Question for the AIM geeks out there.

[vtlion]

I have several AIM user names, and I noticed recently that some users who appear online to one user name (in the buddy list) appear to be off-line to the other user name (not in that user name's buddy list).  They must be doing something to make this happen.  and no, i don't want to just ask my friends whey they are hiding from me.... I'll let those sleeping dogs lie, thank you very much 

I know that in the past, DEAD AIM was able to accomplish this, but these days it is for-fee.  The newest version of AIM doesn't seem to be capable of this.  Conclusion, there is a plug in of some kind that allows it.  Is there a free ware plug in that allows this sort of thing?  or is it basically Dead Aim or bust?

Just thought I would ask.

[asobi]

I have several AIM user names, and I noticed recently that some users who appear online to one user name (in the buddy list) appear to be off-line to the other user name (not in that user name's buddy list).  They must be doing something to make this happen.  and no, i don't want to just ask my friends whey they are hiding from me.... I'll let those sleeping dogs lie, thank you very much 

I know that in the past, DEAD AIM was able to accomplish this, but these days it is for-fee.  The newest version of AIM doesn't seem to be capable of this.  Conclusion, there is a plug in of some kind that allows it.  Is there a free ware plug in that allows this sort of thing?  or is it basically Dead Aim or bust?

Just thought I would ask.

First off, Pidgin is probably the best instant messaging client I've ever used and it's free, cross-platform, open source software.  http://www.pidgin.im/

The "invisible" status setting is probably the one you're looking for.  I have no idea if it works or not, test it out.

Also, just a shout-out to off-the-record messaging - everyone should use this so everyone in your dorm doesn't read your chats.  http://www.cypherpunks.ca/otr/
(Yes, I'm aware of switched networks - it still doesn't change the fact that a sophisticated attacker can read everything you send.)

[CndnMax]

i remember that option in the old aim as you said but i believe they ditched the feature.

[yamahonkawazuki]

also trillian works too even the free version