18. A computer-implemented method enabling a user to construct a conversation data structure stored in a database to conduct an automated conversation with a correspondent having an associated stored correspondent profile comprising a plurality of profile variables, wherein the conversation data structure comprises a plurality of conversation nodes, 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 conversation 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 received from the correspondent, the method comprising: displaying to the user a graphical representation of the conversation data structure; providing a predetermined plurality of conversation node types, each type having associated coded information fields, values of which are used in processing corresponding conversation nodes in the conversation data structure, and each type being selectable by the user via the graphical representation for placement in the conversation data structure; receiving from the user a selection of at least one of the node types along with user input specifying via the graphical representation a placement of a conversation node within the conversation data structure; receiving from the user values for the coded information fields of the conversation node; and updating the conversation data structure in the database to include the conversation node and coded information.
18. A computer-implemented method enabling a user to construct a conversation data structure stored in a database to conduct an automated conversation with a correspondent having an associated stored correspondent profile comprising a plurality of profile variables, wherein the conversation data structure comprises a plurality of conversation nodes, 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 conversation 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 received from the correspondent, the method comprising: displaying to the user a graphical representation of the conversation data structure; providing a predetermined plurality of conversation node types, each type having associated coded information fields, values of which are used in processing corresponding conversation nodes in the conversation data structure, and each type being selectable by the user via the graphical representation for placement in the conversation data structure; receiving from the user a selection of at least one of the node types along with user input specifying via the graphical representation a placement of a conversation node within the conversation data structure; receiving from the user values for the coded information fields of the conversation node; and updating the conversation data structure in the database to include the conversation node and coded information. 21. The method of claim 18 wherein processing includes generating a knowledge association dictionary that defines relationships of terms and concepts in the training documents, and the method further comprises storing the knowledge association dictionary in the database, whereby the knowledge association dictionary may be accessed and/or updated during an automated conversation with a correspondent to generate responses to input messages received from the correspondent.