Abstract: A social networking system selects a configuration for presenting a story unit describing one or more actions performed by one or more social networking system users. In particular, story units having a particular type are presented to social networking system users using different configurations. Interactions between the social networking system users and the story units presented using the different configurations are captured and analyzed. Based on the analysis, a configuration is selected and used for subsequently presented story units having the same particular type.

Abstract: A social networking system selects a configuration for presenting a story unit describing one or more actions performed by one or more social networking system users. In particular, story units having a particular type are presented to social networking system users using different configurations. Interactions between the social networking system users and the story units presented using the different configurations are captured and analyzed. Based on the analysis, a configuration is selected and used for subsequently presented story units having the same particular type.

Abstract: An information server adapted to service requests for information has an integral database containing configuration information, application information, and/or content information. The information in the database is stored in a hierarchical fashion with elements that correspond, in some degree, with physical storage structure or individual information objects on the information server. Path names received in information requests are broken into constituent components and are used to retrieve configuration information, application information, and/or content information from the database and information objects from physical storage. In the database properties stored at one hierarchical level may be inherited by lower hierarchical levels. The database is preferably provided with a programmatic interface that allows concurrent access to and administration of the database. Mechanisms to notify registered users of changes or events that occur with respect to the database are implemented.