US Patent 6839417 Method and apparatus for improved conference call management

A method and apparatus are disclosed to allow individuals to initiate, join, manage, and participant in a conference call. Members of a community can meet and collaborate over telephones, especially cellular telephones, or computer workstations, in a way that is freeform or prescribed, automatic or moderated, spontaneous or scheduled, unassisted, and selectably anonymous. The invention provides broadly customizable degrees of collective and individual organizational control, and provides social safeguards to minimize disruptions by unruly participants.