Assignable associate priorities for user-definable instant messaging buddy groups

An instant messaging server, said instant messaging server operable to assign associate priorities, for an associate of a communications services platform (CSP) user, within a user-definable instant messaging buddy group, said instant messaging server comprising:

• means for receiving, from said CSP user, a selection assigning a priority level for said associate;
• means for storing said priority level for said associate in a preference database;
• means for detecting an attempt by said associate to establish contact with said CSP user;
• means for providing said associate, responsive to said attempt by said associate to establish contact with said CSP user, with a first quantity of information pertaining to a user status, when said priority level is assigned as a first priority level;
• and
• means for providing said associate, responsive to said attempt by said associate to establish contact with said CSP user, with a second quantity of information pertaining to said CSP user status, when said priority level is assigned as a second priority level.