Patent ID: 7127671

Claim:
A method for publishing a customized publication including an article for a customer, which method comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining information from such customer relating to the publication, said information comprising: (i) a topic for the article; and (ii) the identity of a primary source for quotable information about the topic; (b) defining a first period of time within which to obtain quotable information about the topic from the primary source; (c) defining a second period of time within which to obtain quotable information about the topic from a secondary source; (d) defining a third period of time within which to obtain information about the topic from a tertiary source; (e) setting a beginning time for the first period, whereby an ending time for the first period is set; (f) attempting to obtain quotable information about the topic from the primary source during the first period; (g) if successful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the primary source during the first period, then proceeding directly to step (m); (h) if unsuccessful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the primary source during the first period, setting a beginning time for the second period, whereby an ending time for the second period is set; (i) identifying a secondary source for quotable information about the topic and attempting to obtain quotable information about the topic from the secondary source during the second period; (j) if successful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the secondary source during the second period, then proceeding directly to step (m); (k) if unsuccessful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the secondary source during the second period, setting a beginning time for the third period, whereby an ending time for the third period is set; (l) identifying a tertiary source for information about the topic and attempting to obtain information about the topic from the tertiary source during the third period; (m) preparing a proof for printing; (n) printing the publication.