"We need to make more of buddy lists. First, we need a way to move threads among all the different conversation forms: see the threadsML initiative.

Second, research (e.g. Albert-László Barabási shows the self-organizing networks naturally create 'super nodes.' These are invisible in buddy lists. There ought to be some way of developing them.

If voice, passion and connection drive the Web then, IM is not just creating a new network of groups but is also (almost necessarily): Messy (the clean line between personal and business is smudged), subversive (IM as passing notes in the back of the classroom), hyperlinked (driven by interest) and entertaining (multiple persona, exaggeration, humor). IM at work is not much different than IM at home. IM is part of the permanent, pervasive adolescence enabled by the Web, and part of the rebirth of play." [JOHO aka David Weinberger, via Doc Searls]

I'm seeing this played out as work as I get more and more staff signed up for IM. It's all just play right now, but that will change. In fact, we're still in the "passing noes in the back of the classroom" stage.