Abstract: Electronic buying and selling systems and methods are provided. In particular, relations among distinct price curves and buyers or potential buyers are disclosed. For instance, a price offered to a system user can vary based on total volume of all people aggregating in private environments, cumulative total order by user, ship date, optimal time, as well as terms and conditions associated with the offer (e.g., no cancellation of order, cancellation possible, payment method . . . ).

Abstract: A method is provided for compensating subscribers to a network upon which works of authorship are published. The method comprises (a) providing a network having a plurality of subscribers; (b) publishing to the network works of authorship created by subscribers; and (c) compensating subscribers based on the number of times a work of authorship created by the subscriber is downloaded by other members of the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tracking referrals among a plurality of members of a social network. A data storage is created to store member information for the plurality of members. Relationships between the plurality of members are determined using the member information in the data storage. A data structure is created to show relationships between the plurality of members. Member events are received for the plurality of members. In response to a purchasing member of the plurality of members making a purchase, determining one or more members contributing to the purchase based on the member events and the data structure.

Abstract: A method and system for secure distribution and tracking of information and content of a third party via multiple social networks is described. The invention takes information and content marked to be promoted by a third party using an online application, and distributes and promotes the information to the social networks of everyone who is signed up as an ‘ambassador’ for that third party. When published, the information and content includes a personalized link associated with each ambassador to social network combination. Via the nature of social networks, this information is additionally redistributed into the users who are associated with those ambassadors in their social networks. As those users follow the personalized links back to the promoted information and content, the source ambassador to social network combination gets recorded and statistics about that user's viewing of the information and content are recorded.

Abstract: A network based review management system and method for managing a plurality of enrolled websites and a plurality of review content items includes a network, a first database of enrolled websites connected to the network, and a second database of review content items connected to the network. Each of the enrolled websites of the first database is associated with one or more review content items of the second database. When one of the enrolled websites is accessed over the network, the one or more review content items from the second database are delivered over the network to the accessed one of the enrolled websites for viewing thereof and/or one or more review content items is added over the network to the second database through the accessed one of the enrolled websites.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing a referral reward incentive via a networking website is described. Registration information for an item that is associated with a reward may be received. Information relating to an item purchased by a first subscriber of the networking website may be displayed. A recommendation for the purchased item may be posted from the first subscriber to a second subscriber of the networking website. The reward may be distributed to the first subscriber if the second subscriber purchases the item based on the recommendation received from the first subscriber.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel system and method for implementing an electronic customer referral service that both checks that the new customer is distinct from the referring customer and tracks the referral so that the old customer gets credit for their referred new customer's action.

Abstract: A referral system and method for promoting, networking and selling media, preferably music, operated by an artist registered in the website and a participant, in which the participant uses a social networking website that facilitates the participant to access a plurality of means to obtain income by referring other participants. The participant may be an artist or a fan of the artist. The participant can sign up into the website and pays a fee to purchase music or other media from other artists in the website. A portion of the income will be distributed to the artists, and a percentage from the portion of the income will be earned by the system. Income generated by each artist depends on the number of participants who join the referral system. Artists have the opportunity to upload media that may be purchased by other participants or artists. Fans can earn income through referrals.

Abstract: A consumer-oriented commerce facilitation (COCF) server provides a service that enables a provider to establish a provider profile and enables a consumer to establish a consumer profile. The service accesses a provider profile database and a consumer profile and provides a COCF client application that enables the consumer to maintain: preferred provider information, consumer list information indicating products associated with the consumer, payment account information indicating sources of payment for a purchase transaction, and community information identifying members of a consumer community members. The application enables a consumer to access a preferred provider user interface (UI) that provides links to storefront UIs. The UI enables the consumer to browse and purchase products offered by the provider.

Abstract: A user of an interactive medium may select advertising for display on the user's avatar, property, or other user-associated environment. The invention presents one or more advertisements to the user and allows the user to select at least one advertisement to display. The user may also choose a location for displaying the selected advertisement. The invention presents the selected advertisement to other users of the interactive medium. The invention tracks these presentations or displays and rewards the original user based on the presentation. The tracking data may also be used to bill the advertiser or optimize the process of selecting and displaying advertisements.

Abstract: A method for mobile marketing includes, with a mobile computing device, requesting an electronic benefit an entity associated with a mobile marketing system, receiving a first electronic benefit from the entity in response to the request, and receiving a second electronic benefit in response to sharing the first benefit.

Abstract: A system and method for providing referral based incentive awards for a moving company. The system includes storage means for electronically storing a plurality of client referral records. Each of the plurality of client referral records preferably includes a plurality of metadata fields identifying a referring client's name, a referred customer's name and information relating to a status of the move task associated with the referred customer's name. The system further includes processor means coupled to the storage means for processing each of the client referral records to determine if an incentive award is due a referring client. An incentive award may be due based at least upon a change in status of a move task in the metadata associated with a referred customer's name.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for helping businesses increase word of mouth marketing/advertising and manage relationships with their customers. Embodiments are also directed to helping businesses quantify the effect of the generated word of mouth marketing/advertising. Certain embodiments provide incentives for customers to write online reviews of the businesses they patronize. Customers can also refer businesses to a review, profile and marketing management system through which the businesses can purchase additional marketing services, which may include providing the referred businesses: (1) access to a review module to respond to customer reviews posted to the system, (2) the ability to provide special offers to customers who have signed up with the system to generate additional reviews, and (3) content data posted on the system (e.g. web viewable content) in which basic information of the businesses is integrated with the reviews.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods, which allow a more efficient shopping experience. A cascading commerce menu provides access to a plurality of product, service, and/or content categories. In one embodiment, the cascading commerce menu is stored on a client computer, thereby providing quick access to the menu.

Abstract: A method for obtaining new users of an online system within a socially networked environment. New users are registered and associated with a registered user. A status level is formed as a function of the number of new users associated with the registered user. The status level can have thresholds, or depends on the status level of the associated registered users. Incentive rewards can be determined based on the status level. The status level of each registered user can be visible to each other user thereby forming a social environment based status level.

Abstract: A social networking system uses information that it obtains from and about its users to select social networking content and advertising for presentation to users in a way that optimizes for one or more optimization goals. Example optimization goals include monetization, user sharing, user engagement, system growth, and user communication. The social networking system may select social networking content and advertising based on their relevance to a particular user. The selected social networking content and advertising may be related to each other to provide a more interesting display to the user. The selected social networking content and advertising may be presented in a supplemental portion of a display, and be selected based on their relatedness to content in the main portion of the display.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to modeling propagation of an information item in an online social network. A quality value for the information item to be posted in the online social network is calculated, and the quality value is compared to a posting threshold value. The posting threshold value being determined based on a strategic user model. A propagation of the information item through the online social network is emulated based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a media file for distribution and identifying a plurality of commercial messages as possible content that can be associated with the media file when it is distributed. Votes from a plurality of customers can be received, with each vote reflecting a customer's preference for at least one of the plurality of commercial messages. The votes can be calculated and at least one preferred commercial message can be designated based on the calculation. At least one preferred commercial message can be associated with the media file to create a combined media file and the combined media file can be distributed and/or made available for distribution.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for advertising supported matchmaking services includes logging onto a matchmaking service website for accessing a basic set of matchmaking functionalities. Completing at least one specified action on the first matchmaking service website generally assists the matchmaking service website in increasing revenue. Receiving incentive points, associated with the completing of the at least one specified action, encourages a generally consistent and generally productive use of the matchmaking service website. A list of premium matchmaking functionalities enhances a use of the matchmaking service website, wherein use of each of the premium matchmaking functionalities requires a predetermined number of the incentive points.

Abstract: A method of reducing environmental impact by providing filtered water alternatives at various locations within grounds of an institution is provided. The method includes providing a branded filtered water system to an institution. The branded filtered water system including a plurality of portable, reusable water containers and a network of point-of-use water filtration devices to be placed at various locations within the institution. The point-of-use water filtration devices are interrelated by branding the point-of-use water filtration devices to provide a visual association with the filtered water system.

Abstract: A method of arranging contracts for wedding-related goods and/or services through an Internet-based platform wherein advertising vendors pay a fee only if a contract is entered into with customers of the advertising vendors.

Abstract: A computer system and method for managing commissions, including: a storage device containing a database having commission data and a periodic extract of sales transactions stored therein; a user interface for inputting the commission data into the database and viewing the commission data stored in the database; and a processor for calculating commissions for sales representatives and agents associated with a business enterprise based on the commission data, and forwarding the calculated commissions to a payroll department within the business enterprise; wherein the processor executes: a first software module for retrieving billing, inventory, corporate, and affiliated sales information for the sales representatives, and for calculating the commissions based on a predetermined rules set; and a second software module for retrieving billing and affiliated sales information for the agents, and for calculating the commissions based on the terms of a contract between the agent and the business enterprise.

Abstract: A device may include a network interface for communicating over a network; and a processor. The processor may obtain a list of parties that are associated with user devices proximate to the device. In addition, the processor may receive, from a participant, a selection of a party in the list of parties. Further, the processor may send a copy of a component to a first user device associated with the selected party, start an application session by running an application, and engage the first user device in the application session, over a communication link, via the component installed at the first user device.

Abstract: An example funds facilitation system that facilitates transactions between a payer and payee includes a promotion processing system that facilitates the provision of promotions to account holders on the funds facilitation system. The party offering the promotion may be a merchant/payee that also has an account with the funds facilitation system. The promotion processing system applies promotion rules based on the identity of the merchant/payee and upon conditions placed on the promotion that identify a payer or a group of payers to receive the promotion. A user interface is provided for generating promotion rules and monitoring promotions. A user interface is also provided that displays unused promotion and gift codes and links to merchant/payee websites associated with the unused codes. The funds facilitation system can also provide authorization for purchases based on a condition, such as the age of the payer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scheduling live advice communication with a selected service provider are described. The method includes receiving, from a service seeker, an appointment request for live advice from a selected service provider during a specified appointment time. Once the appointment is received, the appointment is provided to the selected service provider. The appointment is provided either via electronic mail or via an alert provided via a display screen, which is browsed by the service provider. Once received by the service provider, the service provider has the option to either accept or decline the appointment request. Consequently, once the appointment request is accepted, the service provider system schedules a live advice communications appointment between the service seeker and the selected service provider. Finally, the service provider system will connect the selected service provider with the service seeker for a live advice communication at the scheduled appointment time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing wireless service includes a user device and a service provider. The service provider communicates the advertisement to the user device. The user device has a display control module that generates a first screen display at the user device comprising the advertisement and a lockout module that locks at least some device functions. The user device includes a user interface that interacts with the advertisement on the first screen display and allows access to the data or voice function. The service provider may provide a wireless service plan having a rate based upon receiving advertisements and interacting with the advertisements.

Abstract: A carbon exchange system includes a web-based server computer having hardware an operating system and a memory operably associated therewith and is operably connected to the Internet, and carbon credit exchange software (CCES) operably disposed on the memory and accessible through the operating system, wherein the CCES provides a domain for registering as a carbon sequestering tree provider wherein the carbon sequestering tree provider is required to enter data corresponding to geographic location for the carbon sequestering tree (geographic data “G”) and data corresponding to a number of trees (tree data “T”), where upon so doing the CCES manipulates the data to provide a “carbon sequestration average” (CSA) amount data corresponding to the entered data entered corresponding to a predetermined number of tons of oxygen (O2) over predetermined period (P) and wherein the CSA amount data is employed by the CCES for trading purposes.

Abstract: A purchase-transaction-settled online consumer referral and reward system and method using real-time specific merchant sales information is provided for the advertising publishing industry. The system provides a pay per transaction platform that allows advertising publishers to monetize online and offline print media advertising by tracking and linking ad acceptance events to consummated consumer purchases and reward loyalty of consumers with subscription credits.

Abstract: A method for developing a direct person-to-person multilevel direct affiliate marketing network using electronic communications makes a first person an affiliate member of an affiliate marketing program via an online registration process. An electronic communication is generated that has a unique hyperlink that, when selected, links to a source associated with the affiliate marketing program and identifies the first person so that a commission can be allocated to the first person based upon purchases made at the source as a result of access to the source via the link. The first person can forward the electronic communication to others who can use the link to access the source and purchase products or services and/or become an affiliate member. A person that becomes a new affiliate member as a result of accessing the source via the link is placed in a developing network organization of the first person.

Abstract: Method and network node for enhancing tracking of peer distribution of a content in a network comprising receiving, from a first subscriber, a request to forward the content to a second subscriber, the request comprising a content identifier and logging in a record the content identifier and an identifier of the first subscriber and, optionally an identifier of the second subscriber. Optional aspects include, following the step of receiving the request, generating a license key related to the content and valid for the second subscriber, sending the license key towards the second subscriber and providing the content to the second subscriber. Other optional aspects include locating the record and providing an incentive to the first subscriber or adjusting a charging record of the content provider.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for potentially increasing sales of a retail organization using location-based technology. The illustrative embodiment comprises a location-aware application that can infer when a first customer is potentially interested in purchasing a particular item during a visit to a retail location, and can infer when there is a second customer at the retail location who is familiar with that item (e.g., a customer who previously purchased that item, etc.). When such a match occurs, the second customer is notified of the presence of the first customer, and of the first customer's potential interest in purchasing the item, and is encouraged to provide assistance to the first customer (e.g., discuss features of the item with the first customer, discuss advantages of the item in comparison to other items, etc.).

Abstract: A system and method for bundled selling of goods or service at a prepaid fixed price to a plurality of individual buyers in one transaction by an aggregation of demand using the Internet. A seller communicates with a controller and a conditional sales offer is broadcast for a minimum quantity of a product or service at a fixed price within a defined time period. The broadcast offer is received by a plurality of individual buyers who collectively communicate a willingness to purchase at the fixed price by accepting the offer and making a form of monetary payment. The buyers are encouraged to promote the product to friends to meet the required order quantity and reduce marketing costs for the seller. Preferably no user accounts, no user registration, and no Shopping Carts are employed so as to avoid registration abandonment and Shopping Cart abandonment.

Abstract: A system and method for a customer loyalty system utilizing referrals to generate a network of loyal customers for a business. A system and method for customers to join a customer loyalty program based on a multi-level marketing (MLM) referral program. Existing customers will receive incentives for purchases and addition incentives for referring new customers. Loyalty system customers will earn incentives every time someone within their referral network completes a purchase. Moreover, the present invention is adapted to improve the merchant's customer relationships, adapted to building referral networks by utilizing indirect referral incentives, and easily integrates with the existing point of sale system of a business.

Abstract: A system for enhancing search engine-based search results comprises an application programming interface configured to add value to selected search engine-based web search, a tag indicative of the value-added capacity that is appended to one or more links; a client that accepts a search request and enables an integrated view responsive to the request; and a web server for fetching the integrated web data upon receiving a request for selected search-engine-based web search. The enhanced search engine-based web search system further comprises a content manager that is configured to store and calculate the added value in a personal account of a web user. The added value is retrievable by the user. Search engine-based online search enhancing system and methods also are described.

Abstract: The various disclosed techniques and equipment relate to synchronizing a subscriber's address books located in a portal and in the subscriber's mobile station, determining the subscription status of a directory number of another party with whom the subscriber intends to communicate, and/or for enabling the subscriber to make a referral to another party who might not be a qualified subscriber.

Abstract: The invention discloses an on line incentive-based method for implementing a process innovation, to rapidly source resumes from job-seekers in a cost-effective manner for an employment website and in particular, to reach out to job seekers easily for allowing them to upload their resumes and maintain them online.

Abstract: A method of sharing marketplace revenue includes recognizing revenue generated from the sale of an item supplied to the marketplace by a first marketplace participant and apportioning the revenue to at least a second marketplace participant associated with the first marketplace participant. A computer based system for implementing the foregoing method is also described herein. The system may include a marketplace server connected to a telecommunications network and configured to exchange electronic communications over the network with a plurality of participants and a plurality customers. The system may further include a datastore communicatively coupled to the server configured to store listings of goods and services being offered on the marketplace, the marketplace participant associated with each of the goods and services, transaction details of the sale of items from the listing of goods and services, and a recruitment network identifying recruitment associations between the plurality of participants.

Abstract: A method for the decentralized distribution of digital content via a network includes providing content with a tag configured to allow at least one of an operator of a download portal and a content provider to track distribution of the content so as to collect data about a number of downloads of the content and about distributors of the content. A distributor downloads the content via the download portal and selects a content consumer for further distribution of the content. The content consumer receives the content and, at least in the case of a first-time utilization of the content by the content consumer, transmits information from the tag about utilization of the content to a server specified by the tag. At least one of the operator of the download portal and the content provider receives the information from the tag about the utilization of the content from the server.

Abstract: An affiliate manipulation system that permits consumers, ISPs, search engines and intermediaries to maximize affiliate program participation in transactions by or through them. The affiliate manipulation system accesses an affiliate-capable merchant through the Internet at the direction of a buyer or consumer through an ISP or search engine. An affiliate code for a preferred commercial agent is inserted into the purchase order. The preferred commercial agent is the buyer or consumer, ISP, search engine or other designated recipient. When the buyer initiates a purchase from the affiliate-capable merchant, the system inserts the affiliate code for the preferred commercial agent where there was no affiliate code, or replaces an existing affiliate code in favor of the preferred commercial agent. A purchase order is effected through the affiliate-capable merchant. The order is completed and credit for the sale is given to the preferred commercial agent, based upon the affiliate code.

Abstract: The presentment and redemption system offers discounts directly to consumers through their mobile phones. The discounts are based upon the user of the mobile phone meeting a targeting criterion and the discounts are determined using the targeting criterion. Mobile phone users that do not meet the targeting criterion are not eligible for the discount. Because the discounts can be targeted to each individual consumer, there can be a better correlation between consumers' interests and the transmitted discounts.

Abstract: A method and/or a system for value analysis and value added concoction of a beverage in a network environment of the beverage is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring a set of opinion data corresponding to a set of attributes defining a beverage through users of a network having a propensity to identify themselves with the beverage using an incentive promoting the beverage to the users. The method also includes applying an algorithm to transform the set of opinion data to factors which affect a market value of the beverage, and determining the market value of the beverage as a function of one or more of the factors. In another embodiment, a method includes generating a formula data to enable a registered user to concoct a variation of a particular type of beverage accentuating one or more intrinsic qualities of the particular type of beverage.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for sharing and distributing electronic content using a mobile device are presented. In more specific terms, a viral marketing-based, discounted referral and recommendation model by which users may forward electronic content to other users in disclosed. In one aspect, a method of distributing electronic media content over a network includes displaying a discounted offer on a first device that has been transmitted from another device for which the electronic media content has been purchased. A notification is then received, and upon receiving an acceptance from the first device, the electronic media content is transmitted to the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method. The method includes providing an offer to a connector. The method also includes receiving responses from users to the offer, the users having received the offer from the connector. The method further includes completing the transaction with the users. In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a set of profiles of users. The apparatus further includes a database of connectors, connectors of the database selected from the users based on the profiles associated with the users. The apparatus also includes an interface between vendors and the database. The interface is to receive queries from the vendors and to return connector identities responsive to the queries. In yet another embodiment, the invention is a machine-readable medium embodying instructions. The instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes providing an offer to a connector.

Abstract: The embodiments provide methods of selecting relevant advertisement to target users by utilizing the knowledge of friends or acquaintance of the target users. The target users and friends or acquaintances of the target users belong to the same on-line communities, groups, or circles. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for providing advertising content for display in a personal media space of an Internet networking tool of a user is provided. The method includes defining the personal media space in a display region of a graphical user interface window. The personal media space being controlled by the user in terms of content. The method also includes selecting an advertisement content unit to be added to the personal media space for display by the user. The method further includes establishing a communication session between the user and another user. The communication session includes an interaction space for enabling communication between the user and the other user.

Abstract: An interactive marketing technique may include distributing a marketing item to electronic devices. The users of the electronic devices may share the marketing item with other electronic devices to progressively attain credit that leads to an ability to use the marketing item. Also, sharing of the marketing item may progressively display larger portions of an image content component of the marketing item on a display of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for targeting specific users with specific requested actions to be performed by the user and verified by any methods on behalf of an advertiser within an Internet display advertising campaign. The system discloses techniques for receiving an advertiser's requested actions and corresponding definitions of what constitutes a satisfaction of the action. The disclosure also details techniques for determining if and when and to what degree a requested action has been completed or satisfied by the targeted user, and details corresponding techniques for compensating the user and any other real or virtual entity who had contributed to the satisfaction of the requested action. The system implements a network of sensors that can aid in the determination of if and when and to what degree a requested action has been completed or satisfied. The network of sensors registers sensor recordings within a specialized sensor recording marketplace.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for targeting specific users with specific requested actions to be performed by the user and verified by any methods on behalf of an advertiser within an Internet display advertising campaign. The system discloses techniques for receiving an advertiser's requested actions and corresponding definitions of what constitutes a satisfaction of the action. The disclosure also details techniques for determining if and when and to what degree a requested action has been completed or satisfied by the targeted user, and details corresponding techniques for compensating the user and any other real or virtual entity who had contributed to the satisfaction of the requested action. The system implements a network of sensors that can aid in the determination of if and when and to what degree a requested action has been completed or satisfied. The network of sensors registers sensor recordings within a specialized sensor recording marketplace.

Abstract: The embodiments described show that wireless devices can be used to distribute and/or to endorse (or promote) advertisements (ads) by individuals and by ad distributors. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method of forwarding an advertisement received on a first mobile device to a second mobile device is provided. The method includes sending the advertisement to the first mobile device, and detecting forwarding of the advertisement from the first mobile device to the second mobile device. The method also includes determining if the advertisement that was forwarded to the second mobile device includes an endorsement for the advertisement. The endorsement was generated at the first mobile device. The method further includes monitoring activity on the second mobile device regarding the advertisement when the advertisement includes the endorsement and when the advertisement does not include the endorsement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing media via an exchange club or social networking site effects or includes the process of identifying a member by authenticating a unique device identifier received from the user's computing device when accessing the social networking site, enabling the member to select one or more media for sharing or broadcasting to other members of the site using information obtained from the site, enabling members to select or enter contact information of friends with whom the user would like to share the media or information about the media, and rewarding the member for any purchase of the media resulting from the broadcasting.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system of method and system of aggregating consideration associated with a request is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a request (e.g., may include a performance request, an article request, a mission and/or an altruistic request) of an entity based on a set of parameters provided by an initiating patron of the entity, allocating an initial consideration to the request from the initiating patron, generating a profile of the request having the initial consideration in a request aggregation environment and allocating, to the initial consideration, an additional consideration provided when a different patron contributes the additional consideration to the request. The method may include determining whether contact information of the entity provided by the initiating patron and the different patron references to a verified contact data and communicating the request to the entity based on the contact information and the verified contact data.