How about having a thing where members can have their status somewhere available to others so that people know if we've had to stop posting for a while. Like what they have on ICQ i guess, only more permanent.
E.g.

So-and-so is....On holiday.
In intensive study.
In intensive care (j/k)
Is taking a leave of absence.
Is here and posting.

Perhaps people could make their own up too, so they can explain where they are etc.
It could be displayed in the same bit as the avatar and rank. on every post.
Do you think that could be done?

whatdoyah all think?

alrighty then, ill try and create the hack

It sounds like a good idea to me, I would definitely use it.