Abstract: A system and method may optional include or utilize a processor configured to receive a request for social network content for display in a sponsored content position in a newsfeed of a social network interface, the position having a position criterion, identify a sponsored content item of multiple sponsored content items stored on a database based, at least in part, on a characteristic of the sponsored content item meeting the position criterion, a bid associated with the sponsored content item, and a scaling factor, wherein each of the sponsored content items correspond to one of multiple item types and at least two of the sponsored content items are of a different item type. The scaling factor for each of the sponsored content items is based on the item type of the corresponding one of the sponsored content items.

Abstract: A system may include a database configured with individual partitions, one of the partitions corresponding to a sponsored content campaign of a social network. The system may further include multiple servers each communicatively coupled to the database, and each configured to implement a campaign having a campaign termination criterion. Each of the servers may include a processor configured to track sponsored content event data received from a user device based on the campaign and transmit the event data to the database and terminate the campaign based on a comparison of the event data as received from a partition of the database corresponding to the campaign and an estimation of event data not received from the database. The database may be configured to store the event data as received from the servers in the partition corresponding to the campaign upon receipt of the event data.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a method and system for processing data. During operation, the system obtains a set of records, wherein each of the records comprises one or more metrics and at least one dimension associated with the one or more metrics. Next, the system creates a data segment comprising at least one of a forward index and an inverted index for a column in the records. The system then stores the data segment in network-accessible storage and assigns the data segment to a partition. Finally, the system enables querying of the data segment through a query node associated with the partition.

Abstract: Methods and systems of managing settings are described. According to various embodiments, a settings page corresponding to a user's settings on an online service may be caused to be displayed on a device. The settings page may comprise selectable category setting options for a setting category. The setting category may have a plurality of subcategories, and each subcategory may have its own selectable subcategory setting options. Each one of the category setting options may correspond to its own distinct configuration of subcategory setting options for its subcategories. A user input indicating a selection of one of the category setting options for the setting category may be received. The configuration of subcategory setting options corresponding to the selected one of the category setting options for the setting category may be applied to the user's settings on the online service.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are provided for dynamically generating decorated data for presenting a web page, at the time of rendering the web page. A request for the web page is received at a front-end server, and a template for generating the page's markup language is retrieved (e.g., a template generated using the Dust templating language), which has embedded one or more directives for decorating specified data in an indicated manner. Raw (e.g., undecorated) domain data for the page are received from a back-end store. A decoration engine parses the template, identifies the directives and applies them to generate decorated data in context. Directives may include metadata used by the decoration engine and/or a directives library. A render process is then applied to combine the template and the decorated data to produce the page's markup language (e.g., in HTML), which is transmitted to the client that requested the page.

Abstract: During a targeting technique, a machine model is generated based on content-interaction data that specifies interactions of users of a social network, with categorical content corresponding to predefined interest segments. The content-interaction data may include viewing of the categorical content and sharing of the categorical content with other users of the social network. This machine-learning model is then used to calculate scores for the users based on the attributes in their profiles that indicate probabilities of their interest in additional categorical content. Moreover, based on the calculated scores, a subset of the users is associated with an interest segment. For example, the users may be ranked based on their calculated scores, and the subset may be those users having scores exceeding a threshold or a predefined value. Furthermore, advertisements may be targeted to the users in the subset based on the association with the interest segment.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system for analyzing performance in an online professional network. During operation, the system receives time series data for user actions, wherein for each user action, the time series data comprises a series of numbers associated with consecutive time intervals, wherein a given number indicates a number of times the user action occurred during the time interval. The system also receives time series data for performance metrics, wherein for each performance metric, the time series data comprises a series of numbers associated with consecutive time intervals, wherein a given number indicates the number of times the performance metric occurred during the time interval. The system then performs a time series analysis on the received time series data for user actions and performance metrics to determine relationships between the user actions and the performance metrics.

Abstract: During a communication technique, an individual is identified based on a signal that includes vocal sounds of the individual and a voice print of the individual. For example, the voice print may include features characteristic of the individual's voice. Alternatively or additionally, the identification may be based on context information associated with a conversation that includes the individual and/or based on pronunciation of the individual's name. After the individual is identified, content in a social graph, which is associated with the individual, may be accessed and provided. This content may include business information, such as: contact information, education information, a job title, an organization associated with the individual, and/or connections of the individual to other individuals in the social graph.

Abstract: A method and system to mediate selection of choice presentation models are described. A models mediator, implemented using software, hardware or both, may be configured to exercise different choice presentation models, collect and analyze information with respect to how well each model performed in succeeding to convince a respective user to purchase one of the presented subscription plans, and determine how frequently each model should be used to generate a presentation of subscription choices.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method including receiving a plurality of transaction records, each of the transaction records including data about a particular transaction engaged in by a member of a social networking service and including a geographic location and a timestamp of the particular transaction; scoring each of the plurality of transaction records based upon the recency of the transaction; clustering the plurality of transaction records into a plurality of clusters, each cluster including transaction records which contain similar geographic locations; creating an aggregate score for each particular one of the plurality of clusters based upon a sum total of the scores calculated for each transaction record clustered into the particular cluster; and creating a probability distribution based upon the scores for the plurality of clusters, the probability distribution indicating a probability that the member was in each of the plurality of locations represented by the clusters.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system that displays diagnostic information to facilitate web page development. While a web page is being assembled at a front-end system using data gathered from one or more back-end systems, the system accumulates metadata associated with the assembly process. Next, the system renders the web page using the gathered data. Finally, the system sends the rendered web page along with the metadata to a browser to be displayed to a user, wherein the browser is configured to selectively display the metadata when the web page is displayed.

Abstract: A method and system to update a front-end client are described. A front-end client may be provided with a reloading wrapper. A reloading wrapper may be configured to detect that a new version of the associated client is available, fetch the new version of the client, test it, and replace the currently executing version of the client with the new version without disrupting the operation of the front-end.

Abstract: A device, system, and method may include an electronic data storage configured to store social network data related to use of the social network by users.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system for presenting navigation options to a user of a mobile application. During operation, the system receives usage data comprising a record of actions performed while the user was interacting with the mobile application. Next, the system analyzes the usage data to identify areas of interest within the mobile application that the user is likely to access. The system then constructs a set of personalized navigation options for the user based on the identified areas of interest, and possibly other areas of the application based on promotional considerations. Finally, the system outputs the set of personalized navigation options to be presented to the user through a navigation pane in the mobile application, wherein the navigation pane includes shortcuts to the set of personalized navigation options.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing behavior feedback to members of a social network service are described. In some example embodiments, the systems and methods access information associated with positive feedback events for a member of a social network service, identify activities associated with the positive feedback events that were performed by the member of the social network service, and perform an action based on the identified one or more activities performed by the member of the social network service. For example, the systems and methods may display and/or update a dashboard that tracks and provides information associated with a member's status and interactions inside and outside of the social network service, may provide recommendations to other members that identify activities determined to generate positive feedback events for the members, and so on.

Abstract: A system, device, and method may include a network interface device configured to be communicatively coupled to a user interface. An electronic data storage may be configured to store social network data related to users having accessed a social network content item A processor, coupled to the network interface device and the electronic data storage, may be configured to identify a relationship among at least some of the users, determine a relevance of the relationship to a member of the social network associated with the social network content item based, at least in part, on a social network profile of the member and social network profiles of the users, and cause the network interface device to display, on the user interface, information related to the relationship on the user interface based, at least in part, on the relevance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for gravity-based access control. An apparatus may be secured with a gravity-based password that reflects a pattern of manipulation or movement of the apparatus. As the apparatus is moved or reoriented, data produced by a sensor (e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a position sensor) is assembled to form the password. Elements of the password may identify surfaces of the apparatus as it is flipped or placed in different orientations, or may represent the received sensor data (e.g., acceleration force of gravity, displacement). The sensor data may be multi-dimensional. A target or model password is received and saved, and a user must recreate or re-enter the same pattern in order to unlock the device or otherwise make it available for use.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the reputation of a member of a social networking system is disclosed. Consistent with an embodiment of the invention, one or more attributes associated with a social networking profile of a member of a social network are analyzed. Based on the analysis, a ranking, rating or score is assigned to a particular category of reputation. When requested, the ranking, rating or score is displayed to a user of the social network.

Abstract: Techniques for analyzing a social graph of a social networking service to derive a social proximity score representing a measure of how socially connected a member is to a target entity are described. With some embodiments, for each member of the social networking service in a pre-defined group of members, a social proximity score is derived to reflect a measure of how socially connected the member is to a target entity (e.g., company, school, government institution, or some other organization). The social proximity score for each member-target entity pairing may be based on a variety of factors derived from analyzing the social graph, member profile information, and in some instances, the activity and behavior of the members.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that processes user data. During operation, the system obtains a set of ranking engines for a set of products and selects a ranking engine from the set of ranking engines. Next, the system provides the user data for a user to the ranking engine and obtains, in response to the provided user data, a list of ranked products for the user from the ranking engine. Finally, the system provides the products to the user based on the list to facilitate selection of one or more of the products by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing career recommendations to a member of a social network are described. In some example embodiments, the systems and methods receive input associated with a professional or aspirational goal from a member of a social network, determine a recommendation based on information stored by the social network, and provide the recommendation to the member of the social network, among other things.

Abstract: Techniques for analyzing a social graph of a social networking service to derive a social proximity score representing a measure of how socially connected a member is to a target entity are described. With some embodiments, an aggregate social proximity score is derived to reflect a measure of how well socially connected a person is to a set of organizations representing customer accounts of a business organization. Accordingly, the aggregate social proximity score can be used to compare candidates in a hiring decision, or to identify potential candidates during recruiting.

Abstract: A method of generating alerts pertaining to a commute by the user and selecting content items to be presented to the user in conjunction with the alerts is disclosed. A pattern in a commuting by a user is detected. A content item is selected based on a correspondence between the content item and other users and a similarity between the user and the other users. An alert is generated pertaining to a milestone in the pattern of the commuting by the user. The content item and the alert are transmitted for presentation in combination to the user during the commuting by the user.

Abstract: Techniques for analyzing a social graph of a social networking service to derive a social proximity score representing a measure of how socially connected a member is to a target entity are described. With some embodiments, an aggregate social proximity score is derived to reflect a measure of how well socially connected a person is to a set of organizations representing customer accounts of a business organization. Accordingly, the aggregate social proximity score can be used to compare candidates in a hiring decision, or to identify potential candidates during recruiting.

Abstract: An embodiment searches a social network for at least one trigger event, detects one or more trigger events, and communicates the detected one or more trigger events as an alert. Searching the social network comprises searching member profiles and searching member activities. Detected one or more trigger events are centralized into a sortable list and prioritized based on business entities and the importance of the trigger events to persons related to the business entities. The centralized sortable list is fed into a customer relations management system which presents the alerts on a user interface. A plurality of types of triggers includes people updates, company updates, product purchases, and product usage.

Abstract: A prioritizing entity prioritizes external contacts using a social network and determines people at the external contact who may influence execution of a given matter. The prioritizing entity also prioritizes internal resources with respect to the prioritized external contacts based on social proximity to people at the external contact, also by using the social network. The prioritizing entity assigns a prioritized internal resource to a prioritized external. Prioritizing external contacts includes ranking the external contacts based on an estimate of the amounts individual external contacts could spend on a given matter. Prioritizing internal resources includes determining explicit connections and inferred connections with people at the external contact, using the social network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for searching for information within social networks are described. In some examples embodiments, a search assist system receives a query, such as a partial query, identifies two or more categories of data that include information satisfying the query, ranks the identified categories of data based on various selection criteria, and presents suggested search terms based on the rankings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for searching for information within social networks are described. In some examples embodiments, a search assist system receives a query, such as a partial query, identifies two or more categories of data that include information satisfying the query, ranks the identified categories of data based on various selection criteria, and presents suggested search terms based on the rankings.

Abstract: Displaying a preference by a user of a content contribution is disclosed. A preference event by the user is detected. A plurality of detected events is stored. In response to a query from a client, at least a portion of the stored detected events is stored. At least a portion of the received events is displayed in an interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adding a first user to a first group of users are presented. First, logical relationship information describing logical relationships among a plurality of users is accessed. Then potential membership of a first user in a first group of users is determined based on the logical relationship information, by selecting the first group from a plurality of possible groups, the selecting being based on scores generated, for each of the plurality of possible groups, by a candidate scorer module, the scores based at least partially on a loneliness score for the first user. Then the first user is added to the first group of users.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing users with a rich web experience are disclosed. In one embodiment, a client and at least one server are in communication using a dual communication link. In another embodiment, a markup language based instant messaging application is disclosed. The instant messaging application may include group instant messaging. The instant messaging application may also provide group member persistence and message persistence at the server. In another embodiment, a card based web application is disclosed, where the card information and character may be shared with other users or within a group. The cards may also be configurable by users.

Abstract: A content delivery system coupled to a computer network can provide large volumes of content to large numbers of recipients. The content is collected into digests and individual articles to be sent in email via an email channel established by the content delivery system to the recipients through the computer network. Content producers submit content for aggregation into various email deliveries and submit initial scheduling information. The scheduling information may specify target characteristics of preferred recipients of the content as well as general and initial scheduling preferences for email delivery. The content delivery system utilizes the initial scheduling information as a starting point for scheduling email deliveries. The system measures levels of content interaction by the recipients to gauge corresponding interest levels in the content.

Abstract: A technique for identifying a group of potential candidates to join an organization is described. During this analysis technique, an identifier is received from an individual. This identifier may be used to associate the individual with a pre-existing profile that includes information. For example, the identifier may include a link to the pre-existing profile. Alternatively, a profile with the information may be generated for the individual based on the identifier and an information source. Using the information, an affinity metric of the individual with the organization is calculated, such as a number of employees of the organization who know the individual or who attended a same educational institution as the individual. Moreover, the affinity metric is used to determine whether to include the individual in the group of potential candidates to join the organization. In this way, the analysis technique may facilitate more-efficient recruiting efforts.

Abstract: A first member of a social network service provides a set of desired attributes and a designation of the type of a candidate having the desired attributes that is desired as a recommendation. The attributes of the profiles of other members of the social networks are searched for entities having the set of desired attributes. At least one of the entities having the desired attributes that result from the search is presented to the first member as the recommendation of a candidate. The first member may provide a second set of desired attributes and a designation of the type of at least one second candidate having the second set of desired attributes. The attributes of the profiles of the other members of the social network may be searched for second entities having the second set of desired attributes. The first member is presented with at least one of the second entities as the recommendation of a second candidate.

Abstract: During an analysis technique, a cohort of individuals is identified based on a set of attributes. Significance metrics for the individuals in the cohort are calculated based on profiles of the individuals and behaviors of the group of individuals, which includes the cohort, when interacting with the profiles. For example, a significance metric for a given individual may include a number of views of a profile of the given individual, by a group of individuals, during a time interval and/or a number of connection requests to the profile of the given individual, by the group of individuals, during the time interval. Based on the significance metrics, the subset of the individuals may be identified. This subset may include individuals that have achieved career milestones exceeding those of the other individuals in the cohort (e.g., notable individuals).

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates access to content associated with a group. During operation, the system provides, to a first user in the group, a digest email comprising a set of links to the content. Next, the system increases a relevance of the digest email to the first user by selecting a subject header for the digest email based on usage patterns associated with at least one of the first user and one or more other users related to the first user.

Abstract: Example communication systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method receives a message from a message server. The method identifies constituent data contained in the message and accesses supplemental information associated with the message based on the constituent data. The message is modified to include at least one of a portion of the supplemental information and a reference to the supplemental information. The modified message is then communicated to a client device.

Abstract: A method of matching advertisements to users is disclosed. A plurality of attributes of a population of users is identified. A selection is received of an attribute of the plurality of attributes to which a target value is to be broadly matched. A correspondence of an advertisement to a user is determined based on a broad matching of the target value to the attribute. The advertisement is matched to the user based at least in part on the determining of the correspondence.

Abstract: A fact checking system is able to verify the correctness of information and/or characterize information by comparing the information with one or more sources. The fact checking system automatically monitors, processes, fact checks information and indicates a status of the information. The fact checking system is able to incorporate a graphical user interface with fact checking icons to indicate fact checking results.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for serving content in response to content queries or requests. When a request is received, for content to be presented to a specified user, candidate content items are identified, possibly based on matches between attributes of the specified user and attributes of the items' target audiences. For each item, a history indicating the frequency (e.g., total number) and/or recency with which impressions of the candidate item (and/or related items) were previously presented to the specified user is retrieved and used to filter out candidate content items and/or collections of content items that have been already been served to the specified user a threshold number of times. Each remaining item's estimated value is computed, the results are ranked and the top-ranked item(s) are served.

Abstract: According to various exemplary embodiments, user input of a single continuous gesture from a touch-sensitive surface of a first device to a touch-sensitive surface of a second device is detected. It is determined that the gesture corresponds to a drag-and-drop operation performed on an icon displayed on the touch-sensitive surface of the first device, the icon representing user profile information. Moreover, it is determined that the gesture terminates proximate to a job position user interface element in a job recruitment user interface window displayed on the touch-sensitive surface of the second device. Thereafter, the user profile information of the user is transferred from the first device to the second device.

Abstract: An Internet-based system capable of automatically maintaining contact-related information in any computer software application or digital device which stores or manages contact-related information. More particularly, the system allows users to automatically enter and maintain contact-related information in a digital address book or similar application or device (such as a wireless phone or PDA) with minimal or no manual entry of the contact-related information by the user. The system also allows contacts of the user (i.e. people who's contact information or partial contact information is present in the user's address book application) to make corrections to their contact-related information contained in the user's address book, request reciprocal contact information from the user, deny the user access to additional or corrected contact-related information and take other actions relative to managing the contact-related information which others (users) have about them.

Abstract: An Internet-based system capable of automatically maintaining contact-related information in any computer software application or digital device which stores or manages contact-related information. More particularly, the system allows users to automatically enter and maintain contact-related information in a digital address book or similar application or device (such as a wireless phone or PDA) with minimal or no manual entry of the contact-related information by the user. The system also allows contacts of the user (i.e. people who's contact information or partial contact information is present in the user's address book application) to make corrections to their contact-related information contained in the user's address book, request reciprocal contact information from the user, deny the user access to additional or corrected contact-related information and take other actions relative to managing the contact-related information which others (users) have about them.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for serving content in response to content queries or requests. When a request is received, for content to be presented to a specified user, candidate content items are identified, possibly based on matches between attributes of the user and attributes of the items' target audiences. For each item, a history indicating the frequency (e.g., total number) and/or recency with which impressions of the candidate item were previously presented to the user is retrieved and used to determine a modifier value, which is applied to a calculated or generated probable click-through-rate (pCTR) to produce a modified probability that the user would act on the item if it is served to him or her. Each item's estimated value is computed by multiplying a bid associated with the item and the modified probability; the results are ranked and the top-ranked item(s) are served.

Abstract: A method of managing advertising associated with dynamically expanding content is disclosed. A request for a dynamic expansion of content is detected. The dynamic expansion includes adding additional content to content presented in a user interface. It is determined that a set of advertisements associated with the user interface is to be updated based on an updating criterion. The updating includes replacing an advertisement of the set of advertisements with an additional advertisement. The updating of the set of advertisements is performed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for indexing electronic content to be served to users that operate mobile and/or stationary communications and computing devices. An index is composed of multiple slices, with each slice capable of storing multiple entries and each entry representing one content item. A content item's index entry is populated with integer values representing attribute/value pairs of a target audience of the content item. A query or request to identify content items for serving to a particular user is similarly formatted with integers representing attribute/value pairs of the user. Queries can then be executed rapidly across any or all index entries in any or all slices. Within a slice, entries may be sorted by value or score, and integer components within an individual entry may be sorted to facilitate rapid comparison with a query.

Abstract: A system may include a unified content platform configured to obtain an unsponsored content group from unsponsored content group sources, each unsponsored content group having at least one unsponsored content element, wherein the unsponsored content groups are obtained based on a relevance of at least some unsponsored content elements to a characteristic of a user. The system may further include a sponsored content platform configured to generate a master content group based on the unsponsored content groups and a sponsored content group, the sponsored content group having at least one sponsored content element and an associated bid, wherein the master content group is obtained based on the relevance of the at least some unsponsored content elements and a relevance of the sponsored content element to the characteristic of the user and the associated bid.

Abstract: A method for migrating information, and a migrator for migrating information, are disclosed. The method may include extracting organizational information from at least two service providers, accessing a first at least one of the at least two service providers upon selection of a migration selection interface by the user, receiving of a first plurality of information related to the user from one of the service providers, accessing a second at least one of the at least two service providers, and writing the first plurality of information to the second at least one of the at least two service providers.

Abstract: A system can optionally include a social network database configured to store social network information records related to a user of the social network, wherein the social network database is configured to classify an individual information record according to the user of the social network and at least one of an application that generated the individual information record and an object of the individual information record. The system can further include a processor configured to identify ones of the information records as classified in the social network database based on at least one of the user and the at least one of the application and the object and transmit data indicative of a common characteristic of the ones of the information records to the social network.

Abstract: A method and a system for superimposing a prompt over a second user profile page being displayed on a client device, the prompt inviting a first user to update a first user profile page associated with the first user, based on the second user profile page being displayed.