Abstract: A method for facilitating a chat session between a first user and second users visiting a first web site comprising receiving, from the first user, a first user ID; receiving, from the second user, a second user ID; providing, to the first user, at least an indication of the second user ID; receiving, from the first user, a request to open one of a public chat session, a semi-public chat session and a private chat session with the second user; transmitting, to the second user, an indication that the first user has requested a chat session; and receiving, from the second user, an acceptance to enter the chat session designated by the first user. The method also comprises receiving from the first user a query regarding other users in a co-branded community visiting the first web site and searching a database to determine a response to the query.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for gathering and disseminating detailed information regarding web site visitation. A server system is connected to the Internet and receives, processes and supplies detailed information from subscribed users. In response to user queries, the server system provides detailed information regarding the sites that have been visited, the duration and times of such visits, the most popular web sites, the most popular jump sites from a particular web page, etc. Such information is gathered and transmitted to subscribers who have downloaded a client-side reporting and communicating software application that is compatible with the server system. In addition, since users submit profile information about themselves, much demographic information is known about the users. Demographic information as to the popularity of visited web sites may then be easily determined, stored and updated by the server system.