Method and apparatus for generating a web site using a multi-dimensional description of the web site

Abstract

A technique for generating a web site in accordance with received data entry by: determining at least one characteristic of at least one web site dimension of the web site based on the data entry; generating a multi-dimensional description of the web site based on the determined characteristics; retrieving web site data according to the generated multi-dimensional description of the web site; and generating the web site based upon the generated multi-dimensional description of the web site and the retrieved web site data.

1 . A computer device that generates an image display site, comprising:
 memory for storing computer-executable instructions; and   a processor that executes the computer-executable instructions to perform actions, including:
 receiving a first data entry from a user, the first data entry including a site description for the image display site; 
 receiving a second data entry that includes a selection of one or more viewers authorized to access the image display site; 
 modifying an image based on an input selection chosen by the user from input selections presented to the user; 
 transferring the modified image for display at the image display site, where the image display site is further configured to receive comments on the displayed modified image by the one or more authorized viewers; 
 automatically synchronizing the image display site including the modified image to one or more other computing devices, wherein the modified image is capable of being further modified; and 
 based on receiving a comment from the one or more authorized viewers about at least the displayed modified image, triggering an event notification to the user. 
   
     
     
         2 . The computer device of  claim 1 , wherein the first data entry further includes a selection of a pre-defined business or industry type. 
     
     
         3 . The computer device of  claim 1 , wherein presenting the image display site to the user comprises modifying an appearance of the site based on at least one of an identification provided by the user. 
     
     
         4 . The computer device of  claim 1 , wherein the image display site has navigational links that provide access to at least a subset of pages of the image display site and are maintained independent of a change to an underlying structure of the image display site. 
     
     
         5 . The computer device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor executes computer-executable instructions to perform actions, further including:
 enabling previewing created pages of the image display site in a sequence, where any change made to one page during previewing is automatically propagated to at least one other page.   
     
     
         6 . The computer device of  claim 1 , wherein the image display site is created using an interface that allows the user to create pages within the image display site by answering a series of questions. 
     
     
         7 . The computer device of  claim 1 , wherein synchronizing the image display site further enables the user to change a geographic location between providing modification selections to the image display site. 
     
     
         8 . A computer-implemented method that generates a website accessible over a network, the method comprising the steps of:
 receiving from a user a first data entry that include a selection of at least one business category for presentation on the website;   retrieving site data that includes pre-created content that is based at least in part on the first data entry, and a framework for presenting the pre-created content on the website;   receiving a second data entry that includes a selection of one or more images for presentation on the website, wherein an appearance of the one or more images is automatically adjusted for display based on the framework;   presenting the user with input selections to select one or more external components that can retrieve additional content, where retrieving the additional content is a function of a remotely executed application associated with the external component;   publishing the website based on the framework, the pre-created content, the one or more images, and the additional content, wherein the website allows for one or more applications allowing for purchases and for calculating transaction fees based on the purchases, and further having at least one application for storing information about a customer of the website, including products selected by the customer for purchase.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the website is further configured to enable sponsorship relationships that include a commission component where a commission being payable to a sponsor based on a percentage revenue from a customer introduced as part of the sponsorship relationship. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the website further includes online forms to enable customers to send a question or comment about a product or service offered on the website. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the steps, further including:
 enabling previewing of pages created for the website, wherein any changes made on a page during previewing is automatically propagated to at least one other page of the website.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the selection of the one or more images is from a plurality of images provided for selection based on an industry or business type. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the website is formatted for display to the user based in part on an identification provided by the user. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the website has navigational links that provide access to at least a subset of pages of the website and are maintained independent of a change to an underlying structure of the website, and wherein an algorithm maintains the navigational links based on a structural relationship between the navigational links.