Does anyone know how many emails back and forth it takes – assuming chat with them is not blocked at either end – before someone appears as a potentially online contact in Google Talk or Gmail? I'm curious because some Gmailers I think I've emailed a fair bit haven't yet shown up, whereas others I've only sent only one email to are there.

Presumably there's a minimum formula, but I wonder what it is.

No.. it should be instant... btw.. the user on the other end has to be "signed into Chat".. before for you to see the green flag for chat..btw make sure you have the correct flags set under contacts " Show in Quick Contacts?".. I have mine set to AUTO..

Thanks /pd. I didn't know it could be instant; I had noticed some delay. I keep mine to AUTO too. Presumably if someone hasn't always been signed into chat, and if you have previously exchanged emails, and if they later sign in, the green flags will then appear at both ends?

yeah once they are log into gmail w/chat enabled..you should be able to see them.. I have users..that I have never even sent an email too.. or even they have not sent my an email rather, they were the sender to a listerserver.. and they still pop up in my contact list , as I am on the membership of the listserver

That's good to know; thank you...