Have you guys checked the ICQ network?
It is easy way to be online with each-other, outside 8052.com though.
The beauty of it is that you don't have to log on to anywhere. Computer does it automatically each time you log to Internet and let's know your pre-determined friends about it. Then you can chat or exchange files, documents, leave on hold if the person is unavailable at the moment, etc, all the fancy stuff. Easy actually.
I have tried it and must say it has saved many lives already..
So, go see www.icq.com (Please don't think I get paid for this)