WO2017163036A1

WO2017163036A1 - A method and system for managing polling

Info

Publication number: WO2017163036A1
Application number: PCT/GB2017/050772
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jamal ALTARKAIT
Original assignee: Altarkait Jamal
Priority date: 2016-03-21
Filing date: 2017-03-20
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Also published as: GB201604698D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, system, electronically readable medium, and computer program for creating a poll. The method includes providing a media options interface, receiving a media options selection via the media options interface, and sending a poll request including the media options selection to a poll server application. The media option selection includes at least one of: text, photo, video, audio, or mixed.

Description

A Method and System for Managing Polling

Field of Invention The present invention is in the field of social media applications. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to social media polling applications.

Background

Social media allows users to interact with one another, build communities, and share content online. The ease with which users can contribute content, comment on, or modify existing content in a social media setting can influence the likelihood that a platform will be adopted. Polling software provides an important way that users can interact on social media. By voting on various questions or issues, users can express their opinions and see where they stand with respect to other users. Polling methods are particularly useful for content providers to engage users, because once a user responds to a poll, that user is more likely to further engage with the content that provided the context for the poll.

Previous polling methods, however, have failed to allow poll creators to provide dynamic combinations of media in a poll. By restricting options to a single type of media for creating a poll, it may be difficult for poll creators and poll-takers to engage with a poll and its associated content. Moreover, restricting the media to a single type does not allow a polling method to leverage the complex content and storage

Prior polling methods have only allowed a single user to create and publish a poll to other users. When the rolls of poll creator and a poll-taker are clearly and inflexibly defined among users, one user may be seen as the creator of content and the others are simply receiving it. Such a relationship may therefore make it difficult to collaborate and deepen the engagement of users.

Because prior polling methods have further failed to allow users to configure features such as the poll duration and whether poll results are published, previous products fail to provide ample configurability. This may prevent the poll creator and the poll-taker from engaging by creating creative and engaging polls. Previous products have failed to provide a way for a user to use a previous poll to create a new poll based on a previous poll. For at least these reasons, previous polling products restrict the ability of a user to quickly create dynamic, interactive content. Prior polling products have further failed to provide distributed coordination of poll creation, poll collaboration. In addition, existing methods fail to provide a complex media content storage and delivery system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved poll application which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for creating a poll, the method comprising:

providing a media options interface;

receiving a media options selection for the poll via the media options interface, wherein the media option selection includes at least one of: text, photo, video, audio, or mixed; and

sending a poll request including the media options selection to a poll server application. The method may further include the steps of:

providing a participant selection interface; and

receiving a participant selection for the poll via the participant selection interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the participant selection.

The participant selection interface may include participants who are followers of a poll creator.

The participant selection interface may allow a poll creator to identify the participant selection using at least one of an email address or a social media username. The participant selection interface may allow a poll creator to identify a participant group for the participant selection.

The method may further include the steps of:

providing a media input interface; and

receiving media for the poll via the media input interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the media for the poll to the poll server application.

The media input interface may further provide a media editing interface.

The media editing interface may allow a user to edit a video. The media editing interface may allow a user to edit a photo.

The method may further include the steps of:

providing a social media interface; and receiving a social media selection from the social media interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the social media selection.

The method may further include the steps of:

providing a tag interface; and

receiving a tag for the poll via the tag interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the tag.

The method may further include the steps of:

providing a poll duration interface; and

receiving a duration for the poll via the poll duration interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the duration.

The method may further include the steps of:

providing a result publication interface; and

receiving a results publication selection for the poll via the result publication interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the results publication selection. The method may further include the steps of:

providing a collaborative poll interface; and

receiving a collaborative poll participant for the poll via the collaborative poll interface; wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the collaborative poll participant.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a system configured to create a poll via any method of the first aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an electronically readable medium storing a computer program for performing a method to create a poll according to any method of the first aspect. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program configured to perform a method according to any method of the first aspect.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of modifying a poll, the method comprising:

receiving a collaborative poll request for the poll;

providing a media input interface;

receiving media for the poll via the media input interface; and

sending the media for the poll to the poll server application.

The method may further include the steps of:

receiving the media for the poll via the media input interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the media for the poll to the poll server application

The method may further include the steps of:

receiving the media options selection via the media options interface via the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the media options selection for the poll to the poll server application.

The method may further include the steps of:

receiving the participant selection for the poll via the participant selection interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the participant selection.

The method may further include the steps of:

receiving the social media selection from the social media interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the social media selection.

The method may further include the steps of: receiving the tag from the tag interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the tag. The method may further include the steps of:

receiving the duration from the poll duration interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the duration. The method may further include the steps of:

receiving the result publication selection from the result publication interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the result publication selection. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a system configured to modify a poll via any method of the second aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an electronically readable medium storing a computer program for performing a method to modify a poll, the method determined via any method of the second aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any method of the second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for creating a poll, the method comprising:

providing a result publication interface;

receiving a results publication selection for the poll via the result publication interface; and

sending a poll request to a poll server application, the poll request including the results publication selection. The method may further include the step of:

receiving the media options selection via the media options interface via the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the media options selection for the poll to the poll server application.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the media for the poll via the media input interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the media for the poll to the poll server application.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the duration from the poll duration interface via methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the duration.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the collaborative poll participant from the collaborative poll interface via the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the collaborative poll participant.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the social media selection from the social media interface via the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the social media selection.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the tag from the tag interface via the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the tag. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a system configured to create a poll via any one of the methods of the third aspect of the invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an electronically readable medium storing a computer program for performing a method to create a poll, the method determined via any one of the methods of the third aspect of the invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of the methods of the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the creation of a collaborative poll, the method comprising:

receiving a poll request from a first client application at a poll server application, including a collaborative poll participant from the first client application at the poll server application;

sending a collaborative poll request to the collaborative poll participant at a second client application; and

receiving media for the poll form the second client application at the poll server application.

The method may further include the step of:

sending the media for the poll to a content poll server application.

The poll request may further include a media option selection for the poll from the first client application, the media option selection including at least one of: text, photo, video, audio, or mixed. The method may further include the step of:

receiving a media option selection for the poll from the second client application. The method may further include the step of:

receiving a modified media from at least one of the first client application or the second client application; and

sending the modified media to the content poll server application.

The media may be a video.

The media may be a photo.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving a participant selection for the poll from at least one of the first client application or the second client application. The method may further include the step of:

sending the poll to the participant selection.

The poll may be sent to the participant selection via email. The poll may be sent to the participant selection via social media.

Sending the poll to the participant selection may further include sending a content identifier for the media on the content poll server application. The method may further include the step of:

receiving a tag for the poll from at least one of the first client application or the second client application, wherein sending the poll to the participant selection further includes including the tag. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a system configured to facilitate a poll via any one of the methods of the fourth aspect. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an electronically readable medium storing a computer program for performing a method to facilitate a poll, the method determined via any one of the methods of the fourth aspect.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of the methods of the fourth aspect. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for creating a derivative poll, the method comprising:

providing a derivative poll creation interface;

receiving a previously published poll via the derivative poll creation interface; providing a participant selection interface; and

receiving a participant selection for the derivative poll via the participant selection interface; and

sending a derivative poll request including the previously published poll and the participant selection to a poll server application. The previously published poll may be received via a poll notification.

The previously published poll may include a media option and media.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the media options selection via the media options interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the derivative poll request further includes sending the media options selection for the poll to the poll server application. The method may further include the step of:

receiving the media for the poll via the media input interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the derivative poll request further includes sending the media for the poll to the poll server application.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the duration from the poll duration interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the derivative poll request further includes sending the duration.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the result publication selection from the result publication interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the derivative poll request further includes sending the result publication selection.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the collaborative poll participant for the poll via the collaborative poll interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the derivative poll request further includes sending the collaborative poll participant. The method may further include the step of:

receiving the participant selection for the poll via the participant selection interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the derivative poll request further includes sending the participant selection.

The method may further include the step of:

receiving the social media selection from the social media interface via any of the methods of the first aspect of the invention, wherein sending the derivative poll request further includes sending the social media selection.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a system configured to create a derivative poll via any method of the fifth aspect of the invention. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program for performing a method to create a derivative poll, the method determined via any method of the fifth aspect of the invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is a computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any method of the fifth aspect of the invention. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is method and system for creating a poll as described with reference to the Figures.

Other aspects of the invention are described within the claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 : shows system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: shows system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3: shows system 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4: shows method 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5: shows method 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6: shows method 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7: shows method 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8: shows method 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9: shows method 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10: shows method 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 1 : shows method 1 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12: shows method 1200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 13: shows method 1300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14: shows method 1400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15: shows method 1500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 16: shows method 1600 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 17: shows interface 1700 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18: shows interface 1800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19: shows interface 1900 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 20: shows interface 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 21 : shows interface 2100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 22: shows interface 2200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 23: shows system 2300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 24: shows system 2400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 25: shows system 2500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a method, system, electronically readable medium, to create or modify a poll, create a derivative poll, or facilitate the creation of a collaborative poll.

Figure 1 depicts a system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. System 100 includes poll server 102, content server 104, client devices 106 and 108, social media server 1 10, and Internet 1 12.

Poll server 102, content server 104, and social media server 1 10 may be operable to facilitate the creation and modification of a poll, facilitate the creation a derivative poll, or facilitate the creation of a collaborative poll, as described in relation to Figures 4 to 16. Client devices 106 and 108 may further be operable to create and modify a poll, a derivative poll, or a collaborative poll, as described in relation to Figures 4 to 16.

Each of poll server 102, content server 104, social media server 1 10, or client devices 106 and 108 may include a processing core 200, as depicted in Figure 2. Processing core 200 includes a processor 202, a memory 204, and a communication interface 206. In examples, processing core 200 may further include a display 208.

Processor 202 may be configured for executing computer instructions, which, when executed on the system 100, perform a portion or all of the methods described in relation to Figures 4 to 16. In embodiments, processor 202 may include a single, or any multiple number of processors, as will be understood by those of skill. Memory 204 may be an electronically readable medium or a computer readable medium configured to store computer program instructions. In embodiments, memory 204 may include a non-transitory medium. Stored computer program instructions, when executed on the processor 202, may perform a portion or all of the methods described in relation to Figures 4 to 16. Memory 204 may further be configurable to store media options selections, media, modified media, participant selections publication selections, social media selections, tags, duration, result publication selections, collaborative poll participants, as described in relation to Figures 4 to 16. In examples, processor 202 and memory 204 may be incorporated into a custom chipset, such as a system on a chip. For example, processor 202 and memory 204 may be incorporated into a custom Snapdragon, Tegra, Mali- 400, Cortex, Samsung Exynos, Intel Atom, Apple, or Motorola chip, or any other type of chip known to those of skill in the art.

In examples, portions of the methods described in relation to Figures 4 to 16 may be stored or executed outside of system 100. For example, a portion of the methods described in relation to Figures 4 to 16 may be stored or executed on a combination of a server and cloud storage facility via Internet 1 12.

Communications interface 206 may be configured to communicate with devices external to poll server 102, content server 104, social media server 1 10, or client devices 106, 108. In examples, communications interface 206 may be wired or wireless interfaces. Communications interface 206 may include a short-range or low-powered wireless standard such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, zigbee, or near field communication (NFC). Communications interface 206 may further include WIFI, 3G, 4G, Ethernet, or any other communications known to those of skill in the art. In examples, processing core 200 may request, send, or receive information, save information, or send or receive messages from a remote device over Internet 1 12. When the processing core 200 includes a display 208, the display 208 may be operable to display one or more indicators, or a user interface in conjunction with the methods described in relation to Figures 4 to 16. In examples, either of client devices 106 and 108 may be a hand-held or mobile computing device such as a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, or a wearable device. In further examples, either of client devices 106 and 108 may be a computing apparatus such as a smart TV, a game console, a laptop, or desktop computer, or an app-enabled piece of household hardware.

Figure 3 depicts system 300, in accordance with an embodiment. System 300 may facilitate the creation and modification of a poll, a derivative poll, or a collaborative poll. System 300 includes poll server application 302, content server application 304, social media server application 310, first client application 306, and second client application 308. First client application 306 may be configured to allow a user to create a poll, a derivative poll, or a collaborative poll. Second client application 308 may configured to allow a user to modify a poll or a collaborative poll. Poll server application 302 may be configured to allow users to create and modify a poll, a derivative poll, or a collaborative poll. In examples, content server application 304 may facilitate the storage and retrieval of media used in a poll via content server application 304. In further examples, content server application 304 may further facilitate the use of social media server application 310 to create, modify, or conduct a poll.

In examples, poll server application 302, content server application 304, social media server application 310, first client application 306 and second client application 308 may each operate on separate devices. For example, poll server application 302 may operate on poll server 102; content server application 304 may operate on content server 104; first client application 306 may operate on client device 106; and second client application 308 may operate on client device 108. In further examples, the functions of any one of poll server application 302, content server application 304, first client application 306 and second client application 308 may be distributed across additional computing devices. For example, poll server application 302 may operate on multiple servers like poll server 102 not pictured in Figure 1.

Figure 4 depicts method 400, an example embodiment that may execute within first client application 302. Method 400 may allow a user to create a poll. A poll includes a question and several choices or selections, which a user or poll-taker may select or vote on. Typically, a poll is sent to several poll- takers, and when the poll is concluded is provides a poll result. A poll result is a tally of the number of poll-takers that voted for choice. Method 400 begins with step 402. In step 402, a media options interface is provided. A poll option interface allows a user to select a media option to create a poll. First client application 302 receives the media options selection 404 from the media options interface. A media option selection is a choice between several types of content that can be used as a basis for a poll. In examples, the media option selection includes at least one of: text, photo, video, audio, or a mixed combination of at least two of: text, photo, video, and audio. For example, Figure 17 provides an example poll option interface 1700. In poll option interface 1700, a user may select to create a photo poll 1702, create a video poll 1704, create an audio poll 1706, create a text poll 1708, or to create a mixed poll 1710. As those of skill in the art will readily understand, a media option may include both pre-recorded or real time-generated content. For example, an audio media option selection 404 may include a content identifier directing a user to a live radio broadcast, or a video media option may include a content identifier directing a user to a game with video that changes based on user interaction.

Method 400 continues with step 406. In step 406, the first client application 306 sends a poll request 408 to poll server application 302. In the example embodiment of method 400, poll request 408 is a packet that includes the media options selection, or the media option selected by the poll creator for the new poll. Poll request 408 may be sent from a client application, such as first and second client applications 306 and 308, to a server application, such as poll server application 302 or social media application 310, over communications interface 206 to create a poll. When poll request 408 is received at a server application, for example poll server application 302, the server application may facilitate the creation of the poll.

In examples, poll request 408 may include one or more packets of fixed or variable length. For example, poll request 408 may include a single packet that includes all of the data required to facilitate a poll. For example, poll request 408 may be defined via by the following JSON document:

{ "poll_id" : "a30an39ses" ,

"poll_creator" : "pavel_maker" ,

"collaborativePollParticipant" : "callie_braetor"

"title" : "Which building has the best sunset view?"

"mediaOptionsSelection" : "mixed",

"participantSelection" : [

usernamel" paul_taker"

provider2" PollBoxPop"

username2" volt_placr"

provider2" Facebook"

] ,

"duration": 36000,

"resultPublicationSelection" : true,

"media": [

{ "firstMedia" : "shard.jpg",

"firstMediaType" : "photo" }, { "secondMedia": " stPauls .wmv" ,

"secondMediaType": "video" },

{ "thirdMedia" : "The Empire State Building" ,

"thirdMediaType": "text" }, { " fourthMedia " : "BurjKhalifa .mov" ,

" fourthMediaType " : "video" },

] ,

} The example above is not intended to be limiting, however. Those of skill in the art will readily understand that in further examples, poll request 408 may include more than one packet.

For example, poll request 408 may include a command packet requesting a poll, and one or more data packets specifying the configuration of the poll. For example, the discussions of Figures 4-16 below describe data related to configurations of a media options selection 404, a participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, a publication selection 804, a social media selection 904, a tag 1004, a duration 1 104, and a result publication selection 1204.

In further examples, poll request 408 may include a first packet initiating a new poll configuration, one or more configuration packets, and a final packet requesting that the poll be created.

By allowing a poll creator configure the media option selection for a poll, the poll creator may create a more engaging poll with more dynamic content. By allowing a poll creator to select the media option selection "mixed", the poll creator may choose the most appropriate media for each selection for a poll.

By allowing a poll creator to select a media option selection 404 and generate a custom poll request 408, including the desired combination of text, audio, photo, and video in the poll request 408, the method of claim 400 provides a poll with a complex media content storage and delivery system. In examples, method 400 may include further steps. For example, method 400 may include the steps of method 500 of Figure 5. In method 500, client application 306 may provide a participant selection interface 502. The client application 306 may receive a participant selection for the poll via the participant selection interface. In the example of method 500, sending the poll request further includes sending the participant selection.

A participant selection is one or more users who are invited by the poll creator to be poll takers, poll participants, or voters in a poll. In examples, participants of the participant selection may take a poll on a different client application from the poll creator, typically on a different client device.

In examples of method 500, the participant selection interface may include participants who are followers of a poll creator. For example, first and/or second client applications 306 and 308 may include an interface that allows users to follow one another. A poll creator may use the participant selection interface to include those users who are followers in the participant selection. For example, Figure 18 provides example participant selection interface 1800. As may be seen in the Figure, participant selection interface 1800 includes a list of users who are followers. In example selection interface 1800, a poll creator may select which followers will be included in a poll. For example, a poll creator has selected follower 1802 to be included in participant selection 504, but has not selected follower 1804.

In further examples of method 500, the participant selection interface may allow a poll creator to identify the participant selection 504 using at least one of an email address or a social media username or reference.

In further examples of method 500, the participant selection interface may allow a poll creator to identify a participant group for the participant selection. For example, a poll creator may identify a participant group related to a specialized topic such as, "where to eat lunch today," for potential poll takers that the poll creator has identified as interested in eating lunch together. The poll creator may then send related polls to the "where to eat lunch today" participant group.

By allowing a poll creator to easily create a participant selection 504 via the participant selection interface 502, it may be possible to quickly create polls on relevant topics that engage other users. The participant selection interface and participant selection further allows for a distributed coordination of poll facilitation to multiple users who are poll takers.

In examples, method 400 may include further steps. For example, method 400 may include the steps of method 600 of Figure 6. In method 600, client application 306 may provide a media input interface 602. Media 604 may be received by media input interface 602 at first client application 306. In examples, media 604 may include at least one individual media selection for each poll selection that a poll taker may vote on. In the example of method 600, sending poll request 408 may further include sending media 604 to poll server application 302. Media 604 may be included in poll request 408 by including one or more actual text, photo, audio, video files, or by including one or more content identifiers for text, photo, audio, video files. For example, a content identifier may be a URL or a shortened URL available by a service such as goo.gl, bit.ly, or adf.ly. A content identifier may further include any other type of content identifier to a file on a server commonly known to those of skill in the art.

Figure 19 depicts example media input interface 1900. Media input interface 1900 includes an optional gallery searchable by the poll creator to select photo or video media 604 for a poll. In examples, media input interface 1900 may allow a user to search gallery of photos or videos available locally on a client device, such as a smart phone. In further examples, media input interface 1900 may allow a user to search gallery of photos or videos available on a server or on the cloud. Figure 20 depicts example media input interface 2000. Media input interface 2000 may be used to create a new video poll. As may be seen, a user may enter a poll question at position 2002, and select videos by selecting each of four poll selections at positions 2004. In examples of method 600, the media input interface may include the steps of method 700 of Figure 7. Method 700, client application 306 may provide a media editing interface 702. Media editing interface 702 may receive media 604, and allow a user to edit the media to generate modified media 704. In examples of method 600, media editing interface 702 may allow a user to edit a video. In further examples, media editing interface 702 may allow a user to edit a photo. In examples, media input interface 602 and media editing interface 702 may be included in the same interface. In further examples, media input interface 602 and media editing interface 702 may be included in separate interfaces.

By allowing a user to select and edit media based on a dynamic choice of media option selection, including mixed media, a user may very quickly create more interesting and engaging polls. Sending media 604 to poll server application 302 in poll request 408 may also provide a complex media storage and delivery solution, distributing media content for to poll takers taking a poll via respective applications.

In examples, method 400 may further include the steps of method 800 of Figure 8. In method 800, client application 306 may provide a social media interface 802. Social media includes websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. For example, social media may include Facebook™, Twitter™, Google Plus™, Linkedln™, Xing™, Renren™, Disqus™, Snapchat™, Tumblr™, Pinterest™, Instagram™, Vine™, and Meetup™, in addition to others. A user may use social media interface 802 to select a social media platform to alert users who are included in participant selection 504 about a poll. Client application 302 may receive social media selection 804 from social media interface 802. Figure 21 depicts example social media interface 2100. As may be seen in the Figure, a poll creator may select to alert users included in participant selection 504 about a poll through Pop Box Pop 2102, Facebook™ 2104, Twitter™ 2106, or Google Plus™ 2108. Each of Pop Box Pop 2102, Facebook™ 2104, Twitter™ 2106, or Google Plus™ 2108 are a form of social media that one or more selected poll participants may be members of. In examples, Pop Box Pop 2102 may provide an interface of the first application or the second application 306 or 308.

By allowing a poll creator to alert users included in participant selection 504 about a poll through social media, a poll creator may connect with users through the platforms to which users are already engaged. This may increase the likelihood that users included in participant selection 504 will respond to an alert that they are invited to create a new poll by voting in the poll. In addition, allowing poll creators to make a social media selection 804 to send via poll request 408 to poll server application 302 supports the coordination of a poll in a distributed social media environment.

In examples, method 400 may include further steps. For example, method 400 may include the steps of method 900 of Figure 9. In method 900, client application 306 may provide a tag interface 902. A tag 904 is a label or keyword that may be used to categorize a poll. For example, tag 904 may be "politics," "football," "movies," or any other convenient classification. First client application 302 may receive tag 904 from tag interface 902 and send tag 904 to poll server application 302 via poll request 408.

By allowing a user to tag a poll, other users may be able to more readily understand the content of a poll, or search for polls with specific tags. This may make the content of a poll more accessible to other users.

In examples, method 400 may include further steps. For example, method 400 may include the steps of method 1000 of Figure 10. In method 1000, client application 306 may provide a poll duration interface 1002. A duration is the amount of time that a poll will be open for poll takers to vote. In examples, a duration can be anything from one minute to hours, days, weeks, or years. When a duration is expired, the poll will be closed and no further users may place votes. First client application 302 may receive duration 1004 from poll duration interface 1002. Duration 1004 may be sent to poll server application 302 via poll request 408.

By allowing a user who is a poll creator to select a duration for a poll, the poll may be more configurable and responsive to the particular context or need. The duration may further facilitate the coordination of a poll in a complex, distributed environment, including a social media environment.

In examples, method 400 may include further steps. For example, method 400 may include the steps of method 1 100 of Figure 1 1. In method 1 100, client application 306 may provide a results publication interface 1 102. A results publication selection 1 104 is a selection indicating whether the results of a poll will be published or not. In examples, the poll may be published as votes are received by poll taking users. In further examples, the poll may be published after poll duration 1 104 has expired. In examples, the poll may be published to a restricted number of users, for example participant selection 504 or a group of followers of a poll creating user. In further examples, however, anyone may be able to view the results of a poll.

First client application 302 may receive results publication selection 1 104 from results publication interface 1 102. Results publication selection 1 104 may be sent to poll server application 302 via poll request 408.

By allowing a poll creating user to determine results publication selection 1 104, the new poll may be more configurable. Allowing a poll creator to designate a result publication selection 1 104 to send in poll request 408 to poll server application 302 may further facilitate the coordination of a poll by multiple poll takers across a complex, distributed social media environment.

In examples, method 400 may include further steps. For example, method 400 may include the steps of method 1200 of Figure 12. In method 1200, client application 306 may provide a collaborative poll interface 1202.

A collaborative poll is a poll that more than one user creates together. For example, a first user and a second user may create a collaborative poll through first and second client applications 306 and 308, respectively.

In examples, a first user may configure any part of a collaborative poll, including but not limited to a media options selection 404, a participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, a publication selection 804, a social media selection 904, a tag 1004, duration 1 104, and a result publication selection 1204. This is not intended to be limiting, however. In examples, a first user may not configure any part of a collaborative poll. The first user may use collaborative poll interface 1202 to select at least one collaborative poll participant 1204. The collaborative poll participant 1204 will receive an invite to participate in creating the collaborative poll. In examples, first client application 302 may receive collaborative poll participant 1204 from collaborative poll interface 1202. In the example of method 1200, sending the poll request may further include sending the collaborative poll participant. A collaborative poll allows a poll creator user to engage other users to contribute as poll creators. In this way, a poll may be created or modified before being sent to the users included in participant selection 504. A collaborative poll may thereby help engage a greater number of users in creating and facilitating a poll across a distributed environment, including a social media environment.

Figure 13 depicts a further embodiment of client application 306 or 308, method 1300. In examples, method 1300 may be performed by second client application 308.

Method 1300 begins with step 1304. In step 1304, a collaborative poll request 1302 is received. Collaborative poll request 1302 is a request from another user, for example a user operating first client application 306, to collaborate to create a poll.

When collaborative poll request 1302 is received at second client application 308, the user may receive an alert. For example, Figure 22 depicts an example collaborative poll alert interface 2200. Method 1300 continues with step 602 when media input interface 602 is provided. Second client application 308 receives media 604 from media input interface 602, and may send media 604 to poll server application 302 as part of poll request 408.

While the example of media input interface 602 is used in method 1300, this is not intended to be limiting. In examples, method 1300 may include making any poll configuration using any interface described in the methods described with regards to Figures 4-12.

In examples, method 1300 may including a further one or more additional methods described with regards to methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1200, and 1300 above.

By allowing a user at a second client application 308 to receive a collaborative poll request 1302 and respond by contributing media to the collaborative poll, method 1300 may allow users to coordinate in creating a poll across a distributed environment. Method 1300 may further facilitate complex media content storage and delivery for a poll.

Figure 14 depicts a further embodiment the invention, method 1400. In examples, method 1400 may be performed by first or second client applications 306 or 308 to create a poll. Method 1400 is similar to method 400, except that instead of providing media options interface 402, method 1400 provides result publication interface 1 102, as described with regards to Figure 1 1. Upon receiving result publication selection 1 104 from the result publication interface 1 102, poll request 408 is sent to a poll server application 302, poll request 408 including the results publication selection 1 104.

By allowing a user that is a poll creator to configure whether the results of poll are published or not, this may allow users to create more dynamic polls that can target specific contexts across a distributed environment. In examples, method 1400 may further include the steps described above with regards to methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1200, and 1300 above. Figure 15 depicts a further embodiment the invention, method 1500. In examples, method 1500 may be performed by poll server application 302 to facilitate the creation of a collaborative poll.

Method 1500 begins with step 1502. At step 1502, a poll request 402 is received from a client application. For example, a poll request 402 may be received from first client application 306 at poll server application 302 after first client application 306 has performed method 1200. In method 1500, poll request 402 includes a collaborative participant 1204. Method 1500 continues with step 1506. In step 1506, a collaborative poll request is sent to a collaborative poll participant at a second client. For example, Figure 22 depicts example alert 2200. Example alert 2200 may be received and displayed at second client application 308. Example alert 2200 may invite a second user to participate in creating a collaborative poll.

In examples, collaborative poll request 402 may include one or more packets of fixed or variable length. In examples, collaborative poll request 402 may include further data, such as a media options selection 404, a participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, a publication selection 804, a social media selection 904, a tag 1004, a duration 1 104, or a result publication selection 1204. However, in further examples, collaborative poll request 402 may include no data regarding poll configuration.

For example, collaborative poll request 402 may be defined via by the following JSON document:

{ "poll_id" : "a348n39ses" ,

"pollCreator" : "paul_curator"

"title" : "Which fuzzy kitten do you prefer?" "collaborativePollParticipant" : "mary_contributer'

"mediaOptionsSelection" : "photo",

"participantSelection" : [

{ "usernamel" : "",

"provider2" : "" },

] ,

"duration": "",

"resultPublicationSelection" : false,

"media": [

{ "firstMedia" : "",

"firstMediaType" : "photo" },

{ "secondMedia" : "",

" secondMediaType" : "photo" },

{ "thirdMedia" : "" ,

"thirdMediaType" : "photo" },

{ "fourthMedia" : "",

"fourthMediaType" : "photo" },

] ,

As may be seen, in the example collaborative poll request 402

mediaOptionsSelection is set to "photo", but no media content has been included.

Method 1500 continues with step 1508. At step 1508, media 604 is received for the collaborative poll from the second client application 308 at the poll server application 302. For example, second client application 308 may receive media 604 via method 600 or 700. In examples, media 604 may be sent to poll server application 302 via a second collaborative poll request sent from second client application 308 to poll server application 302 in response to the first collaborative poll request sent in step 1506. For example, the second collaborative poll request may be defined via by the following JSON document:

{ "poll_id" : "a348n39ses" ,

"pollCreator " : "paul_curator" "title" : "Which fuzzy kitten do you prefer?"

"collaborativePollParticipant" : "mary_contributor"

"mediaOptionsSelection" : "photo",

"participantSelection" : [

{ "usernamel" : "",

"provider2" : "" },

] ,

"duration": "",

"resultPublicationSelection" : false,

"media": [

{ " firstMedia" : "whitecat.jpg",

"firstMediaType" : "photo" }, { "secondMedia": "browncat.jpg",

"secondMediaType": "photo" },

{ "thirdMedia" : "http://goo.gl/H9mU6s" ,

"thirdMediaType": "photo" }, { " fourthMedia " : "http://goo.gl/9cxcJZ",

" fourthMediaType " : "photo" },

] ,

}

In examples, method 1500 may continue with step 1510. In step 1510, media 604 for the poll may be sent to content server application 304. Media 604 may be saved at content server application 304 in the form of text, audio, photo, video files, identifiable at the content server application 304 via content identifiers. Content server application 304 may provide media 604 for download to client applications that access media 604 via content identifiers.

The collaborative poll creation and facilitation processes allow users to interact in unique new ways with a poll, because multiple users can create, amend, or otherwise contribute to the creation of a new poll. Because the relationship between poll creator and poll taker is not strictly defined, users may be more likely to participate, contribute content, and view the poll results.

In examples, method 1500 may include further steps. For example, method 1500 may include receiving a media options selection 404, as described in the discussion of method 400. In examples, the media options selection 303 may be received from the second client application 308.

In examples, method 1500 may include receiving modified media 704 from at least one of the first client application 306 or the second client application 308, as described in the discussion of methods 600 and 700. In examples, method 1500 may further include sending modified media 704 to the content poll server application 304. In examples, method 1500 may include receiving a participant selection 504 for the poll from at least one of the first client application 306 or the second client application 308, as described in the discussion of method 500.

In examples, method 1500 may include receiving tag 904 for the poll from at least one of the first client application 306 or the second client application 308, as described in the discussion of method 900 above.

In examples, method 1500 may include step 1512. In step 1512, the poll is sent to the participant selection. For example, the poll may be sent to the participant selection via email. In other examples, the poll may be sent to the participant selection via social media.

In examples, method 1500 may include sending the poll to the participant selection further includes sending a content identifier for the media on the content poll server application.

By facilitating the creation of a poll between a first and second client application, the method of 1500 may allow for the coordination of poll creation in a distributed environment.

Figure 16 depicts a further embodiment the invention, method 1600. In examples, method 1600 may be performed by first or second client application 308 to create a derivative poll. A derivative poll is a poll that is based on a previously published poll 1604.

Previously published poll 1604 is a poll that has already been sent to a participant selection 504. In examples, previously published poll 1604 may have a duration 1004 that has already lapsed. In further examples, previously published poll 1604 may have a result publication selection 1 104 that is set to publish results. Method 1600 begins with step 1602. In step 1602, a derivative poll creation interface is provided by the client application. Derivative poll creation interface may allow a user to identify a previously published poll 1604.

In examples of method 1600, the previously published poll may be received via a poll notification. For example, previously published poll 1604 may be a poll that the poll creator received as a poll taker.

In further examples of method 1600, the derivative poll may be selected in a poll browsing interface. In examples, the poll browsing interface may be separate from or part of the derivative poll creation interface 1602. For example, derivative poll creation interface 1602 may enable users to browse previously published polls by tag, or based on poll creator, for example the polls designed by other users that a poll creator is following. Method 1600 continues with step 502. In step 502, a participant selection interface is provided. The client application receives the participant selection 504 from participant selection interface 502. Participant selection 504 includes the users who will be invited to be poll takers for the derivative poll. Method 1600 continues with step 1606. In step 1606, previously published poll 1604 and participant selection 504 are received for the derivative poll. A derivative poll request 1608 including previously published poll 1604 and participant selection 504 are sent to a poll server application.

Derivative poll request 1608 may include further configuration data for the poll. For example, derivative poll request 1608 may include any combination of: a media options selection 404, a participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, a publication selection 804, a social media selection 904, a tag 1004, a duration 1 104, or a result publication selection 1204. In examples, the media options selection 404, participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, publication selection 804, social media selection 904, tag 1004, duration 1 104, or result publication selection 1204 may be determined by previously published poll 1604, or via the methods of Figures 4-1 1 .

In examples of method 1600, the previously published poll 1604 may include a media option selection 404 and media 604.

In examples, method 1600 may further include the steps of methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1 100, as described above. By allowing a user to create a derivative poll request based on a previously published poll 1604 received at a client application from a poll server application, method 1600 may allow a user to facilitate the creation of a poll in a distributed environment. Figure 23 depicts system 2300. System 2300 may be used to create polls by performing any combination of methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1 100, and 1200. System 2300 includes first client application 306, poll server application 302, content server application 304, and second client application 308. In the example system 2300, the first client application 306 may be utilized by the poll creator, and the second client application 308 may be utilized by the poll taker, the poll taker being a user who is included in participant selection 504 for the poll. As may be seen from Figure 23, first client application 306 transmits poll request 408 to poll server application 302. Poll request 408 may include any combination of: a media options selection 404, a participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, a publication selection 804, a social media selection 904, a tag 1004, a duration 1 104, or a result publication selection 1204.

In examples, poll server application 302 may send media packet 2303 to content server application 310, where it will be available for download by client applications.

In examples, media packet 2303 may include any combination of: text strings, photo files, audio files, video files, or content identifiers referencing text, photo, audio, or video on another server. In examples, content server application 304 may use content identifiers included in media packet 2303 to download and save media at content server application 304, where it may be made available for download when a user is taking a poll. For example, media packet 2303 may be defined via by the following JSON document:

{ "media": [

{ " firstMedia" : "whitecat.jpg",

"firstMediaType" : "photo" }, { "secondMedia": "browncat.jpg",

"secondMediaType": "photo" },

{ "thirdMedia" : "http://goo.gl/H9mU6s" ,

"thirdMediaType": "photo" }, { " fourthMedia " : "http://goo.gl/9cxcJZ",

" fourthMediaType " : "photo" },

],

}

Once content server application 304 receives media packet 2303, content server application 304 may respond by sending one or more content identifiers 2301 to poll server application 302. For example, content identifier 2301 may be defined via by the following JSON document:

{ "media": [

{ "firstMedia" : "9cxcJZ ",

"firstMediaType" : "photo" },

{ "secondMedia" : "kaesdf908a" ,

" secondMediaType" : "photo" },

{ "thirdMedia" : "238bhis0" ,

"thirdMediaType" : "photo" }, { "fourthMedia" : "9cxcJZ",

"fourthMediaType" : "photo" },

] ,

In further examples, poll server application 302 may not sent media 604 to content server application 304. Poll server application 302, may send media 604 to a client applications directly.

Poll server application 302 facilitates the poll by sending a poll 2302 to client application affiliated with users who are included in participant selection 504. For example, poll server application 302 may send poll 2302 to second client application 308. In examples, poll 2302 may be defined by the following JSON document:

{ "poll_id" : "a348n39ses" ,

"pollCreator " : "paul_curator"

"title" : "Which fuzzy kitten do you prefer?"

"duration": "360000",

"media": [

{ "contentldentifierl" : "akdfh23",

"contentIdentifier2" : "ajkhf8" ,

"contentIdentifier3" : "kjy22876" ,

"contentIdentifier4" : "2748fjba", },

] ,

}

At second client application 308, a user who is acting as a poll taker receives a poll 2302 and accesses the poll. The poll may include content identifiers that reference media 604 on content server application 304, which may be downloaded to second client application 308 upon request. Alternatively, the poll may include the media files themselves. The user responds to the poll at second client application 308, and thereby initiates a user response to poll 2304 message, which is transmitted to poll server application 302. Poll server application 302 receives one or more user responses to the poll. If result publication selection 1204 for the poll indicates that the results of the poll are to be published, poll server application 302 publishes poll results 2306 to some subset of users. In examples, poll server application 302 may send poll results 2306 to any combination of the poll creator, the poll takers included in participant selection 504, or to the public at large.

Figure 24 depicts system 2400. System 2400 may be used to perform methods 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1 100, and 1200. System 2400 includes first client application 306, poll server application 302, content server application 304, social media server application 310, and second client application 308.

System 2400 is similar to system 2300, except that it includes social media server application 310. In system 2300, social media server application 310 may be used to facilitate a poll.

In system 2400, a poll request 408 including respective associated media 604 and social media selection 804, are received at poll server application 302. If social media selection 804 indicates that the poll should be sent to a social media platform, poll server application 302 may send a social media request 2402 to social media server application 310. Social media request 2402 may include the configuration information needed for social media server application 310 to facilitate sending the poll to one or more users included in participant selection 504.

Social media request 2402 may include one or more packets of a fixed or variable length. Social media request 2402 may include all of the data that may be included in poll request 408, for example media options selection 404, participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, publication selection 804, social media selection 904, tag 1004, duration 1 104, or result publication selection 1204. This is not intended to be limiting, however, as those of skill in the art will readily understand that social media request 2402 may include further data, for example data required by the social media server's application program interface.

For example, the social media request 2402 may be defined via by

following JSON document:

{ "poll_id" : "alke90wn422" ,

"pollCreator " : "paul_creator"

"title" : "Which restaurant has the best burgers?"

"participantSelection" : [

{ "usernamel" : "harry_eatsalot" ,

"username2" : "suzy_burger" } ,

] ,

"duration": "36000",

"media": [

{ "firstMedia" : "White Castle",

"firstMediaType" : "text" }, { "secondMedia" : " H9m3kk",

" secondMediaType" : "photo" },

{ "thirdMedia" : "H9mU6s" ,

"thirdMediaType" : "photo" }, { "fourthMedia" : "y993jsjd",

"fourthMediaType" : "photo" },

] ,

}

After social media request 2402 has been sent, social media server application 310 facilitates the poll by sending poll 2302 to at least one client application associated with a user included in the participant selection 504, for example second client application 308.

A user may respond at second client application 308, prompting second client application 308 to send a user response to poll packet 2304 to social media server application 310. Social media server application 310 may respond by transmitting the user response to poll 2304 to poll server application 302.

Poll server application 302 of system 2400 may send poll results 2306 to social media server application 310, prompting social media server application 310 to send poll results 2306 to second client application 308. In further examples, however, poll server application 302 may send poll results 2306 directly to second client application 308. Figure 25 depicts the embodiment of system 2500. System 2500 may be used to create and modify collaborative polls via methods 1300 and 1400. Like system 2300, system 2500 includes first client application 308, poll server application 302, content server application 304, and second client application 308. System 2500 demonstrates how two or more users may collaborate to create the collaborative poll through first and second client applications 306 and 308.

As may be seen in Figure 25, a poll request 408 may be sent from first client application 306 to poll server application 302. The poll request 408 in example system 2500 includes a collaborative poll participant 1204.

Upon receiving poll request 408 with collaborative poll participant 1204, poll server application 302 transmits a collaborative poll request 1302 to second client application 308, which is associated with collaborative poll participant 1204. Upon accepting an invite to participate in a collaborative poll, the user at second client application 308 may help to create the collaborative poll. In the example of system 2500, the user at second client application 308 may send media 604 to poll server application 302.

The example of a user sending media 604 is not intended to be limiting, however. As those of skill in the art will readily understand, during the creation of a collaborative poll, the respective users associated with first and second client applications 306 and 308 may each contribute to configuring the collaborative poll. For example, either user may configure: media options selection 404, participant selection 504, media 604, modified media 704, publication selection 804, social media selection 904, tag 1004, duration 1 104, or result publication selection 1204, as described above. Once poll server application 302 receives media 604 from second client application 308, poll server application 302 may send media packet 2303 to content server application 310 and receive content identifier 2301 in response, as described above. The collaborative poll may be facilitated or administered respectively via any of the methods described with regards to systems 2400 and 2500. In examples, the collaborative poll may be administered by sending a poll 2302 to users via client applications 306 and 308, receiving user responses to polls 2304 at poll server application 302, and sending users poll results 2306 to client applications 306 and 308.

A potential advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that polling may become an activity that is more interactive, engaging, dynamic, and configurable, engaging users who both create and take polls. It may also be much easier and quicker for users to create new polls. While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1 . A method for creating a poll, the method comprising:

providing a media options interface;

receiving a media options selection via the media options interface, wherein the media option selection includes at least one of: text, photo, video, audio, or mixed; and

sending a poll request including the media options selection to a poll server application.

2. A method of modifying a poll, the method comprising:

receiving a collaborative poll request for the poll;

providing a media input interface;

receiving media via the media input interface; and

sending the media to the poll server application.

3. A method for creating a poll, the method comprising:

providing a result publication interface;

receiving a results publication selection via the result publication interface; and

sending a poll request to a poll server application, the poll request including the results publication selection.

4. A method of creating a derivative poll, the method comprising:

providing a derivative poll creation interface;

receiving a previously published poll via the derivative poll creation interface;

providing a participant selection interface; and

sending a derivative poll request including the previously published poll and the participant selection to a poll server application.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the previously published poll is received via a poll notification.

6. A method of any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the previously published poll includes a media option and media.

7. A method of any one of claims 1 to 2 or 4, the method further comprising:

providing a result publication interface; and

receiving a results publication selection via the result publication interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the results publication selection.

8. A method of any one of claims 2 to 7, the method further comprising: providing a media options interface;

receiving a media options selection via the media options interface, wherein the media option selection includes at least one of: text, photo, video, audio, or mixed, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the media options selection.

9. A method of any one of claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 8, the method further comprising:

providing a media input interface; and

receiving media via the media input interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the media to the poll server application.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the media input interface further provides a media editing interface.

1 1 . A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the media editing interface is operable to edit a video.

12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 1 1 , wherein the media editing interface is operable to edit a photo.

13. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 or 4 to 12, further comprising:

providing a participant selection interface; and

receiving a participant selection via the participant selection interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the participant selection.

14. A method as in claim 13, wherein the participant selection interface includes at least one a follower of a poll creator.

15. A method as in any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the participant selection interface allows a poll creator to identify at least one participant of the participant selection using at least one of an email address or a social media username.

16. A method as in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the participant selection interface allows the poll creator to identify a participant group for the participant selection.

17. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, the method further comprising:

providing a social media interface; and

receiving a social media selection from the social media interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the social media selection.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 3 to 17, further comprising: providing a collaborative poll interface; and

receiving a collaborative poll participant via the collaborative poll interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the collaborative poll participant.

19. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, the method further comprising:

providing a tag interface; and

receiving a tag via the tag interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the tag.

20. A method as claimed in any one of the above claims, the method further comprising:

providing a poll duration interface; and

receiving a duration via the poll duration interface, wherein sending the poll request further includes sending the duration.

21 . A system configured to create a poll via a method as claimed in any one of the above claims.

22. A computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. An electronically readable medium storing a computer program as claimed in claim 22.

24. A method for facilitating the creation of a collaborative poll, the method comprising:

receiving a poll request from a first client application at a poll server application, including a collaborative poll participant from the first client application at the poll server application; sending a collaborative poll request to the collaborative poll participant at the a second client application; and

receiving media from the second client application at the poll server application.

25. A method as in claim 24, further comprising:

sending the media to a content poll server application.

26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the poll request further includes a media option selection from the first client application, the media option selection including at least one of: text, photo, video, audio, or mixed.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, further comprising:

receiving the media option selection from the second client application.

28. A method as in any of claims 24 to 27, further comprising:

sending the modified media to the content poll server application.

29. A method as in any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the media includes a video.

30. A method as in any of claims 24 to 29, wherein the media includes a photo.

31 . A method as in any of claims 24 to 30, further comprising:

receiving a participant selection from at least one of the first client application or the second client application.

32. A method as in any of claims 24 to 31 , further comprising: sending the poll to the participant selection.

33. A method as in claim 32, wherein the poll is sent to at least part of the participant selection via email.

34. A method as in any of claims 24 to 33, wherein the poll is sent to at least part of the participant selection via social media.

35. A method as in any of claims 24 to 34, wherein sending the poll to the participant selection further includes sending at least one content identifier for the media on the content poll server application.

36. A method as in any of claims 24 to 25, the method further comprising: receiving a tag from at least one of the first client application or the second client application, wherein sending the poll to the participant selection further includes including the tag.

37. A system configured to facilitate a poll via any one of claims 24 to 36.

38. A computer program configured to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 36.

39. An electronically readable medium storing a computer program as claimed in claim 38.

40. A method and system for creating a poll as described with reference to the Figures.