Cella has already managed to win a patent for BountyQuest's own business method. It's necessary but not sufficient. Cella was eager to sit down with Salon to explain the site in more detail. Many people have argued that companies shouldn't be seeking Internet business method patents because they limit innovation and run counter to the open, shared nature of the Net. But patents are a double-edged sword.
Every patent encourages innovation by restricting competition, so they're all good and all bad.
And we believe what we have is unique. In fact, we think we're going to change the way that knowledgeable people around the world are rewarded for their information. We think that's a significant and important innovation. If it turns out we weren't first, we'll be the first ones to tell you. We're proving that by putting up a large reward on our own patent.