System and method for providing an open eMail directory
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- A subscriber profile database including electronic addresses and biographical and affinity information of subscribers to the system; and
a electronic address directory for retrieving from the subscriber profile database electronic addresses of selected subscribers based on a search criterion selecting a specified biographical or affinity profile.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An eMail directory and forwarding service charge an eMail message sender a refundable sender'"'"'s fee for each eMail message sent. The amount charged is specified by the recipient. The eMail directory allows an eMail message recipient to be located in a search by other users or commercial senders using biographical and affinity information voluntarily provided by the recipient in a profile database. Thus, based on his perception of the value of his time, the recipient may set his price for reading an eMail message. In turn, a sender (e.g., a commercial sender) can bid for the recipient'"'"'s attention by paying the specified fee, or if the sender would like greater attention, a greater fee. A content search gateway collects information regarding a subscriber'"'"'s search interests to include as affinity information in the profile database. Various information and email services are provided to foster an online community.
184 Citations
45 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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A subscriber profile database including electronic addresses and biographical and affinity information of subscribers to the system; and
a electronic address directory for retrieving from the subscriber profile database electronic addresses of selected subscribers based on a search criterion selecting a specified biographical or affinity profile. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification