Web-based user interface tool for social network group collaboration

摘要

Members of a social networking system group are provided multiple interfaces to communicate within the group. A first communication interface allows a user to upload a first content item; in response to this, the first content item is transmitted via a first communication channel to online members of the group. A second communication interface allows a user to upload a second content item; in response to this, the second content item is transmitted via a second communication channel to online and offline members of the group. Transmission via a first communication channel may comprise sending an instant message containing the first content item. Transmission via a second communication channel may comprise displaying the second content item on a group message board. Both interfaces may be contained within the group's web page or may be contained within another web page within the social networking system or outside of it.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
maintaining a list of members of a social networking system group, each group member being a user of a social networking system, each group member having previously opted to join the group, and the group comprising less than all users of the social networking system; providing a web page for the group, wherein the web page contains a first communication channel for uploading content items to a chat window that enables real-time communication among a plurality of members of the group, and a second communication channel enabling members of the group to view or upload content items to a message board within the web page; receiving from a group member a selection of the first or second communication channel and a first content item to send to the group using the selected communication channel; determining by the social networking system a recipient list comprising a subset of group members selected based on the selection of the first or second communication channel, wherein the recipient list comprises the group members who are currently online if the first content item is uploaded to the chat window, and all group members if the first content item is uploaded to the message board within the web page; transmitting the content item in the selected communication channel to the group members who are on the recipient list; receiving from a second group member a second selection of the first or second communication channel and a second content item to send to the group using the communication channel selected by the second group member; determining by the social networking system a second recipient list comprising a second subset of group members selected based on the selection of the first or second communication channel by the second group member, wherein the second recipient list comprises group members that have subscribed to the first content item and who are currently online if the second content item is uploaded to the chat window, and all group members that have subscribed to the first content item if the second content item is uploaded to the message board within the web page; and transmitting the second content item in the communication channel selected by the second group member to the group members who are on the second recipient list.