Hash tables are fast which is why I used it for a switch. I didn't see his request about 'only when away' so that's something I overlooked :tongue:
Code:
ON ^*:OPEN:?: {
  if ($hget(flood,flood) == $null && $away == $true) {
    hadd -mu5 flood flood 1
    echo $colour(info) -ta $nick has opened a private chat with you
  }
}

Two heads are better than one. grin