Method of sharing information and positive ratings of products, services, individuals and organizations in a social network

Abstract

Each user of the social network is prompted to list their favorite products (i.e., cell phones, computers, movies, cars, groceries, and others), services (i.e., accounting, carpet cleaning, legal, medical, landscaping, and others), people (i.e., celebrities, executives, consultants, specialist, and other people), and organizations (any business, non-profit organizations, and others). The data is then available for the member and other associated members to view and search. Members are allowed to only list items with positive ratings. Search results are organized based on the Search Criteria specified. The System is also utilizing a generic hardware/software interface that enables communication of the information directly from the place of business (Retail Store Interface).

1 . A method of generating a recommendation for a member on a product or service to purchase or other selective action based on positive ratings of favorite products of members associated with the member, members who are experts in the requested area, or overall popularity. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the member can be named an “expert” in a specific area when a minimum number of members associated with the member on the social network accept the member's expert status. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the member can be labeled based on popularity (“Cool”) when a minimum number of members associated with the member on the social network mark the member as “Cool”;   wherein members that have achieved the “Cool” status can mark items they list as “Cool”; and   wherein “Cool” items can be one of the criteria in an item search.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein multiple User Roles and Privacy Settings are defined and based on the User Role and the Privacy Settings certain information about the listed item may not be displayed in the search. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the visibility of a picture or a name of the member next to a favorite item of the member returned in a search by another member can be further restricted based on the interest groups/communities defined that members can participate in. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a listed item of the member can be marked “I want it” such that when the search is performed by other members, they can get a possible gift idea for the member. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein search results can be ordered based on a User Relationship Role where favorite items returned in the search are listed by first showing member's Friends' favorites, then Business Contacts', then other people's favorites. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein search results can be ordered based on the opinion of experts who have the expertise in the category of the searched item. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein search results can be ordered based on the opinion of a person with a specific occupation and/or based on geographical location. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the member utilizes a smart phone or other Internet-capable device to access a system through which the recommendation is provided. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein when the system is accessed from a cell phone or a computer the system can store favorite items of the member and his/her associated members on local storage of the cell phone or computer so that a search can be performed on those items without an available Internet connection. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the system is accessed from a cell phone and a cell phone camera can be used to scan a UPC barcode of the item to lookup or add the item to a list of favorite items. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein a business can upload a list of products or services that it provides such that these products/services will be easily accessible when a user is trying to add (or purchase) their favorite product or service to their list of favorites. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the business may receive an award to display at their place of business and on their website when they have a minimum number of customers list their business or their products/services as their favorite. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the business can display a page provided by the system on their website where the customers can view and choose their favorite products or services that the business provides. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein business customers' favorite products/services may be displayed at the place of business. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein businesses and organizations may subscribe to a market research reporting service based on the collected information on the site. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein only positive feedback and ratings are allowed to be submitted on the website. 
     
     
         19 . A system that facilitates connection between businesses and other organizations and their customers or other users who value their products or services. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the business or organization may add their employees' information to the website and they may be voted for as favorite employees by the customers and other users. 
     
     
         21 . A system for presenting users of a website with advertising where each favorite item added to the site by the user is triggering an advertisement; the content of advertisement is based on the item the user is adding to the site. 
     
     
         22 . A method of utilizing the Retail Store Interface implemented as a combination of the software and hardware that enables communication with a web-based application including but not limited to social networking, rating, commentary, search, or other web-based applications from inside the store or other place of business. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein any communication including positive, neutral or negative feedback, ratings, comments, or other information from the consumer or a business employee can be transmitted to the online system using the Retail Store interface. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein a unique identifier such as a card with a barcode or a barcode image stored on a Smartphone can be used at a place of business or organization to identify consumers and allow them to rate, leave feedback about the business products or services or otherwise communicate with a web-based system.