided with specialized tools for responding to a request. An initial evaluation of a query may be used to determine the responder and the type of tools which will be provided initially. A toolset which allows rapid responses based on data resources, common queries, and contextual information of a user, a request, partially matching queries and previous responses to previous queries is used to improve the probability that a first responder may provide a suitable response to a query.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering peer to peer messaging on a demand basis is implemented. An originating user specifies a message and targeting information for the message. When a target user submits a request for information, a message is delivered to the target user. A message may include compensation for a target user. A message may include information regarding contacting an originator or a recipient of a message. A system and method enables a connection to be established between a user and a provider.

Abstract: A method and system for improving targeting of advertisements allows guides to provide opinion information regarding advertisements responsive to targeting information associated with the advertisements. An advertiser selects a category, keyword and/or profile associated with an advertisement which may be used to select a guide who may express an opinion. Rating of an advertisement based on guide opinions are used to adjust a ranking of advertisements which may be used to determine if an advertisement will be provided to a user.

Abstract: A method for allowing an information seeker to utilize affiliate group searching involving human searchers who are members of particular information affiliate groups. Each affiliate group has an area of expertise in which they are particularly skilled. In at least one embodiment, the method includes accepting designation of an affiliate group for providing information searching and presenting search results produced by a member of the affiliate group to an information seeker.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing and accessing resources useable to retrieve information is provided. Data of resources used by human providers to retrieve information in response to a query from requesters are maintained in a database for use in relation to subsequent queries. The method and system identifies categories and/or keywords of queries for which the resources were used to retrieve information and indicates the resources to providers and/or requesters as a search resource(s).

Abstract: A method and system for improving utilization of human searcher(s) in a search system including utilizing a processing such as Natural Language Processing to improve the ability of the search system to recognize an intent of a user request, provide information to an expeditor to respond to queries, and automatically route a query to a relevant and qualified searcher. Using NLP, a request is processed to allow improved use of automated responses, more effective use of the expeditor, and more effective use of search specialists.

Abstract: A system and method are described for managing user interaction(s) and information of user(s). The system may select activities which are associated with a user system and may inform content providers of user systems which have received content from the system. User actions are detected and responses associated with the activities associated with the user system are executed. A user interface which is specific to a user system may be defined. A user may access various forms of information which may include using a human assistant to access information. The system and method include creating an index of redacted information associated with a user and selectively providing access to the information for performing a transaction or service on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A method and system are described for creating a recurring or triggered search request. A search request is associated with a condition which initiates an information search. A search result, including a search query associated with a search request and a condition may be provided to a user via any or all communication services and/or devices associated with the user. A tool is provided to enable a user to select an existing search request and/or search result which may be used to create a triggered or ‘favorite’ search query which may be triggered as designated. Triggered search requests may be suggested to a user using automated and/or human assisted techniques.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating a purchase including using assistance of a search service and redacting data is described. A user may link an account of a search service with an account of a vendor and may use the linked accounts to purchase an item and/or service from the vendor. A human assistant may select information of an item and/or service from a vendor associated with a user and may provide information of the item to the search system in order that an offer for the item and/or service may be provided to a user and a purchase of the item and/or service may be completed by the user.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing human searchers and/or guides to select a search result(s) which may and/or may not be influenced by commercial or compensation information. A guide(s) may be selected and/or provided with information which may be influenced by compensation information associated with the guide(s) and/or other information. Human judgment may be used to select an organic search result(s) and/or a sponsored result. A person searching on behalf of another may make a decision regarding what will be provided to the other person based on varying degrees of commercial influence which may be explicitly and/or indirectly applied to a selection by a person.

Abstract: A system and method of processing a request including improving usage and/or performance of resources is disclosed. Information relating to a user request may be provided to one or more resources which process the information and provide a result. A result and/or other information may be provided to a human assistant or guide who may process information to produce a result and/or review a result(s). Information provided by a guide may be processed and provided to a resource, which may improve the performance of a resource. A resource(s) and/or a guide(s) may be selected and/or provided with activities based on ratings and/or rankings associated with a request, which may optimize usage of system resources. Information obtained may be provided for various purposes.

Abstract: A method and system of providing a search result to a user based on information indicated in a restricted access resource is described. A search system utilizing the assistance of human searchers or guides may obtain a search result using information included in a restricted resource. Access to a restricted resource is granted to guides based on access information provided to the search service. A guide may access information indicated in a restricted resource in order to obtain a search result. A search result obtained based on information indicated in a restricted resource may be returned to a user.

Abstract: A method and system for referring a user to a provider of good(s), service(s) and/or information thereof which utilizes a human assistant. A human searcher or guide is selected to respond to a user request, and communication is established between a user and a guide. If the system determines that a user is requesting a product(s) and/or service(s), a provider of the product(s) and/or the service(s) is identified, and a communication session is established between a user and a provider of goods and/or services. A search system may assist in completing a transaction and may provide a referral service. Payment may be made using a payment system associated with a user using Premium SMS without requiring a user to provide payment information to a guide and/or the search system.

Abstract: A method and system of improving utilization of human searcher(s) in a search system provides an ambassador guide who may categorize and structure a request, interact with a user, provide a search result, and review a search result. The ambassador guide improves response time, automation, and efficiency of use of searchers and resources of the search system. A toolset may be provided to an ambassador to assist in rapidly executing relevant tasks.

Abstract: A method and system of promoting service(s) of a search system are disclosed. A monitoring software or a search monitor may be operative on a user device. A user may be notified of an alternate search result(s) when such a result is identified. Condition(s) whereby a notification is presented to a user may be modified based on user action(s) and/or other information.

Abstract: A system and method of associating various communication services with a user ID is described. Using the association of a user ID with various communication service(s) and/or device(s), information related to a search request may be provided via any or all devices and/or communication services which are associated with the user ID.