Buddy list there is a buddy list 
Go to your profile page.
At the bottom of the menu "Modify Profile" there is the option "edit buddies".
When you click that, you can add names of people you want to be a buddy with.
The only thing it does is that their name appears bolded in the who's online list. There are no shortcuts for sending a pm, and your buddy won't even know you made him or her your buddy.

So, not effective, but funny.