I've recently started an instant messaging client based on the FPSB buddy system. It is basically like Window Live Messenger but instead of contacts, all your FPSB buddies are listed. The reason behind the idea for this is to try and make communication between members of the site easier, without the need to add all your buddies to the different messaging clients you use. I've done quite a lot already (see the list at the bottom) but I'm not going to put a date on when I think I'll finish this as I'm not 100% sure at the moment.

To use this, all you will have to do is add a module which will give you a unique pass key (I'm using the term "Pass Key" to avoid confusion with your actual FPSB password). When signing in, you just have to input your UserID and your pass key. Your buddies will the be retrieved and loaded into the list.

You can choose between four options for your status, Online, Be Right Back, Busy, and Away. Your avatar and the avatars of your buddies are dynamically loaded into the program as it loads and their status will change as they update it. The module will also show your status in your profile, so people can see when you are online, offline, or busy etc.

Update: The application will now run from a server, instead of Peer-to-Peer.

This is a quick video showing the UI so far. All information is loaded dynamically into the app. Oviously, you wont have to input a UserID to open a window in the final version, that's just for testing. Watch it in HD on Vimeo here.

FPSB IM UI Example 01 from Matthew Roberts on Vimeo.