Patent Publication Number: US-2006019230-A1

Title: Method for collecting and organizing information for use in writing a book

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention is directed to method of gathering and organizing information and, more particularly, to a method for collecting and organizing responses from targeted groups of individuals or from the general public for use in writing a book.  
      2. Discussion of the Related Art  
      Writing a book on virtually any subject typically requires the author(s) to conduct some research in order to acquire more extensive knowledge and information on the subject. In many instances, an author&#39;s research will involve searching various sources and reading relevant books, periodicals, records and other publications. Depending upon the subject and the nature of the book, the author may interview one or more persons to gain further insight on specific issues relating to a particular topic. Once the research is completed, the author will set out to write the book. For the most part, the content of the book is the author&#39;s own expression, based on his/her personal observations, conclusions and opinions gathered from the research. Thus, the content of the book can be, and often is, largely subjective as it is heavily influenced by the personal opinions and conclusions of the author.  
      There remains a need for a method of writing a book, the content of which, to a large extent, includes the expressions of many individuals, thereby providing a broad-based and more objective point of view. Moreover, there remains a need for a method of writing a book which includes the true feelings, opinions and observations of those who are the subject of the book (e.g. a book concerning children&#39;s emotions, wherein children are the subject of the book).  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to a method which incorporates the direct input of many individuals, not just the author. The process starts by presenting groups of individuals (“Respondents”) with a set of questions relating to one or more issues or topics. The Respondents are encouraged to express their true feelings when answering the questions. Respondents are also encouraged to express their views, opinions, feelings and/or concerns on any other issue or topic they choose. To encourage both true and emotional expressions, a mechanism is provided which allows the Respondents to remain anonymous. Specifically, a physical box, known as The Voice Box™, is provided for anonymously receiving the responses. Respondents anonymously write their answers and/or other expressions on a sheet of paper and then deposit their responses through a slot in The Voice Box™. Alternatively, Respondents can enter their responses through a Virtual Voice Box™, by entering their responses via the Internet. More particularly, respondents can type their answers and expressions on a personal computer and then transfer their responses to a database via a website on the Internet.  
      Once the responses from Respondents are received, whether through The Voice Box™ or through The Virtual Voice Box™ via the Internet, they are compiled and stored in a central database. The stored responses are then organized and sorted into categories for subsequent use in the writing of a book which addresses on or more subjects relating to the collected responses. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating the sequence of steps of the method of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      The method of the present invention collects and organizes information gathered from the responses of many individuals, for subsequent use in writing a book.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , the method of the present invention begins by presenting groups of individuals (“Respondents”) with a set of questions and/or issues prompting the Respondent to reply. Specifically, the Respondents are encouraged to express their true feelings when answering one or more questions. The Respondents are also encouraged to express their views, opinions, feelings and/or concerns on any other issue or topic they choose. The Respondents may be taken from a targeted group, such as children or adults. The Respondents may also be targeted in groups based on race, religion, location or other demographics. Alternatively, the Respondents may be simply members of the general public of all age, race, religion and income levels throughout a community, state, region or country.  
      To encourage real (true) and emotional expressions, a mechanism is provided which allows Respondents to remain anonymous. Specifically, Respondents anonymously write their answers, thoughts, opinions and other expressions on a sheet of paper and then deposit this sheet of paper through a slot in a closed box known as The Voice Box™. Preferably, one or more Voice Box™ units are placed at locations (e.g. schools, libraries, gyms, community centers, etc.) where target Respondents tend to visit. The method may involve placement of just one of The Voice Box™ units or as many as hundreds of The Voice Box™ units. Alternatively, Respondents can enter their answers, thoughts, opinions and other expressions on a computer for transfer (uploading) to a server on the Internet. More particularly, Respondents can visit a website on the Internet which presents the questions and issues and prompts a reply.  
      All responses from Respondents, whether received through The Voice Box™ or through The Virtual Voice Box™ via the Internet, are compiled and stored in a central database. All information, including questions and responses from Respondents stored on the central database is subsequently organized and sorted according to particular topics, issues or other categories. The organized information is then used by one or more authors to write a book addressing the subject relating to the organized information. A graphics team works in conjunction with the one or more authors to provide illustrations and other graphics which correspond to the written text. The combined work of the author and graphics team produces the final product, which is a book.  
      While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.