Abstract: The subject invention relates to electronic buying and selling systems and methods. In particular, the invention concerns relations among distinct price curves, price curve attributes (i.e., factors of the offer that can affect the price curves) and buyers or potential buyers. 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: Systems and methods to reward referrals via mobile communications are described. In one aspect, a system includes an interchange and a data storage facility storing a value in association with a first phone number. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format and with the controllers in different formats. The common format processor is configured to use one converter of the plurality of converters to communicate with a first mobile phone at the first phone number to confirm a payment request and identify the second phone number. In response to confirmation of the payment request, the common format processor rewards the user of the second mobile phone via a code representing a benefit.

Abstract: This invention is to present a support system preferably utilized in sales promotions of items by introductions. As shown in FIG. 1, an introducee information file, an item information file, and an introducer information file are memorized in a storage of a web server 1. An introducer can browse item information in the item information file at an introducer computer 51, and submit an introduction report therefrom to the web server 1 when an introduction has been made for an item. The submitted introduction report is recorded in a report information file, and forwarded to the introducee computer 52 in form of an E-mail by a forwarding program.

Abstract: An approach for enabling a purchaser to dynamically direct retail offers to peers within their social network based on a purchase transaction is described. A deal sharing platform maintains a list of one or more items and associated cost information corresponding to a financial transaction conducted with a vendor system. The deal sharing platform retrieves from the list an offer relating to the items based on the transaction and a selection criteria for a predetermined group of one or more recipients specified by a user. An option to distribute the offer to the predetermined group is then initiated for presentation on a communication device of the user.

Abstract: An engagement and payment processing platform is disclosed. Within the platform, entities and processes interact with an engagement management system to manage transactions, compensation events, consumer profiles, etc.

Abstract: A social marketing manager may facilitate marketing campaigns in online social networks by creating and monitoring campaigns, as well as facilitating online social interactions. A campaign manager may create a campaign and define various operational parameters. A recruitment system may identify social influencers through which the campaign may be started, and a promotion manager may create and track objects that may be passed to participants in the campaign. An analysis and monitoring system may determine the overall effectiveness of the campaign and provide feedback, payments to participants, or other results of the campaign.

Abstract: The SOCIAL-REF transforms user submission of a share item and/or via SOCIAL-REF components into referral fee payments. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, including: receiving a share item via a share channel from a user; determining a share target for the received share item based on share item characteristics and user specified sharing criteria; generating a share message including the share item in accordance with the user specified sharing criteria; distributing the share message via the share channel to the share target; tracking the share target activity usage; determining, a referral reward to the user based on the tracked share target activity usage; and facilitating a payment of the determined referral reward from an associated sponsor to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems of providing rewards for users of electronic commerce making donations to non profit using such rewards. The methods include creating a unique user identification and tracking the Users spending at various affiliates. The User rewards is based on the amount of spending at the affiliate. Rewards may also be given to the Referrer based on the spending of the referred User.

Abstract: An influence tracking system may track influence on multimedia content selections. A popularity prediction identification system may identify sources that accurately predict the popularity of a product or service. A recommendation system may recommend products or services of a particular type.

Abstract: A method and system for organizing referrals from at least one referrer to at least one referee for the purchase of products sold by merchants. The present invention further provides that referrers are compensated when a referee buys a specific product from a specific merchant that was referred to the referee by the referrer. Referrers and merchants, and optionally referees, are able to register with an online site to create a unique profile. For merchants, the unique profile will enable merchants to track products that are referable. For referrers, the unique profile will enable them to track which products they have referred to one or more referees.

Abstract: A system and method of promoting group deals on the Internet, which includes providing an Internet-based platform, the platform including a step for individuals to join, wherein individuals who join are designated as members of the Internet-based platform. The system also provides a step for members to invite merchants to join the platform and to offer deals on the platform. Members receive awards for influencing members to join as well as for influencing other members to purchase deals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing incentives for media sharing. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request from a first user to share a media item with a second user, and providing the second user with access to the media item. The method includes determining that the second user has performed an action related to the media item, and in response to determining that the second user has performed the action related to the media item, accessing a referral attribute associated with the first user, the referral attribute being related to the action. The method includes comparing the referral attribute to a reference value, based on comparing the referral attribute to the reference value, determining an amount of referral credit, and providing the determined amount of referral credit to the first user.

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 method and computer system for combining functions of social networking and shopping are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server stores user information including information concerning products recommended by a user. The user may notify a friend or a group of people of a recommended product and receive credit when a friend or member of the group purchases a product based on the recommendation. A user may also take guests on a virtual shopping tour, in which different virtual stores may be visited and different products may be discussed and purchased.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing incentives for media sharing. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request from a first user to share a media item with a second user, and providing the second user with access to the media item. The method includes determining that the second user has performed an action related to the media item, and in response to determining that the second user has performed the action related to the media item, accessing a referral attribute associated with the first user, the referral attribute being related to the action. The method includes comparing the referral attribute to a reference value, based on comparing the referral attribute to the reference value, determining an amount of referral credit, and providing the determined amount of referral credit to the first user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a server that hosts webpages facilitating user interaction between multiple endpoints. The system monitors for a user input requesting initiation of a happy hour, and when the input is detected, modifies the webpages to alert users of the happy hour. The users are notified of which user initiated the happy hour, and are also notified that interaction incentives accumulate at an increased rate during the happy hour. The system also tracks user scorings that accumulate based on the user interaction, and enables certain website features based on these user scorings. The system also tracks ratings for user-uploaded objects and identifies top rated objects for displaying on webpages viewable by other users.

Abstract: A business card directory system to provide a member access to an online business network that includes a server computing device that includes a member interface module and a database and an input device that is coupleable to the server computer device. The system also includes a processor system with a member interface module that is adaptive to receive the first data indicative of one or more paper based business cards and a computer program product stored on a computer usable medium that operates in combination with the processor system and a user interface module adapted to receive the first data and to present the web user interface. There is also a pair of methods for providing a business card directory.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method comprise obtaining from a potential user a favorite selection of viewed presentations. User registration information is obtained from the potential user. Registration confirmation that the potential user has been accepted as a registered user and the registered user is entered into a contest is received. A message inviting potential users to view a presentation, become a registered user and participate in the contest, at least one contact name and an address for the contact name is obtained from the registered user. The message is sent to the contact name at the address. Status information at least indicating contacts accepting the invitation, points awarded in the contest for the acceptances and prizes available in exchange for points is received. A selection of at least one prize to be redeemed with the registered user's points is received from the registered user.

Abstract: Generating a commission for a passport photo provider by identifying a group of people that are about to travel in the near future, providing the customers with an incentive to purchase a travel service and a token to identify the passport photo provider, the customer purchasing a travel service, and the travel service provider transmitting a commission to the passport photo provider. The incentive is a discount on a travel service, such as travel insurance. The token is a uniform resource locator (URL) with a file path on the end for identifying the source of the incentive or a coupon code. The token and the incentive are printed on a brochure that also contains passport photos. If the customer makes a subsequent purchase of travel services, the passport photo provider receives an additional commission.

Abstract: The system allows a user to use a portable capture device to identify a product that is being examined by the user at a merchant's location. The identity of the merchant is also captured by the system before or after the examination of the product. If the user or a party affiliated with the user subsequently purchases the product from a source other than the merchant where the product was examined, the system compensates the merchant where the product was examined under a referral award program. Awards under the referral award program can take a variety of forms, including cash, advertising credit, or manufacturer rebates.

Abstract: An incentivized peer-to-peer content and royalty distribution system is disclosed. This system may distribute contents including, without limitation, music files and other playable formats, videos, e-News, eZines, eBooks, software, applications, learning tools, and other types of content. The system allows users to support a product, content or artist not available through traditional distribution systems such as brick-and-mortar retailers, online retailers, and also allows users to market, promote, or solicit other users, buyers and/or promoters to license, buy or use the content they are supporting and to share in the royalties collected from the plurality of purchases occurring within the peer-to-peer, informal distribution chain. Further, the distribution system may reward users who are successful in convincing other users to license or purchase the product or content based at least in part on use and analysis of metadata associated with content transferred within an informal distribution chain.

Abstract: A method of tiered promotion and distribution of a product comprises hosting a transactional applet accessible via the Internet; accessing the host to execute the applet for a first fan; enabling the first fan to process a voucher for the product; and enabling the first fan to propagate the applet to a terminal of a second fan wherein the propagated applet (i) renders content associated with the first fan and the product, (ii) accepts an input from the second fan to process a subsequent transaction relative to the product; (iii) credits the first fan with a credit, and (iv) generates a transactional record for delivery to the first fan. The generated record may include a notation of account credit, evidence of an entry ticket, or other information. The applet may be propagated to third or subsequent fans to provide further credits for the first, second, or subsequent fans.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for targeting consumers by paying users to share online coupons. In one example, the system provides, to a user device, one or more coupons that each include functionality for performing a sharing operation. The system receives notification of a coupon being selected for sharing. The notification is a result of a user selecting a sharing operation in the coupon. The system receives, from a referring user, a list of one or more referred users. The list of one or more referred users includes users with which the referring user intends to share a coupon. The system formats the coupon into a referred coupon having an identifier that is associated with one or more referring users, as well as one or more referred users. The system shares the referred coupon with one or more referred users.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for applying a referral credit to an entity based on a geographic location of a computing device. According to an aspect, a method may include receiving a product identifier and a geographic location identifier of a computing device. The method may also include determining an interface with an online retailer server based on the product identifier. The method may also include applying a referral credit to an entity account associated with the geographic location identifier in response to the determined interface.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for selectively distributing rewards to a user is provided. A rewards management platform is provided for managing the rewards of the user. The rewards management platform compensates the user with the rewards based on one or more activities, for example, confirming viewing of multimedia content, referring the multimedia content to other users, etc., performed by the user on the rewards management platform. The user selects one or more of multiple deposit accounts associated with the user via a graphical user interface for allocating one or more of the rewards. Each of the deposit accounts is associated with a conversion rate. The rewards management platform establishes an electronic connection to each of the selected deposit accounts via a communication network. The rewards management platform distributes the allocated rewards to the selected deposit accounts based on the conversion rate via the established electronic connection.

Abstract: A system directs a browser or browsing application associated with a user to a targeted web site after the user performs at least two activations or “clicks” of his pointing device. The first “click” is typically on a communication provided by the system, serving as an intermediary, and the second “click” is typically on a first data object or web page of the intermediary, before the browser of the user is redirected to a second data object or targeted web page, typically associated with a party unrelated to the party or entity controlling the system.

Abstract: Only a limited number of service servers have been provided with the function of feeding back profits obtained through cooperation of multiple service servers to developers of cooperation modules and business entities running the service servers as incentives. In the present invention, a cooperation server for achieving cooperation between the service servers includes: a business entity data storage means for storing business entity data of the respective service servers; a cooperation module storage means for storing cooperation modules used for achieving cooperation between the service servers; a developer data storage means for storing developer data related to developers of the cooperation modules; a cooperation history storage means for storing cooperation history data of the cooperation modules; and an incentive settlement means for performing calculation of amounts of incentives and payment of the incentives.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for providing a telecommunications services menu accessible via a voice interactive system, such as a voice services node. A subscriber accesses a voice communications menu by accessing a voice services node. The voice services node queries a customer profile database to obtain a list of telecommunications services available to the subscriber. At the voice services node, a voice prompt is constructed for providing the subscriber a voice menu of the available services. After the subscriber receives the voice prompt of menu items, the subscriber may select a service from the provided menu.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing an incentive-based system for the superdistribution of content, which include one or more communications devices transmitting one or more referral messages relating to the content. Further, the apparatus and methods include the communications devices ordering content from across the network based on the referral messages, where a reward is generated for one or more referring devices based on the one or more referral messages. Additionally, the application of privacy and authentication mechanisms protects the privacy and verifies the identities of the parties involved in the trans action.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible that devices are triggered by RF signals and the owner of the RF chip responsible for the triggering can receive a financial compensation for this. Hereto a method and a system for triggering a first-device by a RF signal and logging the triggering are presented. The system comprises a RF chip of a first party. The first device comprises communication means for receiving a RF signal from the RF chip and communication means for communicating with a network or server of a second party.

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: The present disclosure includes a system and method for identifying advertising specialist. In some implementations, a method includes receiving information associated with a plurality of advertising specialist. One or more profiles associated with each advertising specialist is generated. The specialist profiles are filtered based, at least in part, on criteria received from a user.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a rewards program may provide users with rewards for transacting with a merchant. In various embodiments, the transactions are validated before a user is allowed to receive a reward. In various embodiments, a mobile device is used to validate a transaction. In various embodiments, a mobile device may store an indication of a user's progress towards earning a reward.

Abstract: A mobile phone based mobile customer relationship and loyalty servicing system and method thereof which involves media such as SMS, e-mail, instant messenger or a notification to a mobile application or website as well to identify and communicate with the customer in a customer friendly manner. It includes a unique code based operation and special feature of instant analytics for the customer, points/voucher validation and redemption, incentivized referral program, integrated campaigns and the like right at the POS terminal at client outlet enabling real time integration, analytics and communication. The system involving Mobile phones/like mobile operative devices of the end users/customers, at least one client component at the retail/sales outlets and a server component comprising an MCRLP main server system for operative connection to said one client component for customer relationship and loyalty servicing. The Customer interacts with the system and his behavior is modeled.

Abstract: A method for marketing and system for marketing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for marketing a product includes identifying the product at a mobile device associated with a user, and generating a message indicative of an endorsement of the product by the user, the generating being performed at least in part by way of the mobile device. The method further includes causing, by way of the mobile device, a sending of the message to at least one receiving device associated with at least one personal social contact of the user. Due to the causing, a seller of the product is also notified that the sending of the message has occurred.

Abstract: Within a social network, users may form social groups based on shared traits, such as experiences and interests. The social network may be able to detect a user interest among the users of a social group in one or more products offered by one or more vendors (e.g., by evaluating conversations within the social group and search queries executed by users of the social group), and to notify the vendors of the detected user interest. The vendors may be willing to extend an offer to the users of the social group regarding the product, and the social network may present the offer to the users of the social group. The social network may also track acceptances of the offer by users of the social group, and may provide an e-commerce infrastructure to allow users to complete purchases of the product and to provide the rewards featured in the offers.

Abstract: A user may submit to a set of users a query relating to a commercial transaction, and may evaluate the responses provided therefrom. However, the set of users may include vendors or their representatives who might present inaccurate or misleading information in order to persuade the user to purchase the product, or may provide low-quality and impersonal advertisements for a product that do not particularly relate to the query or the user. Instead, the query may be offered to agents who can provide relevant responses, and a response from an agent may be provided to the user in exchange for a response fee charged to the agent. This cost model may promote selectivity and high relevance to the query in the submission of responses from knowledgeable responders, thereby eliciting higher-value responses to the query for the user and financial sponsorship to cover the operating costs of the agent network.

Abstract: Online recommendations are tracked through a forwarding service. The forwarding service can provide such statistics to an ad service, which can provide incentives to the recommending user and a consuming user. Example incentives may include an accumulation of points by the recommending user, a discount to the consuming user if a purchase is made in response to the recommendation, etc. To determine how much of an incentive each participant in the recommendation flow receives, a graph is created to model the recommendation flow and incentives are allocated using a cooperative game description based on this graph that associates each participant with a power index that represents that participants share of the incentive.

Abstract: Online recommendations are tracked through a forwarding service. For example, a user may send an email to a friend recommending a product specified at a web site identified by a URI embedded in the email. Before sending the email, the user submits the URI to a forwarding service, which returns a new URI mapped to the original URI and to the recommending user. The recommending user can then recommend the web site by forwarding the new URI to the friend. If the friend selects the recommended URI to review the web site, the forwarding service records the decision to review the web site and directs the friend to the recommended web site. The forwarding service maintains a database of recommendations made by the recommending user, recommendation consumed by the friend, etc. Incentives can be provided to the recommending user and the friend to encourage recommendations.

Abstract: Digital items may be referred, lent, or resold via a computing architecture that supports a secondary market for such items, as well as the economic models to support the secondary market. In one scenario, a lender may lend a digital item to another person, and if that person purchases the digital item following a trial period, the lender is given a referral fee. In another scenario, rights holders of one digital item are paid a referral fee for any sales of other digital items that arise due to purchasers acting on a reference contained in the digital item.

Abstract: Method and system for a referral system is provided. The method includes: (a) creating a vendor account for linking a vendor system with the referral system, the vendor system used for offering a vendor product and service; (b) establishing a referral rule based on which a user earns an amount from using the referral system; (c) establishing a threshold value based on which a user is permitted to redeem the amount earned by using the referral system; (d) creating a user account with the referral system that allows the user to electronically refer another entity to buy the vendor product and service; (e) sending an invitation to the another entity on behalf of the user, wherein the referral system sends the invite on the user's behalf with a review of the user's experience with vendor product and service.

Abstract: An automated broker provides contextual assignment of tasks. Service providers send the broker service provisioning information indicating the services they provide, with bids for referrals. Service consumers send the broker service requests, including criteria which the broker matches against the service provisioning information. The broker selects a recommended service provider, based on the service request's criteria, the referral bids, and reviews of the candidate service providers. Service request criteria may include a service provider's reputation in the consumer's social network, geographic proximity of the service provider to the location of the task, particular skills or experience of the service provider, the service provider's availability, and price. After a predetermined number of task assignment rejections by a service provider, a human administrator is notified.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for allowing users to efficiently create new accounts in an online service. The new account creation scheme allows users to begin using aspects of the online service before creating an account. The user is provided a temporary account and, in the event they choose to finalize joining the service, the user is permitted to save settings from their temporary account. For example, in some embodiments, the user is permitted to perform various functions, such as, browsing the online service, navigating external links, and viewing various pages of other users and groups. The user may also be allowed to collect information on other members that they are interesting and may be offered a temporary homepage where the user can view the activities of these other members. The temporary home page allows the potential new user to immediately begin using the services of the social network service without having to specifically request a new account.

Abstract: Systems and methods as described herein provide for a professional talent management platform and associated interfaces. Embodiments provide for registering one platform members, listing open positions, accepting referrals for the positions from the platform members, and providing incentive rewards to the members for qualified referrals and/or other qualifying platform interactions.

Abstract: Web-based methods and systems enable businesses to obtain customer referrals from customers. Businesses may offer incentives to customers to provide information on prospective customers. The business may then contact the prospective customer and request approval to market to the prospective customer. The prospective customer may indicate approval, permitting the business to market to them directly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, media items can be identified as being of interest (i.e., “tagged”) as they are being played, and this information can then be sent to a tag aggregator, which aggregates tags from multiple types of devices. The tag aggregator can be located on the same device as a tagging application on which the media items are tagged, or alternatively it can be located on a different device.

Abstract: An advertising referral incentive system encourages users to interact with advertisements by providing payment to original users for interaction with advertisements and interaction by users referred by original users. The payment may be monetary and also entries into a jackpot. Advertisers may select users based on demographic information provided by users and pay for the users they reach.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing compensation. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for an advertisement, and identifying an advertisement responsive to the request, wherein a good or service associated with the advertisement is associated with an endorsement provided by an endorser. The advertisement is provided in response to the request. An indication of a selection of the advertisement is received, and compensation is provided to the endorser upon receiving the indication of the selection of the advertisement.

Abstract: An advertising referral incentive system encourages users to interact with advertisements by providing payment to original users for interaction with advertisements and interaction by users referred by original users. The payment may be monetary and also entries into a jackpot. Advertisers may select users based on demographic information provided by users and pay for the users they reach.

Abstract: Methods and systems for amount calculation are described. In one embodiment, a determination that a participant has a referral relationship with a first merchant may be made. A first processing fee of the first merchant may be obtained. The first processing fee may be based on a payment volume of the first merchant. A second processing fee of the second merchant may be obtained. The second processing fee may be based on the payment volume of the second merchant. A rebate amount for the participant may be calculated based on the first processing fee, the second processing fee, and a determination that the participant has the referral relationship with the first merchant. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.