Sermo, Inc.

Daniel Palestrant

Graham Stewart Gardner

A system and method is provided that provides an early indication of consensus of opinion among a number of users regarding an event or observation indicated by a user. The opinion can be interesting to an information consumer, for determining the outcome of the consensus relating to the event or observation, or for performing surveillance or survey of a particular issue or subject. Such recognition of early events or observations can be useful in different areas, such as healthcare, finance, etc., where initial observations, if provided early, allow resulting decisions to be made much earlier. The opinion can, for instance, be used as an early indicator of problem with a product, company, etc. that would permit an information consumer to perform an action at a much earlier point than if he/she relied on traditional sources of information. Thus, such opinion information can be invaluable as a tool for monitoring events.

Method and apparatus for conducting an information brokering service

According to one aspect, an approach is provided that assists in presenting the right information within the ecosystem. The approach involves associating information sources (ads, sponsored information, research requests, debate notices, seminars, education opportunities, peer generated information, etc) with a feedback mechanism. In one embodiment, the feedback mechanism includes a scoring feature, where individual participants within the ecosystem rate the relevancy and/or importance of the information provided. In one example, a user is notified that a potentially relevant information source is available. The notification is typically displayed unobtrusively within a browser or interface window that the user is navigating. In one implementation, the user must perform some affirmative action to reach information associated with the information opportunity. In one example, requiring an affirmative action serves as a shield from pop-ups, banner-ads, and other distracting form of advertising. It is also realized that allowing the user to select the information opportunity rather than display it immediately permits the user to decide explore the opportunity. In one example, permitting the user to decide to explore the opportunity increases the user's receptivity to the information opportunity. In one embodiment, information associated with the information opportunity is displayed in response to user selection. The information associated with the information opportunity describes the information opportunity available. The user is provided with the opportunity to evaluate the information opportunity without being required to visit it and/or review it in its entirety. The information associated with the information opportunity may also be displayed with user feedback.

Community moderated information

A system and method is provided that provides an early indication of consensus of opinion among a number of users regarding an event or observation indicated by a user. Such an opinion may be interesting to an information consumer, who may be interested in determining the outcome of the consensus relating to the event or observation, or may otherwise desire to perform surveillance or survey of a particular issue or subject. Such recognition of early events or observations may be useful in different areas, such as healthcare, finance, etc., where initial observations, if provided early, allow resulting decisions to be made much earlier. The opinion may, for instance, be used as an early indicator of problem with a product, company, etc. that would permit an information consumer to perform an action at a much earlier point than if he/she relied on traditional sources of information. Thus, such opinion information may be invaluable as a tool for monitoring events.

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, MA, United States of America

Daniel Palestrant