Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a set of alphanumeric information. A first set of metadata is generated that is associated with the alphanumeric information, and a second set of metadata is generated that is associated with the alphanumeric information. The first set of metadata is transmitted at a first time and the second set of metadata is transmitted at a second time subsequent to the first time. The first and/or second sets of metadata can be used to trigger an automated trade of a security.

Abstract: A news reader is disclosed which selects the optimal articles for presentation to the user and which facilitates a sense of community among users. Upon receiving an article from a news provider, the news reader analyzes characteristics associated with the article. Amongst other things, the characteristics may indicate whether the article represents a breaking news story or whether the article includes advertisements. After analyzing the characteristics of the article, the news reader determines whether the article is to be designated a primary/presentable article and aggregates the article with other primary/presentable articles related to the same topic.

Abstract: An on-line article comprising instances of newsmakers is provided by an Internet connected news server or news aggregator server and the names of the newsmakers are automatically identified by a newsmaker verification and commenting module. The article is displayed to a reader on an Internet connected client computer. The instances of the newsmakers in the article are emphasized such that they stand out in the article. The reader initiates a verification process by indicating that he is a newsmaker. The newsmaker verification and commenting module is in communication with a verification database and the identity of the reader is verified as the newsmaker through a series of questions and answers. After verification, comments provided by the reader are stored by the newsmaker verification and commenting module. The comments and article are published such that the comments are displayed conspicuously with the article on any client computer accessing the article.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting, managing, and presenting syndication XML (feeds) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a web browser automatically determines that a web site is publishing feeds and notifies the user, who can then access the feed easily. In another embodiment, a browser determines that a web page or feed is advertising relationship XML, and displays information about the people identified in the relationship XML. In yet another embodiment, a browser determines that a file contains a feed and enables the user to view it in a user-friendly way. In yet another embodiment, feed state information is stored in a repository that is accessible by applications that are used to view the feed. In yet another embodiment, if a feed's state changes, an application notifies the repository, and the state is updated. In yet another embodiment, a feed is parsed and stored in a structured way.