what is it exactly?

__________________
"We get so much in the habit of
wearing a disguise before others that we
eventually appear disguised before ours

Are we talking about the buddy list you see when you sign on AOLfor the AOL instant messenger? It lists all the people have emailed you, and you can add people to it, to be your buddie. It lets you know when they are online. There is one for yahoo too, and I am assuming all other instant messengers.