20100269158 | SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE AND SYSTEM - Various methods and systems are described for use in operating and maintaining a user subscribed system, such as a website or network. For example, a social networking site or network is contemplated with a member account having one or more member profiles associated with his or her member account. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the described systems and methods may provide a user selective access to member-related information, such as topic-based electronic content associated with the member, member-related or identifying information, and other such information, in accordance with member selected categorization and/or organisation. Users may be categorized hierarchically into contact groups, such that access to member-related information by user in a given contact group depends on the permission rights granted to that contact group. The methods and systems described provide a scalable infrastructure to support large volumes of users and requests in a network while ensuring a high degree of fault tolerance, so as to minimize service interruptions and unexpected data loss, for example. | 10-21-2010 |