Information retrieval system

A computer-implemented method of facilitating file retrieval via a network-implemented information retrieval system, the method comprising:

• storing an audio file on the system, the file associated with a plurality of audio content characteristics, each of the characteristics having a first variable level, the first level is set via a first visual indicator of the first level, the first indicator indicating at least one of a first increase and a first decrease in the first level by movement between a first pair of points with a first baseline located therebetween, the file is associated with an access condition for the file;
• receiving a query including a second audio content characteristic variable level, the second level is set via a second visual indicator of the second level, the second indicator indicating at least one of a second increase and a second decrease in the second level by movement between a second pair of points with a second baseline therebetween;
• and
• outputting a query result including a reference to the file if the second level matches with at least one of the first levels according to respective audio content characteristics.

A method of searching for audio content, said method comprising:

• via a computer system:
• providing a first plurality of sliders to a first user, said first sliders configured to set a first plurality of variable levels for a first plurality of audio content characteristics;
• receiving a first input from said first user, said first input is via said first sliders, said first input is for an audio file selected by said first user;
• associating said first input with said file;
• providing a second plurality of sliders to a second user, said second sliders configured to set a second plurality of variable levels for a second plurality of audio content characteristics;
• receiving a second input from said second user, said second input is via said second sliders;
• providing a reference to said second user when said second input at least partially matches said first input according to respective audio content characteristics, said reference referring to said file.

A method of searching for audio content, said method comprising:

• via a computer system:
• providing a first graphical user interface to a first user, said first interface including a first means for gradually selecting at least one of a first increase and a first decrease in a first plurality of variable levels for a first plurality of audio content characteristics;
• receiving a first input from said first user, said first input is via said first means, said first input is for an audio file selected by said first user;
• associating said first input with said file;
• providing a second graphical user interface to a second user, said second interface including a second means for gradually selecting at least one of a second increase and a second decrease in a second plurality of variable levels for a second plurality of audio content characteristics;
• receiving a second input from said second user, said second input is via said second means;
• providing a reference to said second user when said second input at least partially matches said first input according to respective audio content characteristics, said reference referring to said file.