A method and system for creating and maintaining databases of user
profiles and value ratings for information sources, and for generating
lists of information sources having high estimated values. User
controlled systems for accessing information sources through the internet
or other networks are monitored by a server. The server updates the user
profiles and computes value ratings associated with the user profiles for
various information sources in accordance with monitored information.
Estimated values for information sources to a particular user are
obtained as a function of the value ratings associated with profiles of
other users and the degree of similarity between the particular user's
current profile and other user profiles. Previous profiles are not
deleted when updated but are retained and treated substantially as other
profiles in computing value estimates. Information sources can be other
users.