A
request for information (RFI)
system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and
the internet. In one implementation, a viewer of a
cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital
set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital
set top box transmits a
data request (2) to an RFI
data center. The RFI
data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset
database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a report such
package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI
data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the
package of assets or follow-on information to a user
data terminal, for example, of the
cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6). The digital
set top box may also
record inputs from the user to verify consumption of assets and track data requests. Using this information, the RFI data center or an RFI platform may credit value to a rewards account established for the network user based on the user's verified consumption of assets and / or data requests. Further, the RFI data center or RFI platform may be used to collect
consumer behavior information, including
purchasing decisions made by the user after consumption of assets, and correlate the
consumer behavior information with the user's verified asset consumption.