Patent ID: 6275811
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
In an interactive electronic communication environment in which users exchange electronic messages, a method for encouraging cooperation among users to facilitate a shared pursuit of common interests comprises:receiving for posting a message by a posting user;thereafterissuing the posted message to potentially interested users;receiving a rejoinder message to the posted message from a responding user, wherein the rejoinder message includes an appropriateness rating for the posted message assigned by the responding user;evaluating validity of the appropriateness rating for the posted message assigned by the responding user;awarding a value unit to the responding user in response to the validity of the appropriateness rating for the posted message assigned by the responding user;determining updated value units for the responding user in response to the value unit;thereafter awarding value units to the posting user based on the appropriateness rating; andpublicizing the posted message with the value units credited to the posting user.