What is the point of having a "buddy" on the forum?

[falcon9]

It's a feature which makes more sense if you were allowed to share your email address publicly (you can't) and send personal messages to other members (you can't).  At this point the only use I can imagine is to simply keep tabs on some of your favorite posters.  You can click on their name in the buddy list to see their profile; from their profile you can view their latest posts.  I know it'd be nice to have more features on here, but we have to protect member privacy.

Amen on protecting privacy!

Amon, (the hidden one); appropriate neteru for a privacy policy.

[oldbuddy]

You know I was just wondering the same thing. what is the point? you can't send them messages, actually there is know communication with the buddy's list what so ever. I have all of these buddy's and they don't even know it.

There IS communication as long as you want to do it in public. For example, you have someone you want to follow around so you add them to your Buddy List and check their posts once in a while, then respond with comments to those posts you find interesting and watch for a reply by ticking the box in your profile to be emailed when one shows up. Isn't that communication?

[devilroljin]

I was also unaware of the buddy list, until today. I guess you can find some use for it, and I agree that privacy comes first. I wouldn't want the buddy list to have more uses and benefits at our privacy expense.

[sherryfan]

go to your profile and click on edit buddies.  I think "buddy" on the forum is the person you like to chat with more often, not many people notice. Good day