Adium Xtra is a user-friendly and cost-free software that enables setting of idle status.
For instance, if you have someone in your contacts whom you do not want to chat with but prefer not to block or ignore, Set Idle Xtra comes in handy. The script selects a random time between 1 and 2 hours, making it look like you have been away for a different length each time they connect.
To use Set Idle, start with downloading the associated file (setidle.scpt) and placing it in your preferred location. Next, select the contact you want to avoid and go to their "View Contact's Info" (command-i). Then move to the "Alerts" tab, add a new alert, set "Event" to "Connects," and choose "Run an Applescript" for "Action."
Browse to the location where you saved the setidle.scpt file, select it, and wait for them to come online. With this Adium script, you can avoid unwanted conversations without letting others know that you are intentionally avoiding them.
Version 1.0: N/A