I use the online status notifications to help me find minions that needs blood and people who want to trade souls with me. I would hate to see this go. Also knowing viewers helps id alts that are griefers.
Try ctrl+alt+r first. Then try changing your skin, shape, eyes, bald head, clothes ....one at a time. Sometimes one of them gets corrupted and won't load for me. I've been having the same problem though - and this has cleared it. Good luck