Inventors:
Paul A. Kotas - Seattle WA, US
Joseph C. Park - Redmond WA, US
International Classification:
G06Q 30/00
Abstract:
A domain that hosts a general e-commerce marketplace establishes multiple sub-domains to host niche electronic marketplaces. These niche sub-domain sites are built around a concept and offer for sale items that relevant to that concept. The sub-domain sites are operated by communities of individuals. Each community is responsible for determining many facets of the consumer experience at the sub-domain site. The community might, for example, select the items to offer for sale, specify the look and feel of the site, determine what content should be presented (e.g., professional-level commentary, community-based discussion forums, wiki-like product descriptions, blogs, and so forth), and manage the overall operation of the site. The community further determines which advertisements to place on the sub-domain sites and how to distribute any revenue generated by the site among the community members.