Patent ID: 8214442

Claim:
A computer-implemented method comprising steps of: using one or more processor devices configured to perform: receiving a prompt from a user to activate a message interface in order to begin an on-line session; activating the message interface wherein the user sets up at least one message to be sent to at least one target correspondent when the at least one target correspondent becomes available, and enabling the user to set up alternative messages for predefined anticipated responses of the at least one target correspondent and also a general message to be sent when the target correspondent responds with an unanticipated message; presenting the message interface to the user; receiving user input from the message interface, said user input comprising: a user selection of the at least one target correspondent; and a first message to be sent to the at least one target correspondent; tagging the first message with a tag associating said first message with the user and the target correspondent; storing the first message; sending the first message to a messaging system for delivery to the target correspondent when the target correspondent is detected to be available to receive the first message; wherein sending the first message comprises delaying transmission of the first message until the target correspondent is available; receiving user input comprising the predefined anticipated responses expected to be received from the target correspondent and corresponding responsive messages matched with the predefined anticipated responses, said corresponding responsive messages to be sent only in response to receipt of responses from the target correspondent that match the predefined anticipated responses; tagging the predefined anticipated responses and the corresponding responsive messages with an identifier associated with the user and the target correspondent; storing the predefined anticipated responses and the corresponding responsive messages; and sending the corresponding responsive message to the message system for delivery to the target correspondent upon receipt of the predefined anticipated response.