Method and system for content disclosure, advertisement service, and inter-reward collection integration

Abstract

To provide a method and system executed by a computer for content disclosure, advertisement services, and inter-reward collection integration.SOLUTION: A computer executes steps of: disclosing first content generated by a first user for browsing; determining whether or not a predetermined condition of the disclosed first content reaches a first predetermined threshold; providing a first frame available for first advertisements when the predetermined condition of the first content reaches the first predetermined threshold; and allowing a first user to set a first price of the first frame. In this case, the predetermined condition of the disclosed first content includes at least one of the number of recommendation for the disclosed first content and the number of translation of the disclosed first content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 558,511, entitled "System and Method for Reporting Sustainable Development Strategies, Exchanging Public Policies, Environmentally Friendly and Political Information and Any General Information Internationally and Without Language Barriers, and Receiving Financial Rewards for Publishing Content Online," filed by the present inventor on November 11, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to receiving rewards for content contributions by using advertising services, and more particularly to a method and system for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and rewards collection. [Background technology]

[0003] With the advancement and development of Internet technology, users can receive monetary rewards / compensation for publishing their content via the Internet. Advertisement services such as Google Adsense provide tools to create and place advertisements on websites where content of interest is published. Then, the ad service provider such as Google and the content publisher or website owner share the profits based on, for example, the cost per click (CPC) or cost per thousand impressions (CPM) paid by the advertiser for each advertisement displayed on the website. However, such ad services may impose constraints on collecting rewards, and thus may be less user-friendly or flexible, with CPC or CPM being current examples. Furthermore, since users can easily publish unlimited content online, possibly through websites and social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, the quality of the published online content is often not taken into consideration. Finally, current systems or methods for content reporting and formats for exchanging content may not be sufficiently interactive, which may prevent potential users from participating in content of interest that considers environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainable development. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, it may be desirable to have a method and system for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and rewards collection. It may also be desirable to have a method and system that provides incentives for publishing high quality and recommended content, as well as a flexible and interactive environment for publishing / interacting content, receiving rewards, and using advertising services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention may provide a method for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and reward collection, including publishing a first user-generated first content for viewing, determining whether a predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold, and if the first predetermined threshold is reached, providing a first slot available for a first advertisement, and allowing the first user to set a first price for the first slot.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention may also provide a method for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and rewards collection, the method including publishing a first content, providing a first slot associated with the first content available for a first advertisement, and enabling a first user to set a first price for the first slot.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention may further provide a system for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and reward collection, including means for publishing a first user-generated first content for viewing, means for determining whether a predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold, and if the first predetermined threshold is reached, means for providing a first slot available for a first advertisement, and means for enabling the first user to set a first price for the first slot.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention may further provide a system for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and rewards collection, the system including means for publishing a first content, means for providing a first slot associated with the first content available for a first advertisement, and means for enabling a first user to set a first price for the first slot.

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to the present invention and embodiments thereof, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an example diagram of a system for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and rewards collection, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] An example of a screen showing the user's main menu page [Figure 3A] An example of a screen showing how a user can view the Sustainable Development Strategies (SDS) tab after getting more recommendations to publish more SDSs. [Figure 3B] An example of a screen showing the information a user can provide to publish an SDS [Figure 3C] An example of how a published SDS may appear in the system [Figure 4A] An example of a screen showing the main menu for managing a user's Green Real Estate (GRE) [Figure 4B] An example of a screen showing how a user can access the opportunities available to price their GRE. [Figure 4C] An example screen showing the information users are asked to provide to price their GRE. [Figure 4D] An example of a screen showing the GRE parcels currently for sale to a user. [Figure 4E] An example of a screen showing a user's transaction history for sold GRE parcels (both paid and unpaid) and unsold GRE parcels. [Figure 4F] An example of a screen showing the GRE parcels for which a user is currently bidding. [Figure 4G] An example of a screen showing a GRE parcel that a user acquired through bidding [Figure 4H]An example of a screen showing the information users are asked to provide to "build" their GRE. [Figure 4I] An example screen showing how users can provide their seller / buyer feedback [Figure 4J] An example of a screen showing a user's list of people they have blocked from bidding on their GRE. [Figure 5A] A screenshot showing a published SDS that has received a recommendation and includes a GRE for sale. [Figure 5B] An example of the published SDS screen when a GRE bidder has completed payment and uploaded the content they wish to display. [Figure 6A] An example of a screen showing a list of GREs available for sale to users. [Figure 6B] An example of a screen showing details of a GRE for sale, as shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] An example of a screen showing a user's profile [Figure 7B] An example screen showing how a user may access the system to view another user's profile. [Figure 7C] An example screen showing how a user may access the system to view another user's or their own affiliate listings. [Figure 7D] An example screen showing how a user can access the system to view another user's or their own list of translators. [Figure 8A] An example screen showing how a user may access the system to view a list of other users' or their own published briefings. [Figure 8B] An example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a "link" style briefing. [Figure 8C] An example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a briefing in "photo" format. [Figure 8D] An example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a briefing in "video" format. [Figure 8E]An example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a "press release" style briefing. [Figure 9] An example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to participate in a Q&A session. [Figure 10] An example screen showing how a user can access the system to view updates on their partners. [Figure 11A] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and rewards collection, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] Continuation of flow chart of FIG. 11A [Figure 11C] Continuation of flow chart of FIG. 11A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Throughout this specification, when describing embodiments of the present invention, the environment and / or sustainable development will be used as an example of published content. Nevertheless, the present invention is equally applicable to other types of content. Users can publish anything they want and still receive monetary rewards.

[0012] Combating climate change and developing a holistic but practical strategy for sustainable development that controls greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to achieving the sustainable development goals globally and enabling human beings to live in harmony with nature. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division of Sustainable Development, Chapter 8 of Agenda 21 encourages countries to develop National Strategies for Sustainable Development (NSDS) that will work together and complement each country's economic, social, and environmental policies and plans. Developed as a result of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Janeiro, Brazil in 1992, Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action that provides environmental guidance globally. In 1997, a special session of the UN General Assembly reemphasized the importance of NSDS and called on each country to develop its own NSDS by 2002. Furthermore, the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) calls on each country to implement its own NSDS by 2005. More recently, the United Nations Millennium Declaration has encouraged countries to incorporate the principles of sustainable development into national policies and programs (http: / / www.un.org / esa / dsd / dsd_aofw_nsds / nsds_index.shtml).

[0013] The importance of developing a comprehensive NSDS that considers the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainable development is evident from conferences and declarations of various international specialized agencies. However, there are some problems with the current method of reporting NSDS and the format for communicating information and / or public policies related to sustainable development, including:

[0014] Although some countries have published their national NSDS and made them accessible via the Internet and the UN web portal, citizens of different countries often do not know how to search them or how to translate the large amount of information into a concise, publicly understandable format.

[0015] NSDS are often presented in only one or two languages ​​and therefore do not effectively address the pressing global issues of sustainable development, nor do they support the exchange of such information between countries.

[0016] Even if NSDS readers and researchers can obtain information about a country's NSDS through electronic media such as databases and the Internet, the format is often not interactive, meaning that readers and researchers cannot easily comment on the NSDS, recommend the NSDS, or help translate it into other languages ​​to help raise awareness of the country's NSDS or any NSDS in general. Furthermore, readers and researchers cannot easily contact each other, find translators to help understand a particular NSDS, or form partnerships to share their thoughts and feelings about the approval / disapproval of a particular NSDS.

[0017] Readers and researchers may have difficulty locating the authors of the NSDS or the overall spokesperson for the country's NSDS. As a result, NSDS authors, readers, researchers, and policy makers cannot easily ask or answer questions to help each other improve the NSDS and overall benefit sustainable development.

[0018] NSDS are presented by countries using a variety of units, standards, languages ​​and formats, which can be confusing, especially for national policy makers, researchers and citizens trying to understand other countries' NSDS and sustainable development activities.

[0019] As the name suggests, a National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSDS) is a holistic environmental strategy at the country level. This NSDS is based on and targets the activities of many companies, organizations, and individuals in each country, who often are unable to publicly report or share their personal sustainable development strategies in a standardized, publicly understandable format via electronic media. For example, an individual may have a useful personal sustainable development strategy to share with the public, but current methods do not allow him or her to easily present his or her ideas in a standardized format and engage in dialogue with his or her audience. Companies that produce "green products" or specific sustainable activities may also want to share their product-specific or company-specific sustainable development strategies.

[0020] Apart from the above mentioned problems, there are also issues with the way in which users are remunerated, especially monetary remuneration / compensation, for publishing content online or via electronic media such as blogs, social networking services, etc. For example, if a user publishes his / her sustainable development related strategies / ideas / information, or any content in general, on his / her blog / website, hoping to receive monetary remuneration for his / her content contribution by using advertising services (such as Google Adsense), he / she may face the following problems:

[0021] Users have to apply to use / implement many advertising services. If a user does not get enough visitors / viewers on his / her website and / or blog, he / she may be initially denied to use such services. In that case, if a user happens to have useful strategies for sustainable development or wants to publish any content in general on his / her website / blog, but does not meet the "visitor count" requirement initially, he / she may not immediately receive monetary reward for contributing and publishing his / her content.

[0022] Ad services such as Google AdSense often claim that one of their main features is profit sharing. That is, the ad service generally shares the amount it collects from advertisers with the content publishers or website owners who use their ad service. However, these ad services may not say exactly how much they collect from advertisers. Furthermore, the profit sharing plan between the ad service and the content publishers who use their service is not entirely clear. For example, the content publisher may not know whether they are collecting exactly 30% or 60% of the profit or revenue that the ad service collects from advertisers. Revenue / profit allocation is often not fully disclosed.

[0023] Content publishers or website owners who use Google AdSense or similar services often must wait to reach a certain "threshold" (such as waiting until they earn $100 in revenue from people clicking or simply viewing their ads) before they can receive their financial compensation. This process can take up to weeks, months, or even years for a content publisher to receive their financial compensation (such as in the form of a check).

[0024] For most content publishers or website owners who use advertising services on their blogs / websites, their revenue is based on cost per click (CPC) or cost per thousand impressions (CPM). This means that the content publisher generates revenue when someone (other than themselves) clicks on the ad or an impression occurs. If neither of these occur, the content contributor / website owner may not be able to generate revenue.

[0025] For most content publishers or website owners who use Google Adsense or similar services, they do not have the opportunity to determine the value of their content / blog / website and / or the price of their ad inventory. That is, content publishers / website owners cannot set a "base price" for their available inventory for advertising. For example, a user may decide that their ad inventory is worth at least $50.00 and that interested advertisers must submit bids at least equal to or above that base price. Most ad services do not let content publishers determine the value of their ad inventory, but rather let advertisers determine the value of the inventory through an auction.

[0026] Ad services (such as Google AdSense) claim that ads compete in an ad auction and that the ad service's system automatically selects the ad that will generate the highest revenue. However, users who adopt the ad service may not be able to fully participate in the ad auction to know who is bidding on their ad space and to verify that the ad auction is indeed selecting the ad that will generate the highest revenue.

[0027] According to the present invention, a method and system are provided to address the above problems, which allows users to report and interact with Strategies for Sustainable Development (SDS) at the individual level as well as at the national level. Individual refers to individuals as well as companies, businesses, organizations, schools, families, and any type of organization other than the representative governmental organizations of the respective countries. National, on the other hand, refers to governing bodies of countries, states, and / or local communities.

[0028] Furthermore, the method and system enable users to exchange environmentally friendly strategies, ideas, legislation, policies, trends, products, information, any other international affairs, political information, related information, and any general information internationally across language barriers for the benefit of global sustainable development, thus allowing people to represent their countries without actually participating in government functions, without holding elections, or without personally attending international conferences such as the United Nations General Assembly.

[0029] The method and system also allows users to build their international alliances, find translators, communicate with SDS authors or content publishers in general, learn about SDS and "green culture" in different countries, and improve their language skills. Any individual, company, business, organization, school, family, and any kind of organism can promote their SDS in a concise format that is publicly understandable by the method and system.

[0030] Furthermore, the method and system allow users to receive monetary compensation for publishing content online. The system and method can be generally applied for receiving compensation, especially monetary compensation, and publishing content online, i.e. the published content does not necessarily have to be related to the exemplary environment and / or sustainable development.

[0031] The method and system according to the present invention provides for the interactive reporting of electronic SDS (and other related information), exchange of environmentally friendly strategies, ideas, legislation, policies, and information (or other general international situation and political information), and receipt of financial rewards for publishing content on online services using computers, monitors, databases, the Internet, and / or other electronic media such as iPads (registered trademarks) (and tablet PCs) and / or mobile devices.

[0032] The system allows full interactive access by users over the Internet at any time. In one embodiment, the system can be built using PHP, MySQL, Apache, JavaScript, Ajax, JQuery, CSS, and HTML. Alternatively, the system can be built using other common web programming languages, such as ASP, JSP, Java, Python, Ruby, ColdFusion, and other web programming languages, and other database technologies, such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and other common database technologies. Other technologies that can be used include, but are not limited to, Flash, AJAX, Closure, Java Servlets, Big Table, Colossus, MapReduce, NoSQL, Cassandra, and HBase.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example system 10 for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and reward collection, according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the system 10 may include a server 20 and a number of user devices 30. The server 20 and the user devices 30 may communicate with each other via a communication network (not numbered). The communication network may include the Internet or World Wide Web, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), and / or an extranet. The user devices 30 may each include a computing device such as a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, or other portable device.

[0034] The server 20 may include a processor 21, a storage device 22, a content publishing module 23, an advertisement service module 24, and a reward collection module 25. The method and system according to the present invention will be described in the following embodiments, and the roles and functions of each of the modules 23 to 25 will be made clear.

[0035] Initially, for a user to access the system and method, the user is asked to provide the requested information in a login or registration process. The information may be entered on a PHP page transmitted over the Internet. Alternatively, if the web page is created using another type of technology, such as ASP, the information required to create an account (or "mission office") is entered in a language native to that technology. For first-time users, the requested information includes, but is not limited to, first name, last name, gender, email, password, nationality, native language, and birth month and year. Upon registration with the system, the user is assigned a personal number (or ID) that allows the user to access his or her "mission office," as illustrated in FIG. 2. For users who have already registered and obtained a personal number (or ID), the user can simply log into the system with their email and password to access their "mission office." One embodiment of the system allows users to view the top three most recent, most viewed, most recommended, and best translated SDSs without having to register with the system.

[0036] Alternatively, the system can be programmed to allow the number of SDSs or content that can be viewed without registering with the system to be modified. For example, five or all existing SDSs or content can be viewed without registering with the system. The system can also be programmed to require users to register in order to view any published SDSs and other content. In addition to the most recent, most viewed, most recommended, and best translated SDSs or content, other categories such as "Most Profitable" and "Most Discounted" can also be included.

[0037] Figure 2 is an example of a screen showing a user's main menu page after logging in to the system, i.e., My Mission Office 78. Referring to Figure 2, a user can view updates on their partners by selecting News 80, edit their biography by selecting Biography 82, view a list of their partners by selecting Partners 84, view a list of their translators by selecting Translators 86, publish their personal sustainable development strategy by selecting SDS 88, publish non-SDS content or materials by selecting Notes 89, view their current "green properties" for sale (i.e., available slots for advertising) by selecting GRE 90, publish a briefing by selecting Briefings 92, and ask / answer questions by selecting Q&A 94.

[0038] As mentioned above, the content that users can publish is not limited to SDSs related to the environment and / or sustainable development. For convenience, SDSs are used as an example in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] By entering nationality, language, or name in the field box 96, the user can search for associates and / or translators. In addition, the user can search published SDSs and memos by title, category, author name, and content keywords. Finally, the user can search for GREs currently for sale by their title, content, and bid amount. The search function can search anything that may be in the system's database. A "Congratulations!" message 98 informs the user that there is another opportunity to publish another SDS and sell a parcel of GRE with possible financial rewards.

[0040] The "[user's first name] is inviting you to form an alliance" message 100 informs a user when they have received an invitation from another user to form an alliance. In this example, Marie and Howard are inviting Joyce (the owner of the Mission Office) to become an alliance member.

[0041] The "[user's first name] has invited you to translate" message 102 informs users when they have received an invitation from another user to be that person's translator. In this example, Jenny and Henry have invited Joyce to be their translator.

[0042] Recommendations 104 shows the total number of recommendations the user has earned by publishing effective SDSs, informative briefings (which may include, but are not limited to, links, photos, videos, and press releases, as shown in FIG. 8B), and useful translations of the SDS. These are only examples. The total number of recommendations may also include, for example, recommendations the user has earned by publishing useful memoranda, contributing interesting questions and valuable answers, or providing a detailed resume / CV.

[0043] The total number of translations 106 indicates the number of SDSs translated by users.

[0044] The GRE transaction rating 108 indicates the feedback rating the user has received from buyers and / or sellers of his / her GRE.

[0045] Positive feedback 110 indicates the percentage of positive reviews given by buyers / sellers of the user's GREs. This percentage is calculated as the number of positive reviews divided by the sum of all positive and negative reviews (total number of reviews).

[0046] The number badge 112 indicates the user's current "rank." The user's rank (indicated by the various number badges) can be based on the number of recommendations the user has received for publishing effective SDSs and other types of content (such as "memos" and "briefings"). As mentioned earlier, the purpose of the system is to provide a platform where users can efficiently share policies and information (especially related to sustainable development). Furthermore, the mission of the system is to provide a platform where users can become government officials or representatives of their home countries without having to run elections or actually participate in the government as personnel. Thus, the badge number may act as an incentive for users to publish effective SDSs and share quality content. However, as mentioned earlier, the published content is not limited to SDSs and can include other types of content.

[0047] Latest Q&A114 shows the three most recent questions and / or answers from Q&A94.

[0048] Latest Translations 116 shows the three most recent translations of your SDS.

[0049] Send Invitations 118 allows a user to invite potential associates, translators, recommenders, and / or buyers of his / her GRE to use the present system and method.

[0050] By selecting Manage My Green Real Estate (GRE) 120, the user can access the main menu for selling / buying GREs, shown in Figure 4A, and earn financial rewards for publishing recommended SDSs and memos. The format of the memorandum ("Memo") may be similar to a blog entry or diary / journal entry.

[0051] Alternatively, apart from displaying updates from the user's partners, News 80 may also include updates from the user's translators, such as the user's translators' latest translations, GREs for sale, newly published SDSs and briefings, etc. News 80 may also update the user on the latest news about sustainable development in general, such as policy changes regarding carbon trading rules. Additionally, News 80 may allow the user to subscribe to the latest updates about companies / organizations / schools / products and "green" product launches. Finally, News 80 may include general local, national and world news, allowing the user quick access to the latest information.

[0052] With regard to the SDS 88 and memos 89, in one embodiment, a first-time user may start with three opportunities to draft the SDS and / or any other type of content in the memos 89 initially. That is, a user may only publish three SDSs and memos initially unless one of them has at least five recommendations. As soon as a user has at least five or more recommendations on one of his / her SDSs or memos (which may contain any type of content), he / she has the opportunity to publish another SDS or memo. At the same time, he / she has the opportunity to price and sell a parcel of "green real estate (GRE)" that is an empty space / slot (which may be used for advertising or other similar uses, or other uses such as sending greeting cards) located next to the SDS or memo from which he / she has received a recommendation. The system may provide a message indicating the number of SDSs or memos the user is allowed to draft at that time.

[0053] The reason for imposing limitations or predefined conditions on the number of SDSs and memoranda a user can publish, or the number of recommendations a user must obtain to sell available slots for advertising, is to ensure the quality of the content that users upload to the system. Online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have given users the convenience of publishing content online easily and quickly, but these online social networks also indirectly provide users with a way to share unlimited content online without worrying about the quality, purpose, and effect of the content. Online information overload may prevent users from receiving truly educational and useful information, and at the same time, users may spend more time filtering information from end to end to get the information they really want to find. Information oversharing also encourages websites such as Google and Facebook to build more data centers to store shared information. Building such buildings may not necessarily have the best impact on the environment.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system provides a "filter" and incentive for users to upload quality content by imposing restrictions or creating predefined conditions on the amount of content a user can publish or the number of recommendations a user must obtain to sell available space for advertising (aka GRE). Only if the content created by the user receives a certain number of recommendations, the user can be given the opportunity to publish more content and to earn money by selling a parcel of GRE (i.e., a space that is located next to the content he / she created and can be used for advertising or other similar uses, or for other uses such as sending greeting cards). Thus, when a user publishes well-thought-out content, the user not only gets the recommendation of the viewers, but also has the opportunity to earn money by selling available space for advertising. At the same time, in contrast to a typical website where the recommendation is merely a virtual favorable opinion, the above embodiment can help the content recommender to receive the possibility of earning income for the content author in addition to sending a virtual support.

[0055] Alternatively, the system may be programmed so that each user starts with more or less than three opportunities to publish an SDS or Memo, which may contain any type of content. This initial number may be varied, or the system may be programmed so that there is no restriction or predefined condition on the number of SDSs or Memo that may be published initially. Furthermore, the number of recommendations a user must obtain in order to publish another SDS or Memo and make a profit selling a parcel of GRE may vary depending on how the system is programmed. For example, instead of obtaining at least five recommendations, the system may be programmed so that a user must obtain at least ten recommendations for a published SDS or Memo, or only two recommendations, in order to sell available space for advertising. Another option is that the system may not impose any restriction or predefined condition on the number of recommendations a user must obtain in order to publish another SDS / Memo or sell a parcel of GRE. That is, a user may sell GRE without obtaining any recommendations for his published SDS or Memo (which may also contain any type of content).

[0056] The opportunity to publish more SDSs or Memos (which may contain any type of content in general) and sell GREs can also be programmed in various other combinations. For example, a user may start with five SDSs and be required to gain at least ten recommendations in order to publish two more SDSs and sell three parcels of GREs. Again, the number of SDSs / Memos a user can initially publish, the number of recommendations a user must gain in order to publish more SDSs, Memos, or content, and the number of slots a user can sell for advertising or other uses can range from zero to infinite.

[0057] The system may also be programmed so that if a user publishes a very effective SDS or a very useful MOU and garners a large number of recommendations within a certain period of time, the user may be permitted to publish more SDS or MOUs than usual, sell more GREs than usual, and / or earn a higher profit share if his / her GREs are sold.

[0058] Another alternative is that a user may not need to obtain any recommendations to publish any more SDSs or MOUs or to sell GREs. That is, there may be no restrictions on the number of SDSs and MOUs one can publish and the number of opportunities one can sell GREs for profit. As a result, a user can publish any number of SDSs or MOUs he or she wants and does not need to obtain any recommendations for his or her SDSs or MOUs in order to sell GREs. When a parcel of GRE is sold, the user and the system owner can share the revenue.

[0059] FIG. 3A is an example of a screen showing how the SDS tab 88 shown in FIG. 2 can be displayed after the user has received more recommendations to publish more SDSs. Referring to FIG. 3A, a list of SDSs published by the user is shown. When the user clicks on the text link that appears under the title 126, the user is taken to the details of the SDS shown in FIG. 3C, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B. The category 128 indicates the subject matter to which the SDS pertains. For example, if the SDS is about planting trees to reduce carbon, the SDS may pertain to forests or air. The date 130 indicates the date and time the SDS was published.

[0060] Figure 3B is an example of a screen showing the information a user can provide to publish an SDS. Sustainable development can be measured in many different ways, such as energy efficiency or reduction of carbon emissions. Different methods of measurement can result in a wide range of green information. As a result, the format shown in Figure 3B can standardize the reporting of strategies and green information for sustainable development by asking users to share their SDS that take into account monetary values. Specific items include:

[0061] (1) "Related Images" 132. The Images shall be relevant to the content of the SDS.

[0062] (2) "Title" 134. The title of the SDS should be entered in this box.

[0063] (3) "Category" 136. Users shall select the category to which their SDS is most relevant, including but not limited to agriculture, electrical products, structure / building, air, biodiversity, business / finance, chemical, economics, education, energy, fashion, food, forestry, horticulture, health, land, machinery, materials, marine / sea / coast, technology, tourism, transportation, waste, water, etc.

[0064] (4) "Your Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS)" 138. The user shall enter his / her SDS here. The system may limit the amount of characters the user enters here, i.e., the SDS should be no more than 500 characters as shown in Figure 3B. This is to encourage people to share their SDS in a concise format. At the same time, potential readers can quickly grasp the author's SDS within a shorter time. However, the system may also be programmed to have no constraint on the number of characters allowed or to impose various character constraints.

[0065] (5) "Amount Your SDS Can Earn" 140. Here, the user shall enter the amount in United States dollars. This number shall indicate the amount that will actually be earned or could be earned if the stated SDS is implemented. In addition, the user may indicate the time it will take to obtain the reported amount; that is, the user may select the length of time from "1 day", "1 week", "1 month", and "1 year". Alternatively, the system may be programmed so that the amount does not have to be in United States dollars, but in other currencies such as yen or euro. The system may also provide a currency conversion program to assist the user in entering the amount in the type of currency with which he or she is most comfortable.

[0066] (6) "Calculation Method" 142. Here the user shall describe how to calculate the amount 140 that the user's SDS would earn if someone were to execute the user's SDS. The system may limit the amount of characters the user enters here. This is to encourage the use of clear and concise language for ease of reading. However, the system may be programmed to have no constraints on the number of characters permitted.

[0067] (7) "Amount Your SDS Could Save" 144. Here, the user shall enter an amount in United States dollars. This number shall represent the actual or potential savings if the stated SDS is implemented. Additionally, the user may indicate the amount of time it will take to save the reported amount; that is, the user may select the length of time from "1 day," "1 week," "1 month," and "1 year." Alternatively, the system may be programmed so that the amount does not have to be in United States dollars, but in other currencies such as yen or euros. The system may also provide a currency conversion program to assist the user in entering the amount in the type of currency with which he or she is most comfortable.

[0068] (8) "Calculation Method" 146. Here the user shall describe how the user will calculate the amount of money that the user's SDS could save 144 if someone were to implement the user's SDS. The system may limit the amount of characters the user may enter here. This is to encourage the use of clear and concise language for ease of reading. However, the system may be programmed to have no constraints on the number of characters permitted.

[0069] (9) “Carbon emissions your SDS could reduce” 147. Here, users should input the estimated amount of carbon emissions their SDS could reduce if implemented.

[0070] (10) ``Calculation Method'' 149. In this section, users shall describe how they would calculate the amount of carbon emissions that could be reduced if their SDS were implemented.

[0071] (11) "Language" 148. Here, the user shall make selections from a list by selecting the arrows to indicate which language they will use to draft the SDS, give it a title, and describe how to calculate "How much your SDS can earn you," "how much your SDS can save you," and finally, how to calculate "how much carbon emissions your SDS can reduce."

[0072] By monetizing, items (5)-(8) above can help evaluate events or activities related to the published content. For example, carbon emissions are measured using various units / standards worldwide, and that information is not usually easily exchanged or may not be publicly available, resulting in carbon trading between countries, manufacturers, companies, and individuals suffering from a lack of information and confusion over such information when it is available. Using the format shown in FIG. 3B, users can monetize and share information related to carbon trading and sustainable development. For example, a user's SDS may be about the amount of money made by reusing several plastic / glass bottles, or the amount of money saved by walking instead of driving to work. It may be difficult for a user to accurately calculate the amount of carbon emissions reduced by reusing plastic bottles or walking instead of driving to work. However, using the format shown in FIG. 3B, users can "quantify" their "green" information by monetizing it. As a result, compared to the conventional way of publishing / obtaining information for carbon trading and sustainable development by / from official government reports (which may be quite complicated for general readers), the method and system according to the present invention allows government agencies, companies, and individuals to share such "green" information in units (i.e., monetary value) that most people can understand and use regularly, and in a standardized manner. Furthermore, the format shown in FIG. 3B allows government agencies to value information for carbon trading and sustainable development in monetary terms and to collect information on sustainable development from their own citizens and people around the world, thereby helping government agencies to formulate policies related to carbon trading and sustainable development. One mission of the method and system is to help users around the world understand that a strategy for sustainable development (SDS) does not need to be grandiose and complicated, and the concise and commonly understandable format shown in FIG. 3B reinforces this mission.If government agencies can review and collect many individual SDSs from this method and system, government officials and researchers engaged in drafting their nation's SDS and sustainable development reports can use the collected individual "green" information to create comprehensive national SDSs and sustainable development reports. After all, a nation's sustainable development strategy should represent the voices and opinions of its people.

[0073] By selecting the "Publish" button 150, all the above information entered by the user is sent to the system via the Internet. This information will be available for viewing by all registered members of the system. If the SDS is one of the top three most recent, most viewed, most recommended, and / or best translated, it will be available for public viewing by registered and unregistered users alike.

[0074] Alternatively, the character limits for the SDS and the calculation of the amount gained / saves can be increased / decreased or removed completely. Another alternative to the "Amount Your SDS Can Make 140" and "Amount Your SDS Can Save 144" fields is that the user does not necessarily have to enter the amount in US dollars, but in a currency of the user's choice. A list of currency choices can be provided to help the user select the currency in which they wish to describe the amount the SDS will make or save. A currency converter may be presented to help the user convert "Amount Your SDS Can Make" and / or "Amount Your SDS Can Save" into the currency in which they wish to use. Not all of the information shown in FIG. 3B is required from the user, and the information required may vary depending on how the system is programmed. That is, the system may be programmed to require some, all, or none of the fields.

[0075] Figure 3C is an example of a screen showing how a published SDS may appear on the system after the information shown in Figure 3B is entered. With reference to Figure 3C, if all fields are entered / selected in Figure 3B, it will appear as shown in text section 158.

[0076] Selecting 152 (SDS Author) takes the user to the "Biography" shown in Figure 7A or 7B, where the user can read more about the author's background.

[0077] By selecting the "+1" button 160, the user can recommend the SDS. A user can only recommend their own SDS and others' SDSs once. This screen shows when no recommendations are available for an SDS, and as a result, the author of this SDS has not had the opportunity to sell any GRE parcels. The message "No Current Sales" indicates this situation. This message is displayed when the user clicks on the GRE tab 156. Again, GRE stands for Green Real Estate, and refers to the empty space / slot that appears next to the user's SDS. This empty space can be used for advertising or other services such as sending greeting cards, depending on what the buyer does with the space. Since no GREs are being sold, when the user clicks on the Sponsor tab 154, nothing appears (no one can upload anything since no one can buy anything).

[0078] A user of the system can help translate the SDS by entering a translation of the displayed SDS in box 174, selecting the language for the translation by making a selection in the selection list 176, and selecting Publish 178 to submit the information via the Internet. If several translations are displayed under an SDS, the user can filter the list of translations by selecting Newest 162, Oldest 164, or Most Preferred 166. Additionally, the user can select a language in the selection list 168 and click the Submit button 170 to view only the translations in a specific language. For example, if a user only wants to view the Italian translations, the user can select Italian in 168 and click the Submit button 170 to view only the Italian translations of the displayed SDS.

[0079] Alternatively, the system can be programmed to prevent authors from recommending themselves. With regard to recommending other people's SDSs, the system can be programmed to allow users to recommend them multiple times if they exceed a certain threshold or if certain requirements are met. Instead of requiring users to obtain recommendations in order to sell GREs, the system can also be programmed to allow users to sell GREs for profit without any recommendations at all. In other words, users can start selling their GREs as soon as they publish their SDS and price parcels of GREs for sale.

[0080] The system can also be programmed to automatically price the GREs for a user according to the number of SDS viewers, the number of SDS recommendations, the number of translations, and / or the pricing preferences of that particular user (i.e., based on the user's pricing history). The translations can also be sorted by most recommended translations and / or user rank to sort all translations in addition to newest, oldest, most preferred, and in various languages.

[0081] FIG. 4A is an example of a screen showing a main menu for managing a user's GREs. Each time a user gets five recommendations, the user has the opportunity to sell a parcel of GRE. With reference to FIG. 4A, this screen is shown when a user selects "Manage My Green Real Estate (GRE)" 120 after selecting the "Mission Office" tab 78 shown in FIG. 2. If the user selects "Chance to Sell Your GRE (Pricing Your GRE!)" 184, the user is directed to a page shown in FIG. 4B where the user can set a base price for their GRE. Beginning at the time the base price for the GRE is set, the GRE is put up for bidding for two weeks. Other registered users of the system can submit bids that are at least equal to or above the base price of the GRE. A user can manage the GREs that they are currently selling by selecting "GREs you are currently selling" 186. Doing so takes the user to an example screen shown in FIG. 4D. If the user did not end the auction early, at the end of the two-week bidding period, the user can select "GREs sold and not sold by you" 188 to see the status (such as the highest bid amount, the name of the highest bidder, or no bids were made). As shown in Figure 4E, here the user can also see who has paid for the proceeds from selling the GRE or the GRE acquired by bidding (in which case a transaction ID is provided) or has not yet been paid. On the other hand, if the user wants to see the status of his / her bids on other people's GREs, the user can select "GREs up for bidding and your bidding history" 190. As shown in Figure 4F, this link allows the user to see other information such as whether he / she is / was the (current) highest bidder, as well as the start and end dates of the GRE auction. To protect the user's privacy when placing bids on other users' GREs, the user can select the "bidder name" he / she wants to use to auction the GRE. To select a bidder name, the user can enter the name in 182 and change it by selecting the "Change" button.To complete the GRE purchase and "build" process (i.e. uploading content to the GRE parcels you want to view), the user can select "GREs you won by bidding (see payment status / upload your content here)" 192 and complete the requirements. The "build" process refers to uploading content to the "free" parcels of GRE that the user won by bidding. This is shown in Figure 4G. If the successful bidder does not pay the GRE seller in time or never completes the payment, the seller may want to block the bidder. There may be other reasons why the seller wants to block other users from bidding on their GRE. This blocking action can be done by selecting "GREs you sold and unsold" 188 and selecting block 258 in Figure 4E. To unblock, the user shall select "Block List" 194 in Figure 4A and select Unblock 330 in Figure 4J. To return to their "Mission Office", the main screen of the system shown in Figure 2, the user can select "Return to my Mission Office" 180.

[0082] Alternatively, a link called "Account Balance" may be included in this menu to help users manage their revenue from selling GRE. The length of time for a GRE auction and the amount of revenue a user can earn from selling GRE may vary depending on how the system is programmed and the traffic of the system (i.e., the number of GRE transactions, the number of users accessing the system, etc.). For example, a parcel of GRE need not necessarily be up for bidding for two weeks, the bidding period may be one day, one week, two months, or there may be no deadline until the parcel of GRE is sold. The system may be programmed to allow users to select the amount of time they wish to use for their GRE auction. In one embodiment, the system allows users to collect 80% of the highest bid for their GRE, although this profit sharing percentage may vary. For example, the system may be programmed to allow users to collect 90% if the user exceeds a certain threshold or meets certain requirements. The system may be programmed to allow any amount of profit sharing between the seller of GRE and the owner of the system. The system can also be programmed so that the profit share can be split between the system owner, the GRE seller, and the GRE broker. That is, if a user helps another user of the system sell his / her GRE, the GRE owner can pay a certain amount to the user who helped with the sale. FIG. 4B is an example screen showing how a user can access the opportunities available to price his / her GRE. After selecting "Opportunities to Sell Your GRE (Price Your GRE!)" 184 in FIG. 4A, the user will see the example screen shown in FIG. 4B. By selecting one of the SDS / Memo title links in the SDS / Memo title link section 196, the user will be directed to the SDS or Memo where the GRE parcel is advertised for sale. Additionally, if a GRE parcel is sold, this is also where the "newly constructed" GRE will be displayed.A "newly constructed" GRE means when a successful bidder pays the highest amount previously bid and uploads content to the "vacant" GRE (or the vacant space / slot displayed next to the SDS / Memo). The title link in the Links section 196 also directs the user to the (or SDS / Memo) from which the user gets the recommendation. Such recognition gives the user an opportunity (or one opportunity if there are only 5 recommendations) to sell the GRE and make money.

[0083] By selecting one of the "Price Now" links in the GRE Links section 198, the user is directed to set a base price for their GRE as shown in FIG. 4C. Instead of letting the system owner or advertiser determine the value of the information they uploaded, the user may determine the value of their published SDS / Memo (which may contain any type of content) and the white space surrounding the published content that can be used for advertising services or other uses (also known as "GRE"). Bidders shall submit bids that are at least equal to or exceed this base amount. Start (date) 200 indicates the earliest date and time that the user can set a base price for their GRE. Start (date) 200 is also the date and time that the user has received five recommendations for any of the SDS / Memo that they have published. In order for their GRE to be put up for a GRE auction, the user must price their GRE by End (date) 202. In other words, this screen indicates that the user has one week to set a base price for their GRE. If the user does not meet this deadline, the "Price Now" link 198 will not be selectable. This means that the user will lose the opportunity to sell the GRE parcel that he / she gained by getting five recommendations because he / she did not price the GRE parcel in time.

[0084] Alternatively, the system can be programmed to automatically price the GREs for the user based on the user's past pricing / sales history, the number of viewers / recommenders of the SDS / memos he has published, his pricing preferences, and / or the number of his translators / associates, etc. Furthermore, the system can be programmed to have no deadline for pricing the GREs, i.e., as soon as the user gets a certain number of recommendations or as soon as the user publishes an SDS or memo or any kind of content, the user gets a chance to set a base price for his parcel of GREs and does not have to set the base price by a certain date and time. The user can choose to set the base price of the GREs at any time without any deadline.

[0085] Figure 4C is an example of a screen showing the information a user is required to provide in order to price their GRE. This screen is displayed after a user selects "Price Now" 198 in Figure 4B.

[0086] Referring to the exemplary screen of Figure 4C, item 204 not only shows the title of the SDS, but also where the GRE parcels for sale are displayed. This is also where the user can get recommendations.

[0087] Item 206 indicates the first date that users will be able to bid on their GRE parcels.

[0088] Item 208 indicates the deadline for the user to price their GRE parcel. The user can select an image to upload to promote their GRE in field box 212. This field can be mandatory or optional. When the user clicks on the "Upload" button, the user can preview the photo in pane 210. For example, if the user is a business, the user can decide to upload their company logo. If the user wants to upload their own artwork or photo, they can do so. If the user decides not to upload any image, a default photo (as shown) is displayed.

[0089] The user shall then enter an amount in box 214 to set the base price for his / her GRE parcel. Additionally, the user may give a title to the GRE parcel he / she is selling, to help both sellers and buyers distinguish between the various GRE parcels being sold / bid on.

[0090] The user can then enter a description in box 218 of the GRE parcel they are selling. The description 218 can be about how the user set their base price (such as based on the number of viewers and / or recommenders of the SDS / Notes they published) or it can be about the work they uploaded. By pressing the "Sell my GRE now" button 220, the user formally submits their GRE parcel for the auction process. Otherwise, the user can cancel the bidding action by pressing "Cancel" 222.

[0091] Alternatively, the system can be programmed to allow users to choose the duration of the auction for their GRE. The ability to choose the length of time for the auction can be included here; that is, users can choose to make a particular GRE parcel available for bidding for two days or for three months. Users can even decide not to set any duration for the GRE auction and simply decide to end the auction at any time of their choosing.

[0092] Further, in one embodiment of the system, the base price must be between $1 and $5,000 in full. However, the system can be programmed so that the base price can include decimals and any amount above 1 cent up to an infinite amount. The system can also be programmed so that users may even have the option to give away GRE parcels for free from time to time. Another alternative is that a user may give a GRE parcel that they obtain by publishing a recommended SDS / memo / content as a gift to another user of the system. The receiving user may use the GRE parcel to upload content themselves or sell the GRE parcel to yet another user.

[0093] Additionally, although this screen allows the user to enter amounts in United States dollars, the system can be programmed to allow the user to enter amounts in any currency he or she desires, and the system can further include a currency conversion program.

[0094] The system may be programmed so that only some of the fields in FIG. 4C are required, or all of the fields in FIG. 4C are required.

[0095] Figure 4D is an example of a screen showing parcels of GREs that a user currently has for sale. This screen is displayed after a user selects "GREs you're currently selling" 186 in Figure 4A.

[0096] After entering the information (shown in FIG. 4C) to price their GRE parcel, the user can now view the bidding process for their GRE parcel. This screen shows all GRE parcels the user currently has for sale. The images uploaded by the user in FIG. 4C are displayed in the images section 224.

[0097] The title link under SDS / Memo 226 indicates where the GRE parcel for sale will be displayed. Additionally, the title link under GRE 228 indicates details of the GRE parcel for sale as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0098] Base price 230 indicates the base price set by the user in Figure 4C. The base price is the minimum amount that bidders must bid. However, if a parcel of GRE does not receive any bids within a certain period of time, the system can be programmed to allow the first bidder for that parcel of GRE to bid even below the base price amount.

[0099] Highest bid 232 indicates the current highest bid or the base price if no one has bid on the parcel of GRE.

[0100] Bidder name 234 indicates the "bid name" of the highest bidder. A user's "bid name" is the name the user wants to use to bid on other people's parcels of GREs. A user can change their bid name in box 182 of Figure 4A. The bid name may or may not be the user's real name.

[0101] Start (date) 236 indicates the date and time when the GRE auction begins. The auction begins as soon as a user places a price on his or her parcel of GRE. Alternatively, the system can be programmed so that the auction does not begin as soon as a user places a price on his or her parcel of GRE. Instead, the auction can begin at any time selected by the user.

[0102] End (date) 238 indicates the date and time when the GRE auction ended. Once the auction ends, whether or not the GRE parcel is sold, a record of its transaction history will be displayed in "GRE you've sold and not sold," as shown in FIG. 4E.

[0103] End Bid 239 provides an option whereby a user can decide to end a GRE auction early, i.e., the user can decide not to complete the one or two week bidding period and end the auction when they find a highest bid that they are happy with.

[0104] Alternatively, the system can be programmed to allow users to set the price at which they are willing to sell their GRE parcels without any negotiation. That is, the user's GRE parcels do not necessarily have to go through an auction process. Bidders (i.e., buyers) can simply purchase the user's GRE at a fixed price set by the GRE seller. In this case, neither the GRE seller nor the GRE buyer need to wait for the auction to end. Sellers can receive payment sooner, and buyers can "build" (i.e., upload content to) their newly acquired GRE as soon as they have paid both the GRE seller and the system owner. Again, the deadline for a GRE auction can vary depending on how the system is programmed. Depending on the user's preferences, the deadline can be anything from a few minutes to no time limit.

[0105] Figure 4E is an example of a screen that shows a user's transaction history for sold (both paid and unpaid) and unsold GRE parcels. This screen is displayed after a user selects "GRE You've Sold and Unsold" 188 in Figure 4A. At the end of an auction, whether or not the GRE parcel was sold, a record of that auction is displayed here.

[0106] Images of the GRE parcels for sale are displayed in image section 240.

[0107] The title link under SDS / Memo 242 indicates the location of the GRE (ie, in which SDS / Memo the section of the GRE appears).

[0108] Selecting one of the GRE title links under GRE 244 displays to the user details of the GRE parcel for sale shown in FIG. 6B.

[0109] Base price 246 indicates the base price set by the user in FIG. 4C.

[0110] Highest Bid 248 indicates the highest bid for the parcel of GRE at the end of the auction. If there are no bids, "none" is displayed.

[0111] Bidder Name 250 shows the real name of the highest bidder. By selecting the name of the highest bidder, the seller can ask questions or send their comments / concerns to the highest bidder. The interaction between the GRE seller and the GRE buyer is only visible to both parties.

[0112] Start (date) 252 indicates the date and time when the auction begins, and End (date) 254 indicates the date and time when the auction ends.

[0113] Your Earnings / Transaction ID 256 shows the amount the user earned from selling a particular GRE parcel, and the transaction ID associated with this transaction. The amount shown is a predefined percentage of the maximum amount. For example, this screen shows that the user earned 70% of the maximum bid amount shown in Max Bid 248. Again, the profit sharing scenario can vary and can be anywhere between 0 percent and 100 percent between the GRE seller and the system owner. That is, the GRE seller can either not collect any profits or collect 100 percent of the profits, while the system owner can either not collect any profits or collect 100 percent of the profits. Once the GRE buyer has completed payment, the GRE seller has a transaction ID (shown at 256 in Figure 4E) to keep on record.

[0114] Block 258 allows a user to block a bidder (and therefore a buyer of GRE), i.e., the blocked person cannot bid on any of the user's future parcels of GRE for sale. Blocking can occur, for example, if the highest bidder for a parcel of GRE never completes payment.

[0115] Feedback 260 allows users to give feedback to their bidders (or buyers). As shown in Figure 4I, feedback may include written comments and / or numeric ratings (+1, 0, -1, etc.).

[0116] This screen indicates that the user gets 70% of the highest bid, but the system can be programmed to include other profit sharing scenarios. For example, the user can sometimes get 30%, 80%, or even 100% if the user exceeds a certain threshold or meets certain requirements. If the user decides not to auction off his or her GREs for sale, the highest bid 248 shall indicate the amount the buyer would pay without any negotiation.

[0117] Figure 4F is an example screen showing parcels of GRE for which a user is currently bidding. This example screen is displayed after a user selects "GREs You're Bidding on and Your Bid History" 190 in Figure 4A. Here, a user can see the status of parcels of GRE for which the user is currently bidding (or attempting to purchase at auction) from other registered users of the system. Additionally, a user can view his or her past bidding history here.

[0118] An image of the GRE for sale is displayed in image section 262.

[0119] The title link under GRE264 directs the user to view the details of the GRE as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0120] Seller name 266 indicates the name of the seller of the GRE.

[0121] The base price 268 indicates the "starting price" for the GRE, i.e., it is the base price set by the seller and bidders must set their bids to at least equal or exceed this amount.

[0122] Maximum bid 270 indicates the current maximum bid for the parcel of GRE for which the user is bidding, or the winning / final bid when the auction for the GRE ends.

[0123] Highest bidder 272 indicates the "bid name" of the current highest bidder in the auction, or the "bid name" of the winning bidder.

[0124] Start (date) 274 indicates the start date and time of the GRE auction. End (date) 276 indicates the end date and time of the GRE auction.

[0125] Figure 4G is an example screen showing a parcel of GRE that a user acquired through a bid. This example screen is displayed after a user selects "GRE won through a bid (view payment status / upload your content here)" 192 shown in Figure 4A. If a user has placed the highest bid for the parcel of GRE at the end of the auction, that user becomes the "winner." Details of the GRE that the user acquired through a bid are displayed in Figure 4G.

[0126] The acquired GRE image is displayed in image section 278 .

[0127] The GRE title link under GRE 280 directs the user to view the details of the GRE as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0128] Users can ask questions or send comments / concerns to their sellers by selecting one of the username links under the seller's name 282. This interaction is only visible to GRE sellers and GRE buyers.

[0129] The base price 284 represents the "starting price" that a GRE seller initially sets for his or her ownership interest.

[0130] Maximum bid 286 indicates the winning (highest) bid amount for the GRE. Maximum bid 286 is also the amount that the user will pay at the end of the auction if they are the winning bidder.

[0131] Bidding start date 288 indicates the date and time when the auction begins. Bidding end date 290 indicates the date and time when the auction ends.

[0132] At the end of the auction, the user shall select "Pay Now" 300 to complete the payment procedure. Payment methods include, but are not limited to, credit card (Visa / Master / Discover / American Express, JCB), check, and PayPal. If the user chooses to use PayPal, the user can immediately receive the amount available to him / her (i.e. a predefined percentage of the highest bid, such as 70% of the highest bid) by using a service such as PayPal Adaptive Payments. After the highest bidder completes his / her payment, such a service will automatically split the amount between the GRE seller and the system owner. For example, if a user pays $100 for a parcel of GRE acquired through an auction by using a service such as PayPal's Adaptive Payments, PayPal will automatically transfer $70 to the GRE seller's PayPal account and $30 to the system owner's PayPal account as soon as the GRE buyer pays with a credit card or transfers from his / her PayPal account. In this way, this method allows the user to immediately withdraw their money, as opposed to the traditional method where the user must wait until their profits reach a certain threshold in order to withdraw their earnings (i.e., until their profits reach $100 in order to receive a check in the mail, as is often the case with users using services such as Google Adsense). Once this step is completed, the Pay Now link 300 disappears, the Payment Date 292 appears, and finally, the user sees a link named Upload Now 298 appear. If the user selects this link, the user will see an example screen as shown in FIG. 4H. Here the user can upload the content they wish to promote / display. Once the user has finished uploading the content they wish to display, Upload Now 298 disappears, and the Feedback 294 and Uploaded 296 links appear.

[0133] By selecting Feedback 294, the user can give their seller feedback / rating as shown in FIG. 4I. Feedback can include textual comments and / or numeric ratings (+1, 0, -1, etc.). If the user selects Uploaded 296, the user is directed to the SDS or memo (which can contain any type of content) where the "newly constructed" (aka content uploaded) GRE is displayed. Display Start 293 displays the date and time when the GRE purchaser decided to upload the content. This date and time also indicates the start date and time when the GRE with uploaded content will start to be displayed in the selected SDS or memo. Display End 295, shown in FIG. 4G, indicates the end date and time when the GRE with uploaded content will disappear from the selected SDS or memo (from where the purchaser will bid for "free" GRE slots). Once the GRE purchaser (bidder) has completed payment, TM Deal ID / Seller Deal ID 297 gives two deal IDs related to the particular GRE deal for record purposes. "+1" 299 indicates how many times viewers of the GRE where the content was uploaded clicked the "thumbs up" button 358 shown in FIG. 5B.

[0134] Alternatively, the system can be programmed to display "newly constructed" (content uploaded) GREs for any period of time. For example, such GREs can be displayed for one week or longer or shorter. This period can range anywhere from one second to an infinite period of time. When a user selects "Pay Now" 300, the user can make payment through the system for the GREs acquired through the auction, or a link may take the user to an external website (such as PayPal) to complete the payment process.

[0135] The system can be programmed such that a purchaser of a GRE parcel may be required to upload content to his / her free space (aka GRE) by a certain date and time. On the other hand, the system can also be programmed so that there is no deadline as to when a user must upload content that he / she wants to display / advertise within the GRE parcel acquired through auction.

[0136] FIG. 4H is an example of a screen showing the information a user is asked to provide to "build" (or upload content to) their GRE. That is, if a user wins a parcel of GRE at auction (in one embodiment by placing the highest bid by the end date of the auction), that user gets "free space" next to SDS or notes (which may contain any type of content) that can be used for advertising or other similar services or other uses such as sending greeting cards. By paying for the GRE acquired at auction, the user becomes the new owner of that GRE for a period of time. That user can use the "free space" (aka green real estate (GRE)) in any way they wish, as long as it is legal, appropriate, and follows the system's content guidelines.

[0137] First, the user can select an image to upload to his / her blank GRE in box 304. The user can preview the image he / she uploaded in pane 302. The image can be an image of his / her company logo and / or an image related to the content / link he / she wants to display / advertise. The image can be an image of a greeting card if the user wants to use the space as a medium to send wishes / greetings or express feelings (such as a thank you note or even a marriage proposal). For example, if the highest bidder of the GRE (aka the buyer of the GRE) is friends with the author of the SDS and wants to send birthday wishes to his / her friend (the author of the SDS), the buyer may want to upload an image of a birthday greeting card here. By doing so, the buyer of the GRE not only sends birthday wishes to the author of the SDS, but also sends a certain amount of money to the friend who is the author of the SDS to celebrate his / her birthday.

[0138] Next, the GRE purchaser shall enter in box 306 the title of the content he / she wishes to display / promote. A description of the content he / she wishes to display / promote shall be entered in box 308. The purchaser shall provide in box 310 a URL link related to the content he / she wishes to display / promote. This link may be a general link directing the user to an external website or linking in / out of the system. For example, if the GRE purchaser wishes to promote his / her company, he / she may enter the URL of his / her company's website here.

[0139] Then, by selecting the Submit 312 button, all of the information entered will be sent over the Internet and displayed next to the SDS or notes. An example of how this information will be displayed is shown in Figure 5B.

[0140] Alternatively, if the GRE buyer wants to use images uploaded by the GRE seller to advertise for auction (i.e., the images uploaded by the GRE seller in FIG. 4C), the system can be programmed to allow the GRE buyer to retain the previously uploaded images of the seller. For example, if the GRE seller also happens to be an artist, graphic designer, and / or photographer, he or she may not only want to sell the free space next to his or her SDS / notes (aka "GRE"), but also want to sell their artworks / photos by uploading them in FIG. 4C. In doing so, the seller is also selling the images, photos, or artworks that he or she designed, and thus perhaps can set a higher base price for the GRE parcel. At the same time, the GRE buyer not only acquires a "free" parcel of online property to use in any way he or she wishes (as long as it is legal, proper, and follows the rules of the system), but also purchases artworks that he or she can use later. The system can be programmed to allow the buyer to decide whether to use the artworks / photos he or she acquires immediately or later for other GRE parcels. Alternatively, the seller of the GRE may decide to sell the rights to the image / photo for a specific period of time, meaning that the ultimate purchaser of the GRE can only use the image / photo / work for a few hours, days or years (this length of time can vary depending on how the system is programmed).

[0141] Figure 4I is an example of a screen showing how a user can provide feedback to their seller / buyer. This screen is displayed when a user selects Feedback 260 in Figure 4E and Feedback 294 in Figure 4G. This screen is an example of a screen a user can view if they wish to give feedback to a seller / buyer of their parcel of GRE.

[0142] The user can give their seller / buyer any written comments / concerns in box 314. Additionally, the user can give their seller / buyer a numerical rating in the rating section 316, such as +1, 0, -1, etc. The user can base this rating on their experience doing business with the buyer / seller. For example, if a GRE purchaser (aka GRE winner) completes payment quickly so that the seller can get their money back faster, the seller may want to give their buyer a +1 rating for the buyer's efficiency. The user then selects the Submit My Rating button 318, and all the entered information is sent over the Internet.

[0143] Alternatively, the system can be programmed so that the ratings do not necessarily have to be represented by numbers (+1, 0, -1), but instead can be represented by images such as thumbs up or thumbs down, a number of stars, or any other descriptive image. Additionally, the system can be programmed so that the ratings can help increase the user's ranking (as shown by the number badge 112 in FIG. 2, and item 406 in FIG. 7A). By giving honest ratings, users can help potential GRE bidders / sellers understand the GRE transaction history of other users.

[0144] The system can be programmed so that only the first numeric rating is valid, or so that all subsequent numeric ratings are valid. Furthermore, the system can be programmed so that if a user consistently earns positive ratings, the user can earn a higher profit share or sell more GRE parcels. On the other hand, if a user consistently earns negative ratings, the system can be programmed so that the user must earn a lower profit when selling GREs or must sell fewer GRE parcels.

[0145] Figure 4J is an example screen showing a list of people a user has blocked. This example screen is displayed when a user selects Block List 194 in Figure 4A. Here, a user can access the system to view a list of people that they have blocked from bidding on their GREs. Here, a user can also unblock people that they have previously blocked.

[0146] 4E, a user may decide to block another user from bidding on his / her GRE by selecting block 258. That is, the blocked person can no longer bid on the blocker's GRE. This may occur if the seller learns that a GRE bidder / purchaser has not completed payments in the past, has not paid in time, and / or has uploaded inappropriate content to an available GRE parcel.

[0147] The user can view the blocked person's image in image section 320. The blocked person's name is displayed under Name 322. The blocked person's overall GRE Buy / Sell feedback rating is displayed under GRE Deal Rating 324. The blocked person's total number of recommendations (from published SDS, notes, briefings, and / or translations) is displayed under Total Recommendations 326. The date and time when this blocking action occurs is displayed in Block Date 328. If the user decides to unblock a person, the user can simply select Unblock 330 to remove the block.

[0148] FIG. 5A is an example of a screen showing a published SDS that has garnered recommendations. A user can view this example screen after pricing their GRE in FIG. 4C. If a user of the system visits another user's "mission office," that user can also view this screen by selecting one of the SDS tabs and title links (shown in FIG. 3A). If a viewer of the SDS selects the GREs tab 332 in FIG. 5A, the viewer will see the current GREs for sale and the current highest bids for GREs for sale. The image uploaded in FIG. 4C by the GRE seller (who is also the author of the SDS) is displayed in box 334 in FIG. 5A.

[0149] The amount in price link 336 indicates the current highest bid price for the GRE. By selecting the amount in price link 336, the user is directed to view the example screen shown in Figure 6B, which displays details of the current GRE for sale, which may include the auction start / end dates, bidding history, current number of bids, the base price of the GRE, etc.

[0150] By selecting the "+1" button 160 in FIG. 3C, a user can recommend an SDS that they find effective and useful.

[0151] Once an SDS has received several recommendations, the recommendations are displayed as shown in link 338 of FIG. 5A. After a user recommends an SDS once by selecting the "+1" button 160 of FIG. 3C, the "+1" button 160 disappears. The number of recommenders link 338 of FIG. 5A indicates the total number of current recommenders, and by selecting this link, a user can see a list of recommenders of the published SDS. If a viewer of an SDS decides to provide a translation of the SDS, he or she can enter his or her translation in 174 of FIG. 3C and select the language to use for the translation in 176 of FIG. 3C, after which the translation of the SDS is displayed in section 346 and the language used for the translation is displayed in 344 of FIG. 5A.

[0152] Users, including the translator himself, can recommend a translation by selecting the "+1" button 348 in Figure 5A. A photo of the translator is displayed in image link 340 and the translator's name is displayed in name link 342. When a user selects name link 342, the user is taken to a display of the translator's profile, shown in Figure 7A.

[0153] Alternatively, if a user wishes to sell his / her GRE at a fixed price without going through a bidding process, the price displayed in price link 336 is the fixed price the buyer will pay to become the new owner of the vacant GRE for a period of time. The seller of a parcel of GRE may decide to sell not only the vacant space next to the SDS / notes / other content he / she published, but also the images / photos / artwork he / she uploaded in Figure 4C. Depending on how the GRE seller sold his / her GRE, the new owner of the GRE may own the images for a period of time or forever.

[0154] Figure 5B is an example of a screen showing the published SDS once the acquired GRE has been paid for and the content has been uploaded to the GRE slot. By selecting the Uploaded link 296 in Figure 4G, the GRE purchaser (aka the new owner of the GRE over time) can see how the content he or she uploaded will appear next to the SDS / Notes. In general, when a user of the system views an SDS, by selecting the Sponsors tab 350, the user can see all content uploaded by the GRE purchaser.

[0155] Item 352 shows the title entered by the GRE purchaser in 306 of Figure 4H. Selecting this title will take the user to an external website via the URL entered by the GRE purchaser in 310 of Figure 4H. The user can also provide links that will guide viewers of the GRE within the system where the content has been uploaded.

[0156] Item 354 displays the image uploaded by the GRE purchaser in 304 of Figure 4H.

[0157] Item 356 shows the description entered by the purchaser of the GRE in 308 of FIG. 4H.

[0158] If at any time a user of the system wishes to recommend a “sponsored” GRE (or a GRE filled with content), the user can select the “thumbs up” image 358 .

[0159] Item 360 indicates the current number of endorsers for the sponsored GRE. All sponsored GREs may be displayed randomly. In one embodiment, the system is programmed so that this layout (such as that shown in FIG. 5B) only allows five sponsored GREs, in which case the user can select a link (not shown) to view the remaining sponsored GREs.

[0160] Alternatively, the system can be programmed so that sponsored GREs and / or GREs for sale are not displayed randomly; i.e., the positions of the GREs are fixed. In this way, a seller of GRE may wish to sell higher ranked parcels of GRE at higher prices and lower ranked parcels of GRE at lower prices, if he so desires. Alternatively, the system can be programmed so that sponsored GREs (aka GREs filled with content) are displayed in a particular pattern, such that higher priced GREs tend to appear at the top, or GREs from higher ranked GRE buyers tend to appear at the top, etc.

[0161] Furthermore, even if the GRE purchaser no longer owns the parcel of online property, the system can be programmed to allow the user to acquire the vacant GRE parcel and at the same time keep the image for which they paid, and use the image elsewhere. For example, if a GRE seller sells both the vacant space and their Christmas card design, the successful bidder not only acquires the GRE parcel for any use they wish, but also acquires a holiday greeting card image that can be used again to send holiday greetings to other people. As the creator of the holiday greeting card image, the GRE seller can certainly resell the image, but may also decide to sell the rights to use the image outright if the GRE purchaser makes full payment. This depends on how the GRE seller sells his or her GRE.

[0162] Additionally, the system can be programmed so that not only the highest bidder gets the right to use the vacant GRE for a period of time. For example, the system can be programmed so that the top three bidders for a GRE parcel all get the right to use the vacant GRE parcel. In that case, the position in the GRE where their content is uploaded will be determined by their bid amount. That is, the higher the bid, the higher the position in the GRE where their content is uploaded.

[0163] Figure 6A is an example of a screen showing a user's list of GRE parcels for sale. A user may access the system to view other users' (or his / her) GRE parcels for sale. When a user reaches another user's "mission office," the user may select the GRE tab 90 of Figure 2 to reach the example screen shown in Figure 6A.

[0164] An image of the GRE is displayed in image section 364 .

[0165] The SDS / Memo title link under SDS / Memo 366 directs the user to view where the parcels of GRE for sale are displayed, as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0166] The name link of the GRE for sale under GRE368 takes the user to view details of the parcel of the GRE for sale as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0167] Base price 370 indicates the starting bid price set by the seller of the GRE parcel for the auction. Max bid 372 indicates the current highest bid for the GRE. Start (date) 374 indicates the start date and time of the GRE auction. End (date) 376 indicates the end date and time of the GRE auction. The number of views and bids (not labeled) for each GRE parcel are also shown to provide more information to the user.

[0168] FIG 6B is an example of a screen showing details of the GRE parcel for sale shown in FIG 6A. Referring to FIG 6B, a user can learn more about the GRE parcel for sale by selecting the title link of GRE 368 in FIG 6A. Here, the user can learn the overall transaction rating of the GRE seller by selecting [user's first name]'s Green Real Estate (GRE) Transaction Rating 378. Once the user has finished viewing the details of the GRE parcel for sale, the user can view other GRE parcels for sale by selecting [user's first name]'s Other Green Real Estate (GRE) For Sale 380 to get a complete list of GRE parcels for sale.

[0169] Item 382 indicates the name of the GRE parcel for sale.

[0170] Item 384 shows the title of the SDS or memo (which may contain any type of content) and also the location of the parcel of the GRE for sale. By selecting the title link of the SDS / Memo 384, the user is taken to the SDS / Memo where the parcel of the GRE for sale is displayed as shown in Figure 5A. This is also where the GRE with uploaded content is displayed as shown in Figure 5B, in case the highest bidder / purchaser of the GRE uploads the content he / she wants to display after payment.

[0171] Start (date) 386 indicates the start date and time of the GRE auction. End (date) 388 indicates the end date and time of the GRE auction. Base price 390 indicates the starting bid price set by the GRE seller in FIG. 4C for his / her "property." Description 392 indicates a description of the parcel of GRE for sale that the seller is willing to offer to interested bidders. This description may or may not include how the seller set the base price (based on the number of viewers / recommenders of published SDS / notes / other content) or whether the seller is selling uploaded artwork in addition to "free space." Such artwork or any images uploaded by the GRE seller in FIG. 4C are displayed in 396 in FIG. 6B.

[0172] Bids 394 calculates the total number of bids ever made on the GRE. Bidder Name displayed under Bidders 398 displays the bidder's "Bidding Name." Bidders can change their "Bidding Name" at 182 in FIG. 4A. By not displaying the bidder's real name during the auction, user privacy is ensured. Alternatively, the system can be programmed to display the user's real name.

[0173] The amounts displayed under Bid Amount 400 indicate the amount each bidder is bidding for this particular parcel of GRE. If the user is looking at another user's parcel of GRE for sale rather than their own, this screen includes a text box in which the bidder can enter the amount at which they will place their bid, such as shown in Bid Price 395 in Figure 6B. Bid Date and Time 402 indicates the date and time at which the bidder will place their bid. If the user has been blocked by the seller of the GRE, the user will not be able to place a bid on this GRE and therefore the Bid Price box 395 will not be displayed to the user.

[0174] 7A is an example of a screen showing a user's biography. Referring to FIG 7A, a user can access the system to view their biography by selecting the Biography tab 82 shown in FIG 2.

[0175] To upload a photo to verify the user's identity, the user can select "Upload my photo" 408. The uploaded photo is displayed in item 404.

[0176] To edit their "biography," a user may select "Edit Biography" 410. Information entered after selecting Edit Biography 410 is displayed in fields 414.

[0177] A user can select "Change Password" 412 to change his or her password for logging into the system.

[0178] A numeric badge 406 indicates the user's current rank. This rank may be based on the total number of recommendations the user has received from the SDSs, translations, and briefings that he or she has shared. The system can be programmed to base a user's rank on other recommendations / ratings, such as the user's GRE trade ratings, recommendations of the user's notes, or recommendations of other published content. Additionally, if there are constraints, the system can be programmed to allow "higher ranked" users to sell more GRE parcels, draft more SDSs, or publish more content, so that they can make a higher profit when selling their GREs.

[0179] FIG. 7B is an example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to view another user's biography. This screen is similar to the screen shown in FIG. 7A, except that when viewing another user's biography, the person's biography cannot be edited. That is, one can only edit their own biography. After reaching another user's "Mission Office" by selecting the Biography tab 82 shown in FIG. 2, a user can view another user's biography. By doing so, one can further understand the SDS / Memo / Translation / Briefing / Content Publisher's perspective and the person's background. After reading another user's SDS / Memo and / or biography, a user may wish to invite the person to become their associate. To do so, the user may select "Add as Associate" 416. The user may also invite another user to become their translator by selecting "Add as Translator" 418.

[0180] 7C is an example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to view another user's or their own list of associates. This screen is displayed after a user selects the Associates 84 tab shown in FIG.

[0181] 7D is an example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to view another user's or their own list of translators. This screen is displayed after a user selects the Translators 86 tab shown in FIG.

[0182] FIG. 8A is an example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to view a list of another user's or their own published briefings. This screen is displayed after the user selects the Briefings 92 tab shown in FIG. 2. The mission of the system is to enable users to be "government officials" or representatives of their home country (ambassadors / diplomats, etc.) and publish "briefings" through the system that they would like to share with the public. The types of briefings that can be published through the system include, but are not limited to, photo briefings (shown by example 420), video briefings (shown by example 422), press release briefings (shown by example 424), and link briefings (shown by example 426). Users also have the option to recommend others' briefings and even their own. When a user views their own briefing, they will see a "Publish a Briefing" link (not numbered) shown in FIG. 8A. A user can select the link and follow the steps shown in Figures 8B-8E to publish the four types of briefings described. Again, the system can be programmed to allow other types of briefings to be published, such as an audio briefing where the user can share an audio recording.

[0183] Figure 8B is an example screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a "link" briefing. The user first enters the title of their link briefing in box 428, then enters a description of their link in box 430, and then enters the URL of their link in box 432. All of the information entered is sent over the Internet and the published "link" briefing appears as item 426 in Figure 8A.

[0184] Figure 8C is an example screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a "photo" briefing. A user can first upload a photo or image by selecting its file path in a selection list 434. Next, the user can enter a title for their photo / image in box 436. The user can then describe their photo / image in box 438. All entered information is sent over the Internet and the published "photo" briefing appears as item 420 in Figure 8A. The system can be programmed to allow any number of images (ranging from one to infinity) to be uploaded.

[0185] Figure 8D is an example screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a "video" briefing. The user first enters a title for their video in box 440. The user can then enter a description for their video in box 442. The user can then embed a video link in box 444. All entered information is sent over the Internet and the published "video" briefing appears as item 422 in Figure 8A.

[0186] Figure 8E is an example screen showing how a user may access the system to publish a "press release" style briefing. The user first enters the title of their press release in box 446. The user can then enter their statement (i.e., the content of their press release) in box 448. All entered information is sent over the Internet and the published "press release" style briefing appears as item 424 in Figure 8A.

[0187] Figure 9 is an example screen showing how a user may access the system to participate in a Q&A session. In order to foster closer interaction among members of the system and provide a platform where users can efficiently ask / answer questions and generally improve each other's SDS, the system also provides users with the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session. To do so, after a user logs into the system, the user may select the Q&A tab 94 in Figure 2. Once at his / her "Mission Office," as shown in item 114 in Figure 2, the user may view the three most recent questions posted to him / her.

[0188] To view the full record of Q&As, a user may select the Q&A tab 94 in Figure 2. Upon reaching another user's "Mission Office" by selecting the Q&A tab 94 in Figure 2, a user may view the other user's Q&As and, if desired, participate in those Q&As.

[0189] To ask a question, a user types their question into the text box, the submitted question is displayed as item 454, their (the person asking the question) profile picture is displayed in item 450, and their name is displayed in item 452.

[0190] To answer any question, the user can select reply link 458, which displays a text field (not shown) for the user to enter their answer. The submitted answer is displayed as shown in item 456.

[0191] FIG. 10 is an example of a screen showing how a user may access the system to view updates from their associates. This screen is displayed after the user selects the News tab 80 shown in FIG. 2. The mission of the system is to encourage closer interaction among members of the system by giving users updates on the recent activities of their associates. Types of updates include, but are not limited to, new briefings, new translations, new SDS / Memos, and new GRE parcels for sale updates. That is, if a user's associate publishes a briefing (which may include links, photos, videos, and / or press releases), adds a translation or publishes an SDS / Memos or other content, or just posts a GRE parcel for sale, the user is notified of such updates. For example, if a user's associate just posts a GRE parcel for sale as shown in FIG. 10, a link is added to the user's News tab 80 titled ""[User's Name] Now Selling a Parcel of Green Real Estate Titled [GRE Title] on [Date]" 470. The associate's photo is displayed in item 468. Another example would be to display updates when a new SDS is published, as shown in FIG. 10, item 472. If the user's associate then adds a translation, the updates are displayed, as shown in FIG. 10, item 474. By selecting these associate's "Updates" links, the user is directed to view newly published briefings, translations, GRE parcels for sale, and / or SDSs / Memos.

[0192] Alternatively, the News tab 80 may contain updates on news articles about sustainable development to which the user's translators and / or the user subscribes. As mentioned above, the News tab 80 may also provide the user with updates on the latest news about sustainable development in general, such as policy changes regarding carbon trading rules. Additionally, the News tab 80 may allow the user to subscribe to and receive the latest updates on companies / organizations / schools / products and "green" product releases. Finally, the News tab 80 may contain general local, national, and world news, allowing the user quick access to the latest information.

[0193] 11A-11C are flow diagrams illustrating a method for integration between content publishing, advertising services, and rewards collection, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11A, at step 502, a user who is not logged in or registered with the system, e.g., the first user in the system, may be allowed to view a limited number of materials. In one embodiment, the materials may be the top three most recent, most viewed, most recommended, and best translated materials.

[0194] In step 504, a first-time user is initially requested to register with the system and, if registered with the system, to log into the system. In particular, a first-time user of the system submits the necessary information to create an account and the user is assigned a personal number (or ID) to access the system. Otherwise, for a user who has already created an account and has already been assigned a personal number (or ID), the user can log into the system using the email address used to create the account and his / her previously created password.

[0195] In step 506, the first user can upload a first predetermined number of contents. In one embodiment, all users start with three opportunities to draft an SDS. However, in another embodiment, with regard to drafting memoranda (aka notes), users are not restricted to a certain number of memoranda that they can initially publish. The system can be programmed with or without such restrictions. Thus, in step 506, the first user can upload a first content, which in one embodiment can include an SDS or other materials that the first user wants to publish online, and in another embodiment can include a briefing / memorandum that can include any type of content ranging from technology, food to fashion (writing a memorandum can be similar to writing an entry for a journal or blog). The first content can then be published for public viewing.

[0196] Next, calculate an amount of the predetermined condition of the first content in step 508. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the predetermined condition of the first content includes one of the number of recommendations for the published first content, the number of viewers of the published first content, and the number of translations of the published first content.

[0197] Then, in step 510, it is determined whether the amount of the predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold, for example, whether the published SDS or memo receives five recommendations as shown in one embodiment above. If the first predetermined threshold is reached, in step 512, a first slot is made available for the first advertisement. The first slot, in the form of a parcel of green real estate (aka GRE) or free space / slot surrounding the published content, can then be auctioned.

[0198] Unlike most bidding systems in which the value of the content and the price of the area surrounding the content (which may be usable for advertising or similar uses, or other uses such as sending greeting cards) are determined by an advertiser or advertising service provider, the method and system according to the present invention allows a first user, i.e., a content publisher, to determine the value of his / her content and set a first price for a first slot in step 514.

[0199] Then, in step 516, it may be further determined whether the predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a second predetermined threshold, for example, whether 10 recommendations are obtained for the published content (i.e., SDS / Memorandum). If the second predetermined threshold is not reached, in step 518, the system calculates the amount of the predetermined condition until the predetermined condition reaches the second threshold. If the second predetermined threshold is reached, in step 520, a second slot is made available for the second advertisement, and in step 522, the first user is allowed to set a second price for the second slot.

[0200] 11B, once a first slot has been provided in step 512 of FIG 11A, in one embodiment, the first user may upload a second predetermined number of pieces of content in step 530. Similar procedures from step 508 to step 522 shown in FIG 11A may be repeated for the second predetermined number of pieces of content.

[0201] Thus, in one embodiment, a user would seek to gain endorsements and approval so that they can make money by publishing more content and selling more slots. In one embodiment, if a user gets at least five endorsements for their published content, they will have one opportunity to publish another piece of content and one opportunity to price an ad slot for sale. As long as a user gets endorsements that are multiples of five, they potentially have infinite opportunities to sell the available slots for advertising. So if a user gets 10 endorsements for one of their published pieces of content, they will have two opportunities to price and sell the ad slot. If a user gets 50 endorsements, they will have 10 ad slots (aka GREs) to price and sell and make money.

[0202] Whether or not any further content is uploaded for public viewing in step 530, the first user may upload secondary content to the first slot for sale in step 532. The secondary content, in one embodiment, may include, but is not limited to, artwork, photos, images, and logos.

[0203] In step 534, the system determines whether only the second user has acquired the first slot, e.g., by bidding (alternative embodiments show that users can purchase the slot directly instead of going through an auction process). If only the second user, in step 536, the system allows the second user to upload tertiary content to the first slot. The tertiary content can range from content such as advertising the business's services to sending a greeting card to the seller of the first slot. The tertiary content is generally useful for advertising purposes. In step 542, the first user or the second user can access the list of slots and view a list of slots that are sold / unsold / filled with content / currently for sale.

[0204] If not, in one embodiment, in step 538, the system determines whether multiple third users have purchased the first slot. If multiple third users have purchased the first slot, in step 540, the third users can share the first slot and upload their content to the first slot for advertising purposes or other uses. In one embodiment, the top three highest bidders for the first slot all acquire the right to use the first slot. Furthermore, the position of their share in the first slot is determined by their bid amount. For example, the higher their bid amount, the higher or better their share position in the first slot. The system can also be programmed so that the higher their bid amount, the larger the slot they can acquire, for example, to upload a larger photo / image / artwork or more content. The third user can access a list of slots that they have acquired but have not yet uploaded content to, or a list of slots to which they have uploaded content or viewed, or a list of other slots for sale, in step 542.

[0205] On the other hand, if the system determines that a non-multiple third user has not acquired the first slot, then in step 542, in one embodiment, the first user is allowed to maintain a list of slots showing up for auction, sold, and unsold slots, and to view other users' slots for sale if desired.

[0206] 11C, after logging in at step 504 shown in FIG. 11A, the first user can access his / her main menu, i.e., "Mission Office," where he / she can search for translators and / or associates at step 550, establish an association with another user or translator at step 552, access a list of translators / associates at step 554, view / edit his / her biography at step 556, view the biography of another user at step 558, and answer / ask questions at step 560. More specifically, the various embodiments of the invention described allow the first user to receive updates on his / her associates, translators, and / or other individuals / organizations, update his / her biography, search for associates / translators, publish content, make money on his / her slots, publish briefings, and / or participate in Q&A sessions. At that point, users can read other users' content, bid on others' slots, visit other users' "mission offices" to invite associates, find translators, take note of briefings, participate in Q&A sessions, and / or read their bios.

[0207] It should be understood that unless expressly identified as an order or performance, the method steps, procedures, and operations described herein should not necessarily be construed as necessarily performing their performance in the particular order described or illustrated. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the order of steps 550 through 560 shown in FIG. 11C is not critical and may be interchangeable. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0208] The method and system allows users to report both their personal and national sustainable development strategies (SDS) in a standardized and commonly understandable format. Furthermore, the system and method allows users in different countries to exchange environmentally friendly strategies, ideas, legislation, policies, trends, other related information, any international situation and political information efficiently and without language barriers. Furthermore, the system and method has the ability to allow users to publish and exchange any information they want. At the same time, by using the method and system, users can receive monetary rewards (compensation) for publishing particularly high-quality content online. In addition, without actually attending an international conference such as the United Nations General Assembly, or becoming an elected official in their home country or joining their home country's government personnel, users can use the system and method to become representatives of their home country, report their SDS, publish memoranda (aka memos) that may contain any type of content, educate others about their SDS, build international alliances, educate others about their country's "green culture," improve their language skills, assist in SDS exchanges by providing translations, and learn about the latest green trends / ideas / products / strategies.

[0209] It should be noted that the methods and systems described herein for receiving monetary compensation for publishing recommended SDSs are generally applicable, i.e., the system can be programmed such that a user does not necessarily have to publish a Strategy for Sustainable Development (SDS) and / or other related information to earn a recommendation in order to sell his / her "online property" (aka "GRE - Green Real Estate"). In other words, a user can publish any other kind of content other than SDSs, with or without receiving a recommendation, and make money selling advertising space.

[0210] For example, the system and method has the option to include a blog-like service (aka "notes" for publishing memorandums that may include any type of content and briefings that may include links, photos, videos, press releases, etc.). That is, users can publish anything they want, determine (price) the value of the free space that will be displayed around the content they published, and sell (by auction or otherwise) that free space for profit. Again, the profit sharing scenario between the free space sellers (owners) (who are also content publishers) and the system owner may vary depending on how the system is programmed. For example, the free space sellers can earn anywhere between 0% and 100% of the advertising inventory (aka GRE) they sell, while the owner can collect anywhere between 0% and 100% of the value of the free space sold.

[0211] The system and method allows users to claim as their own the free space that appears next to or surrounding the content they publish after creating an account on the system, and thereby allows users to sell the rights to their "online property" (i.e., the free space that appears next to or surrounding the content they publish, a.k.a. Green Real Estate - GRE) to other users of the system for advertising purposes or similar uses, or any other use that is lawful and appropriate.

[0212] While the invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for integration between content publishing, advertising serving, and rewards collection, comprising: publishing a first user generated first content for viewing; determining whether a predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold; providing a first slot available for a first advertisement if the first predetermined threshold is reached; allowing the first user to set a first price for the first slot; providing an option to automatically price the first slot for the first user based on conditions and criteria; Including, The first content includes at least one or a combination of a description of a sustainably related activity, a text, an image, a video, and a link generated by the first user and measured in monetary value; The predetermined condition of the published first content includes at least one of the following, or a combination thereof: a number of recommendations for the published first content, a number of viewers of the published first content, a number of translations of the published first content, and a number of questions and / or answers posted by the first user; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing the first user to set the first price for the first slot only within a predetermined time period after the predetermined condition has reached the first predetermined threshold.

3. determining whether the predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a second predetermined threshold; providing a second slot available for a second advertisement if the second predetermined threshold is reached; The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of enabling the first user to set a second price for the second slot.

5. the second price is different from the first price; 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of displaying one of the first and second frames, which has a higher price set, at a higher position than the other frame, which has a lower price set.

6. 6. The method of claim 4 or 5, further comprising allowing the first user to set the second price for the second slot only within a predetermined time period after the predetermined condition reaches the second predetermined threshold.

7. 7. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of displaying one of the first and second frames, whichever is purchased by a more highly ranked buyer, in a higher position than the other.

8. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling the first user to upload second content to the first slot.

9. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of enabling the first user to upload an image, photograph, greeting card design, or other artwork for sale with the first frame.

10. enabling the first user to publish a first predetermined number of contents; determining whether the at least one predetermined condition of the first predetermined number of pieces of content reaches the first predetermined threshold; if the first predetermined threshold is reached, allowing the first user to publish a second predetermined number of contents; The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

11. identifying a second user to obtain the first slot; enabling the second user to upload a third content to the first slot; The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. identifying a plurality of third users to obtain the first slots; enabling the third user to share the first slot and upload content; The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising:

13. ranking among a plurality of users; assigning badges to users according to their ranks; The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:

14. A price can be automatically set for the first slot of the first user, and the conditions and criteria include: a pricing history of said first user; a sales history of said first user; The number of affiliates of the first user; the number of translators of said first user; a pricing preference of said first user; the number of viewers of the first generated content; a number of recommendations for the first generated content; and The number of translations of the first generated content. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the method can be based on at least one of the following:

15. 1. A computer-implemented method for integration between content publishing, advertising serving, and rewards collection, comprising: publishing a first user generated first content for viewing; determining whether a predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold; providing a first slot available for a first advertisement if the first predetermined threshold is reached; A step of allowing the first user to set a first price for the first frame within a time limit; providing an option to allow the first user to set a price for the first slot without any deadline or time constraint; providing an option for the first user to set no price for the first slot and to transfer or give the first slot to another user; providing an option to allow a second user who has acquired the first slot to sell the slot to a third user; providing an option to automatically price the first slot for the first user based on conditions and criteria; Including, The first content includes at least one of a description of a sustainable related activity, text, an image, a video, and a link uploaded by the first user; The predetermined condition of the published first content includes at least one of the following: the number of recommendations for the published first content, the number of viewers of the published first content, the number of translations of the published first content, and the number of questions and / or answers posted by the first user; A method comprising:

16. 1. A computer-implemented method for integration between content publishing, advertising serving, and rewards collection, comprising: publishing a first user generated first content for viewing; determining whether a predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold; offering at least one or a limited number of slots available for sale if the first predetermined threshold is reached; allowing the first user to set a price for the slot within a time limit; providing an option to allow the first user to set a price without any deadline or time constraint; providing an option to automatically price the slots based on conditions and criteria; Including, The first content may include descriptions of sustainably related activities, text, images, videos, and links generated by the first user; The predetermined condition of the published first content may include the number of recommendations for the published first content, the number of viewers of the published first content, the number of translations of the published first content, and the number of questions and / or answers posted by the first user. A method comprising:

17. 1. A computer-implemented method for integration between content publishing, advertising serving, and rewards collection, comprising: publishing a first user generated first content for viewing; determining whether a predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold; offering at least one or a limited number of slots available for sale if the first predetermined threshold is reached; allowing the first user to set a price for the slot within a time limit; providing an option to allow the first user to set a price without any deadline or time constraint; providing an option for the first user to set no price for the first slot and to transfer or give the first slot to another user; providing an option to allow a second user who has acquired the first slot to sell the slot to a third user; Including, The first content may include descriptions of sustainable related activities, text, images, videos and links uploaded by the first user; The predetermined condition of the published first content may include the number of recommendations for the published first content, the number of viewers of the published first content, the number of translations of the published first content, and the number of questions and / or answers posted by the first user. A method comprising:

18. 1. A computer-implemented method for integration between content publishing, advertising serving, and rewards collection, comprising: predetermining a number for the number of slots a user may sell and for the number of exposure opportunities a user may have; publishing the user-generated first content for viewing; determining whether a predetermined condition of the published first content reaches a first predetermined threshold; if the first predetermined threshold is reached, providing the user with at least one or a limited number of available slots for sale and a number of additional exposure opportunities that the user may have; enabling said user to set a price for said slot; providing an option to automatically price the slot based on at least one of the user's pricing history, the user's sales history, the number of associates of the user, the number of translators of the user, the user's pricing preferences, the number of viewers of the first content, the number of recommendations of the first generated content, and the number of translations of the first generated content; Including, The first content may include text, images, videos, and links generated by the first user; The predetermined condition of the published first content may include the number of recommendations for the published first content, the number of viewers of the published first content, the number of translations of the published first content, and the number of questions and / or answers posted by the first user. A method comprising:

19. 1. A computer-implemented method for integration between content publishing, advertising serving, and rewards collection, comprising: receiving, by the server, a first generated content, which may include the standardized data, from one or more user devices associated with the user via a communications network; publishing, by the server, the first authorised content so as to be accessible as published first authorised content to user devices via the communications network; determining, by the server, that at least one first predetermined condition of the published first generated content has reached a first predetermined threshold; In response to identifying that at least one first predetermined condition of the published first authored content has reached the first predetermined threshold, (i) modifying, by said server, a page on which at least one of said first created contents is published to include a first user controlled pane in which additional content may be displayed; (ii) setting, by the server, a time limit for the user to set a price for the slot controlled by the first user, and displaying, by the server, a temporary link on an interface accessible to the user, the temporary link configured to allow the user to set a price for the slot controlled by the first user based on a selection by the user, the temporary link being non-selectable after the time limit has elapsed; (iii) providing an option for the server to automatically set a price for the slot controlled by the first user based on conditions and criteria; (iv) providing, by the server, an option to allow the user to set a price for a slot controlled by the first user without any deadline or time constraint; (v) providing, by the server, an option for the user to set no price for the slot controlled by the first user and to transfer the slot controlled by the first user to another user; (vi) providing, by said server, an option to allow said user to give away slots controlled by said first user to a second user; (vii) providing, by said server, an option to allow said second user to sell a slot controlled by said first user to a third user. Steps: receiving, by the server, second generated content from the one or more user devices associated with the user via the communications network; publishing, by the server, the second generated content so as to be accessible to user devices via the communications network; determining, by the server, that a first predetermined condition of the published second authored content has reached a second predetermined threshold; and In response to identifying that the first predetermined condition of the published second generated content has reached the second predetermined threshold, (i) modifying, by said server, a page on which at least one of said first created contents is published to include a second user-controlled pane in which additional content may be displayed; (ii) enabling user management by said server of at least one criterion for utilizing a slot controlled by said second user; Step, and

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising searching, by the server, the published first authored content according to standardized data.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing, by the server, a format for evaluation of the published first authored content according to standardized data.

22. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first user-controlled pane is configured to receive an image.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the image comprises a greeting card, a photograph, a piece of art, or a logo.

24. The first predetermined condition of the at least one published first created content is: a number of recommendations for the at least one published first generated content; the number of viewers of the at least one published first generated content; the number of questions posted by said user; The number of responses provided by said user; and the number of translations of the at least one published first created content; 20. The method of claim 19, comprising at least one of:

25. providing an option for the user to inhibit recommending the published first generated content; and Enabling the user to provide multiple recommendations of other users' published content if certain thresholds or requirements are exceeded.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

26. The server: the number of exposure opportunities available for sale to said user; the number of slots available for sale to said subscriber; and The percentage of profits received by the customer when one or more slots are sold 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising utilizing a number of recommendations for the at least one published first created content as a criterion for at least one of.

27. said user's pricing history; Such user's sales history; The number of affiliates of said user; The number of translators of said user; said user's pricing preferences; The number of viewers of the first content; a number of recommendations for the first generated content; and The number of translations of the first created content.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of automatically setting the first price at the server without intervention from the user based on at least one of:

28. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising automatically distributing money received for the first slot based on respective profit sharing rates for the user and the system owner.

29. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of automatically distributing money received for the first slot among the user, the system owner and the intermediary based on their respective profit sharing rates.

30. placing a user-controlled slot for sale according to a price set by said user; positioning the content-filled frame according to the purchase price; Positioning purchased user controlled windows according to purchaser recommendation numbers.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

Images