| 20090265233 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR USE OF ONLINE SERVICES - A system and method permits a primary online service to award and redeem incentive points to users of a social networking or other third-party site that operates independently of the primary online service. The primary online service publishes copies of a widget on the social networking site. The widget communicates with the social networking site through an API published by the operators of the social networking site. When user of the social networking site activates the widget, the primary website awards incentive points to the user based on the user's activities at the social networking site. These activities are tracked by the widget, which also displays to the user the balance of award points and advertising messages. The user can redeem points for goods, services or other consideration and can buy and sell points with other users. | 10-22-2009 |
