AOL Instant Messenger Question

[NeverNeverland]

Is there some way you can log on as invisible on AIM? I've looked at the options and searched for it in the help section but can't find an answer.

Thanks.

[Opus1guy]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

On mine it's SETUP/IM SETTINGS/PRIVACY & SECURITY(tab)...and then select your BLOCK options (perhaps BLOCK ALL) and then click the box that says "People I've blocked in the above preferences: Can not view me on their buddy list."

[NeverNeverland]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

So you can only block or allow certain users then?
Nothing that allows me to log on as invisible an just IM the people who are on?

[Sambo]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

It's AOL... That flies in the face of what they are all about.

[NeverNeverland]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

Ah, true that true that!!

[fantoongal]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

I have version 5.9.6 and when looking at the buddy list, there is a little eye just to the left where it says "so & so's buddy list"

If you click on that eye...then bam! Invisible!

Hope it helps!

[Opus1guy]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

So you can only block or allow certain users then?
Nothing that allows me to log on as invisible an just IM the people who are on?

You can do exactly what you want. Take a look at the options yourself via my previous post. They should be self-explanatory.

Take for example you chose to "Block All". In that case you can make yourself invisible to all by then further selecting "People I've blocked can not view me on their Buddy List"...but you can still initiate a chat with them and they can still IM you, but only if they already know your Screen Name. They don't see you are online however.

If you select "People I've blocked can not view me on their Buddy List, IM me, or send me AOL Instant Greetings" then you are also invisible, but even if they know your Screen Name, they can't initiate a chat with you.

Now...if you select certain names to block...those options only apply to those on your block list. But "Block All" and making either of the next selections makes you invisible to all. They never know you're online.

[aimster]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

I have version 5.9.6 and when looking at the buddy list, there is a little eye just to the left where it says "so & so's buddy list"

If you click on that eye...then bam! Invisible!

Hope it helps!

That's what I do. When the eye is closed, you're invisible. When the eye is open, people on your buddy list can see you.

[NeverNeverland]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

The problem is, if you log on then go invisible, the people who are already on know you're on... because it's kinda obvious when you're there then not.

I just wanted to log in already invisible which you can't do.
Thanks.

[QuietViolet]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

I think they'd just assume you logged on and changed your mind and had to go or something... when I see people log on and then leave I dont think "oh now they're invisible".....

[Opus1guy]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

I just wanted to log in already invisible which you can't do.

Yes you can. It's easy. No problem. It's all there. You can do it. Are my posts invisible?

[NeverNeverland]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

haha opus.
What you're saying involves blocking all or none or having certain people know or not know you're online.

I want everyone accessible - my ENTIRE list, but to have them all see me as invisible as soon s I log on BUT still be able to message me (ie. not have any blocked).

Anyway... it's not a big deal, the reason's already passed.

[Opus1guy]

Re: AOL Instant Messenger Question

haha opus.
What you're saying involves blocking all or none or having certain people know or not know you're online.

I want everyone accessible - my ENTIRE list, but to have them all see me as invisible as soon s I log on BUT still be able to message me (ie. not have any blocked).

"but to have them all see me as invisible" sounds contradictory to me. How can they all see you if you are invisible? This is a bit confusing to me.

Regardless you CAN be invisible to ALL (that is to say nobody sees you on their Buddy List when you log on or are online)...but they are STILL able to IM you. You just do what I wrote above:

Take for example you chose to "Block All". In that case you can make yourself invisible to all by then further selecting "People I've blocked can not view me on their Buddy List"...but you can still initiate a chat with them and they can still IM you, but only if they already know your Screen Name. They don't see you are online however.

That sounds to me just what you want: To be invisible to all, but still able to initiate OR receive IM's from those that already know your Screen Name.

Just set your settings as the two check boxes on the left here:



And you WILL be invisible to ALL when you log on or are online, but they will still be able to IM you if they already know your Screen Name. They just won't know for sure you are online until they send their IM attempt. If you are online it will go through. And you will be able to initiate IM's too.

Trust me...it works. With those settings I'm invisible to everyone. No one can tell I'm online. But if they IM me with my Screen Name (using the "Send IM" button), they get through.

The word "Block" applies to the WHO. Just WHAT you want blocked (visibility and/or ability to contact)...comes in the second check box group.