Abstract: A first set of questions to elicit a response from a first user may be obtained. In response to a selection of at least one question from the first set of questions, a first video segment may be obtained. A first capture date when the first video segment was captured may be obtained. The first capture date may be verified that it is within a threshold time period. If the first capture date is verified, the first video segment may be associated with a first profile associated with the first user. At least a portion of the first profile including the first video segment may be displayed via the online platform. A first selection may be received from a second client computing platform associated with a second user viewing the first profile. The first selection may indicate a binary interest for the first user based upon the first profile.

Abstract: A first set of questions to elicit a response from a first user may be obtained. In response to a selection of at least one question from the first set of questions, a first video segment may be obtained. A first capture date when the first video segment was captured may be obtained. The first capture date may be verified that it is within a threshold time period. If the first capture date is verified, the first video segment may be associated with a first profile associated with the first user. At least a portion of the first profile including the first video segment may be displayed via the online platform. A first selection may be received from a second client computing platform associated with a second user viewing the first profile. The first selection may indicate a binary interest for the first user based upon the first profile.

Abstract: A first set of questions to elicit a response from a first user may be obtained. In response to a selection of at least one question from the first set of questions, a first video segment may be obtained. A first capture date when the first video segment was captured may be obtained. The first capture date may be verified that it is within a threshold time period. If the first capture date is verified, the first video segment may be associated with a first profile associated with the first user. At least a portion of the first profile including the first video segment may be displayed via the online platform. A first selection may be received from a second client computing platform associated with a second user viewing the first profile. The first selection may indicate a binary interest for the first user based upon the first profile.

Abstract: A database includes a first instance and a second instance. The first and second instances of the database are encrypted with a first encryption key and have content that is synchronized. Database queries from a user computing device are directed to the first instance of the database. A third instance of the database is created from one of the existing two instances of the database. The third instance is decrypted from the first encryption key and is encrypted with a second encryption key. Database queries from the user computing device are redirected from the first instance of the database to the third instance of the database without interrupting service to the user computing device. The process is repeated by creating additional instances of the database, encrypting the additional instances with new encryption keys, and by redirecting database queries to the additional instances of the database.

Abstract: A method of configuring a personalized geographical area for a user. An electronic system for providing a geographical-based service (e.g., a business directory, mapping, consumer opinions) obtains information regarding locations that can be associated with the user. Such locations may include his home address, the zip code in which he works, a business district he provides or reviews consumer opinions for, an address of an establishment for which he requests a map, etc. Using the various locations associated with the user, a personalized geographical area is configured for the user, to act as his default area when reviewing consumer opinions, requesting business locations and/or other purposes. His personalized area may change over time as the system obtains newer information regarding his activities. The personalized area may be of any size and shape, particularly non-circular, as it may be derived based on travel distances over terrain (i.e., instead of straight-line distance).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically soliciting business reviews includes a process for automatically soliciting business reviews whereby searches made, and/or reviews submitted, by individuals using a community based business listing and review system are monitored and user specific usage data is collected including: the user's identification; the business listing category in which a search was conducted and/or the business listing category in which a review was submitted by the user; and the community in which the user resides, and/or the community in which the search was made, and/or the community in which the business reviewed resides. Once user specific usage data about the user, and the searches the user conducts and/or the reviews the user has submitted, is gathered, the user specific usage data is then used to create user specific review solicitations of various types.

Abstract: A method of configuring a personalized geographical area for a user. An electronic system for providing a geographical-based service (e.g., a business directory, mapping, consumer opinions) obtains information regarding locations that can be associated with the user. Such locations may include his home address, the zip code in which he works, a business district he provides or reviews consumer opinions for, an address of an establishment for which he requests a map, etc. Using the various locations associated with the user, a personalized geographical area is configured for the user, to act as his default area when reviewing consumer opinions, requesting business locations and/or other purposes. His personalized area may change over time as the system obtains newer information regarding his activities. The personalized area may be of any size and shape, particularly non-circular, as it may be derived based on travel distances over terrain (i.e., instead of straight-line distance).

Abstract: A method of configuring a personalized geographical area for a user. An electronic system for providing a geographical-based service (e.g., a business directory, mapping, consumer opinions) obtains information regarding locations that can be associated with the user. Such locations may include his home address, the zip code in which he works, a business district he provides or reviews consumer opinions for, an address of an establishment for which he requests a map, etc. Using the various locations associated with the user, a personalized geographical area is configured for the user, to act as his default area when reviewing consumer opinions, requesting business locations and/or other purposes. His personalized area may change over time as the system obtains newer information regarding his activities. The personalized area may be of any size and shape, particularly non-circular, as it may be derived based on travel distances over terrain (i.e., instead of straight-line distance).