Knowledge Center

Software Features - How it Works (Click here for guided tour)

The user interface is comprised of three types of windows; the knowledge-base map, the sortable index window and the content window. The map allows users to easily navigate the entire site, finding information they need quickly and easily. The index window allows users to sort postings within a topic according to collaboratively-generated ratings. The interactive content window is where postings are accessed and where users can contribute their own perspective, links and suggestions about the specified topic.

Content may be contributed by topic experts as well as by the general public. Once information is contributed to the site using the Knowledge Center software, postings are rated, sorted and evaluated based on various criteria specified by the end user. Comments and links to related information can also be added by users and forum hosts. Postings within a topic area can then be custom sorted so the postings that most closely match the user's criteria of value rise to the top of the dynamically generated list of postings. The comments are organized in a side-by-side pro & con format and can also be rated and sorted, allowing the most highly agreed upon comments on both sides of any issue to rise to the top of each comment list. This provides a reliable "reality-check" on forum content while eliminating the type of redundent content that frustrates users of most conventional discussion forums.

Sorting criteria vary according to the topic, but generally include opinions of some measure of quality or value, or measures of reliability such as the number of supporting user comments or reference links, real world experiences of other users. A search function allows users to locate information and opinions on any subject in the knowledge base.

Knowledge bases created using Knowledge Center technology are self-organizing and automatically expand to accommodate new subject divisions. Knowledge Center software works like a large-scale "word-of-mouth" phenomenon, allowing many users to compare notes with other people to find out what might be true or effective in virtually any area of human knowledge or experience.