A ping is just this. Sending something to you. But as you can tell by looking at the top of this *ping* you can send to more than one person.
Also on your "post page" up at the top there is a teeny little horn looking symbol. You can click on it, a page comes up, and if you're really quick, put your curser over what says "disallow java...something" That will give you a pager sound and a window that tells you if you have been "pinged". Put that window in your tray and then every time someone "talks" to you you'll hear a sound...a ping sound.
If this is "too much information" just ignore me and have fun! LOL!
OK thanks I understand now