Abstract: Social networking users are rewarded with points for creating content or commenting on the content of other social networking users. The rewards engine may be a part of a social networking site, or may be a stand-alone system which may be used by social networking sites to offer rewards to users. Upon receiving an event including a user and event type, the system determines a point value, instantly and/or in the future. Different point values may be assigned to different event types, or points may be awarded based upon the measured impact over time, or points may be awarded according to user votes. Points may be awarded for enrolling, making new friends, creating content, commenting on content, among other event types. Points may be revoked for deleting content or blocking users, among other event types. A hierarchy of point values may assign fewer or greater points to particular event types.

Abstract: Social networking users are rewarded with points for creating content or commenting on the content of other social networking users. The rewards engine may be a part of a social networking site, or may be a stand-alone system which may be used by social networking sites to offer rewards to users. Upon receiving an event including a user and event type, the system determines a point value, instantly and/or in the future. Different point values may be assigned to different event types, or points may be awarded based upon the measured impact over time, or points may be awarded according to user votes. Points may be awarded for enrolling, making new friends, creating content, commenting on content, among other event types. Points may be revoked for deleting content or blocking users, among other event types. A hierarchy of point values may assign fewer or greater points to particular event types.