WO2014165959A1

WO2014165959A1 - Method, apparatus, and system for supporting communication amongst an online community of users

Info

Publication number: WO2014165959A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/000334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leigh K AKIN
Original assignee: Ttagit Social Networks Inc.
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2013-04-08
Publication date: 2014-10-16

Abstract

A method of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content is disclosed. The method involves receiving at a server a first subscriber message, storing in a database the first subscriber message, receiving at the server a second message, retrieving from the database stored subscriber messages, and sending a first set of the stored subscriber messages. In addition, a method of administering an accomplishment awarding game amongst an online community of users is disclosed which involves determining that the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement, and storing in a database an accomplishment indicator in association with the first subscribing user, the accomplishment indicator indicating that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement. Other methods, apparatuses and systems relating to the above methods are also disclosed

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING

COMMUNICATION AMONGST AN ONLINE COMMUNITY OF USERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to web content commenting and more particularly to supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content.

Description of Related Art Conventional internet based discussion boards allow users to post comments about various topics of interest. These discussion boards may allow users to post comments on new topics and reply to comments on prior topics. In some cases, a topic of discussion may be particular content on the web itself (web content) such as a news article. However, conventional discussion boards exist separate from their topics. Accordingly, when a user wishes to view comments related to a news article or other similar web content, the user must navigate away from the web content and search the discussion board for a related discussion topic. Some online news providers include a limited commenting system with their posted articles. Users can view and post comments in the same browser window that they are using to view the article in question. However, such news providers each use different web commenting providers, requiring users to sign up for and separately access a multitude of accounts in order to comment on each different news article commenting system. In addition, in a great many cases, web sites and online content providers do not provide a commenting option, and users are unable to comment at all. There remains a need for methods of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content

Conventional discussion boards and commenting systems simply provide a venue for commenting and discussing various topics. These systems generally do not add much motivation for users to interact with the commenting system and do not provide a game-style atmosphere within which the users can compete. There remains a need for methods of administering an accomplishment awarding game amongst an online community of users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The method involves receiving at a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system a first subscriber message from a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber- based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content. The method also involves storing in a database associated with the subscriber-based online comment management system the first subscriber message, the storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier. The method further involves receiving at the server a second message for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The method further involves retrieving from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information, and sending a first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

The steps of receiving the first subscriber message at the server, storing the first subscriber message, receiving the second message at the server, retrieving the stored subscriber messages, and sending the set of the stored subscriber messages may all occur without receiving at the server or sending to the second user machine the first web content.

The method may involve receiving a first accessing message from the second user machine, the first accessing message including a second user machine identifier and web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier, and storing the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content

The method may involve updating the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, and determining that the second user machine identifier is associated with the first web content identifier to determine that the second user is accessing the first web content. The method may also involve, based on the determining, sending an updated set of the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content to the second user machine. Updating the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier may involve receiving at the server a third subscriber message from a third web browser extension of a third web browser operable on a third user machine, the third web browser extension associated with a subscribing third user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The third message may include a third user identifier for identifying the subscribing third user, a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the third subscriber message is associated with the first web content, and third user generated information associated with the first web content. In response to receiving the third message, updating the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier may also involve storing in the database the third user generated information in association with the third user identifier and the first web content identifier to update the set of stored subscriber messages.

The method may involve, after sending the updated set of stored subscriber messages, disassociating the second user machine from the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user machine is no longer accessing the first web content identifier. The method may also involve receiving a second accessing message from the second user machine, the second accessing message including the second user machine identifier, and storing the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content The first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine may be adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the stored subscriber messages in association with the first web content when the first web content is displayed by the second user machine in the second web browser.

The first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine may be adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the first set of the stored subscriber messages in a window on the second user machine.

The window may overlay part of the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

The window may be separate from the first web content displayed on the second web browser. The window may be within a browser window of the second web browser but not overlap with the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

The window may be visible only on user machines that have a web browser extension corresponding to the second web browser extension installed and in communication with the server.

The window may be configured for scrollable viewing.

Each of the stored subscriber messages may include a time value. The stored subscriber messages may be displayed in the window in reverse chronological order according to the time values.

One of the stored subscriber messages may include a pro subscriber indicator for indicating that the one of the stored subscriber message is a pro subscriber message. The pro subscriber message may be given priority when the subscriber messages are displayed by the second web browser extension.

The first user generated information may include first user generated text.

The first user generated information may include an approval indicator for indicating approval of user generated text. The first user generated information may include a spam indicator for indicating that user generated text is spam.

The first user generated information may include a reply to user generated text.

The method may involve receiving a follow message from the second web browser extension indicating that the second user wishes to follow the first user, the follow message including the second user machine identifier and the first user identifier, and associating the second user machine identifier with the first user identifier in the database to indicate that the second user is following the first user.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having encoded thereon codes for directing a processor to execute any of the above described methods.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The apparatus includes a processor configured to receive at a server associated with a subscriber- based universal online comment management system a first subscriber message from a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content. The processor is further configured to store in a database associated with the subscriber-based online comment management system the first subscriber message, the storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier, and receive at the server a second message for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The processor is further configured to retrieve from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information, and send a first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

The processor may be configured to receive the first subscriber message at the server, store the first subscriber message, receive the second message at the server, retrieve the stored subscriber messages, and send the set of the stored subscriber messages without receiving at the server or sending to the second user machine the first web content.

The processor may be configured to receive a first accessing message from the second user machine, the first accessing message including a second user machine identifier and web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier, and store the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content The processor may be configured to update the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, and determine that the second user machine identifier is associated with the first web content identifier to determine that the second user is accessing the first web content. Based on the determination, the processor may be further configured to send an updated set of the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content to the second user machine.

The processor being configured to update the stored subscriber messages may involve the processor being configured to receive at the server a third subscriber message from a third web browser extension of a third web browser operable on a third user machine, the third web browser extension associated with a subscribing third user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The third message may include a third user identifier for identifying the subscribing third user, a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the third subscriber message is associated with the first web content, and third user generated information associated with the first web content. The processor may be configured to, in response to receiving the third message, store in the database the third user generated information in association with the third user identifier and the first web content identifier to update the set of stored subscriber messages.

The processor may be further configured to, after sending the updated set of stored subscriber messages, disassociate the second user machine from the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user machine is no longer accessing the first web content identifier, receive a second accessing message from the second user machine, the second accessing message including the second user machine identifier, and store the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content

The first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine may be adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the stored subscriber messages in association with the first web content when the first web content is displayed by the second user machine in the second web browser. The first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine may be adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the first set of the stored subscriber messages in a window on the second user machine.

The window may overlay part of the first web content displayed on the second web browser. The window may be separate from the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

The window may be within a browser window of the second web browser but not overlap with the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

The window may be visible only on user machines that have a web browser extension corresponding to the second web browser extension installed and in communication with the server. The window may be configured for scrollable viewing.

Each of the stored subscriber messages may include a time value and wherein the stored subscriber messages may be displayed in the window in reverse chronological order according to the time values.

One of the stored subscriber messages may include a pro subscriber indicator for indicating that the one of the stored subscriber message is a pro subscriber message and wherein the pro subscriber message may be given priority when the subscriber messages are displayed by the second web browser extension.

The first user generated information may include first user generated text. The first user generated information may include an approval indicator for indicating approval of user generated text.

The first user generated information may include a spam indicator for indicating that user generated text is spam.

The first user generated information may include a reply to user generated text. The processor may be configured to receive a follow message from the second web browser extension indicating that the second user wishes to follow the first user, the follow message including the second user machine identifier and the first user identifier, and associate the second user machine identifier with the first user identifier in the database to indicate that the second user is following the first user.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The apparatus includes provisions for receiving at a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system a first subscriber message from a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content. The apparatus also includes provisions for storing in a database associated with the subscriber-based online comment management system the first subscriber message, the storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier, and provisions for receiving at the server a second message for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The apparatus also includes provisions for retrieving from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information, and provisions for sending a first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The method involves sending a first subscriber message to a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber- based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content. The method also involves sending a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The method also involves receiving a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having encoded thereon codes for directing a processor to execute the above method.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The apparatus including a processor configured to send a first subscriber message to a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content. The processor is further configured to send a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The processor is further configured to receive a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The apparatus includes provisions for sending a first subscriber message to a server using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content. The apparatus also includes provisions for sending a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The apparatus further includes provisions for receiving a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The system includes a client processor configured to send a first subscriber message to a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content. The client processor is also configured to send a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The client processor is further configured to receive a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser. The system also includes a server processor configured to receive at the server the first subscriber message from the first web browser extension of the first web browser operable on a first user machine, and store in a database associated with the subscriber- based online comment management system the first subscriber message, the storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier. The server processor is also configured to receive at the server the second message, and retrieve from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information. The client processor is further configured to send the first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The method involves receiving at a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system a plurality of subscriber messages, each of the subscriber messages generated by a subscriber web browser extension of a subscriber web browser operable on a subscriber user machine, the subscriber web browser extension associated with a subscribing user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. Each of the plurality of subscriber messages includes a user identifier for identifying the subscribing user, a web content identifier for identifying a web content of a third party, available from a web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and user generated information associated with the web content. For each of the plurality of subscriber messages received, the method also involves storing in a database associated with the subscriber-based online comment management system the user generated information in association with the user identifier and the web content identifier. The method further involves receiving at the server a plurality of viewing messages, each of the viewing messages for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with web content being viewed by a viewing user, each of the viewing messages generated by the viewing user via a viewing web browser extension of a viewing web browser operable on a viewing user machine, the viewing web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. Each of the viewing messages includes a web content identifier identifying web content being viewed by the viewing user. For each of the plurality of viewing messages received, the method further involves retrieving from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including user generated information from one of the plurality of subscriber messages stored in association with the web content identifier, and sending a set of the stored subscriber messages to the viewing user machine for display to the viewing user via the viewing web browser extension as the web content is accessed by the viewing web browser.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of administering an accomplishment awarding game amongst an online community of users. The method involves determining that the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement, and storing in a database an accomplishment indicator in association with the first subscribing user, the accomplishment indicator indicating that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement.

Determining that the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement may involve receiving at a server a subscriber message from a first subscribing user, and determining that the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment trigger.

Determining that the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message includes content sufficiently associated with a topic to meet or exceed a predetermined threshold requirement for the topic.

The content may include a word or a phrase associated with conspiracy theorists.

The content may include one of the following words: UFO, alien, or conspiracy. Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message has a spam indicator associated therewith. Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message was received between a start trigger time and an end trigger time. Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message was received between a start trigger time and an end trigger time within a 24 hour period according to a server clock. The start trigger time may be 6:00 am and the end trigger time may be 6:00 pm.

The start trigger time may be 6:00 pm and the end trigger time may be 6:00 am.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining a day on which the subscriber message was received and determining that at least one earlier subscriber message was received on the previous day.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message includes a spam indicator. Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message is a reply to an original message.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the reply was received within 10 seconds of receiving the original message. Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message includes a link.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that user generated text included in the subscriber message is identical to user generated text included in a previous subscriber message received from the first subscribing user.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message includes user generated text.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message was received from a mobile machine.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message is associated with an approval indicator.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message includes a unique location identifier, the unique location identifier being different from previous location identifiers included in previous subscriber messages received from the first subscribing user.

The unique location identifier may be determined to be different because the unique location identifier corresponds to a continent identifier different from continent identifiers included in the previous location identifiers.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message includes a location identifier corresponding to a predetermined type of location. The type of location may indicate that the location is a restaurant. The type of location may indicate that the location is an airport.

Determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining that the subscriber message was received at the server within a trigger period. The trigger period may be a time period

The time period may be 24 hours.

The trigger period may be a number of messages.

The number of messages may be 100.

The trigger period may begin at the start of a current log in session. The trigger period may begin when the first subscribing user creates their account.

Determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement may involve storing in the database a first user trigger counter including a count of the subscriber message that was determined to meet the accomplishment trigger, the first trigger counter representing a number of messages that meet the accomplishment trigger, and determining that the trigger counter is greater than a counter threshold. Determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement may involve storing in the database a first user trigger counter including a count of the subscriber message that was determined to meet the accomplishment trigger, the first trigger counter representing a number of messages that meet the accomplishment trigger, storing in the database a first trigger ratio equal to the first trigger counter divided by a total message number representing a total number of messages that were received within the accomplishment trigger period and determining that the trigger ratio is greater than a threshold ratio.

The threshold ratio may be about 20%.

Determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement may involve determining that the first subscribing user has been inactive for an inactive time period threshold.

The inactive time period threshold may be about 30 days. Determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement may involve determining that a count indicating the number of users that the first subscribing user is following is greater than a predetermined number of users. Determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement may involve determining that a count indicating the number of subscribing users following the first subscribing user is greater than a predetermined number of users. Determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement may involve determining that non-required fields of a user profile of the first subscribing user are set to non-default values.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for administering an accomplishment awarding game amongst an online community of users. The apparatus includes a processor configured to determine that the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement by the processor being configured to receive at a server a subscriber message from a first subscribing user, and determine that the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment trigger. The processor is also configured to store in a database an accomplishment indicator in association with the first subscribing user, the accomplishment indicator indicating that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention,

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a system for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content in accordance with a first embodiment; is a further schematic view of the system shown in Figure 1 in communication with third party web hosts; is a block diagram of an embodiment of the server of the system shown in Figure 1; is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing a server of the system shown in Figure 1 to support communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content; is a block diagram of an embodiment of a first user machine of the system shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the server of the system shown in Figure 1 to receive subscriber messages; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a first subscriber message according to one embodiment of the invention; is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the server shown in Figure 1 to perform various sending user generated information functions;

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a second message according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the server shown in Figure 1 to perform various user access recording functions; is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the server shown in Figure 1 to perform various user content updating functions;

Figure 12 is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the first user machine shown in Figure 5 to perform send subscriber message functions;

Figure 13 is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing a second user machine of the system shown in Figure 1 to perform access user generated information functions;

Figure 14A depicts a display of the second user machine of the system shown in Figure 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 14B depicts a display of the second user machine of the system shown in Figure 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14C depicts a display of the second user machine of the system shown in Figure 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 depicts a view of a web browser extension window in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the server shown in Figure 1 to perform follow user functions;

Figure 17 is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the server shown in Figure 1 to administer an accomplishment awarding game; Figure 18 is a flowchart representing blocks of code for directing the server shown in Figure 1 to determine whether the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

System Overview

Referring to Figure 1, a system for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content in accordance with a first embodiment is shown generally at 100. The system 100 includes a computer server 102 associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system and a plurality of personal computing devices such as first, second, and third user machines 104, 106, and 108, controlled by first, second, and third users (not shown). Although, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first, second, and third user machines 104, 106 and 108 are depicted as laptops, the user machines may be any kind of communication device such as, for example, a PC, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, or a television.

Referring now to Figure 2, the system 100 interacts with third party web hosts 118 and 120. The server 102, the first, second, and third user machines 104, 106, and 108 and the third party web hosts 118 and 120 are all in network communication through one or more networks 114 such as the internet or an intranet, for example.

The Server

Referring to Figure 3, an embodiment of the server 102 as a processor circuit is shown loaded with system software.

The server 102 includes a processor 302, a program memory 304, a variable memory 306, and an input/output interface (I/O) 312, all of which are in communication with the processor 302. In one embodiment, the variable memory 306 includes a database 116. In the embodiment shown, the database 116 is included in the server 102. However in some embodiments, the database

116 may be separate from the server and may be in communication with the server through the one or more networks 114, for example.

The I/O interface 312 includes a network interface 314 such as a network interface card having an input/output 316 for connection to the one or more networks 114, and through which communications are conducted with the user machines 104, 106, and 108 as shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments the network interface 314 enables a wired connection to the one or more networks 114 but in other embodiments, the network interface 314 may enable a wireless connection such as, for example, a Wi-Fi™ connection.

Program codes for directing the processor 302 to carry out various functions are stored in the program memory 304, which may be implemented as a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), flash memory, any other form of computer-readable storage medium, and/or a combination thereof.

The program memory 304 includes a block of codes 318 for directing the server 102 to effect subscriber message receiving functions, a block of codes 320 for directing the server to effect user subscriber message sending functions, a block of codes 322 for directing the server to effect follow user functions, and a block of codes 324 for directing the server to effect user accomplishment management functions.

The variable memory 306 includes a plurality of storage locations including locations for storing user identifiers, such as location 326, and associated locations for storing accomplishment indicators, such as location 328. The variable memory 306 also includes locations for storing user trigger counters, such as location 342. Each of the locations for storing user trigger counters and the locations for storing accomplishment indicators is associated with a respective one of the locations for storing user identifiers. In the embodiment shown, the locations 328 and 342 are each associated with the location 326. The variable memory 306 also includes locations for storing web content identifiers, such as location 330, and associated locations for storing subscriber messages, such as location 332. The variable memory 306 also includes locations for storing user machine identifiers associated with viewing users that are currently viewing the associated web content, such as location 334. Each of the locations for storing user machine identifiers and the locations for storing subscriber messages is associated with one of the locations for storing web content identifiers. In the embodiment shown, the locations 332 and 334 are each associated with the location 330. The variable memory 306 also includes locations for storing followed user identifiers, such as location 336 and associated locations for storing following user identifiers, such as location 338. Each of the locations for storing following user identifiers is associated with one of the locations for storing followed user identifier. In the embodiment shown, the location 338 is associated with the location 336.

The variable memory 306 may be implemented as a hard drive, for example. However, in other embodiments, the variable memory 306 may be substituted by another form of memory, such as RAM, a flash memory, any other form of computer-readable storage medium or a combination thereof.

General Server Operation

Referring to Figure 4, a flowchart representing blocks of codes for directing the server 102 to support communication amongst an online community of users with respect to third party web content according to one embodiment is shown generally at 400. The process begins at block 402 which directs the server 102 to receive a first subscriber message from a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on the first user machine 104. The first web browser extension is associated with a first subscribing user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The first subscriber message includes a first user identifier for identifying the first subscribing user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of the third party web host 118, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber- based online comment management system. The first subscriber message also includes first user generated information associated with the first web content.

Block 404 then directs the server 102 to store the first subscriber message in the database 116. To store the first subscriber message in the database 116, the block 404 directs the server 102 to store the first user generated information in the database 116 in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier.

Block 406 then directs the server 102 to receive a second message at the server. The second message is for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content. The second message is generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on the second user machine 106. The second web browser extension is compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content.

Block 408 then directs the server 102 to retrieve the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier from the database 116. The stored subscriber messages include the first user generated information.

Block 410 then directs the server 102 to send a first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine 106 for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the web content is accessed by the second web browser.

The User Machines

Referring to Figure 5, an embodiment of the first user machine 104 as a processor circuit is shown loaded with software. The second and third user machines 106 and 108 may be generally similar to the first user machine 104 shown in Figure 5.

In one embodiment, the first user machine 104 includes a processor 502, a program memory 504, a variable memory 506, an input/output interface (I/O) 512, and a GPS locator 534, all of which are in communication with the processor 502.

The I/O interface 512 includes a network interface 514 such as a network interface card having an input/output 516 for connection to the one or more networks 114, and through which communications are conducted with the server 102 and the third party web hosts 118 and 120 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In some embodiments the network interface 514 enables a wired connection to the one or more networks 114 but in other embodiments, the network interface 514 may enable a wireless connection such as, for example, a Wi-Fi™ connection.

Program codes for directing the processor 502 to carry out various functions are stored in the program memory 504, which may be similar to the program memory 304.

The program memory 504 includes a block of codes 518 for instructing the processor 502 to implement a first web browser on the first user machine 104. The block of codes 518 includes blocks of codes for directing the first user machine 104 to effect web browser functions. The program memory 504 also includes blocks of codes 520 for instructing the processor 502 to implement a first web browser extension of the first web browser including blocks of code for directing the first user machine 104 to effect web browser extension functions.

The web browser extension blocks of codes 520 include a block of codes 522 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect sending subscriber message functions, a block of codes 524 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect accessing subscriber message functions, and a block of codes 526 for directing the first user machine to effect follow user functions.

In this specification, it will sometimes be described that a program such as a web browser or web browser extension takes an action, such as displaying, accessing, sending, receiving, or some other action. When a program is said to take an action, it can be understood that a processor is directed to take the action by blocks of codes included in blocks of codes implementing the program. For example, if a web browser or web browser extension is described as taking an action, it may be understood that a processor is directed to take that action by blocks of code included in the blocks of codes implementing the web browser or web browser extension.

The variable memory 506 includes a plurality of storage locations including locations for storing user identifiers for identifying the first user of the first user machine such as location 530. The variable memory 506 also includes locations for storing web content identifiers for identifying web content that the first user machine is viewing via the web browser, such as location 532. The variable memory 506 may be similar to the variable memory 306.

Server Functions

Receiving Subscriber Messages

Referring now to Figure 6, a flowchart of blocks of code for directing the server 102 shown in Figure 3 to receive subscriber messages, in accordance with one embodiment, is shown generally at 600. The blocks may be coded in the block of codes 318 for directing the server 102 to effect subscriber message receiving functions. The process begins at block 602 which directs the server 102 to receive a first subscriber message (shown at 700 in Figure 7) from the first web browser extension of the first web browser operable on the first user machine 104. The first web browser extension is associated with the subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. In one embodiment, the first subscriber message may be included in a received signal, such as, for example, an HTTP request message in the JSON format.

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the first subscriber message 700, according to one embodiment. The first subscriber message 700 includes a first user identifier 702 for identifying the subscribing first user. In one embodiment, the first user identifier 702 may include a login name. In another embodiment, the first user identifier 702 may include an email address of the first user. The first subscriber message 700 also includes a first web content identifier 704 for identifying a first web content of a third party. ln one embodiment, the first web content identifier 704 may include a first URL associated with the first web content. In some cases, different URLs can refer to the same web content. For example, in some cases, URLs which are identical except for different prefixes (i.e. http://, https://, http://www., or https://www.) refer to the same content. Accordingly, in one embodiment, when the first web content identifier includes a prefix such as http://, https://, http://www., or https://www., the block 602 directs the processor 302 of the server 102 to remove the prefix from the first web content identifier such that all prefix variants of a URL have a single web content identifier.

In another embodiment, the first web content identifier 704 may include other forms of identification such as a topic name, a topic number, or a hashtag followed by a topic name. The first web content of the third party may be available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system. In one embodiment, the first web site is provided by the third party web host 118.

The first subscriber message 700 also includes first user generated information 706 associated with the first web content. In one embodiment, the first user generated information 706 may include first user generated text associated with the first web content. In another embodiment, the first user generated information 706 may include an approval indicator for indicating that the user agrees with a previous user generated text. In another embodiment, the first user generated information 706 may include a spam indicator for indicating that previous user generated text is spam.

Referring again to Figure 6, block 604 directs the processor 302 to determine whether the first web content identifier 704 of the first subscriber message 700 corresponds to a stored web content identifier. Block 604 directs the processor

302 to read from the variable memory 306 to determine whether a web content identifier stored in the locations for storing web content identifiers, such as the location 330, matches the first web content identifier 704. If the processor 302 determines that there is no match to the first web content identifier 704, then the processor 302 determines at block 604 that the first web content identifier does not correspond to a stored web content identifier and proceeds to block 606. Block 606 directs the processor 302 to store the first web content identifier 704 in the variable memory 306. In one embodiment, the first web content identifier is stored in the location 330 of the variable memory 306.

After block 606 is completed, the process proceeds to block 610. Block 610 directs the processor 302 to store in the variable memory 306 the first subscriber message 700 by storing the first user generated information 706 in association with the first user identifier 702 and the first web content identifier 704. The first user generated information 706 and the first user identifier 702 may be stored in the location 332 associated with the location 330 where the first web content identifier 704 was stored. In one embodiment, block 610 also directs the processor 302 to store a time value in association with the first subscriber message 700 in the variable memory 306 to indicate a time that the first subscriber message was received. In one embodiment, block 610 also directs the processor 302 to store an OS indicator in association with the first subscriber message 700 in the variable memory 306 to indicate an operating system that was running on the first user machine from which the first subscribing message was received.

Referring back to block 604, if at block 604 it was determined that the first web content identifier 704 corresponds to a stored web content identifier such as the web content identifier stored in the location 330 the process proceeds to block 610 which directs the processor 302 to store in the variable memory 306 the first subscriber message 700 by storing the first user generated information 706 in association with the first user identifier 702 and the first web content identifier 704. The first user generated information 706 and the first user identifier 702 may be stored in the location 332 associated with the location 330 where the web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier 704 was stored. As discussed above, block 610 may also direct the processor 302 to store a time value or an OS indicator in association with the first subscriber message 700.

Although for illustration purposes, we have described the first user machine 104 as sending a single message, in operation, several instances of the process of the flowchart 600 may occur in parallel with a plurality of user machines each sending their own subscriber messages to the server 102 and, for each message received by the server 102, the process proceeds generally as set out in the flowchart 600.

Sending User Generated Information

Referring to Figure 8, a flowchart of blocks of code for directing the server 102 shown in Figure 3 to perform various sending user generated information functions is shown generally at 800. In one embodiment, the flowchart 800 may be encoded in the block of codes 320 for directing the server 102 to effect user subscriber message sending functions.

The process depicted in the flowchart 800 may be invoked when a second user on the second user machine 106 is viewing the first web content associated with the first user generated information. The flowchart 800 begins at block 802 when the server 102 receives a second message, shown at 900 in Figure 9, for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content.

The second message 900 is generated by the second user on the second user machine 106 via a second web browser extension of the second web browser operable on the second user machine 106. The second web browser extension is compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system.

Referring to Figure 9, the second message 900 includes a web content identifier 902 which may correspond to the first web content identifier 704 for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The web content identifier 902 may be generally similar in form to the first web content identifier 704 shown in Figure 7 and described above.

Block 804 then directs the processor 302 to determine whether the web content identifier 902 corresponds to one of the web content identifiers stored in the locations for storing web content identifiers, such as the location 330, of the variable memory 306 shown in Figure 3. If the processor 302 determines at block 804 that the web content identifier 902 does not correspond to any of the web content identifiers stored in the locations for storing web content identifiers then the process proceeds to block 806.

In one embodiment, block 806 directs the processor 302 to send a web content ID not found message to the second user machine 106. The web content ID not found message indicates to the second user machine 106 that the web content identifier 902 has not been found and thus there have been no messages stored in the database in association with the web content identifier.

If the processor 302 determines at block 804 that the web content identifier 902 corresponds to one of the web content identifiers stored in the locations for storing web content identifiers, such as the location 330, of the variable memory 306, then the process proceeds to block 812. In one embodiment, where the processor 302 determines that the web content identifier 902 corresponds to the first web content identifier 704 stored in the location 330, block 804 may direct the processor 302 to determine that this indicates that the second user is accessing the first web content.

Block 812 directs the processor 302 to retrieve the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier 704 from the variable memory 306. Where the web content identifier 902 corresponds to the first web content identifier 704 stored in the location 330, the stored subscriber messages may include the first user generated information stored in the location 332. Block 814 then directs the processor 302 to send a first set of the stored subscriber messages retrieved in block 812 to the second user machine 106 for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

Accordingly, in accordance with one embodiment, the processor 302 is configured to receive the first subscriber message 700, store the first subscriber message, receive the second message 900, retrieve the stored subscriber messages, and send the set of the stored subscriber messages all without receiving at the server 102 or sending to the second user machine 106 the first web content.

Although in the above described embodiments the first user machine 104 and the second user machine 106 are depicted as separate machines, in some embodiments the first and second user machines need not be separate.

Indeed, the first user machine, first web browser, and first web browser extension may include the second user machine, the second web browser, and the second web browser extension respectively. Thus, the first user using the first user machine 104 may view their own user generated information associated with web content in the same way that has been described above for the second user machine.

Updating content

In one embodiment, when user information associated with web content is updated, the server 102 is configured to push the updated user information to any users who are viewing the web content. In one embodiment, the updating is done by long polling. In other embodiments, the updated user information may be pushed to the viewing users by another method of pushing, such as by an HTTP server push, Pushlet, Flash XMLSocket relays or any other appropriate push technique.

Referring to Figure 10, a flowchart for directing the server 102 shown in Figure 3 to perform various user access storing functions in accordance with one embodiment is shown generally at 1000. The flowchart 1000 may be encoded in the block of codes for directing the server 102 to effect user subscriber message sending functions. The flowchart 1000 begins at block 1002 which directs the processor 302 to receive a first accessing message from the second user machine 106. The first accessing message includes a second user machine identifier and a web content identifier for identifying web content that the second user machine is viewing. In one embodiment, the web content identifier corresponds to the first web content identifier 704. Thus, in one embodiment, the first accessing message indicates that the second user machine 106 is viewing the first web content. In one embodiment, the flowchart 1000 is invoked while the flowchart 800 is invoked and the first accessing message may be included in the second message 900.

The second user machine identifier may include an IP address of the second user machine, a login identifier of the second user, a MAC address of the second user machine, or any identifier sufficient to identify the second user machine.

Block 1004 then directs the processor 302 to determine whether the web content identifier included in the first accessing message corresponds to a stored web content identifier. To make this determination, block 1004 may direct the processor to read from the locations for storing web content identifiers, including the location 330, and search for the web content identifier included in the first accessing message. If at block 1004, it is determined that no stored web content identifier corresponds to the web content identifier included in the first accessing message, then the process proceeds to block 1006.

In one embodiment, block 1006 directs the processor to store the web content identifier included in the first accessing message in the database. In one embodiment, block 1006 directs the processor to store the web content identifier in the location 330. The process then proceeds to block 1008.

Block 1008 directs the processor 302 to store the second user machine identifier in association with the stored web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the web content associated with the stored web content identifier. Block 1008 may direct the processor to store the second user machine identifier in the location 334.

If at block 1004 it is determined that the web content identifier corresponds to a stored web content identifier, the process proceeds to block 1008. Block 1008 then directs the processor 302 to store the second user machine identifier in association with the stored web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the web content associated with the stored web content identifier. In one embodiment, where the web content identifier included in the first accessing message corresponds to the first web content identifier stored in the location 330 of the variable memory 306, block 1004 directs the processor 302 to store the second user machine identifier in the location 334 in association with the first web content identifier stored in the location 330 to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content.

Referring to Figure 11 , a flowchart for directing the server 102 shown in Figure 3 to perform various user content updating functions in accordance with one embodiment is shown generally at 1100. The flowchart 1100 may be encoded in the block of codes 318 for directing the server 102 to effect subscriber message receiving functions.

The flowchart 1100 begins at block 1102 which directs the processor 302 to update the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier. In one embodiment, the process by which block 1102 directs the processor to update the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier may involve the process set out in the flowchart 600, but involving receiving a subscriber message from any user, such as, for example, a subscribing third user controlling the third user machine 108.

For example, in one embodiment, block 1102 may direct the processor 302 to receive at the server 102 a third subscriber message from a third web browser extension of a third web browser operable on the third user machine 108. The third web browser extension is associated with a subscribing third user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. The third message includes a third user identifier for identifying the subscribing third user, a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the third subscriber message is associated with the first web content, and third user generated information associated with the first web content. Block 1102 may further direct the processor 302 to, in response to receiving the third message, store in the database the third subscriber message, the storing involving storing the third user generated information in association with the third user identifier and the first web content identifier. Storing in the database the third subscriber message updates the set of stored subscriber messages. Block 1102 may direct the processor 302 to store the third user generated information and the third user identifier in the location 332 associated with the location 330 where the first web content identifier is stored.

Next, block 1104 directs the processor 302 to determine whether any user machines are associated with the first web content identifier. In one embodiment, where the first web content identifier is stored in the location 330, to make this determination, block 1104 may direct the processor 302 to read from the location 334 associated with the first web content identifier stored at the location 330. If no user machine identifiers are stored in the location 334, then block 1104 directs the processor 302 to determine that no user machines are associated with the first web content identifier and the process proceeds to end block 1106 which ends the process.

If at block 1104 it is determined that at least one user machine identifier is stored in the location 334, then the process proceeds to block 1108. In one embodiment, where the second user identifier is stored in the location 334, block 1104 directs the processor 302 to determine that the second user machine identifier is associated with the first web content identifier to determine that the second user is accessing the first web content.

Block 1108 then directs the processor to send an updated set of the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content to the user machines identified by the identifiers stored in the location 334. In one embodiment, where it is determined that the second user machine 106 identifier is associated with the first web content identifier to determine that the second user is viewing the first web content, based on this determination, block 1108 directs the processor to send an updated set of the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content to the second user machine.

The process may end after block 1108, however, in one embodiment, the process continues to block 1110. Block 1110 directs the processor 302 to, after sending the updated set of stored subscriber messages, disassociate the associated user machines from the first web content identifier. The disassociation indicates that the formerly associated user machines are no longer accessing the first web content identifier. In one embodiment the processor 302 disassociates the second user machine 106 from the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user machine is no longer accessing the first web content identifier. The disassociation may involve deleting the second user machine identifier from the location 334.

Block 1 10 may also direct the processor 302 to wait for a second accessing message from a machine that is viewing the web content or still viewing the web content. For example, if the second user machine 106 is still viewing the content, the second user machine 106 may periodically send accessing messages to the server 102 to indicate that the second user machine 106 is viewing the web content. If the second accessing message is received, the process begins again at block 1002 of Figure 10, treating the second accessing message as it treated the first accessing message.

If, however, after block 1110, a second accessing message is not received by the server 102, then this indicates to the server 102 that the second user machine 106 is no longer viewing the first web content and accordingly, the second user machine will no longer be associated with the first web content.

User Side Processes

Referring to Figure 12, a flowchart for directing the first user machine 104 shown in Figure 5 to perform send subscriber message functions in accordance with one embodiment is shown generally at 1200. The flowchart 1200 may be encoded in the block of codes 522 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect sending subscriber message functions.

The flowchart 1200 begins with block 1202 which directs the processor 502 of the first user machine 104 to receive first user generated information from the first user.

Block 1204 then directs the processor 502 to retrieve the first user identifier from the variable memory 506. In one embodiment, the first user identifier may be retrieved from the location 530. In one embodiment, prior to the flowchart 1200 being invoked, the block of codes 520 for instructing the processor 502 to implement the first web browser extension includes a block of codes for directing the first user machine 104 to provide a log in process to the first subscribing user. This block of codes includes codes for directing the first user machine 104 to receive and store a first user identifier in the location 530. Thus, the first user identifier may be obtained by the first web browser extension when the first subscribing user logs into the system and the first user identifier may be stored in the location 530 of the variable memory 506. Storing the first user identifier in the location 530 may associate the first web browser extension with the first user. Block 1206 then directs the processor 502 to retrieve a first web content identifier from the variable memory 506. In one embodiment, retrieving the first web content identifier may involve reading from the location 532. In one embodiment, the block of codes 520 for instructing the processor 502 to implement the first web browser extension of the first web browser direct the processor 502 to read the web content identifier from the location 532.

In one embodiment, before block 1206 is invoked, the first web browser may store the first web content identifier in the location 532 in the variable memory 506 to indicate that web content associated with the first web content identifier is being viewed. In another embodiment, before block 1206 is invoked, the first web browser may provide to the first web browser extension, the first web content identifier (such as a URL) identifying the first web content and the first web browser extension may store the first web content identifier in the location 532 in the variable memory 506.

In one embodiment, the first web content identifier includes a URL. Before block 1206 is invoked, if the URL includes a prefix such as http://, https://, http://www., or https://www., the processor 502 may be directed to remove the prefix from the URL before storing it such that all prefix variants of the URL correspond to a single web content identifier.

Block 1208 directs the processor 502 to create a first subscriber message. The first subscriber message includes the first user identifier retrieved from the location 530 for identifying the subscribing first user, the first web content identifier retrieved from the location 532 for identifying the first web content of a third party, and the first user generated information received from the first user, associated with the first web content. The first web content may be available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system.

In one embodiment the first subscriber message comprises the first subscriber message 700 including the first user identifier 702, the first web content identifier 704 and the first user generated information 706. Block 1208 directs the processor 502 to send the first subscriber message to the server 102 using the first web browser extension which is associated with the subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system. In one embodiment, code included in the plurality of blocks of codes 520 for instructing the processor 502 to implement the first web browser extension is invoked to direct the processor 502 to send the first subscriber message. For example, the block of codes 522 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect sending subscriber message functions may be invoked.

Referring to Figure 13, a flowchart for directing the second user machine 104 shown in Figure 3 to perform access subscriber message functions in accordance with one embodiment is shown generally at 1300. The flowchart 1300 may be encoded in a block of codes, similar to the block of codes 524 included in the first user machine 104.

The flowchart 1300 begins at block 1302 which directs the processor of the second user machine 106 to send a second message, which in one embodiment comprises the second message 900, to the server 102 requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content.

The second message may be generated by the second user via the second web browser extension of the second web browser operable on the second user machine 106. In one embodiment, block 1302 which directs the processor to generate the second message includes a block of codes, similar to the block of codes 524 included in the first user machine 104, for directing the second user machine 106 to effect accessing user generated information functions.

The second web browser extension is compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system. The second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content. The web content identifier may be obtained by the second web browser extension from the second web browser. Block 1304 then directs the processor of the second user machine 106 to receive the first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser. In one embodiment, the first set of the stored subscriber messages is received from the server 102.

Block 1306 then directs the processor of the second user machine 106 to display the first set of subscriber messages via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser. Thus, block 1306 may include a block of codes, similar to a block of codes included in the block of codes 520 for instructing the processor 502 to implement the first web browser extension.

Referring to Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C, displays of the second user machine 106 in accordance with various embodiments are shown at 1400, 1420 and 1440 respectively. In one embodiment, the first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine 106 may be adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the stored subscriber messages in association with the first web content when the first web content is displayed by the second user machine in the second web browser.

In one embodiment, the displays 1400, 1420 and 1440 are configured to display respective web browser windows 1402, 1422, and 1442 within which respective web content 1404, 1424, and 1444 including text, characters, and/or graphics may be displayed. The first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine is adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the first set of the stored subscriber messages in a respective web browser extension window 1408, 1428 and 1448 on the second user machine. ln the embodiment shown in Figure 14A, the web browser extension is operative to display the web browser extension window 1408 overlaying part of the first web content displayed on the second web browser window 1402. In the embodiment shown in Figure 14B, the web browser extension is operative to display the web browser extension window 1428 separate from the first web content displayed on the second web browser window 1422.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14C, the web browser extension is operative to display the web browser extension window 1448 within the browser window

1442 of the second web browser but not overlapping with the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

Because the web browser extension coordinates the display of the web browser extension windows 1408, 1428 and 1448, the windows may be visible only on user machines that have a web browser extension such as the second web browser extension installed and in communication with the server 102. The web browser extension windows 1408, 1428 and 1448 may be configured for scrollable viewing. For example, scroll bar 1410 shown in Figure 14A may enable scrollable viewing.

In one embodiment, each of the stored subscriber messages may include a time value and the stored subscriber messages may be displayed in the window in reverse chronological order according to the time values. Referring to Figures 14A, 14B, and 14C, the subscriber messages displayed in the web browser extension windows 1408, 1428, and 1448 may be displayed such that the subscriber message having the most recent time value is displayed at the top of the web browser extension windows, 1408, 1428, and 1448. In one embodiment, the time value may be displayed adjacent the associated subscriber message. ln one embodiment, at least one of the stored subscriber messages may include a pro subscriber indicator for indicating that the at least one of the stored subscriber message is a pro subscriber message. The pro subscriber message may be given priority when the subscriber messages are displayed by the second web browser extension. Thus, the pro subscriber message may be displayed at the top of the web browser extension windows 1408, 1428, and 1448. In one embodiment, the pro subscriber indicator is included in messages sent to the server 102 from a pro subscriber user account. In one embodiment, users may obtain pro-subscriber user accounts by proving that they are the owners/operators of the web content being viewed. In another embodiment, users may obtain pro-subscriber user accounts by paying an additional fee to the online comment management system proprietors. Types of User Generated Information

There are different types of the first user generated information that may be included in the subscriber messages sent to the server 102 by users of the online content management system. Figure 15 depicts a closer view of a web browser extension window 1500 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention as seen in a display of the first user machine 104.

In one embodiment, the first user generated information includes user generated text. User generated information including user generated text may be referred to as a ttag. Two types of user generated information that may include user generated text are comments and replies to previous comments. Referring to Figure 15, in one embodiment, when the first user wishes to submit a comment in association with web content, the processor 502 is directed to display to display a text box 1502. The first user may enter user generated text into the text box 1502. When the first user is finished entering the user generated text, the first user may interact with a submit comment icon 1504 which invokes code included in the block of codes 522 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect sending subscriber message functions that directs the processor 502 to cause the first web browser extension to send a subscriber message, such as the first subscriber message 700, including the user generated information having the user generated text, to the server 102. In one embodiment, when the user interacts with the submit comment icon 1504, the process depicted in flowchart 1200 is invoked.

In another embodiment, when the first user wishes to submit a reply to a previous comment, the first user interacts with a reply icon 1506 such as by using a mouse to click on the reply icon or by using another input device such as a keyboard to select the reply icon. In one embodiment, the reply icon

1506 includes the word "Reply". After interacting with the reply icon 1506, the processor 502 is directed to cause a reply text box 1508 to be displayed on the display and the first user may enter user generated text into the reply text box 1508. When the first user is finished entering the user generated text, the first user may interact with a submit reply icon 1510 which invokes code included in the block of codes 522 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect sending subscriber message functions that directs the processor 502 to cause the first web browser extension to send a subscriber message, similar to the first subscriber message 700, including the first user generated information including the user generated text to the server 102. In one embodiment, when the first user interacts with the submit reply icon 1510, the process depicted in flowchart 1200 is invoked.

In one embodiment, when the user generated information is a reply to a previous comment, the subscriber message may include a previous comment identifier for identifying the previous comment to which the user is replying to associate the reply with the previous comment. The reply and the previous comment may be optionally displayed together in the web browser extension window.

In one embodiment, the first user generated information includes a spam indicator for indicating that a previous comment or reply is spam. Referring to Figure 15, when the first user wishes to indicate that a comment or reply is spam, the first user interacts with a spam icon 1520. In one embodiment, the spam icon 1520 includes the word "Spam". Upon interaction with the spam icon 1520, code included in the block of codes 522 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect sending subscriber message functions is invoked which directs the processor 502 to send the first user generated information including the spam indicator to the server 102. In one embodiment, the spam indicator includes a previous comment identifier or reply identifier for identifying the previous comment or reply that the user is indicating approval of. In one embodiment, when the first user interacts with the spam icon 1520, the process depicted in flowchart 1200 is invoked.

In one embodiment, first user generated information includes an approval indicator. The approval indicator may indicate that the user agrees with a previous comment or reply or generally approves thereof. Referring to Figure 15, when the first user wishes to indicate approval of a comment or reply, the user interacts with an approval icon 1540 associated with the comment or reply. In one embodiment, the approval icon 1540 is a plus symbol. Upon interaction with the approval icon 1540, code included in the block of codes 522 for directing the first user machine 104 to effect sending subscriber message functions is invoked directing the processor 502 to send the user generated information including the approval indicator to the server 102. In one embodiment, the approval indicator includes a previous comment identifier or reply identifier for identifying the previous comment or reply that the user is indicating approval of. In one embodiment, when the first user interacts with the approval icon 1540, the process depicted in flowchart 1200 is invoked.

In one embodiment, the web extension window 1500 also includes an advertisement 1542. In the embodiment shown, codes included in the block of codes 520 for instructing the processor 502 to implement a first web browser extension direct the processor 502 to display the advertisement 1542 below the text box 1502. In other embodiments, the advertisement 1542 may be displayed in other locations within the web extension window 1500. Following users

Referring to Figure 16, a flowchart for directing the server 102 shown in Figure 3 to perform follow user functions in accordance with one embodiment is shown generally at 1600. The flowchart 1600 may be encoded in the block of codes

322 for directing the server 102 to effect follow user functions.

The flowchart 1600 begins with block 1602 which directs the processor 302 to receive a follow message from the second web browser extension indicating that the second user wishes to follow the first user. The follow message includes a second subscribing user identifier and the first subscribing user identifier. The second subscribing user identifier identifies the second user. In one embodiment, the second subscribing user identifier includes a login name of the second user. Referring to Figure 15, a block of codes similar to the block of codes 526 included in the first user machine 104 may direct the processor of the second user machine 106 to send the follow message when the second user interacts with a follow icon 1544 shown in Figure 15.

Block 1604 then directs the processor 302 to associate the second subscribing user identifier with the first subscribing user identifier in the database 116 to indicate that the second user is following the first user. In one embodiment, block 1604 directs the processor 302 to store the first subscribing user identifier in the block 336 and to store the second subscribing user identifier in the block 338 in order to associate the second subscribing user identifier with the first subscribing user identifier.

In one embodiment, once the second subscribing user is associated with the first subscribing user, block 1604 may direct the server 102 to provide a followed user activity message to the second subscribing user whenever the server 102 receives a subscriber message from the first subscribing user. In another embodiment, block 1604 may direct the server 102 to provide the followed user activity message to the second subscribing user only when the server receives a subscriber message that is of the comment or reply type from the first subscribing user

System claim, other embodiments.

In one embodiment, there is provided a system for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content. The system may include the server 102 and the first and second user machines 104 and 06 as described above. Although the embodiments described above have been generally described having regard to exemplary user machines, i.e. the first user machine 104, the second user machine 106, and the third user machine 108, it should be understood that in operation there may be many more user machines, each with generally the same capabilities as the first and second user machines. It should also be understood that, in the context of the above described embodiments, the first, second, and third user machines 104, 106, and 108 may be interchangeable with one another.

Accomplishment indicators

Referring to Figure 17, a flowchart for directing the server 102 shown in Figure 3 to administer an accomplishment awarding game amongst an online community of users in accordance with one embodiment is shown generally at 1700. The flowchart 1700 generally represents codes read from the program memory 304, for directing the processor 302 to perform accomplishment functions which may be encoded in the block of codes 324.

The flowchart 1700 begins at block 1702 which directs the processor 302 to determine whether a first subscribing user such as the first user meets an accomplishment requirement. If the processor 302 determines at block 1702 that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement, the process proceeds to block 1706. Otherwise, the process ends. Block 1706 directs the processor 302 to store in the database 316 an accomplishment indicator in association with the first subscribing user, the accomplishment indicator indicating that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement. In one embodiment, block 1706 may direct the processor 302 to store the accomplishment indicator in location 328 in association with the first subscribing user identifier stored in location 326. In one embodiment the accomplishment indicator includes an accomplishment name. In one embodiment, the accomplishment indicator is associated with an accomplishment badge which may include an image. Codes included in the block of codes 324 for directing the processor 302 to perform accomplishment functions may direct the processor 302 to provide web access to a profile associated with the first subscribing user which displays the accomplishment badge.

In one embodiment, the process shown by the flowchart 1700 is invoked every time a subscriber message is received from a user. In another embodiment, the process may be invoked each time a user logs in. In one embodiment, the process shown in the flowchart 1700 may be invoked periodically, i.e. every 24 hours.

In one embodiment, at least one of the following accomplishment requirements are administered using the process set out in the flowchart 1700:

Accomplishment

name Accomplishment requirement

Spamalot Users flag your ttags as spam 20 times in the last 24 hours

Highway Patrol Reply to a ttag within 10 seconds of it being posted

Night Writer 90% of the last 100 posts were posted between 6pm and 6am

Chatty Cathy Use all ttag tokens for 7 days in a row

Frequent Flier At least 1 ttag per day for the past 30 days

Day Tripper 90% of the last 100 posts were posted between 6am and 6 pm

Troll User earns both the Spamalot and Last Word badges

Route 66 User has posted 66+ ttags

Chain Links Last 100 ttag posts include a link Conspiracy Theorist 20% of last 100 posts include a conspiracy buzzword

Millennium User has posted 1000+ ttags

Mile High Club User has founded 3 airports

Lazyboy Account idle for last 30 days

Paparazzi User follows 300+ other users

Neighborhood

Watch Reports spam 20 times in the last 24 hours

Backpacker Founded geo-ttags on 3+ continents

Diners User founded 10+ restaurants

Pied Piper User has 300+ followers

One Trick Pony Last 10 ttags have identical content

Baby Face User has posted 1+ ttags

Phone Slinger 90% of last 100 ttags posted from Android or iOS

The Movie Star Other users have +1'ed your ttags 100,000+ times

User has only required fields in account settings for 30 days in a

Plain Jane row

Last Word 80% of last 100 posts are replies

Only one, awarded to the first non-Ttagit employee who posts

First User the first ttag

Badges for messages

Referring to Figure 18, a flowchart for directing the server 102 shown in Figure 3 to determine that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement in accordance with one embodiment is shown generally at 1800. In one embodiment, the blocks shown in flowchart 1800 are included in the block 1702 for determining whether the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement.

The flowchart 1800 begins at block 1802 which directs the processor 302 to receive at the server 102 a subscriber message from the first subscribing user. In one embodiment, the subscriber message is received as discussed above having regard to Figure 6, using the online comment management system. However in other embodiments, the subscriber message is received using other methods. In one embodiment, the subscriber message may be received according to conventional methods for administering a discussion board or web commenting system. Block 1804 then directs the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment trigger. If the subscriber message does not meet the accomplishment trigger, the process ends. In one embodiment, block 1804 directs the processor 302 to read the subscriber message from one of the locations for storing subscriber messages, such as location 332 and directs the processor 302 to then determine whether the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment trigger.

Determining whether the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the subscriber message includes content sufficiently associated with a topic to meet or exceed a predetermined threshold requirement for the topic. In one embodiment, block 1804 directs the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message includes content sufficiently associated with a topic to meet or exceed a predetermined threshold requirement for the topic.

In one embodiment, block 1804 directs the processor 302 to determine that the content is sufficiently associated when the content includes a word or a phrase associated with the topic. Block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to read user generated text included in the subscriber message and search for words or phrases. In one embodiment, for example, the topic may be conspiracy theorists. In this embodiment, block 1804 directs the processor 302 to determine that the content is sufficiently associated when the content includes any of the following words: UFO, alien, or conspiracy. Thus, if the subscriber message includes the word UFO, alien, or conspiracy, the accomplishment trigger is met. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with a stored accomplishment name, "Conspiracy theorist". In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of topics, each with their own words or phrases associated therewith. Each topic may thus define their own particular accomplishment requirement and sufficiently associated content. In one embodiment of the invention, block 1804 directs the processor 302 to determine that the accomplishment trigger is met when the subscriber message received from the first user has a spam indicator associated therewith. Thus, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether a spam indicator is stored in association with the subscriber message. Block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to read the user message from one of the locations for storing subscriber messages, such as the location 332 and determine whether a spam indicator is stored in association with the subscriber message. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with a stored accomplishment name, "Spamalot".

In one embodiment of the invention, block 1804 directs the processor 302 to determine that the accomplishment trigger is met when the subscriber message received from the first user was received between specific times in a day. In one embodiment, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message was received between a start trigger time and an end trigger time. In one embodiment, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message was received between a start trigger time and an end trigger time within a 24 hour period according to a server clock.

In one embodiment, for example, the start trigger time may be 6:00am and the end trigger time may be 6:00pm on the same day. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the stored accomplishment name, "Day Tripper".

In one embodiment, for example, the start trigger time may be 6:00pm and the end trigger time may be 6:00am on the next day. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Night Writer". ln one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining a day on which the subscriber message was received and determining whether at least one earlier subscriber message was received on the previous day. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine a day on which the subscriber message was received and to determine whether at least one earlier subscriber message was received on the previous day. Accordingly, the accomplishment trigger may be met when the first user sends a subscriber message in consecutive days. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name,

"Frequent flier".

In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the subscriber message includes a spam indicator. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message includes a spam indicator. Accordingly, the accomplishment trigger may be met when the first user flags another subscriber message as spam. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Neighborhood Watch".

In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the subscriber message is a reply to an original message. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message is a reply to an original message. Accordingly, the accomplishment trigger may be met when the first user replies to another subscriber message. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Last Word".

In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the reply was received within 10 seconds of receiving the original message. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the reply was received within 10 seconds of receiving the original message. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Highway Patrol". The processor 302 may make the above determination by comparing a time value associated with the original message stored in the variable memory 306 against a time value associated with the reply stored in the variable memory 306.

In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the subscriber message includes a link. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to read the subscriber message and determine whether the subscriber message includes a link. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Chain Links".

In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether user generated text included in the subscriber message is identical to user generated text included in a previous subscriber message received from the first subscribing user. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to read subscriber messages received from the first subscribing user and determine whether user generated text included in the subscriber message is identical to user generated text included in one of the read subscriber messages. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "One Trick Pony".

In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the subscriber message includes user generated text. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message includes user generated text. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Baby Face". ln one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the subscriber message was received from a mobile machine such as a smart phone or tablet. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message was received from a mobile machine such as a smart phone or tablet. Blcok 1804 may direct the processor to read the subscriber message and determine whether an OS indicator stored in the variable memory 306 in association with the subscriber message indicates that the subscriber message was received from a mobile machine such as a smart phone or tablet. Such a determination may be made by determining whether the subscriber message was received from an Android or an iOS device. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Phone Slinger". In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger may involve determining whether the subscriber message is associated with an approval indicator. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message is associated with an approval indicator. Thus, the accomplishment trigger may be met when other users have sent subscriber messages indicating their approval of the subscriber message. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "The Movie Star". Location badges

In one embodiment, the subscriber message includes a location identifier. In one embodiment, the location identifier includes the GPS location of the first subscribing user. In one embodiment, the location identifier may correspond to a building name, street name, restaurant name, airport name, etc that is determined to be within a threshold distance of the GPS location of the first subscribing user. The GPS location of the first subscribing user may be determined by a GPS locator 534 on the first user machine 104 of the first subscribing user. In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining whether the subscriber message includes a unique location identifier, the unique location identifier being different from previous location identifiers included in previous subscriber messages received from the first subscribing user. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message includes a unique location identifier, the unique location identifier being different from previous location identifiers included in previous subscriber messages received from the first subscribing user. The unique location identifier may be determined to be different when the unique location identifier includes a continent identifier different from continent identifiers included in the previous location identifiers. Thus, the subscriber message may meet the accomplishment trigger when the first subscribing user has sent the subscriber message from a continent that they have not previously sent a subscriber message from. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Backpacker".

In one embodiment, determining whether the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger involves determining whether the subscriber message includes a location identifier corresponding to a predetermined type of location. Thus, block 1804 may direct the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message includes a location identifier corresponding to a predetermined type of location. For example, in one embodiment, the predetermined type of location includes a restaurant type indicator. Thus, the accomplishment trigger is met when the location indicator corresponds to a restaurant. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Diners". In another embodiment, the predetermined type of location includes an airport type indicator. Thus, the accomplishment trigger is met when the location indicator corresponds to an airport. In such an embodiment, the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Mile High Club". ln one embodiment, if it is determined at block 1804 that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger, then it is also determined that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement and the process ends.

In another embodiment, however, if it is determined at block 1804 that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger, then the process proceeds to block 1806. In one embodiment, the server 102 first receives a plurality of subscriber messages and then at a later time, for each subscriber message received, invokes block 1804 and the server determines whether each of the received subscriber messages meets the accomplishment trigger. Trigger counter

In one embodiment, block 1702 directs the processor 302 to determine that the accomplishment requirement is met when it is determined that the accomplishment trigger has been met more than a predetermined number of times, over a predetermined period. In another embodiment, block 1702 directs the processor 302 to determine that the accomplishment requirement is met when it is determined that the accomplishment trigger has been met more than a predetermined percentage of times, over a predetermined period.

In one embodiment, determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger involves determining whether the subscriber message was received at the server within a trigger period. Thus, block 1804 directs the processor 302 to determine whether the subscriber message was received at the server within a trigger period. In one embodiment, the trigger period is a time period, which may be, in one embodiment, 24 hours. In one embodiment, the trigger period is a number of messages, which may be, in one embodiment, 100 messages. ln one embodiment, the trigger period begins at the start of a current log in session. In another embodiment, the trigger period begins when the first subscribing user creates their account. Thus, block 1702 for directing the processor 302 to determine whether the accomplishment requirement is met, may involve counting the number of times that the accomplishment trigger is met.

Referring to Figure 18, block 1806 directs the processor 302 to store in the database a subscribing first user trigger counter including a count of the subscriber message that was determined to meet the accomplishment trigger. The first trigger counter represents a number of messages that meet the accomplishment trigger. In one embodiment, for every subscriber message that is determined to meet the accomplishment trigger, block 1806 directs the processor 302 to increment the subscribing first user trigger counter by 1.

The first trigger counter is associated with the first subscribing first user. In one embodiment, block 1806 directs the processor 302 to store the first user trigger counter in the location 342. In one embodiment, block 1806 may direct the processor 302 to store in the database a first user trigger ratio equal to the first trigger counter divided by a total message number representing a total number of messages that were received within the trigger period. Block 1808 then directs the processor 302 to determine whether the first user trigger counter is greater than a counter threshold. The counter threshold may be stored in the variable memory 306 or the program memory 304. In one embodiment, the counter threshold is stored in the block of codes 324 for directing the server to effect user accomplishment management functions. If it is determined at block 1808 that the first user trigger counter is greater than the counter threshold, the process proceeds to block 1810. Otherwise the process ends. ln one embodiment, rather than directing the processor 302 to determine whether the first user trigger counter is greater than a counter threshold, block 1808 directs the processor 302 to determine whether the first user trigger ratio is greater than a trigger ratio threshold. The trigger ratio threshold may be stored similarly to the counter threshold. If it is determined at block 1808 that the first user trigger ratio is greater than the trigger ratio threshold, the process proceeds to block 1810. Otherwise the process ends.

In one embodiment, the trigger threshold ratio is about 20%.

Block 1810 directs the processor 302 to determine that the accomplishment requirement is met. In one embodiment, where the flowchart 1800 is included in the block 1702 of Figure 17, the process then proceeds to the block 1704 of Figure 17.

Non message based accomplishments:

In one embodiment, block 1702 in Figure 17 directs the processor 302 to determine whether the first subscribing user has been inactive for an inactive time period threshold. In one embodiment, directs the processor 302 to read time values associated with all subscriber messages sent to the server by the first subscribing user and determine whether any of the time volumes are within the inactive time period threshold of a current time provided by the server clock. In one embodiment, the inactive time period threshold is about 30 days. In such an embodiment the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Lazy Boy".

In one embodiment, block 1702 in Figure 17 directs the processor 302 to determine whether a count indicating the number of users that the first subscribing user is following is greater than a predetermined following number of users. Block 1702 may direct the processor 302 to read from the locations, such as the locations 338 and 336 to count the number of users that a first subscribing user identifier is associated with. In one embodiment, the predetermined following number of users is about 300. In such an embodiment the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Paparazzi". In one embodiment, block 1702 in Figure 17 directs the processor 302 to determine whether a count indicating the number of users following the first subscribing user is greater than a predetermined number of follower users. Block 1702 may direct the processor 302 to read from the locations, such as the locations 338 and 336 to count the number of users that are associated with the first subscribing user identifier. In one embodiment, the predetermined number of follower users is about 300. In such an embodiment the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Pied Piper". In one embodiment, block 1702 in Figure 17 directs the processor 302 to determine whether non-required fields of a user profile of the first subscribing user are not set to default values. If it is determined that the non-required fields of the user profile are set to default levels, then, in one embodiment, it is determined that the accomplishment requirement is met. In such an embodiment the accomplishment indicator may be associated with the accomplishment name, "Plain Jane".

While the above accomplishment requirements have been discussed individually, many or all of the accomplishment requirements may be concurrently monitored and thus the process set out in the flowchart 1700 may be invoked many times to determine whether the first subscribing user meets each respective accomplishment requirement. Accordingly, the first subscribing user identifier stored in the location 326 may be associated with a plurality of different accomplishment indicators stored in the location 328.

In one embodiment, whenever a user requests to view a profile of the first subscribing user, code directs the processor 302 to read accomplishment indicators associated with the first subscribing user from the location 328 and send the accomplishment indicators to the requesting user along with the requested profile such that the accomplishment indicators are displayed to the requesting user by the requesting user machine in association with the profile. While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PROVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

A method of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the method comprising: receiving at a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system a first subscriber message from a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the first subscriber message including: a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content; storing in a database associated with the subscriber-based online comment management system the first subscriber message, said storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier; receiving at the server a second message for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content; retrieving from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information; and sending a first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

The method of claim 1 wherein the steps of receiving the first subscriber message at the server, storing the first subscriber message, receiving the second message at the server, retrieving the stored subscriber messages, and sending the set of the stored subscriber messages all occur without receiving at the server or sending to the second user machine the first web content.

The method of any one of claims 1 and 2 further comprising: receiving a first accessing message from the second user machine, the first accessing message including a second user machine identifier and web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier; and storing the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content

The method of claim 3 further comprising: updating the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier; determining that the second user machine identifier is associated with the first web content identifier to determine that the second user is accessing the first web content; and based on said determining, sending an updated set of the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content to the second user machine.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein updating the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier comprises: receiving at the server a third subscriber message from a third web browser extension of a third web browser operable on a third user machine, the third web browser extension associated with a subscribing third user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the third message including: a third user identifier for identifying the subscribing third user, a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the third subscriber message is associated with the first web content, and third user generated information associated with the first web content; and in response to receiving the third message: storing in the database the third user generated information in association with the third user identifier and the first web content identifier to update the set of stored subscriber messages;

6. The method of claim 4 or 5 further comprising: after sending the updated set of stored subscriber messages, disassociating the second user machine from the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user machine is no longer accessing the first web content identifier; and receiving a second accessing message from the second user machine, the second accessing message including the second user machine identifier; and storing the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine is adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the stored subscriber messages in association with the first web content when the first web content is displayed by the second user machine in the second web browser.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine is adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the first set of the stored subscriber messages in a window on the second user machine.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the window overlays part of the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the window is separate from the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the window is within a browser window of the second web browser but does not overlap with the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the window is visible only on user machines that have a web browser extension corresponding to the second web browser extension installed and in communication with the server. 13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the window is configured for scrollable viewing.

14. The method of any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein each of the stored subscriber messages includes a time value and wherein the stored subscriber messages are displayed in the window in reverse chronological order according to the time values.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein one of the stored subscriber messages includes a pro subscriber indicator for indicating that the one of the stored subscriber message is a pro subscriber message and wherein the pro subscriber message is given priority when the subscriber messages are displayed by the second web browser extension.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the first user generated information includes first user generated text.

17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the first user generated information comprises an approval indicator for indicating approval of user generated text.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the first user generated information comprises a spam indicator for indicating that user generated text is spam. 19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the first user generated information comprises a reply to user generated text.

20 The method of any one of claims 1 to 19 further comprising: receiving a follow message from the second web browser extension indicating that the second user wishes to follow the first user, the follow message including the second user machine identifier and the first user identifier; associating the second user machine identifier with the first user identifier in the database to indicate that the second user is following the first user.

21. A computer-readable medium having encoded thereon codes for directing a processor to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. An apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the apparatus comprising a processor configured to: receive at a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system a first subscriber message from a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the first subscriber message including: a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content; store in a database associated with the subscriber-based online comment management system the first subscriber message, said storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier; receive at the server a second message for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content; retrieve from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information; and send a first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the processor is configured to receive the first subscriber message at the server, store the first subscriber message, receive the second message at the server, retrieve the stored subscriber messages, and send the set of the stored subscriber messages without receiving at the server or sending to the second user machine the first web content.

The apparatus of any one of claims 22 and 23 wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a first accessing message from the second user machine, the first accessing message including a second user machine identifier and web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier; and store the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the processor is further configured to: update the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier; determine that the second user machine identifier is associated with the first web content identifier to determine that the second user is accessing the first web content; and based on said determination, send an updated set of the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content to the second user machine.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein, the processor being configured to update the stored subscriber messages comprises the processor being configured to: receive at the server a third subscriber message from a third web browser extension of a third web browser operable on a third user machine, the third web browser extension associated with a subscribing third user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the third message including: a third user identifier for identifying the subscribing third user, a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the third subscriber message is associated with the first web content, and third user generated information associated with the first web content; and in response to receiving the third message: store in the database the third user generated information in association with the third user identifier and the first web content identifier to update the set of stored subscriber messages;

27. The apparatus of claim 25 or 26 wherein the processor is further configured to: after sending the updated set of stored subscriber messages, disassociate the second user machine from the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user machine is no longer accessing the first web content identifier; and receive a second accessing message from the second user machine, the second accessing message including the second user machine identifier; and store the second user machine identifier in association with the first web content identifier to indicate that the second user is accessing the first web content 28. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 27 wherein the first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine is adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the stored subscriber messages in association with the first web content when the first web content is displayed by the second user machine in the second web browser.

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 28 wherein the first set of the stored subscriber messages sent to the second user machine is adapted to cause the second web browser extension to display the first set of the stored subscriber messages in a window on the second user machine.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the window overlays part of the first web content displayed on the second web browser. 31. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the window is separate from the first web content displayed on the second web browser.

32. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the window is within a browser window of the second web browser but does not overlap with the first web content displayed on the second web browser. 33. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the window is visible only on user machines that have a web browser extension corresponding to the second web browser extension installed and in communication with the server.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 33 wherein the window is configured for scrollable viewing.

35. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 34 wherein each of the stored subscriber messages includes a time value and wherein the stored subscriber messages are displayed in the window in reverse chronological order according to the time values. 36. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 35 wherein one of the stored subscriber messages includes a pro subscriber indicator for indicating that the one of the stored subscriber message is a pro subscriber message and wherein the pro subscriber message is given priority when the subscriber messages are displayed by the second web browser extension.

37. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 36 wherein the first user generated information includes first user generated text.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 36 wherein the first user generated information comprises an approval indicator for indicating approval of user generated text.

39. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 36 wherein the first user generated information comprises a spam indicator for indicating that user generated text is spam.

40. The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 36 wherein the first user generated information comprises a reply to user generated text.

41 The apparatus of any one of claims 22 to 40 wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a follow message from the second web browser extension indicating that the second user wishes to follow the first user, the follow message including the second user machine identifier and the first user identifier; associate the second user machine identifier with the first user identifier in the database to indicate that the second user is following the first user.

42. An apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the method comprising: means for receiving at a server associated with a subscriber- based universal online comment management system a first subscriber message from a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the first subscriber message including: a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content; means for storing in a database associated with the subscriber- based online comment management system the first subscriber message, said storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier; means for receiving at the server a second message for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber- based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content; means for retrieving from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information; and means for sending a first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

43. A method of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the method comprising: sending a first subscriber message to a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the first subscriber message including: a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content; sending a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content; receiving a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

44. A computer-readable medium having encoded thereon codes for directing a processor to execute the method of claim 43. 45. An apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the apparatus comprising a processor configured to: send a first subscriber message to a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the first subscriber message including: a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content; send a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content; receive a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

46. An apparatus for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the apparatus comprising: means for sending a first subscriber message to a server using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the first subscriber message including: a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content; means for sending a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content; means for receiving a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser.

47. A system for supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the system comprising: a client processor configured to: send a first subscriber message to a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system using a first web browser extension of a first web browser operable on a first user machine, the first web browser extension associated with a subscribing first user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, the first subscriber message including: a first user identifier for identifying the subscribing first user, a first web content identifier for identifying a first web content of a third party, the first web content available from a first web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and first user generated information associated with the first web content; send a second message to the server requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content, the second message generated by a second user via a second web browser extension of a second web browser operable on a second user machine, the second web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein the second message includes a web content identifier corresponding to the first web content identifier for indicating that the second user is accessing the first web content; receive a first set of the stored subscriber messages at the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser; and server processor configured to: receive at the server the first subscriber message from the first web browser extension of the first web browser operable on a first user machine; store in a database associated with the subscriber-based online comment management system the first subscriber message, said storing involving storing the first user generated information in association with the first user identifier and the first web content identifier; receive at the server the second message; retrieve from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the first web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including the first user generated information; and send the first set of the stored subscriber messages to the second user machine for display to the second user via the second web browser extension as the first web content is accessed by the second web browser. 48. A method of supporting communication amongst an online community of users with respect to remote third party web content, the method comprising: receiving at a server associated with a subscriber-based universal online comment management system a plurality of subscriber messages, each of the subscriber messages generated by a subscriber web browser extension of a subscriber web browser operable on a subscriber user machine, the subscriber web browser extension associated with a subscribing user of the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein each of the plurality of subscriber messages includes: a user identifier for identifying the subscribing user, a web content identifier for identifying a web content of a third party, available from a web site remote from the subscriber-based online comment management system, and user generated information associated with the web content; for each of the plurality of subscriber messages received: storing in a database associated with the subscriber- based online comment management system the user generated information in association with the user identifier and the web content identifier; receiving at the server a plurality of viewing messages, each of the viewing messages for requesting access to stored subscriber messages associated with web content being viewed by a viewing user, each of the viewing messages generated by the viewing user via a viewing web browser extension of a viewing web browser operable on a viewing user machine, the viewing web browser extension being compatible with the subscriber-based online comment management system, wherein each of the viewing messages includes a web content identifier identifying web content being viewed by the viewing user; for each of the plurality of viewing messages received: retrieving from the database the stored subscriber messages associated with the web content identifier, the stored subscriber messages including user generated information from one of the plurality of subscriber messages stored in association with the web content identifier; and sending a set of the stored subscriber messages to the viewing user machine for display to the viewing user via the viewing web browser extension as the web content is accessed by the viewing web browser.

49. A method of administering an accomplishment awarding game amongst an online community of users, the method comprising: determining that the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement, storing in a database an accomplishment indicator in association with the first subscribing user, said accomplishment indicator indicating that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein determining that the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement comprises: receiving at a server a subscriber message from a first subscribing user; and determining that the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment trigger.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message includes content sufficiently associated with a topic to meet or exceed a predetermined threshold requirement for the topic.

52. The method of claim 50 wherein the content comprises a word or a phrase associated with conspiracy theorists.

53. The method of claim 52 wherein the content comprises one of the following words:

UFO; alien; or conspiracy;

54. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message has a spam indicator associated therewith.

55. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message was received between a start trigger time and an end trigger time.

56. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message was received between a start trigger time and an end trigger time within a 24 hour period according to a server clock.

57. The method of claim 55 or 56 wherein the start trigger time is 6:00am and the end trigger time is 6:00 pm.

58. The method of claim 55 or 56 wherein the start trigger time is 6:00pm and the end trigger time is 6:00 am.

59. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining a day on which the subscriber message was received and determining that at least one earlier subscriber message was received on the previous day.

60. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message includes a spam indicator.

61. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message is a reply to an original message.

62. The method of claim 61 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger further comprises determining that the reply was received within 10 seconds of receiving the original message.

63. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message includes a link.

64. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that user generated text included in the subscriber message is identical to user generated text included in a previous subscriber message received from the first subscribing user.

65. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message includes user generated text.

66. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message was received from a mobile machine.

67. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message is associated with an approval indicator.

68. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message includes a unique location identifier, said unique location identifier being different from previous location identifiers included in previous subscriber messages received from the first subscribing user.

69. The method of claim 68 wherein the unique location identifier is determined to be different because the unique location identifier corresponds to a continent identifier different from continent identifiers included in the previous location identifiers.

70. The method of claim 50 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message includes a location identifier corresponding to a predetermined type of location.

71. The method of claim 70 wherein the type of location indicates that the location is a restaurant.

72. The method of claim 70 wherein the type of location indicates that the location is an airport.

73. The method of any one of claims 50 to 72 wherein determining that the subscriber message meets the accomplishment trigger comprises determining that the subscriber message was received at the server within a trigger period. 74. The method of claim 73 wherein the trigger period is a time period

75. The method of claim 74 wherein the time period is 24 hours.

76. The method of claim 75 wherein the trigger period is a number of messages.

77. The method of claim 79 wherein the number of messages is 100. 78. The method of any one of claims 74 or 75 wherein the trigger period begins at the start of a current log in session.

79. The method of any one of claims 74 or 75 wherein the trigger period begins when the first subscribing user creates their account.

80. The method of any one of claims 50 to 79 wherein determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement further comprises: storing in the database a first user trigger counter including a count of the subscriber message that was determined to meet the accomplishment trigger, the first trigger counter representing a number of messages that meet the accomplishment trigger; and determining that the trigger counter is greater than a counter threshold.

81. The method of any one of claims 73 to 79 wherein determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement further comprises: storing in the database a first user trigger counter including a count of the subscriber message that was determined to meet the accomplishment trigger, the first trigger counter representing a number of messages that meet the accomplishment trigger; and storing in the database a first trigger ratio equal to the first trigger counter divided by a total message number representing a total number of messages that were received within the accomplishment trigger period; and determining that the trigger ratio is greater than a threshold ratio.

82. The method of claim 75 wherein the threshold ratio is about 20%. 83. The method of claim 49 wherein determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement comprises: determining that the first subscribing user has been inactive for an inactive time period threshold.

84. The method of claim 83 wherein the inactive time period threshold is about 30 days.

85. The method of claim 83 wherein determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement comprises determining that a count indicating the number of users that the first subscribing user is following is greater than a predetermined number of users. 86. The method of claim 83 wherein determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement comprises determining that a count indicating the number of subscribing users following the first subscribing user is greater than a predetermined number of users.

87. The method of claim 83 wherein determining that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement comprises determining that non-required fields of a user profile of the first subscribing user are set to non-default values. An apparatus for administering an accomplishment awarding game amongst an online community of users, the apparatus comprising a processor configured to: determine that the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment requirement by the processor being configured to: receive at a server a subscriber message from a first subscribing user; and determine that the subscriber message received from the first subscribing user meets an accomplishment trigger; and store in a database an accomplishment indicator in association with the first subscribing user, said accomplishment indicator indicating that the first subscribing user meets the accomplishment requirement.