To give you the illusion that you have people here that you can consider "buddies" =\ Naaaah, just kiddin' with ya, peeps.
Im not sure how this would be in forum assistance O.o Well when you add them to your list, they show up as online in their own box on the mainpage. Its just an easier way if tell if your buddies are on.
In case you might want to talk to or RP with so they can be easier to find. They appear in a separate box so you know they are on. E.g. Here's mine with my 'buddies' on Buddies