Patent Publication Number: US-2007121820-A1

Title: System and process for controlling the sending of information to subscribers

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. &#39;119 from DE102005054160.7 filed on Nov. 14, 2005, DE102006006414.3 filed on Feb. 13, 2006, DE102006015246.8, filed on Apr. 1, 2006, DE102006022451.5 filed on May 13, 2006, DE102006031246.5, filed on Jul. 6, 2006, and DE102006044569.4, filed on Sep. 21, 2006, the disclosure of these patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention relates to a process for controlling the sending of information to subscribers comprising a plurality of different steps. This system and process can be used to control information being sent through a central server which can be used to control the size or frequency of transmission of an information service. Other information service processes and systems are generally known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,534 to Gupta, U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,188 to Witek, U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,214 to Miller, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0223089 to Laursen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,616, U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,980 to Langseth, U.S. Pat. No. 6,963,900 to Boyd, U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,362 to Miyasaka, U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,036 to Herz, U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,662 to Dasan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,633 to Miyasaka, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0165743 to Bharat, U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,217 to Schneider, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0049971 to Bettinger, Canadian Patent CA2297545 to Engel, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0010508 to Fest et al. wherein the disclosures of all of these patents and published applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention generally relates to a process for providing an information service wherein an informer can send a message to a subscriber through a central information exchange which can be in the form of a central server or central database. With this case, an information service can be an offering unit where entities can subscribe to obtain information in the future in a particular information field. These informers and subscribers can be users which can use this service. Other users can include restrictors, initiators, and reviewers. For example, an informer is any person or entity who provides information to an information service. A subscriber is any person or entity who to subscribes to an information service. An initiator is any person or entity that initiates an information service. A restrictor is any person or entity that sets restrictions on, or controls information services. A reviewer is any user who reviews information provided by an informer for an information service. Any person or entity can assume multiple forms of the above roles of a user.  
      As stated above, an informer is an entity who provides information for at least one information service; this can be done by transferring information which can be in the form of messages to the central server or controller such as a central database. These messages can be in the form of a package or block of information which can be text, pictures, attachments or other types of information. The sending of this information can be in the form of a message or information being sent from a central controlling unit or controller such as a central information exchange in the form of a central server or a centralized controlling database which sends this message to a subscriber.  
      As stated above, a subscriber can be any entity who subscribes to an information service. In addition, all of these users can work with the central information exchange or central controlling unit that can be in the form of a central provider such as a central server or database that hosts the information exchange, that has features that make it possible to send information to subscribers.  
      The presence of this central information exchange makes it possible so that there is one central independent body that regulates the sending of messages to subscribers through for example a central server. With this design, the central information exchange can include a controller which may reside on a central server. The controller can be used in any way known in the art to control all aspects of this information exchange including but not limited to controlling the information service such as the size, frequency, time of day, or form in which the messages are sent. The controller can also control which types of information services are offered, and who can become an informer and a subscriber. As is known in the art, there are many different ways to manage the bulk information internally in this central information exchange. However the presentation of this information and the controlling features of this information have not been shown in the art.  
      For example, the invention can relate to a system and a process for controlling the sending of information to subscribers comprising a plurality of steps. A first step can include receiving information to identify at least one information service. A next step can include inputting information for controlling the number of messages that can be sent in the information service, including having the entity that initiates the information service setting a maximum number of messages that can be sent. A next step can include setting a change restriction on the maximum number of messages that can be sent by the information service. Another step includes inputting information into a database to subscribe at least one subscriber to the information service. Next, information can be transferred to a server or a database for controlling the information service. Thus, the information to be distributed can be controlled based upon the information input into a controlling database. This information is controlled when it is relayed through, for example, a central server. Next, messages can be continuously generated through the central server wherein these messages are distributed to the subscribers based upon the data entered into the controlling database.  
      This process can optionally further include a step of inputting information into the controlling database for at least one information service for controlling the amount of information sent through the information service. In this case, the amount of information can refer to length of messages, number of pictures, size of attached documents or other.  
      As stated above, the process can include the step of controlling the number of messages being sent wherein this step can include setting a maximum number of messages that can be sent per defined time period. This level of control can be based upon a monthly or yearly time period or other time periods, for instance per day, per week etc. This process can also include the steps of publishing the maximum number of messages that can be sent by an information service on a public website, and also publishing the maximum size of a message that can be sent on a public website. With all of the embodiments, the setup of an information service can be done by any entity with internet access unless on the blacklist of the central information exchange.  
      The process can also include the step of providing a link that leads to a subscription page to allow subscribers to subscribe to the information service. Or a link can be provided wherein when a potential subscriber clicks on the link, the potential subscriber is automatically subscribed in a manner such that no further steps are needed.  
      This process and/or system can also operate such least two information services are listed on a single, public website where subscribers can subscribe. In one embodiment, the information can be bundled such that at least one message being sent to at least one subscriber can include information relating to at least two information services. With one embodiment, there can be at least thirty informers that can be used to provide information for the central server concerning at least thirty information services.  
      This process can further comprise the step of defining who is eligible to provide information for the central server for at least one information service. This step of defining who is eligible to provide information can include selecting an individual informer. In addition or alternatively, this step of defining who is eligible to provide information can also include the step of allowing members from a particular group to provide information. In one embodiment, the step of defining who is eligible can include selecting from one of the following characteristics: informer&#39;s ratings, indemnification status of informer wherein with the indemnification status the informer agrees to pay a fine in case his information is objected or gets a negative rating.  
      This process can also optionally include a step of defining who is eligible to subscribe to an information service by the entity who initiates the information service. In this case, the definition of who is eligible to subscribe to an information service can be based on payments. In addition, or alternatively the definition of who is eligible to subscribe to an information service can be based on membership of a particular group.  
      This process or system can also be adapted to allow users to select how they would like to receive the messages. For example, this process can comprise the step of presenting subscribers with a choice of a delivery channel of at least one message from at least one information service. With this process, the transfer of information to the central server can be done by at least one of the following transmission modes: email, sms, mms, rss, or website. Alternatively, the system and process can also include the step of allowing subscribers to select a point in time when they will receive information from at least one information service. In addition, subscribers can also optionally select a time for sending a personal newspaper. It is also possible for a user to set a permanent message that cannot be changed by an informer.  
      It is also possible to set up an information service without defining who the informer will be, which makes it possible that informers can inform subscribers even though they did not know it beforehand that they will acquire this information. For example, with this system and process there can be a first step wherein information is input to a controlling database to identify an information service. Next, information can be input into the controller which can include a controlling database to define who is eligible to transfer information to the central server for at least one information service. This controlling information can include at least one of the following user characteristics: informer ratings; and informer indemnification status.  
      At any point during this process, subscribers can subscribe to an existing information service such that information about the subscriber is input into the controller or controlling database to subscribe the subscriber.  
      Once the information service has been established, information concerning the information service such as messages can be transferred to the controller. Next, the controller can control the information to be distributed based upon the information input into the controlling database. The final result is that the controller can continuously generate messages through the central server wherein these messages are then distributed to these subscribers based upon data entered into the controller.  
      With this system or process, there can be a ratings system wherein subscribers can rate the information service provided by at least one informer. With this ratings service, the ratings can lead to a punishment for one or more of the informers of an information service.  
      This system and process can also be used to control the number of messages being sent and also be used to bundle information relating to two or more information services.  
      In another embodiment, there can be a system or process that can be used for inputting information into the controller to set up a value account for at least one informer. With this embodiment, when the informer provides information for at least one information service, the account value of at least one informer can be raised. In this way, informers can be rewarded for contributing information.  
      The way that the account is raised can directly depend upon the cost of the information service or messages to the subscriber. Or the extent to which the account is raised directly depends upon advertising revenues raised by the messages. Money payments can also be made to the respective informers wherein the account value is then correspondingly reduced.  
      In another embodiment, there can be a system or process wherein the messages to be sent have to be confirmed by at least two informers or reviewers before the messages are sent. In this case, one of the additional steps can include the confirmation of the transferred information by at least two informers or reviewers other than the informer who provided the initial information. Thus, at least three informers have agreed on a message in for a message to be sent. For example these confirmations can be limited to only those selected entities who are members of a particular group.  
      With this embodiment, the controller can choose which entities should be actively asked to confirm the information. The selection of the confirming entities can be based on the rating of the entity, the date of the last request to confirm other transfer information, the number of subscribed information services, and the date of the subscription. In one embodiment, the sending of the confirmed message to subscribers depends on at least one of the following features: either a certain number of confirmations required, or the number of confirmations that are required in a particular time period.  
      In another embodiment users such as an initiator can define that information provided for an information service has to follow certain structures or formats or has certain tagged values. Subscribers can then customize information services concerning when or what information will be sent based on the structure of the information service or tagged values. For example, a subscriber subscribing to an information service based on professional tennis can input information such that every time a US tennis player wins a quarterfinal or greater round of the tournament he will receive the players names of the quarterfinal, the name of the tournament, and the round of the result.  
      Thus, with all the above embodiments, the sending and receiving of information can be controlled between different entities such that subscribers in particular, are not inundated with unnecessary information. The resulting higher number of subscribers is beneficial for informers because they can inform more entities. In addition, with this system and process, informers can be rewarded for providing or sending of this information. The mechanisms disclosed also reduce the risk that wrong messages get sent to subscribers. The possibility to customize information services makes it possible that informers provide information only once and it gets automatically customized by the controller and sent to the subscribers. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.  
      In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:  
       FIG. 1A  is a flow chart showing an example of multiple embodiments of the process for providing and subscribing information services;  
       FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of the system for providing the process shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 1A ;  
       FIG. 2A  discloses a screen for allowing a user to input information into a controller such as a controlling database about an information service.  
       FIG. 2B  discloses a table listing the different information services which can be registered in the controlling database  
       FIG. 2C  discloses an example of the channel for setting up an information service  
       FIG. 3A  discloses a screen for allowing a user to control the number of messages or limit the number of messages that are to be sent with the information service.  
       FIG. 3B  discloses a screen for allowing users to manage their account at the central information exchange and manage information services such as offered information services.  
       FIG. 4 , discloses a screen which can be used to allow a user such as an initiator of information services to restrict the amount of information in the messages  
       FIG. 5A  discloses a screen allowing a user such as a subscriber to decide how messages from a specific information service should be delivered  
       FIG. 5B  discloses another screen wherein this screen allows a user to select from a pulldown bar such that the user can select the delivery time and delivery channel of that type of newspaper  
       FIG. 6A  discloses a diagram showing the rights that a subscriber would give to an informer or an information service  
       FIG. 6B , there is a screenshot of the screen allowing the user to define which sent messages of an information service should be public.  
       FIG. 7  for defining who is eligible to provide information for an information service.  
       FIG. 8A  discloses a form screen which prompts the user via a heading to select who can subscribe.  
       FIG. 8B  shows a screen indicating how many informers or controllers have confirmed a particular message and whether any of the controllers indicate whether the message is wrong.  
       FIG. 9A  discloses a screen  450  which includes a search block which allows a user to search for a particular information service.  
       FIG. 9B  discloses a web screen which reveals an email with information sent to a subscriber;  
       FIG. 9C  shows a screen view of this information delivered via sms or a text message, which includes a header line, and an information line;  
       FIG. 10A  discloses an information screen to inform a subscriber of his subscriptions;  
       FIG. 10B  discloses an information screen to inform an informer of the offered information services;  
       FIG. 11A  shows a screen providing an option for a user such as an initiator of an information service to define tagging values or categories for provided information or messages of an information service;  
       FIG. 11B  shows a screen providing an option for a user such as an initiator of an information service to define the structure of provided information or messages of an information service by selecting predefined formats;  
       FIG. 11C  shows a sample screenshot of the controlling database which lists provided information for one message of an information service in a defined structure;  
       FIG. 12A  is a screen allowing a subscriber to select the time period of delivery based on the defined structure of the messages of the information service;  
       FIG. 12B  is a sample screen providing a user such as an initiator of an information service to define the structure and format of provided information or messages of an information service; and  
       FIG. 12C  is a sample screen allowing a subscriber to determine when information and what information should be sent through the information service based on the defined structure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       FIG. 1A  discloses a flow chart, which discloses a series of steps for completing the process, according to the invention. For example, step  10  can include initiating an information service. The step can include inputting information into at least one controlling database  84  (See  FIG. 1B ) to identify at least one information service. Other means for initiating an information service without using a central database may be used as well. For example, in this step, an informer or other type of user would set up a new information service through the Internet  70 . This can be shown in  FIG. 1B , which discloses the internet  70  which can be connected to a series of personal computers  71  and  72 . These personal computers  71  and  72  can be used for allowing a user to connect through the internet to central server  80 . For example, once an initiator or informer logs on to the central server  80  that person can then in put information into central database  84  through a web page shown in  FIG. 2A .  
      As shown in  FIG. 1B , central server  80  can include a processor  81  for running a controlling program, a memory  82  which can act as a RAM or read only memory, a mass storage which can include a hard drive which can include programs or data stored therein. This information including programs or data can also be stored on other servers or on other computers which can be accessed through internet  70 . For example, a controlling program or controller can be run on processor  81 , reside in memory  82 , and be retrieved from mass storage  83 . Other known ways for running a controlling program on central server can be implemented as well. In addition, in one example, a controlling database  84 , which can actually be in the form of one or more databases having one or more tables can be either stored in central server  80  or stored on any computer or medium which is accessible by central server  80 . This controlling program can then be used to selectively access the necessary information that may be contained in database  84  to complete particular tasks.  
      Central server  80  can be used to assist a user in initiating the information service. As a result, the new information service is saved in the controlling database  84  and a print out or display of this database is shown by way of example in  FIG. 2B . The set up of the information service can obviously be completed directly on a web site  90 , which can be shown by way of example on computers on the Internet  70 , on central server  80 , as well as personal computers  71  and  72 . However, it is also possible to complete this through other known channels such as via e-mail, text messaging or other known communication means. An example of an e-mail that can be used to complete this step is shown in  FIG. 2C . This step also includes the process of having a controller such as a controlling database check or clear whether an information service is being set up. For example, the controller can limit the types of information conveyed in an information service. In addition, the controller can limit or control who can set up an information service. This can be based upon the previous record or history of an informer or information service provider.  
      Once the information service has been initiated, in step  20 , a user such as an initiator can set up an information service. For example, in one step, the user such as an initiator in step  21  can set the maximum number of messages that can be sent. Other optional steps extending from this basic step can include setting a maximum amount of information to be transferred in step  22  and also limiting, who is eligible to provide information in step  23 . Another optional step, step  24  can include defining who is eligible to subscribe. Steps  23  and  24  can occur in any order and are both optional as well.  
      Next, users such as subscribers can subscribe to this information service. To create a subscription, an optional feature in step  31  is to provide a link to a web site for a subscription then a user clicks a link to that website to subscribe or to subscribe automatically to that information service. An automatic subscription includes only one mouse click in order to be subscribed, for example if the user is already logged in at the central information exchange. To select how the information is to be delivered to the subscriber, another optional step  32 , can involve having the subscriber select how the information is delivered. The selection can be used to select the time, the place, and the means for the delivery of information.  
      Next in step  40 , this step can include setting a change restriction, which can be used to restrict any changes of an information service. For example, the change restriction can concern the defined maximum number of messages that can be sent through an information service which has been defined during the setup of the information service so that users cannot change the maximum number of messages that can be sent through an information service. Setting of the change restriction can be performed by a restrictor or controller, such as controlling database  84 . This change restriction can occur at any step in the process after the maximum number of messages that can be sent of an information service has been set. In one embodiment, this change restriction is performed automatically, i.e. no manual steps are required. In another embodiment, the change restriction can occur manually wherein users such as subscribers can vote on the number of messages or the amount of information that can be transferred in setting a change restriction. Once a predetermined number of users have voted, this change restriction is set. This means for voting can occur for example, on line via a webpage, via email or via any other known means for transferring information. In another embodiment users such as subscribers or informers can elect representatives or officials to manually set the change restriction governing the number of messages or amount of information that can be transferred by an information service.  
      The next step, step  50  includes uploading or transferring information to be sent through an information service to a central server  80  or into a central database  84 . Associated with this step can be optional steps including step  51 , which includes setting a confirmation of information confirming the receipt of this provided information. The uploading or transferring of this information can occur in any known manner. In addition, associated with the uploading or transferring this information, can also be an optional step, including step  52  which includes bundling information from several information services. The bundling of this information is such that a user can select different delivery options via a prompt screen shown in  FIG. 5A  for a set of information from several information services where a user selects a personalized newspaper. The subscriber can decide how often his personalized newspaper is sent as shown in  FIG. 5B .  
      Next, in step  60  these messages or personal newspapers can be sent through a computer network. In this way either the messages can be sent including the full text of the uploaded information of the information service(s), or a link can be sent allowing the user to reveal a web page disclose in a personal newspaper. If only a link is sent, then a user&#39;s selecting this link would have the personal newspaper revealed to him or her. Once these messages are sent, there can be an ongoing tally for setting an account value for users such as for example informers. These informers may have an online account which may be raised or lowered based upon the contributed information.  
       FIG. 2A  discloses a screen  110  for allowing a user such as an initiator to input information into a controller such as a controlling database about an information service. This screen  110  can include a prompt  112  for allowing the user to input the name of the information service, there is also a field  114  to input a description of the information service as well as a field  116  to input additional comments about the information service. When the user then sets up the information service, this new information service is then registered in a controlling database which can have a table that is shown by way of example in example  FIG. 2B .  
       FIG. 2B  discloses a table listing the different information services which can be registered in the controlling database. For example this table  120  can include a first heading  121  listing an information service number, a second heading  122  listing information service name, a third heading  124  listing the description of information service and a fourth field  126  listing the comments regarding the information service. These fields can be listed to correspond to the input fields shown in  FIG. 2A .  
       FIG. 2C  discloses an example of the channel for setting up an information service. For example  FIG. 2C  discloses a portion of an email which can be used to help set up an information service. This email can include a listing of the name, the description, and the comments for that information service. Alternatively, an information service can be set up through web site, through text messaging, by filling out a form and mailing that form into a central mailing address, or any other known communication means. When the information is transferred to the central server, it is then input into the controlling database.  
       FIG. 3A  discloses a screen for allowing a user to control the number of messages or limit the number of messages that can be sent with the information service. For example, this screen  140  includes a first field  142  allowing the user to limit the maximum number of messages allowed. There is also a second field  144  allowing the user to control the maximum number of messages per time period, such as per year, per month, per week, per day, or per every specified number of days or other time period. There is also an additional field  146  which allows a user to set another type of sending restriction that can be a customized sending restriction. There is also a field  148  which allows the user to check different combinations of sending, including combinations of limits for sending messages. Finally, there is also a button  149  to allow a user to continue to additional screens to import in additional information for that information service.  
       FIG. 3B  discloses a screen for allowing users to manage their account at the central information exchange and manage information services such as subscriptions to information services or offered information services. For example, this screen  150  includes a prompt  151  allowing user to search for information services. In addition, there is also a control bar  152  which can be used to allow users to scan the list of subscriptions, manage different offered information services, or to allow the user to review his or her account. In this view, a listing of offered information services is selected wherein this listing discloses columns which relate to  155  the description  156 , the number of subscribers  157 , and the associated registration page  150 . In addition, the screen also lists information relating to the number of information services listed, the revenues generated from these information services. There&#39;s also a field indicating the number of sent messages  158 . In addition, on this page are also hyperlinks allowing any user to click on, such that there is a first hyperlink  159   a  allowing user to send a message at least one second hyperlink  159   b  allowing user to edit a particular information service, and a button  159   c  allowing users to set up a new information service.  
      In addition, a user can also limit the amount of information that can be sent through any particular information service. For example,  FIG. 4 , discloses a screen  160  which can be used to allow a user such as an initiator of information services to restrict the sending of messages in the form of text, attachments, or pictures. For example, there can be a prompt  161  allowing a user to check whether there is a restriction on text. If a user selects text restrictions the user can check either a prompt  162  for no text a prompt for predefined text  163  or a prompt for the maximum number of words  164 , a prompt for exactly the number of words  165 , or a prompt selecting combinations of the above restrictions  166 . Alternatively, or in addition the user can also select whether to restrict attachments. Therefore, there is a prompt for restricting attachments  167  which includes the prompt of restricting no attachments  168  or a prompt for predefined attachments  169 , a prompt for the maximum number of attachments  170 , a prompt for the maximum size of the attachments  171 , or a prompt for allowing combinations of types of attachments  172 .  
      Alternatively, or in addition, there can also be a prompt for restricting pictures  174 , this can include some prompts restricting the sending of information to no pictures  175 , a prompt for restricting predefined pictures  176 , a prompt for restricting the maximum number pictures that can be sent  177 , a prompt for restricting the size of the pictures  178 , or a prompt for allowing for the combination of different features disclosed above  179 .  
      Under this heading, there can also be a section  180  allowing a user to upload a file selected from a directory. In this case, once the user has uploaded the file, this information will be sent in the form of a message if this message is sent to subscribers. In addition, there is also a field  181  allowing the user to select different combinations of different types of restrictions listed above for the entire different sets of restrictions. Therefore, a user can restrict the information service based on multiple different permutations including no text restrictions, partial text restrictions, all text restrictions, no attachment restrictions, partial attachment restrictions, or all attachment restrictions, no picture restrictions, partial picture restrictions, or all picture restrictions.  
       FIG. 5A  discloses a screen  200  allowing a user such as a subscriber to decide how messages from a specific information service should be delivered. For example, the user can select whether to receive this information in the form of personalized newspaper via a prompt  201 . This prompt allows a user to select in which of his newspapers messages of the information service should be delivered. There is also a prompt to allow a user to select whether to deliver the messages in the form of single messages via a single message prompt  203 . Typically, the option “single messages” delivers the messages immediately while in the “personalized newspaper”-option messages get accumulated and sent to the subscriber in a bundled way at a selected point in time. Other subsets of this selection can include a plurality of delivery channels  204 . For example, these delivery channels can include an e mail delivery channel tool for a prompt for an email delivery channel  204   a , a prompt for a web site delivery  204   b , a prompt for a RSS delivery  204   c , a prompt for a SMS delivery  204   d , a prompt for a fax delivery  204   e  prompt for a print delivery  204   f , a prompt for a MMS delivery  204   g . In addition there can also be a button  205  to allow user to select other channels. There can also be a button  206  to allow a user to continue onto an additional screens such as the screen shown in  FIG. 5B .  
       FIG. 5B  discloses another screen  210  wherein this screen allows a user to select from a pulldown bar  212  such that the user can select the delivery time and delivery channel of that type of newspaper. Alternatively, there is a button  214  to allow a user to select a new personalized newspaper. In this screen  210 , the user can select the time of delivery via a prompt  215 . Subsets of this prompt can include a prompt to select the delivery time daily  216   a  and via a pull down bar at a particular time  216   b . In addition the user can select via a prompt  217   a  to determine whether to deliver the newspaper weekly, such as on a particular day of the week, via pull down bar  217   b  and at a particular time via pulldown bar  217   c . Alternatively, the user can select whether to deliver the newspaper online basis such as for example via a prompt  218   a  which can be used to select the monthly basis, and also the day of the month be a pulldown bar  218   b . Once the day is selected, the user can also select the time of day that the newspaper is delivered via pulldown bar  218   c . There can also be a prompt  219  with a button which allows the user to select different combinations of delivery times from the assorted delivery times shown above.  
      Once the user selects this type of selection, he can choose the type of delivery channel. For example, the user can select among the following different types of delivery channels email  220   a , web site  220   b , RSS  220   c , SMS  220   d , fax  220   e , print  220   f , MMS  220   g . In addition, the user can select via a selection bar button  221  for other channels for delivery. Once the selection has taken place or has occurred, the user can select button  222  to continue with the selection process.  
       FIG. 6A  discloses a diagram showing the rights that a subscriber would give to an informer or an information service. For example, in the diagram shown in  FIG. 6A , there is shown a series of different informers from informer  1  through informer  9  in a generalized informer field  250 . In this example, the subscriber is subscribed to three information services with each of the information services having different rights concerning the maximum number of messages and maximum amount of information per message as shown in field  252 . For example, an informer under information service  1  has the right to send only a text message with a maximum of two lines of text. An informer under information service  2  has the right to send only a maximum of one message a day, however this is with no limitations concerning the size of the message. In this example, when subscribing to the information services shown in  FIG. 6A  the subscriber has opted for a newspaper delivery shown in  FIG. 5A . In this example all of the three information services have sent a message during a certain time period and therefore the messages got accumulated and bundled in one message, i.e. the personalized newspaper of the subscriber, and delivered to the subscriber as shown in field  254 .  
      This process can also include defining if messages in an information service should be public to users after these messages have been sent through the information service. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6B , there is a screenshot of the screen allowing the user such as an initiator to define which sent messages of an information service should be public. This screen  256  includes a prompt for a user such as an initiator of an information service to select the history options  258  which can include selecting a prompt for a closed history  260 , a prompt for open history  262 , a prompt for a partly open history  264 , a prompt for only the last messages that can be seen in checkbox  266  and fill-in blank  268 , a prompt selecting only the message that was sent in last in a particular set of days  272 , or a prompt  274  allowing users to select combinations of the above selections. Once this user selects this information, the user can select a button  276  to continue with these questions.  
      This process can also include a screen as shown in  FIG. 7  for defining who is eligible to provide information for an information service. For example, this screen  290  includes a prompt or heading  292  to indicate that the informer needs to complete a series of options. For example, there is a prompt or a radio button  294  that allows anybody to provide information (no restrictions). In addition there&#39;s a radio button or prompt  296  which indicates that only selected entities can transfer or confirm messages. There is a radio button  298  which indicates that only the entity who set up the information service can provide information. There is also a radio button  300  which indicates that only specific selected entities can provide information and a button  304  which is used to open up a screen listing all of the potential selected entities. There is also a radio button or prompt  302  which allows the informer to select only members of a specific group this includes a button for allowing the user or informer to select particular groups. There is also a radio button  308  which selects which limits only informers who meet specific requirements. These requirements can be: whether the informer is a registered member as indicated by checkbox  310 , whether the informer has a minimum rating of a selected number points as indicated by checkbox  312 , whether the informer has a minimum number of messages sent in the past showing experience as indicated by checkbox  314 , whether the informer has not more than a select number of complaints from subscribers as indicated by checkbox  316 , whether the informer has made a commitment to pay a fee in case of complaints or wrong messages sent as indicated by checkbox  318 . In addition, there is also a checkbox  320  which allows for combinations of any of the above criteria. Furthermore, there can also be a radio button  322  for the selection of the combination of any of the above selected criteria to be used in selecting particular criteria for informers. This screen also includes the continue button  324  allowing the user to continue on to additional screens.  
      Examples of these limitations can be such that when informer is registering at the central information exchange, this system may require that people provide information on where they live such as New York City or Chicago to set up an information service relating to New York City such as “Party NYC”. Because this service is related to New York City, a limitation could be used so that this would define only people that live in New York City. Therefore, the system could limit who could be an informer such as only those who live in New York City. In another example, similar to the one above, if the user wanted to set up an information service such as party New York City that information service could be limited to only those who are members of another online group such as party freaks New York City. Thus, only people of that type of group could provide information for this information service. Alternatively, the informers could be limited to only those who have a sufficiently high rating wherein this rating can be supplied by subscribers. This limitation could also include whether the informer has agreed to indemnify, i.e. committed himself to pay a fee if messages are proven to be wrong or of poor quality as rated by subscribers.  
      Another feature of the present invention is that it can be used to define who is eligible to subscribe to an information service. Typically this selection process is done by the entity who initiates the information service. For example the entity who initiates information service can be asked to fill out the form shown in  FIG. 8A .  
       FIG. 8A  discloses a form screen  340  which prompts the user via a heading  342  to select who can subscribe. For example, there is a radio button  344  allowing the user to select every entity can subscribe. In addition, there is another radio button  346  which is more limited, which allows only some entities to subscribe. Under this heading, there are a plurality of radio buttons and check boxes which further limit who can subscribe. For example there is a radio button  348  which limits the subscription to only the entity who initiated the information service. There is another radio button  350  which allows the user to select which particular entities can subscribe via a button  352 . There is also a radio button  354  which limits the selection to only members of a specific group and provides a button  356  for selecting that group. The selection process can provide a listing of a separate web page or a partial web page of these types of groups. In this view the user can for example, highlight these groups and select a radio button  358  which can be selected such that only subscribers who meet particular requirements such as whether the subscribers are a registered member  360  or whether they have a minimum rating of a particular set of points  362 , or whether they agree to share information with informer  366 . This is shown by checkboxes  362 ,  364 , and  366 . For checkbox  362 , there is a prompt or button box  364  allowing the user to input the minimum number of rating points for the selection. In addition, the informer can require that the subscriber provides his or her name or an email address, home address, or age either individually, or on an aggregated level via checkboxes  368 ,  370 ,  372  and  374 .  
      In addition, users can also select any combination of these requirements with checkbox  376  and button  378 . Furthermore, there can be a checkbox  380  which requires that subscribers agree to participate as a reviewer. A reviewer is someone who is willing to monitor the information being presented as part of the information service. These reviewers can then confirm or object to the provided information which leads to the information being sent to the rest of subscribers or not sent to the rest of the subscribers. There are also checkboxes and buttons allowing the user to select different combinations such as checkboxes and buttons  382 ,  384 ,  386 , and  388 . There are also buttons  390  allowing the user to limit the number of subscribers, as well as additional checkboxes or buttons  392  and  394  allowing for different combinations to be selected.  
      As stated above, this central information exchange can be a public place where every party can participate. Thus the exchange of information, especially news, can take place at a central provider or web site. For example,  FIG. 8B  shows a screen indicating how many informers or reviewers have confirmed a particular message and whether any of the reviewers indicate whether the message is wrong. In this example, the sending of this information takes place after there are 15 confirmations of this message. Thus, the sending of information can be limited to only sending this information after at least a particular number of reviewers has confirmed a particular message.  
      Another type of limitation that can be used is that this system can be limited such that only subscribers who are willing to pay a fee may subscribe. Furthermore, there can be a radio button  386  which can be used in conjunction with button  388  to allow for combinations of the above cited limitations. There is also a radio button  390  which limits the maximum number of subscribers and a radio button  394  which works in conjunction with button  392  for allowing for a full field combination of all of the limitations or restrictions. Once the user has completed this form, user can select continue button  396  to continue on to another web page.  
      Information relating to these information services can be shared on a public website. For example,  FIG. 9A  discloses a screen  450  which includes a search block  452  which allows a user to search for a particular information service. There is also a row  454  which includes options for the user to search, enter or enroll in subscriptions, review offered information services, or to allow a user to review his or her account.  
      This web page includes a row of headings identifying each information service. For example, there is a heading for name  456 , a heading for description  458 , a heading for the number of messages  460 , a heading for the amount of information  462 , and a heading for a subscriber  464 . Under each of these headings are rows of information services such as rows  468 ,  470  and  472 . Each of these rows have links allowing the user to request more information about the information service or to subscribe to the information service such as shown with links  474 ,  476 ,  478 , and  480 .  
      Once this information has been uploaded and subscribed to by a subscriber, then this information can be transferred to a user such as a subscriber. For example,  FIG. 9B  discloses a web screen which reveals an email  482 , which has a header section  484  including information on who is sending the information, who is receiving the information and the subject as shown in header  486 , and an information section  486  which includes the information being sent to the subscriber. Alternatively, this information can be sent via a SMS or text message as shown in  FIG. 9C .  FIG. 9C  shows a screen view of this text message  500 , which includes a header line  502 , and an information line  504 .  
      This system and process can also include information screens to inform the different users such as informers and subscribers of their subscriptions or offerings. For example,  FIG. 10A  discloses a screen  600  which includes a search block  602 , which can be used to allow a user such as a subscriber to search for information services. There is a row  606  which is similar to row  454  which is used to allow a user to review different types of information such as search results, subscriptions, offered infoservices, and account information. In this case, the subscriptions link has been selected which results in the presentation of a directory  616  for selecting different information services. With this view there are headings including a list of the infoservice  620 , and a list of the description  618 . There are also at least two rows including rows  631 , and  632 . These rows are the return results for a subscriber listing his or her subscriptions. Adjacent to these rows are links  624  and  626  allowing a user to get more information about an information service, to change the selections for the information service, such as the delivery channel of messages, or to delete or unsubscribe from the information service. There is also a search block  634  allowing a user to search for information services in particular subscriptions. This provides for the user a more refined search of these information services.  
       FIG. 10B  discloses a screen  640  which is used to list the types of information services that an informer can provide. For example, there is shown a search block  638  which allows a user such as an informer to search through the different information services. Selection row  641  which is similar to selection row  606  includes a series of selection links wherein in this view selection line “offered infoservices” has been selected. Consequently there is shown a readout of these different information services below this selection row.  
      For example, this webpage  640  discloses the number of information services offered,  642 , the number of sent messages  644 , and the amount of revenues available for a user  646  such as an informer. In this case, informers can be penalized for sending incorrect or improper messages, therefore this account can be debited after subscribers notify a controller that messages have been incurred or if these messages are improper. Other ways to penalize informers would be to change their ratings or rankings, or changing their permissions. There are also a series of headings for columns listing information services, including name  650 , description  652 , number of subscribers  654 , and a listing of the registration page  656 . This review or listing includes a plurality of columns  658 ,  660 , and  662  which list each information service associated with a particular informer. There are also selection links  664 , and  666  which allow a user such as an informer to send information such as a message, or to edit the information service.  
      Another feature of the present invention is that users such as an initiator can define that information provided for an information service has to follow certain structures or formats or has certain tagged values. Subscribers can then customize information services concerning when or what information will be sent based on the structure of the information service or tagged values.  
      For example, as shown in  FIG. 11A , a user such as an initiator can define on screen  668  that messages or provided information for an information service must have certain tagged information. On screen  668  several tagging options are presented. For example, the initiator of the information service can define the information service to have no tagged information via radio button  670 . There is also another radio button  672  which allows a user to define tagging values. For instance, he may define with radio button  674  that messages or information provided for the information service must have a priority. Subscribers can then define when subscribing that they will receive only messages with certain priorities. Other tagging options can include (but are not limited to), locations  680 , age groups  682 , interests  676 , other  678  or customized values  679 . There are also buttons associated with each of these checkboxes allowing the user to select among a varied list of different selections.  
      This tagged information is not part of the information service or messages itself, rather the main aim is to give subscribers the chance to only receive messages with certain tagged values.  
      For example, a user may initiate an information service “Party NYC” and defines as a tagging class “music style” with the possible values “jazz”, “classical music” and “pop”. Every message that gets transferred to the controller such as a central server must also have tagged information, either “jazz”, “classical music” or “pop”. For instance, one message might be “On the 23rd of October a party with music from Michael Jackson takes place on 42nd Street” with the attached value “pop”.  
      According to the subscriber&#39;s selections at the time of subscribing, they may receive this message or they may not. For example, a subscriber who subscribed to the infoservice “Party NYC” may have decided that he will only receive messages with the tagged value “jazz”. In this case, he will therefore not receive the message about the party on 42nd Street with music from Michael Jackson.  
      Once the user such as the initiator has selected these various tagging options, the user can select button  681  to continue.  
      In addition, the user such as the initiator of an information service can also define the information service or provided information or messages to have a certain structure. For example, a user such as an initiator can select from predefined structure elements of an information service as shown in  FIG. 11B . A selection screen or webpage  684  can be presented which includes check boxes for selecting the structure elements date  686 , name  688 , time  690 , location  692 , description  694 , price  695 , or other structure elements  696 . Once the initiator has selected the structure elements he can continue onto another screen via button  698 .  
      After the structure elements have been set, messages or provided information have to follow this structure. For example, an initiator may define that the information service has the structure elements date  704 , name  706 , and location  708 , as shown in screen  700  in  FIG. 11C . Provided information or messages must be in this format. In  FIG. 11C  one provided message is shown in row  710 , other messages can be in rows  712  or  714  etc.  
      Based on this defined structure subscribers then can customize the information service. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12A , there is a screen  730  which allows a subscriber to select the frequency for receiving these messages. For example, there is a series of selection boxes  732 ,  734 ,  736 ,  738 ,  740 ,  741 ,  742 ,  743 ,  744 ,  746  which allow a user to select when he wishes to receive a message. There is also a button  748  which can be used to allow a user to opt for reminders for different selected events.  
      In addition, users such as an initiator can completely define the format and the structure elements of an information service according to his or her needs. For example,  FIG. 12B  discloses a screen  750  wherein the user has already defined the structure elements  752 , as well as their formats  754  or possible values as shown in sections numbered  756 - 778 .  
      Another section of this website  750  includes a column  780  which allows a user to define the name of an additional column or structure element of the information service. For example, as shown in section  782  the user has already entered the name “result” for another column or structure element. In section  784  the user defines the format  786  and restrictions of values in the new column or structure element such as no restrictions  790 , a maximum of a characters  793  which can be defined in a fill in blank  792  or predefined values  794  or other  796 .  
       FIG. 12C  discloses a screen  798  which allows a subscriber to select the criteria for when and what information they will receive in this information service. For example, there is a pulldown bar  800  allowing a user to select the type of criteria such as the nationality of a player, wherein particular characteristics of that criteria can be selected in pull down bar  802 .  
      There is also a checkbox  804  which can be used to in conjunction with a pulldown bar  806  to further define this criteria such as the round of the match. There is also a pulldown bar allowing a user to select particular characteristics of this criteria  808 . A button  810  is also available for a user to select additional criteria.  
      A listing  812  of checkboxes can be presented to allow a user what information will be sent. Finally there can be a button  814  to allow a user to subscribe to this information service.  
      Ultimately, this system and process can be used to allow to structure the sending of information while allowing subscribers to subscribe to the sending or display of information, while having a controlling system control or regulate the exchange of this information to create an improved system and process for the transfer of this information.  
      Accordingly, while a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.