Abstract: A method of online advertising allows a plurality of computer users to communicate via a set of interconnected terminals allows for shared online experiences. A plurality of terminals, each having a user interface, connect to a server or network through a portal rather than directly to the server. On occasion and when initiated by the users, one terminal serves as a leader terminal, and each terminal has an interface that provides access to the terminal. Each terminal connects to the portal so that it can send and receive data and commands between each of the plurality of terminals and the portal through the portal, and display advertising messages generated at the portal. The portal then connects to a server using a telecommunications connection to provide the informational content resident thereon desired by the user.

Abstract: A method for facilitating viral marketing is disclosed in which a plurality of computer users communicate via a set of interconnected terminals and share online experiences under the direction of a single user. A plurality of terminals, each having a user interface, connect to a server or network through a portal rather than directly to the server. One terminal serves as a leader terminal. Each terminal connects to the portal so that it can send and receive data and commands between each of the plurality of terminals and the portal through the portal. The portal then connects to a server using a telecommunications connection. The server has the informational content resident thereon desired by the user and presents marketing messages (or other messages) to each of the users. The reactions of the users are recorded, with the recorded information used to identify when a leader of a group is also leading purchasing behavior for the group.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of computer users to communicate via a set of interconnected terminals allows for shared online experiences. A plurality of terminals, each having a user interface, connect to a server or network through a portal rather than directly to the server. On occasion and when initiated by the users, one terminal serves as a leader terminal, and each terminal has an interface that provides access to the terminal. Each terminal connects to the portal so that it can send and receive data and commands between each of the plurality of terminals and the portal through the portal. The portal then connects to a server using a telecommunications connection. The server has the informational content resident thereon desired by the user. Data is sent and received between the server and the portal over the telecommunications connection. Each terminal accesses the informational content on the server through the portal under the control of the leader terminal.