WO2016191346A1

WO2016191346A1 - Method and system for gathering and verifying information regarding specific items

Info

Publication number: WO2016191346A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/033725
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brannen Huske; Sean Langford; Terry ANDERTON; Ben BERLANGER
Original assignee: Gemr, Inc
Priority date: 2015-05-22
Filing date: 2016-05-23
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Also published as: WO2016191349A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an identification and informational gathering system for particular items which may have significant personal, historical, collective, or monetary value. The system may include methods that provide a web-based application, and/or plug-in, to aid users in obtaining information regarding a specific item from a community of users and classify or rate the information provided by the community so as to generate a confidence rating regarding the information obtained. In part, pre-determined informational fields can be generated and verified by the community or identified experts in online collaborative platform.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GATHERING AND VERIFYING INFORMATION

REGARDING SPECIFIC ITEMS

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] Priority is claimed to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Applications having the following serial numbers and filing dates: U.S. App. No. 62/165, 673, U.S. App. No.

62/165,665, U.S. App. No. 62/165,682, and U.S. App. No. 62/165,689, which were filed May 22^nd, 2015; as well as U.S. App. No. 62/250,886 which was filed on November 4^th, 2015. Further, each of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent application document contains material that is subject to copyright protection including the drawings. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The disclosure relates to the fields of valuing items through a platform, buying and selling said valued items. More specifically the present disclosure relates to assisting users in identifying pertinent features, information, or additional history or information about a particular item through a multi-user platform by tracking informational input and gathering feedback from an expert community from a multi-user platform. 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Presently, valuation experts in the field of antiques and other rare or unique items are sought after to assist in the valuation process of items that otherwise difficult to place a value on. Certain television shows have been created where interested persons bring items on to have experts analyze and place a value on their particular product.

[0005] One of the downsides of these television programs is the limited accessibility for more users to place products on such programs so as to be evaluated. In addition, experts are not always readily available in a particular area and the cost of having an item transported to such an expert, or getting an expert to travel to the site of the item in order to appraise the item can, as a result, be prohibitive.

[0006] Online auctions, classified listings, and other similar platforms have existed to assist in moving such items. On these platforms the desired price of the item is typically determined by the listing user or alternatively other users can often bid on the item in a typical auction format where the highest bidding price wins. If the item has not been exposed to and appraised by an expert its value may be limited by the highest bidder in a limited scope of forum where the best price may not necessarily be achieved.

[0007] Additionally, certain collectible items can often be handed down from one generation to another or otherwise be classified as an heirloom. Often the owners may wish to sell, insure, or simply collect additional information regarding the item. It will be appreciated that valuation of such items can be particularly difficult, and particularly since information regarding the historical significance of the item can often be lost or misunderstood through successive generations. It will be further appreciated that the value, both emotional and monetary, of these items can be diminished without an understanding of the history surrounding a particular item.

[0008] A need therefore exists for allowing many users to have access to a platform that can assist in identifying the value and history of such items. Such a platform can identify and connect possessors of such items with those having more experience with such items, valuation experts, collectors, curators, etc. The present application seeks to address these concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The system and methods described herein provide an online-based platform that is accessible by a plurality of users, to aid in the valuation process of unique or rare items, identification of an item history, identification of expert evaluators in a particular field, and identify objects that may be of interest to users who own or who like to acquire items in particular categories or types being associated with such unique or rare items.

[0010] In particular, various embodiments of the present invention include a method for creating, tailoring, and storing listings reflective of one or more particular items, which involves the steps of: receiving an initial descriptive input from a user regarding a particular item for which a listing is to be created; determining, using processing circuitry, one or more potential categorical classifications associated with the particular item based on the initial descriptive input; presenting the one or more potential categorical classifications to the user reflecting pre-existing categories associated with the particular item; requesting a selection of a best categorical classification from the user from the one or more potential categorical classifications; retrieving a pre-existing informational card associated with the selected best categorical classification, the pre-existing informational card having a plurality of informational fields associated therewith; requesting input from the user for each of the informational fields on the pre-existing informational card; presenting one or more additional informational field to the user; receiving input from the user in the one or more additional informational fields wherein the input is reflective of alternative information regarding the particular item which the user perceives to be pertinent to a complete listing; creating a listing regarding the particular item; storing the listing in a listing database provided on one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; accessing a user database provided on the one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; determining one or more experts, wherein expertise of a particular expert is based at least in part on the particular expert's level of activity in relation to one or more previous listings which have been saved in the listing database provided on one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; requesting pertinence input from the one or more experts regarding the pertinence of the one or more additional informational fields provided by the user; tracking the pertinence input for the one or more additional informational fields; determining one or more prerequisites for inclusion of a particular informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented for one or more future listings associated with an associated categorical classification; and inserting the particular informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented to future users when creating one or more future listings associated with the associated categorical classification;

[0011] This method can include various additional steps including but not limited to the following: requesting categorical input from the one or more experts regarding the selection of the user regarding the best categorical classification; forwarding the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts.

[0012] Alternatively, this method can also include various additional steps including but not limited to the following: tracking positive and negative alternative user activity and feedback from various users saved in the user database; generating an expertise score reflecting the positive and negative alternative user activity for each user;

[0013] In some embodiments the positive and negative alternative user activity can include expert generated informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert generated informational fields by alternative users affects the expertise score.

[0014] In some embodiments the positive and negative alternative user activity can include expert comments regarding input provided into the one or more informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert comments by alternative users affects the expertise score.

[0015] Alternatively, this method can a step involving forwarding the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts.

[0016] Alternatively, this method can a step involving forwarding the pertinence input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of including the particular informational field in all future listings based on the pertinence input from the one or more experts.

[0017] In some embodiments an expertise score can be generated and associated with each item of peer input received from one or more users from the user database, wherein each user can have a profile with an associated expert score, the expert score being optionally configured to reflect at least some measure of expertise of the particular user with respect to a particular categorical classification.

[0018] In yet additional aspects of the inventions contemplated herein is a system for gathering and tracking information regarding a particular item, the system including: a user interface configured to receive an initial descriptive input from a user regarding a particular item for which a listing is to be created; a network-accessible non-transitory computer- readable medium configured to store a plurality of user profiles reflecting a plurality of users, the network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable medium also being configured to store a listing database relating to a plurality of item listings relating to particular items owned by respective users having profiles saved on the network-accessible non-transitory computer- readable medium; and processing circuitry.

[0019] In this system the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the following processes: receive and recognize an initial descriptive input from a particular user regarding an associated particular item for which a listing is to be created; determine a matching potential categorical classification reflecting pre-existing items in the listing database associated with the associated particular item based on the initial descriptive input; present the one or more potential categorical classifications to the user reflecting pre-existing categories associated with the particular item; request a selection of a best categorical classification from the user from the one or more potential categorical classifications; retrieve a pre-existing informational card associated with the selected best categorical classification, the pre-existing informational card having a plurality of informational fields associated therewith; request input from the user for each of the informational fields on the pre-existing informational card; present one or more additional informational field to the user; receive input from the user in the one or more additional informational fields wherein the input is reflective of alternative information regarding the particular item which the user perceives to be pertinent to a complete listing; create a listing regarding the particular item; store the listing in the listing database provided on one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; access the user database provided on the one or more network-accessible non- transitory computer-readable mediums; determine one or more experts, wherein expertise of a particular expert is based at least in part on a level of activity of the particular expert in relation to one or more previous listings which have been saved in the listing database provided on one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; request pertinence input from the one or more experts regarding the pertinence of the one or more additional informational fields provided by the user; track the pertinence input for the one or more additional informational fields; determine one or more prerequisites for inclusion of a particular informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented for one or more future listings associated with an associated categorical classification; and insert the particular informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented to future users when creating one or more future listings associated with the associated categorical classification;

[0020] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that the peer input is rated based on a user score associated with each individual user's associated profile.

[0021] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that a expertise score is generated and associated with each item of peer input received from one or more users from the user database.

[0022] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that each user has a profile with an associated expert score, the expert score a reflecting at least some measure of expertise of the particular user with respect to a categorical classification. [0023] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the following functions: request categorical input from the one or more experts regarding the selection of the user regarding the best categorical classification; forward the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts.

[0024] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the following functions: track positive and negative alternative user activity and feedback from various users saved in the user database; and generate an expertise score reflecting the positive and negative alternative user activity for each user;

[0025] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert generated informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert generated informational fields by alternative users affects the expertise score.

[0026] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert comments regarding input provided into the one or more informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert comments by alternative users affects the expertise score.

[0027] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to perform a function of forwarding the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts. [0028] In some embodiments the system can be configured such that the processing circuitry is further configured to perform a function of forwarding the pertinence input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of including the particular informational field in all future listings based on the pertinence input from the one or more experts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system configured to carry out various steps and processes in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart illustrating various methods and steps configured to be carried out by the system of claim 1;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates one or more servers and associated network-accessible non-transitory computer readable media capable of implementing various steps of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating various steps and methods in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates another flowchart illustrating various steps and methods in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart illustrating various steps and functions which the system can perform in accordance with various aspects of the present invention; and [0036] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen shot of an item listing or fact sheet which illustrates various steps and functions which the system can perform in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] For purposes of this application, a web browser may refer to a software application or display produced by steps performed by processing circuitry for retrieving, presenting, interpreting, and traversing information resources provided by a remote server (e.g., on the internet). At the time of this application, web browsers may include Chrome™, Firefox™, Internet Explorer™, Opera™, and Safari™. In addition, a web application, also referred to as an application or "app" as described herein includes computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks on a computer or using a mobile device. The application functions are performed by processing circuitry, such as a computer, mobile device, or server, as further described herein. For purposes of the systems and methods described herein, a plug-in may refer to a set of software components that adds specific abilities to a larger software application, such as a web browser. Plug-ins enable customizing the functionality of an application and may be implemented in any suitable architecture, such as a Flash player, Java applet, HTML5, or any other commonly used platform known in the art. For purposes of method, a plug-in is a general term which could also be synonymously associated with add- ons, snap-ins, and extensions. In certain contexts, the term "application" may also be used to describe a notification and/or response for an employment opportunity.

[0038] As discussed above, the collectible marketplace can be a very unpredictable and difficult field to navigate, particularly for those finding themselves in possession of collectibles who are lacking expertise in the field of a particular collectible. Such instances can arise in varying situations, for example, a person might receive such an item in an inheritance, by gift, or even find a collectible by chance.

[0039] In such an instance it would be desirable for such persons to have a reliable forum in which the collectible can be valuated, or gather other important information regarding the particular item.

[0040] As such, one aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a system capable of providing storage for a plurality of item listings organized by various categories and subcategories. Each category and subcategory can include pre-determined digital

informational cards which are pre-populated with a number of informational fields.

[0041] One aspect of the present invention is directed toward a system and method for improving and tailoring these digital informational cards having pre-populated informational fields provided thereon.

[0042] As such, the system and methods described herein, and as shown in FIGs. 1-7 illustrate an online-based platform that is accessible by a plurality of users so as to aid in the valuation process of unique or rare items, identification of an item history, identification of expert evaluators in a particular field, and identify objects that may be of interest to users who own or who like to acquire items in particular categories or types being associated with such unique or rare items.

[0043] In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 which is configured to store a listing database 14, and a user profile database 18 on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media 30. The system 10 can then further include processing circuitry 40. It will be appreciated that while the exemplary system is shown as being provided as a network accessible server platform 50 which is internet accessible being configured to be accessed remotely over an internet server from a user interface 60, for example from a mobile or pc driven application or similar portal. It will thus be recognized that any number of equivalent system structures, either remotely or locally based, could be implemented by those having skill in the art so as to achieve similar results.

[0044] Various aspects of the current system and methods of the present invention can therefore include a method for creating and storing listings reflective of one or more particular items. For example, a comic book in a series, an artist signed guitar, a collectible automobile, or a collectible baseball card, wherein each particular item has a corresponding item listing which is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable media.

[0045] The method of tailoring the listing can further include steps of receiving an initial descriptive input from a user regarding a particular item for which a listing is to be created, i.e. provide a brief title or item description. The system can then utilize the processing circuitry to analyze the text and determine a potential match between the item and one or more potential categorical classifications associated with the particular item based on the initial descriptive input. It will be appreciated that these potential categorical classifications are intended to correlate or otherwise reflect various pre-existing categories associated with items being similar to the present item. These potential categorical classifications can then be presented to the user, and a selection can be made by the user regarding a perceived best categorical classification.

[0046] Upon selection of the categorical classification, a pre-existing informational card can be retrieved which is associated with the selected best categorical classification. In other words, each category and/or subcategory can have an associated pre-generated info sheet with empty fields relating to pertinent informational fields which can be presented to, and filled out by, the user. [0047] After the pre-existing informational card is filled out, an optional field can be presented by the user, and the user can be asked to provide a title or other input into the field with associated additional information which the user believes may be important for identifying, providing background, or valuating the item. This additional field can also be referred to as an additional informational field. The system can then utilize the processing circuitry to create a new listing regarding the particular item and store the listing in a listing database on one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums. For example, for a collectible car, the user might be prompted to input the model year, make, model, mileage, color, or any other number of pertinent fields. However, for the particular car owned by the user, the model of transmission might be pertinent, and the user is aware that it is important, but such a pre-existing field was not included in the pre-existing informational card. As such, the user can input an exemplary title "Transmission Type" and input information regarding said transmission.

[0048] At this point the system can be configured to access the user database provided on the one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums and determine one or more experts associated with the particular category. In some instances the determined expertise of a particular expert can be based at least in part on the particular expert's level of activity in relation to one or more previous listings which have been saved in the listing database provided on one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums, particularly in the category or subcategory of the present listing.

[0049] The determined expert can then be prompted or otherwise requested to input pertinence input relating to the item or in particular the custom field. This can be in the form of an approval or disapproval, a comment, etc. [0050] The expert input can then be correlated to the field, and preferably, a plurality of such expert inputs can be received. The treatment of the pertinence input can then be tracked and a threshold requirement can be determined. Further, a determination step can be performed by the processing circuitry regarding one or more prerequisites for inclusion of a particular informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented for one or more future listings associated with an associated categorical classification; and upon satisfaction of the prerequisites the particular informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards can be inserted and presented to future users when creating one or more future listings associated with the associated categorical classification;

[0051] For example, if a certain number of listings are created in a particular category, wherein each listing creates a new informational field relating to transmissions, and these new informational fields are repeatedly given positive treatment by experts, after the threshold requirements are met, the new informational field can be included in the pre-populated or preexisting info cards for future listings in that particular category.

[0052] This method can include various additional steps including but not limited to the following: requesting categorical input from the one or more experts regarding the selection of the user regarding the best categorical classification; forwarding the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts. For example, the expert can also provide input regarding whether the user made the correct selection of a category or subcategory. For example, the user selected the Shelby GT subcategory for their car, but upon review by the expert, it is determined that the car is actually a Cobra GT. The expert can then provide a comment, or be provided with administrative rights, to make the change, then the change or comment can be presented to additional experts or the entire community, and feedback for the comment or change received.

[0053] Alternatively, this method can also include various additional steps including but not limited to the following: tracking positive and negative alternative user activity and feedback from various users saved in the user database; generating an expertise score reflecting the positive and negative alternative user activity for each user. For example, if an expert makes a change, or provides a comment, and the community as well as other experts disagree: the expertise score of that user can be negatively impacted, or increased upon positive reviews.

[0054] In some embodiments the positive and negative alternative user activity can include expert generated informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert generated informational fields by alternative users affects the expertise score.

[0055] In some embodiments the positive and negative alternative user activity can include expert comments regarding input provided into the one or more informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert comments by alternative users affects their associated expertise score.

[0056] Alternatively, particularly when experts do not have administrative rights, the method can include a step of involving forwarding the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts.

[0057] Alternatively, particularly when experts do not have administrative rights, the method can include a step of forwarding the pertinence input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of including the particular informational field in all future listings based on the pertinence input from the one or more experts.

[0058] In some embodiments an expertise score can be generated and associated with each item of peer input received from one or more users from the user database, wherein each user can have a profile with an associated expert score, the expert score being optionally configured to reflect at least some measure of expertise of the particular user with respect to a particular categorical classification.

[0059] In some embodiments, the community can include a user base having varying degrees of expertise. In certain aspects each user can have an associated profile wherein upon profile creation, and as needed afterwards, the user can input particular credentials with respect to certain categories, etc. For example, a user who happens to be a curator at the Uffizi in Florence Italy with 30 years of experience and a Doctorate in art history can input this expertise. In another example, which will be discussed herein, a comic book store owner and operator could input that they are a professional buyer and seller of items in that particular category of books or literary works. Then such information can be correlated to particular categories within the listing database and input requested from these various users for items in the system. Then the users, represented by their profiles, can view listings correlating to items stored on the database and provide input and feedback which help the owner gather information, verify the identity of the item, provide value or pricing advice, etc. Then a confidence rating associated with the particular item can be generated based on the input of the expert and the listing user can also receive an increase, or decrease, depending on the input from verified experts, of their own personal expertise score.

[0060] For example the curator with 30 years of experience in the Uffizi and a Doctorate will have comments with a high confidence rating when the comment is directed toward classical paintings and sculptures, but will still have a low confidence rating when commenting on comic books. Alternatively, the comic book collector will have a high confidence rating when commenting on particular comic books with particular editions, or series, etc., but will still have a relatively low confidence rating when commenting on a classical marble sculpture.

[0061] In another aspect of the present invention the system can be configured to access databases containing pre-populated information to supplement information provided with respect to a particular item. For example, a particular user might wish to list a painting, which is known to have been painted in the year 1440 in France. The system can then take that information and access an online database regarding events or timeframes associated with France in the year 1440. The system can then provide additional information that this was the Renaissance period, or alternatively, based on the painting year and the artist, might be able to provide information regarding the artists life, age, location, etc. based on the already know information.

[0062] It will be appreciated that within the community of users there may be particular experts who have been identified through outside organizations or history as experts. The community can also track a history of any input the user provides with regard to specific items within the system such that the user can increase the reputation or confidence, and therefore the weight of the opinions of repeated use. The community can also include users who hold themselves out as experts, yet have unidentified credentials, wherein the input from these community members is also accorded a reduced importance or weighted score when, for example, such a user is providing input.

[0063] It has also been recognized that the credentials of particular users can also be verified so as to prevent deception, and increase accuracy. For example the system can be configured so as to access online databases with respect to certifications or degrees and person's holding such titles. The system can be configured to verify that a person attempting to input a particular degree from a given institution did in fact attend and earn a degree from said institution.

[0064] In addition, a particular user's weighted score for each comment can be increased as the user's comments are verified through use and either approved or disapproved by other verified users in the system. It will be appreciated that as user's make comments, that the user's activities can be tracked and their confidence score can increase or decrease as their comments prove to be reliable or unreliable over time. In this manner, a long standing user who has relatively little accreditation can, over time, use the system, and as valuation opinions and comments are tracked and other users verify the comments of that user, increase their weighted confidence score in particular areas. This is because it has been recognized that certain areas of learning do not always necessarily have particular verifiable confidence factors besides exposure and experience.

[0065] In addition, the system, by using classification and/or categorization information as information is initially input into the system with regard to a listing of a particular item, can also gather information from keywords or categories so as to associate the item with other related items and populate unknown information or facts into the listing. For example, an artist may have created a painting in a certain year, and the artist also created a sculpture earlier in that year. The system can correlate the two items, although listed in separate categories, but suggest to user's that might be interested in that particular artist, that the two items would have an increased value if obtained as a set.

[0066] The platform contains processing circuitry which is configured to retrieve user input data for an identified item, for example through a web browser on a personal computer. The processing circuitry can then access a remotely stored database and transmit and save a listing with respect to the identified item. The remotely stored database can include profiles and listing for other items which allows access by a plurality of users to provide comments and/or advice with respect to the items.

[0067] The system can identify using keywords, description or system codes, additional pictures, history, or values with respect to the input data from a database so as to properly categorize and/or request additional informational input from the users.

[0068] In addition, the user, upon creating the listing, can be allowed to indicate which, from a number of predefined fields, regarding which they wish to solicit input. In yet other embodiments, the user can create custom informational fields which they wish to request input from the peer network.

[0069] In some embodiments the system can include a custom set of markup language so as to customize the format in which members of the peer network tag specific information for input into certain fields, such that the users can input information in a conversational context.

[0070] In accordance with this conversational context, a user could request information regarding whether a particular item forms part of a set and the peer network, in their individual responses could mark parts of the conversation about that item as pertaining to that individual field by providing an indicator #set... Yes, wherein the conversational marker "#" is associated with a field indicator named "set", and following the indicator, is the answer to the field specific inquiry.

[0071] It will be appreciated that the fields, through repeated use, can establish a reputation of importance or vetted validity and when the user types a conversational marker, the following set correlated to a particular filed marker can be auto populated with high reputational fields.

[0072] This feature can help the system constantly update and improve the various fields on the item's specific fact sheet such that as new fields are created, and are recognized as being an important factor, such information can be requested initially, or be included for comment initially, upon listing creation.

[0073] For purposes of this application, a web browser may refer to a software application or display produced by steps performed by processing circuitry for retrieving, presenting, interpreting, and traversing information resources provided by a remote server (e.g., on the internet). At the time of this application, web browsers may include Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari. In addition, a web application, also referred to as an application or "app" as described herein includes computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks on a computer or using a mobile device. The application functions are performed by processing circuitry, such as a computer, mobile device, or server, as further described herein. For purposes of the systems and methods described herein, a plug-in may refer to a set of software components that adds specific abilities to a larger software application, such as a web browser. Plug-ins enable customizing the functionality of an application and may be implemented in any suitable architecture, such as a Flash player, Java applet, HTML5, or any other commonly used platform known in the art. For purposes of method, a plug-in is a general term which could also be synonymously associated with addons, snap-ins, and extensions. In certain contexts, the term "application" may also be used to describe a notification and/or response for an employment opportunity.

[0074] While several embodiments have been described that are exemplary of the present system and methods, one skilled in the art will recognize additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the systems and methods described herein. Modification and variation can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the applications of the embodiments disclosed herein are varied. Accordingly, additions and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the disclosure. In this regard, it is intended that such changes would still fall within the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

A method for creating, tailoring, and storing listings reflective of one or more particular items, the method comprising:

requesting a selection of a best categorical classification from the user from one or more potential categorical classifications;

retrieving a pre-existing informational card associated with the selected best categorical classification, the pre-existing informational card having a plurality of informational fields associated therewith;

requesting input from the user for each of the informational fields on the preexisting informational card;

presenting one or more additional informational field to the user; receiving input from the user in the one or more additional informational fields wherein the input is reflective of alternative information regarding the particular item which the user perceives to be pertinent to a complete listing;

creating a listing regarding the particular item;

storing the listing in a listing database provided on one or more network- accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums;

accessing a user database provided on the one or more network-accessible non- transitory computer-readable mediums;

determining one or more experts, wherein expertise of a particular expert is based at least in part on the particular expert's level of activity in relation to one or more previous listings which have been saved in the listing database provided on one or more network-accessible non- transitory computer-readable mediums;

requesting pertinence input from the one or more experts regarding the

pertinence of the one or more additional informational fields provided by the user; tracking the pertinence input for the one or more additional informational fields;

determining one or more prerequisites for inclusion of a particular

informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented for one or more future listings associated with an associated categorical classification; and

inserting the particular informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented to future users when creating one or more future listings associated with the associated categorical classification;

The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving an initial descriptive input from a user regarding a particular item for which a listing is to be created;

determining, using processing circuitry, one or more potential categorical classifications associated with the particular item based on the initial descriptive input;

presenting the one or more potential categorical classifications to the user reflecting pre-existing categories associated with the particular item;

The method of claim 1, further comprising:

requesting categorical input from the one or more experts regarding the

selection of the user regarding the best categorical classification;

forwarding the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts.

The method of claim 1, further comprising:

tracking positive and negative alternative user activity and feedback from

various users saved in the user database; generating an expertise score reflecting the positive and negative alternative user activity for each user;

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert generated informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert generated informational fields by alternative users affects the expertise score.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert comments regarding input provided into the one or more informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert comments by alternative users affects the expertise score.

7. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

forwarding the pertinence input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of including the particular

informational field in all future listings based on the pertinence input from the one or more experts.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein an expertise score is generated and associated with each item of peer input received from one or more users from the user database.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each user has a profile with an associated expert score, the expert score a reflecting at least some measure of expertise of the particular user with respect to a categorical classification.

11. A system for gathering and tracking information regarding a particular item, the system comprising:

a user interface configured to receive an initial descriptive input from a user regarding a particular item for which a listing is to be created;

a network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store a plurality of user profiles reflecting a plurality of users, the network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable medium also being configured to store a listing database relating to a plurality of item listings relating to particular items owned by respective users having profiles saved on the network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable medium;

processing circuitry configured to perform the following processes: request a selection of a best categorical classification from the user from one or more potential categorical classifications;

retrieve a pre-existing informational card associated with the selected best categorical classification, the pre-existing informational card having a plurality of informational fields associated therewith;

request input from the user for each of the informational fields on the pre-existing informational card;

present one or more additional informational field to the user;

receive input from the user in the one or more additional informational fields wherein the input is reflective of alternative information regarding the particular item which the user perceives to be pertinent to a complete listing;

create a listing regarding the particular item;

store the listing in the listing database provided on one or more

network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; access the user database provided on the one or more network- accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; determine one or more experts, wherein expertise of a particular expert is based at least in part on a level of activity of the particular expert in relation to one or more previous listings which have been saved in the listing database provided on one or more network-accessible non-transitory computer-readable mediums; request pertinence input from the one or more experts regarding the pertinence of the one or more additional informational fields provided by the user;

track the pertinence input for the one or more additional informational fields;

determine one or more prerequisites for inclusion of a particular

informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented for one or more future listings associated with an associated categorical classification; and insert the particular informational field in one or more future preexisting informational cards presented to future users when creating one or more future listings associated with the associated categorical classification.

The system of claim 11, wherein the peer input is rated based on a user score associated with each individual user's associated profile.

The system of claim 11, wherein a expertise score is generated and associated with each item of peer input received from one or more users from the user database.

The system of claim 13, wherein each user has a profile with an associated expert score, the expert score a reflecting at least some measure of expertise of the particular user with respect to a categorical classification.

The system of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the following functions: receive and recognize an initial descriptive input from a particular user regarding an associated particular item for which a listing is to be created;

determine a matching potential categorical classification reflecting preexisting items in the listing database associated with the associated particular item based on the initial descriptive input; present the one or more potential categorical classifications to the user reflecting pre-existing categories associated with the particular item;

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to

perform the following functions:

request categorical input from the one or more experts regarding the selection of the user regarding the best categorical

classification;

forward the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to

perform the following functions:

track positive and negative alternative user activity and feedback from various users saved in the user database;

generate an expertise score reflecting the positive and negative

alternative user activity for each user;

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert generated informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert generated informational fields by alternative users affects the expertise score.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert comments regarding input provided into the one or more informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert comments by alternative users affects the expertise score.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to

perform the following function:

forward the categorical input from the expert to an administrator,

wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts.

21. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to

perform the following function:

forward the pertinence input from the expert to an administrator,

wherein the administrator has the option of including the particular informational field in all future listings based on pertinence input from the one or more experts. 22. A method for creating and storing listings reflective of one or more particular items, the method comprising:

presenting the one or more potential categorical classifications to the user reflecting pre-existing categories associated with the particular item; requesting a selection of a best categorical classification from the user from the one or more potential categorical classifications; retrieving a pre-existing informational card associated with the selected best categorical classification, the pre-existing informational card having a plurality of informational fields associated therewith;

requesting input from the user for each of the informational fields on the pre- existing informational card;

presenting one or more additional informational field to the user;

receiving input from the user in the one or more additional informational fields wherein the input is reflective of alternative information regarding the particular item which the user perceives to be pertinent to a complete listing;

creating a listing regarding the particular item;

requesting pertinence input from the one or more experts regarding the

pertinence of the one or more additional informational fields provided by the user;

tracking the pertinence input for the one or more additional informational fields;

determining one or more prerequisites for inclusion of a particular

informational field in one or more future pre-existing informational cards presented for one or more future listings associated with an associated categorical classification;

requesting categorical input from the one or more experts regarding the

selection of the user regarding the best categorical classification;

forwarding the categorical input from the expert to an administrator, wherein the administrator has the option of reclassifying the listing based on the categorical input from the one or more experts;

tracking positive and negative alternative user activity and feedback from

various users saved in the user database, wherein the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert generated

informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert generated informational fields by alternative users affects the expertise score, and wherein the positive and negative alternative user activity includes expert comments regarding input provided into the one or more informational fields and wherein approval or disapproval of said expert comments by alternative users affects the expertise score; and generating an expertise score reflecting the positive and negative alternative user activity for each user, wherein the expertise score is generated and associated with each item of peer input received from one or more users from the user database.