StumbleUpon is a unique discovery engine that helps internet users find more content and resources on the web based on their preferences. The application automatically generates a new recommendation by taking the user to a webpage listed within its network each time the user clicks a browser button. The user can select specific categories to refine the results for better recommendations. Users can also make suggestions to add new websites to those browsed by StumbleUpon. The user can rate each page, which affects the number of times it appears when a user clicks the StumbleUpon button. The application’s explore box lets users type in a keyword to see more information on that topic. StumbleUpon is available to FireFox and Google Chrome users as well as Android, iPhone and iPad devices. StumbleUpon was originally founded by Geoff Smith, Garrett Camp, Eric Boyd and Justin LaFrance in November of 2001. The concept was chosen out of five or six that the group was considering as the basis of a new company. The application has since caught on, spreading through the online community like wildfire. By December of 2002, there were one million StumbleUpon users. Eight years later in May of 2010, that number grew to over 10,000,000 users. StumbleUpon offers a unique service that suits users of all ages. The user can find just about anything thanks to the application’s enormous online community. With a single click, the user can be taken to a new random site that meets their category requirements. The user doesn’t have to search on their own for sites that may or may not offer what they want. The explore box is even more appealing because it allows the user to come up with a keyword and search for highly rated sites that match. StumbleUpon has made dramatic changes in its appearance. The current version has a very upscale, professional feel with a sleek circular logo. The application is very easy to use and requires minimal browser space to give the user total access to thousands of enticing URLs. By clicking a button or entering a few search terms in their browser, the user can begin exploring new online territory in a matter of seconds. A new user can join the bustling StumbleUpon community by clicking the gold “Join for Free” button along the left hand side of the homepage. The next page contains a form and a blue “Sign Up with Facebook” button. Users who prefer to go the traditional route can provide their email address, username, password, gender and date of birth in the form along the left hand side. After completing the pop up Captcha code, the user is asked for their interests before continuing to their StumbleUpon account. StumbleUpon is available to all users for free. There is no cost for creating an account and the user can access their profile or “stumble” as many times as they want. There are no paid membership options at this time and the user is not required to make a purchase or remain active to retain account access. All users are given the same level of access. The free price tag is an excellent choice because it encourages more users to sign up and contribute their favorite websites to grow the application’s URL collection. StumbleUpon is an excellent resource for just about anyone who loves to browse the web. Users who spend more time exploring webpages will get even more use out of StumbleUpon. With one click, the user can take a tour of virtual territory they may have never seen. The user can also share websites they like so that others can explore and support them within the StumbleUpon community.

• A browser button provides users with easy access to new URLs
• Explore box lets users refine recommendations by keyword
• Users can share their favorite URLs with the StumbleUpon community
• Ratings help users refine URL recommendations
• Recommendations can be refined by pre-set category

http://www.stumbleupon.com/ Public login: web2008@comcoaster.com
Public password: shieta