Users may record abstracts of information that they desire and information
providers may access the recorded information abstracts from time to time
so as to provide the information content that matches the requested
information. In one embodiment, the user may select a TV program (or
movie) that is not currently available and then at a time subsequent
thereto that program is made available to the user, either privately, or
over the public network. In another embodiment, users of the Internet may
record information requests. Information providers may then access these
requests from time to time and provide the requested information, even if
the information had not been available at the time the request was
initially posted. Prior to delivery of the information content the
parties, if desired, may negotiate when and how delivery will occur, how
much information will be provided, the cost of the information and the
responsibilities of each of the parties pertaining to that information.
The information abstract may be stored local to the user or at one or more
central sites.