A method for facilitating a chat session between a first user and second
users visiting a first web site comprising receiving, from the first user,
a first user ID; receiving, from the second user, a second user ID;
providing, to the first user, at least an indication of the second user
ID; receiving, from the first user, a request to open one of a public chat
session, a semi-public chat session and a private chat session with the
second user; transmitting, to the second user, an indication that the
first user has requested a chat session; and receiving, from the second
user, an acceptance to enter the chat session designated by the first
user. The method also comprises receiving from the first user a query
regarding other users in a co-branded community visiting the first web
site and searching a database to determine a response to the query.
