Abstract: A method for notifying users of an online social network of an activity performed within a web site that is external to the online social network by an individual who is a registered user of the online social network and the web site. The method comprises the steps of receiving a notification package from the external web site, the notification package including a notification message that describes the activity performed, parsing the notification package to extract a list of recipients, each of whom is to receive the notification message, and issuing the notification message to each of the recipients.

Abstract: A method for notifying users of an online social network of an activity performed within a web site that is external to the online social network by an individual who is a registered user of the online social network and the web site. The method comprises the steps of receiving a notification package from the external web site, the notification package including a notification message that describes the activity performed, parsing the notification package to extract a list of recipients, each of whom is to receive the notification message, and issuing the notification message to each of the recipients.

Abstract: Membership in a social network is virally expanded by suggesting to a user to invite contacts from the user's address book and, in addition, eligible contacts from other address books. Eligible contacts from other address books include those contacts that have e-mail addresses with the same e-mail domain as the user's e-mail address.

Abstract: Membership in a social network is virally expanded by suggesting to a user to invite contacts from the user's address book and, in addition, eligible contacts from other address books. Eligible contacts from other address books include those contacts that have e-mail addresses with the same e-mail domain as the user's e-mail address.

Abstract: Primary and secondary messages are included in a feed according to a “full thread” mode or a “stream” mode. The “full thread” mode causes a feed, when viewed, to include both primary and secondary messages. In contrast, the “stream” mode causes a feed, when viewed, to include only primary messages. In this way, a feed viewed in “full thread” mode provides to users a comprehensive view of messages included in the feed. Alternatively, a feed viewed in “stream” mode provides to users a concise view messages included in the feed.

Abstract: Membership in a social network is virally expanded by suggesting to a user to invite contacts from the user's address book and, in addition, eligible contacts from other address books. Eligible contacts from other address books include those contacts that have e-mail addresses with the same e-mail domain as the user's e-mail address.

Abstract: Primary and secondary messages are included in a feed according to a “full thread” mode or a “stream” mode. The “full thread” mode causes a feed, when viewed, to include both primary and secondary messages. In contrast, the “stream” mode causes a feed, when viewed, to include only primary messages. In this way, a feed viewed in “full thread” mode provides to users a comprehensive view of messages included in the feed. Alternatively, a feed viewed in “stream” mode provides to users a concise view messages included in the feed.

Abstract: An online community bridges two or more different client social networks and includes users of the client social networks and, optionally, one or more users who are not included in the client social networks. The online community provides an area for micro-blogging to be shared between its users while enforcing a separation between it and the client social networks and maintaining the original separation between the client social networks.

Abstract: A system and method for collaborative short messaging and discussion are described. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for collaborative short messaging and discussion, comprises grouping users into client networks based on existing shared attributes. System resources are partitioned for messaging across client networks. Users in a client network are allowed to view or respond only to messages within the client network.