Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method and related device and storage medium encoded with instructions including: establishing a text messaging conversation between a local and remote user, wherein the conversation is initially an unpublished conversation; enabling communication between the local and remote user via the conversation; receiving a command to publish the conversation; in response, transmitting a request to publish at least a portion of the conversation to a server that provides additional users access to published conversations. Various embodiments relate to a method and related device and storage medium encoded with instructions including receiving a request to publish at least a portion of an unpublished conversation between a first and second user; creating a published conversation object in response, wherein the object identifies messages between the first and second user from the conversation; and serving data representing the messages to additional users.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a social networking platform. The social networking platform may provide hosted events where audience members can comment on the events. A rating system may select comments that are positively rated for display to all audience members. Audience members may have a Volume rating that affects whether their comments are seen. Hosts may spotlight comments, enabling all audience members to view the comment and also increasing the rating of the user posting the comment.