Abstract: A method and system for filtering website content prevents undesirable words or phrases from appearing in website postings sent by website users. The invention intercepts all content submitted by the user, and processes the content before posting it on the website. Intercepted content is first processed through a blocking subroutine, which first calls a preprocessing subroutine and then calls a content breakdown subroutine. The content breakdown subroutine utilizes a recursive comparison subroutine to identify undesirable words or phrases against previously identified words or phrases stored in a database. Options may be set in the system to replace the inappropriate content with acceptable content and then post the message or block the message entirely. The user may or may not be notified that their message has been blocked or replaced. The program then calls a matching subroutine for further processing of the intercepted content.

Abstract: A survey tool, that may be a web-based or downloadable application, is provided to ordinary online users to enable them to create their own survey, quiz, test, poll, or similar item for posting on their website, blog, or social networking or community site page. The Internet user designs a survey utilizing the survey tool. The market research company allows the Internet user to post the results of at least one question from the survey designed by the Internet user on their own website, blog, social networking or community site page, etc. The market research company may invite the survey takers and survey viewers, as well as the Internet user, to join the market research company online survey panel through clicking on a link to the market research company's website. Thus, the market research company is able to add new members to its online survey panel with very little effort.

Abstract: A method of mutually enhancing retail sales and user traffic on a web site involves offering an item code to a customer at a retail store, a place of business, or other promotional site in one of several different ways. Instructions are provided with the item code directing the customer to visit a web site, the instructions including the URL of the web site. The customer accesses the web site utilizing the URL address. The customer enters the item code where provided for on the web page and submits the item code. A server computer receives the item code, processes the item code, and returns to the customer's computer a web page for display indicating the virtual item that the customer has acquired through the item code. The customer may now interact within the environment provided for by the web site with the virtual item acquired.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for delivering advertisements to users. The advertisement method and system displays one or more rendered characters (e.g., cartoon characters, animated objects) who may be engaged in conversation. The conversation may be represented as text displayed below the characters, as text in bubbles near the heads of the characters, as audio that is played through a speaker system, or any other means by which conversation can be represented. As the characters engage in conversation, the conversation is dynamically adapted to include advertisements. The advertisement method and system may select which advertisements are served to a user either randomly or based on the known characteristics (e.g., age, gender, income, location, occupation, and hobbies) of the user, on characteristics of the character, on previous conversations between the character and the user, or on requirements of the advertiser.