Abstract: In various embodiments, one or more servers is (collectively) endowed with a core data collection and management service, and a core content/metadata selection and propagation service, to receive from client devices automatically collected user activity associated data and in response, to select and propagate content/metadata to the client device, in a more efficient, flexible and effective manner (with high relevancy).

Abstract: In various embodiments, direct or indirect specification of an advertisement to be displayed on a web page or other medium being published or administered by a user is received by a computing device. In response, the computing device provides or enables provision of the advertisement to be delivered and displayed to another user that is a friend of the user, and/or another advertisement to be displayed subsequently to the user. In various embodiments, the computing device provides or enables provision of an advertisement to be displayed for the user based on the intersection of the preferences of the user with the preferences of a publisher or administrator of content being consumed by the user. In various embodiments, the computing device tracks propagation of an advertisement through a social network of users, and/or determining the nature and amount of influence a user has in propagating an advertisement through the social network.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a client device is endowed with a client data collection and management service, a client content/metadata selection and propagation service and a client content presentation, to automatically collect user activity associated data to support a content/metadata selection and propagation service to select and propagate content/metadata more efficiently, flexibly and effectively (with high relevancy).

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and articles for user computing devices and a server are described herein. In various embodiments, a first computing device may receive an object or message associated with a user of a second computing device and may visually manifest the object or message to a user. In response to detecting a user interaction with the visual manifestation of the object or message, the first computing device may change the visual manifestation of the object or message to facilitate the user of the first computing device in engaging the user of the second computing device in an instant messaging conversation, the changed visual manifestation of the object or message serving as a user interface of an instant messaging client of the first computing device. In some embodiments, a server may associate an instant messaging client with the object or message and may transmit both to the first computing device.