Thank you for the lead.  I believe in two types of inherent value: networked people and networked information.  The internet does both of these.  You are absolutely right.  I am looking into doing exactly what you suggested.  


Update: I looked into this and I don't think it will work well.  Bitcoin is too limited when it comes to storing information.  Bitcoin will not take the form of a unified information system.  At best it will have a few information submissions backed by a Mastercoin/altcoin.  Also, I am unhappy with how changes are made to bitcoin.  One reason why it won't work well is because anybody who submits an invention and gets to make their own rules, will probably give oneself all coins associated with the invention, rather than a set amount and allowing the market to make an equilibrium on the coins via POS