Abstract: A network-based rating system provides a mechanism whereby users can submit and rate challenges in a challenge processing step and submit and rank ideas in an idea processing step that correspond to the challenges in the challenge processing step. The highest rated challenge is determined in the challenge processing step and is then submitted to users in an idea processing step. Alternatively, challenges submitted by users in the challenge processing step are submitted to users for ideas in the idea processing step on an ongoing basis. In these alternative embodiments, the challenge rated in the idea processing step is a challenge other than the highest rated challenge determined in the challenge processing step. In another embodiment, the users rating challenges are the same users rating ideas in the idea processing step and in other embodiments the users are not the same as those rating ideas in the idea processing step.

Abstract: A method of ranking user reputation in a multi-user network includes using a display interface to display various concepts for discussion to multiple users of the network. The method includes receiving, from a first registered user via a data interface, a discussion post and a ranking for one of the displayed concepts. Other registered users submit responses to the first registered user's discussion post, such that each response includes an indication of whether the response is positive or negative. The method includes determining, via a processing device, a reputation rank for the first registered user. The reputation rank calculation is based on a number of discussion posts received from that registered user, as well as a number of positive responses received from the other registered users for the first registered user's discussion posts. The method includes displaying the reputation rank to the registered users via the display interface.

Abstract: An idea collaboration system includes an innovation market that accepts and displays user-submitted ideas; a discussion section that allows registered users to comment on and ranking ideas; and an idea merit section that displays an indication of merit for the ideas. The indication of merit for each idea is based on at least: (i) a number of different registered users who have submitted comments for the idea; (ii) a determination of user interest for the idea; and (iii) a reputation rank for registered users who provided a positive ranking for the idea.