Abstract: A method of associating metadata with digital content items is provided. The method includes determining portions of a digital content item containing content meriting associating of preexisting or dynamically-determined metadata information, associating such preexisting or dynamically-determined metadata with selected portions of the digital content item via application of tags to the selected portions, and controlling, during a dynamically unfolding time interval definable via timestamps, subsequent consumption of the digital content item based on the intermittent presence of tags.

Abstract: A method of associating metadata with digital content items is provided. The method includes determining portions of a digital content item containing content meriting associating of preexisting or dynamically-determined metadata information, associating such preexisting or dynamically-determined metadata with selected portions of the digital content item via application of tags to the selected portions, and controlling, during a dynamically unfolding time interval definable via timestamps, subsequent consumption of the digital content item based on the intermittent presence of tags.

Abstract: A method for recommending content to a consumer in a manner proactively controlled by the consumer. The method is based on subscription to one or more consumer-identified authorities that receive content of potential interest to the consumer. The method comprises identifying an authority that shares an interest of the consumer, and establishing a communication channel through which information about the authority is passed to the consumer. The method further comprises monitoring a consumption activity of the identified authority, and offering one or more content recommendations to the consumer based on such monitoring.