1. An automated method for creating an implicit profile for use by at least one of a recommendation engine or a question router, comprising: tracking user behavior on at least one of one or more electronic devices and an electronic communications network; analyzing user-related information relating to the user behavior to extract or derive key words therefrom which are used to characterize user interests, expertise, and skills; storing the key words in a profiles database as the implicit profile; storing an explicit profile for the user in the profiles database together with the implicit profile for use by at least one of the recommendation engine and the question router, the explicit profile comprising profile data obtained by direct input from the user; matching the implicit profile of the user with the explicit profile of the user for use in processing recommendation requests or information requests; and merging the key words, values, key word weightings, and other information stored in the matching explicit and implicit profiles of the user to create a merged profile for use by at least one of the recommendation engine and the question router; wherein a plurality of the implicit and explicit profiles are stored for each of a corresponding plurality of respective users in the profiles database.