I have been reading confessionals and the common thread in them is that it feels like a lack of personal communication here on the forums.
I tend to agree personally, and when i play in pro board games, i use aim to communicate on a deeper level and then use messages to talk to multiple people who may have different time zones, etc.
AIM is easy to use and easy to get and i am recommending that you all get it for this game. You can make a generic aim for games (like i have) or you can use the one you have as long as it doesn't give away your identity.
I would like you to post your aims once you make them here, so i can add you all. I don't always check the forums, every 30 mins or so (LOL) but my AIM is always up and makes a noise when someone wants to talk to me.