14. The method of claim 1 further comprising maintaining a history of conversational interactions with the correspondent, and wherein employing a dynamic node resolution process at selected points along the conversation path comprises: determining whether a dynamic node resolution criterion is satisfied; and in the event that the dynamic node resolution criterion is satisfied, dynamically selecting a conversation node for processing along the conversation path consistent with the history of conversational interactions.
1. A computer-implemented method for conducting an automated conversation with a correspondent, the method comprising: providing at least one database containing a conversation data structure comprising a plurality of conversation nodes, and a correspondent profile comprising a plurality of profile variables, wherein the conversation nodes each comprise coded information adapted for processing to determine a successive conversation node for a conversation, the conversation including multiple conversational interactions including generated conversational responses to the correspondent, the multiple conversational interactions sufficiently associated in terms of subject matter to form a conversation path, the successive conversation node being in response to one or more of an input message previously received from the correspondent; receiving an input message from the correspondent; and processing information coded in a conversation node along the conversation path, the conversation node being processed to determine and select a successive conversation node along the conversation path in response to at least the received input message; wherein the processing information coded in the conversation node being processed to determine and select a successive conversation node along the conversation path in response to at least the received input message further comprises employing a dynamic node resolution process at selected points along the conversation path; wherein the dynamic node resolution process at the selected points along the conversation path identifies a prior conversation node along the conversation path to return to and continue processing at least in part based on a predetermined criteria, a correspondent input message, and/or conversation context.