Abstract: The present invention features various business methods providing an ally of a profile within a computer network and for organizing, building, and propagating the computer network by building a reference hierarchy through an ally association system or function. Through the ally association system or function, allies of a subject featured in a profile supported in the computer network can perform one or more association-related functions, such as vouching or witnessing for the subject, referring or introducing the subject to another, and other similar functions for one or more purposes.

Abstract: The present invention features a system for building a reference hierarchy within a computer network-based community according to a user-to-user ally association function. Through this function, users in a community can associate themselves with other users as ally associates for the purposes of referring, validating, building an online community, and other benefits often found in real space environments. The present invention further features a group association function and a security blocking function that each utilize the ally association technology to involve other users. Finally, the present invention features a relationship stage defining function that allows parties involved in an online relationship to define a relationship and move through pre-defined stages.