Methods and apparatus for collecting and transferring information over a network

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention provides digital data processing methods and systems for collecting and transferring information, comprising one or more server digital data processors ('servers') that exchange information requests and, optionally, responses between a first set of client digital data processors and a second set of client digital data processors. The first set of those client devices accept input from persons seeking information, e.g., reporters, bloggers, detectives, etc., (collectively, 'reporters') and, from that input, generate and transmit queries to the server(s). The server digital data processor, in turn, transmits those queries to the second set of client digital data processors, which display or otherwise convey the queries to persons that may have relevant information, e.g., industry professionals, public relations representatives, etc. (collectively, “sources”). Those second client devices route responses received from respective sources directly and/or indirectly (e.g., via the server(s)) to the client device of the “reporter” who inputted the request.