Computerized method of mediating disputed issues

Abstract

A computerized Internet web server / browser method of mediating disputed issues. Here a semi-anonymous mediation network, optionally linked to a pre-existing social network, containing various members interested in providing disputes to mediate and mediating these disputes, is created. Members may post disputes according to various issue types, have these disputes analyzed and commented on by other members, who will then receive feedback according to the success of their analysis. The system keeps track of member expertise in resolving these disputes, thus determining which members have better track records at resolving various types of problems. The system additionally may contain various analytical and graphical tools to enable members to analyze mediation responses according to the characteristics of the response givers. Members may additionally post general questions to other members and receive responses. Certain data may be shared with advertisers, who may post ads relevant to the disputed issues.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention is in the general fields of computerized internet social networks, computerized survey questionnaire methods, and internet advertising methods.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Disputes regarding various issues between individuals are a constant part of everyday life. These disputes can range from minor to very serious. At one end, they can be simple domestic arguments about the division of chores in living arrangements, minor relationship issues, and the like. The disputes can be more serious disputes, such as disputes about automobile repair problems and auto accidents. The disputes can also be even more serious, such as civil torts and breach of contract disputes.[0005]At present, there is no fully satisfactory method to handle any of these issues or disputes. (Note that a dispute will generally be composed of issues, and will generally have at least one issue, but may often contain multiple ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]What is needed is a simple, low cost, method, preferably internet based, that has the ability to handle many of the issues and disputes that are presently too minor for the legal system to recognize, and ideally scale up to handle some of the various issues presently being handled by small claims court and superior court. Here such a method is disclosed.

[0015]In operation, by necessity the mediation network will generally accumulate information, such as age, gender, approximate geographic location, and type of mediation issues under discussion. This information can also be quite valuable for advertisers, and this advertising tie-in may help finance the system in operation, thus reducing or eliminating user costs. For example, automobile repair shops may be interested in local automobile accident disputes, and may pay to advertise their services to local cases. Thus in some embodiments of the invention, this information (generally on a user anonymized basis) may be provided to advertisers. These advertisers may in turn provide or upload advertising media to the mediation network. The mediation network may in turn transmit this advertising media, generally as part of the uploaded mediation network web pages, to the various mediation network members that meet various advertiser specified criteria for age, gender, approximate geographic location, and type of mediation issues.

Problems solved by technology

These disputes can range from minor to very serious.

The disputes can be more serious disputes, such as disputes about automobile repair problems and auto accidents.

The disputes can also be even more serious, such as civil torts and breach of contract disputes.

At present, there is no fully satisfactory method to handle any of these issues or disputes.

Some problems, such as the less serious domestic arguments and minor relationship issues, are just too small for the legal system to handle at all.

However the court process is cumbersome.

If the trial involves a jury, the process is even more laborious, since the various jury members have to be summoned, physically travel to the court, and also wait, with a considerable loss in time and effort.

Although alternatives to the court system, such as private mediation services, often conducted by retired judges exist, such systems are generally also quite cumbersome, again often involving physical travel and a substantial amount of expense as well.

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