Multi layered webpage tool

A method for maximizing the distribution of information on a webpage comprising the steps of:

• coupling a computer to a network;
• providing a webpage on the computer that is accessible by a user computer;
• positioning a tool on the webpage;
• presenting a first tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories on the tool;
• expanding a footprint of the tool from a passive footprint to an active footprint when a user selects one of the first tier of hierarchal listed data categories, the active footprint including a first frame and a second frame;
• presenting a second tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories related to the selected one of the first tier of hierarchal listed data categories in the first and second frames;
• selecting one of the second tier of hierarchal listed data categories in the first frame;
• and
• presenting a third tier of data in the second frame, the third tier of data related to the selected one of the second tier of hierarchal listed data categories, wherein the third tier of data comprises a third tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories;
• selecting one of the third tier of hierarchal listed data categories in the second frame;
• and
• presenting a fourth tier of data in the first frame, the fourth tier of data related to the selected one of the third tier of hierarchal listed data categories;
• wherein the user selects one of the first tier of data categories by mousing-over a select one of the first tier of data categories;
• wherein the tool automatically collapses to the passive footprint when the user mouses-out of the tool.

A system for maximizing the distribution of information on a webpage comprising:

• a website computer having a network connection and a storage;
• software executing on said website computer to generate a webpage accessible by a user computer via a network connection;
• software executing on said website computer, to present a tool on said webpage;
• said tool having a footprint;
• said footprint comprising a first tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories, wherein said tool changes from a first state to a second state when one data category of said first tier of data categories is selected, said tool presents a second tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories that is related to said selected one data category of said first tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories;
• said footprint comprising a first frame and a second frame and said second tier of hierarchal listed data is presented in said first and second frames;
• wherein when one data category of said second tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories is selected from the first frame, said tool presents a third tier data that is related to said selected one data category of said second tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories in the second frame;
• wherein said third tier data comprises a third tier of data as a hierarchal listing of data categories and when one of the third tier hierarchal listed data categories is selected, a fourth tier data is presented in the first frame;
• wherein the tool reverts to the first state when the user mouses-out of the tool, selects a restart area, selects a location outside the footprint or combinations thereof.