OK - Seriously what's with the smiley hate?

[DrummerDeanna]

Ok - I'm seriously asking this because I don't get it.

Nancy said something to the effect of they're used to mask genuine feelings or something? I would go back and actually quote you Nancy - but I'm already typing this.

Now - I don't know about anyone else - but I find the smilies to be fun and I have never knowingly used one to mask any real feelings - or hide some felt aggravation that I was really afraid to let out....:shrug:

So - what's the beef with the smilies? I like them - again, I think they're fun and I always thought they were a nice little addition to my posts....

So tell me - I want to hear from all sides on this - what are your problems/or non-problems with the smilies??

[LiquidBlue5000]

i use them everyday and in almost every post.. i have no problem with them whatsoever :woohoo: :) :blob2: :wavey:

[DrummerDeanna]

i use them everyday and in almost every post.. i have no problem with them whatsoever :woohoo: :) :blob2: :wavey:

Yea!! And I have to admit, I love the blobs :blob1: :blob2:

[GardenStateGirlie]

Using too many in a single post is not only obnoxious but seizure-inducing, IMO. There are only so many bright colors I can handle at once. Some people are down with smilie overload (and for the record, I hate :blob1: and :blob2: ).

I understand completely what Nancy is saying -- some people use them in a sarcastic way, others use them in a joking manner, some actually use them to further drive the point of their post home. Fact of the matter remains, very few of us know each other off of this board (especially the new kids who may not totally know our posting style and the way we write) so If I say something and then post :mad: , I may be totally joking but maybe you've taken it literally. I can see where it can cause problems if the wrong type of person stumbled upon the post. JMO, of course. As far as masking, I certainly have never had an issue with throwing my two cents in :cool:

[macfanken]

For the longest time they annoyed the hell out of me. :eek: I'm not sure why. :shrug: Lately though, I've kind of given in to their hypnotic power, I think I'm turning into a smilie whore. :nod: :lol:

[amber]

For the longest time they annoyed the hell out of me. :eek: I'm not sure why. :shrug: Lately though, I've kind of given in to their hypnotic power, I think I'm turning into a smilie whore. :nod: :lol:
No one likes a whore who doesn't smile. Oh, and your waving Golden Gate Bridge avatar is freaking me out.

[HomerMcvie]

The other day, I called Johnny Stew a bitch. Now, Brian knows I like him, and putting a little :xoxo: after the bitch just makes SURE that he knows it's all in fun.
I've been using the blobs more lately, too. I felt they were being neglected, and started feeling kinda sorry for them. :rolleyes: :blob2: :blob1: :blob2: :blob1:

[AliceLover]

I love the smilies I use them to express my emotion. I think its better then saying "LOL" or "HAHA" or saying "SHOCKED" or "WOO HOO".

Its a much easier option especially when they are staring you right in the face next to the post box.

[sodascouts]

Ok - I'm seriously asking this because I don't get it.

Nancy said something to the effect of they're used to mask genuine feelings or something? I would go back and actually quote you Nancy - but I'm already typing this.

Now - I don't know about anyone else - but I find the smilies to be fun and I have never knowingly used one to mask any real feelings - or hide some felt aggravation that I was really afraid to let out....:shrug:

So - what's the beef with the smilies? I like them - again, I think they're fun and I always thought they were a nice little addition to my posts....

So tell me - I want to hear from all sides on this - what are your problems/or non-problems with the smilies??

Actually you're quoting David but I do agree with him. Sometimes someone will write a particularly mean-spirited post and put a little winkie in order to head your reaction off at the pass. "Why are you mad? Didn't you see my little winkie?"

However, I do not condemn the use of smilies. I use them myself quite often - a happy face here, a winkie there, an occasional sad or angry face. I actually think that when used genuinely, they're fine. Well, maybe not jumpy blob - he annoys me a great deal. I do enjoy using jumpy blob ironically or sarcastically, though.

Of course over-use of smileys will always be annoying. Rule of thumb: More than two smileys is usually excessive, unless you're using several for emphasis.

But hey, this is a message board, do whatever the heck you want. Love the smilies? Use them. There are worse things, and I doubt anyone will lose sleep over annoying me. Passive agressive smileys, on the other hand, are just plain disingenuous to the point of being cowardly. JMHO.

[DrummerDeanna]

Ah - ok - sorry Nancy - I'd thought you'd said that....anyway - as you're one of the few Ledgies I've met in person - and I found you quite nice - I don't like the idea of constantly annoying you...that said, I also love smilies :)

And I gues usually I just live in my happy little happy land - because up until recently (when things started exploding outwardly) I actually had very little idea that people were hostile - there were tension etc....anyway - smilies have been getting some attention lately and I was wondering if there were people who actually and genuinely hated the smilies.

[LiquidBlue5000]

The most shameful smilie of them all is the laughing smilie. There are actually several. The "lol"s got pretty out of hand very fast when it was first so brilliantly invented, and now people are just lying about their reaction by using visual aids. Most often, the visual aids are accompanied by the relatively useless, but apparently necessary "lol". If you are actually laughing out loud, it's ok, but who among us only writes "lol" or uses a laughie smilie when we are laughing from our gut?


:lol: :laugh: :lol: :laugh: :lol:

[amber]

The most shameful smilie of them all is the laughing smilie. There are actually several. The "lol"s got pretty out of hand very fast when it was first so brilliantly invented, and now people are just lying about their reaction by using visual aids. Most often, the visual aids are accompanied by the relatively useless, but apparently necessary "lol". If you are actually laughing out loud, it's ok, but who among us only writes "lol" or uses a laughie smilie when we are laughing from our gut?
me. I'm constantly laughing from my gut, and after I am done, I respond and use the purple laughie. When I giggle, which I do often as well, that gets the yellow laughie. when i snicker a bit, I write *snicker*. I think it's incredibly rude not to show someone who has just gone out of their way to say something funny, for my pleasure, how I looked when I was laughing at what they said. Simply the height of gauche.

[irishgrl]

I use them more than I used to...but I dont depend upon them to convey any meaning, I do that just fine with words...however, I too have found myself falling under their insidious spell :eek: note the glassy eyes, the stupified expression....priceless! sometimes they are the cherry on the top of a particularly delish post :nod:

btw: I think it bears noting that I have the planet's best smilies in my sig:

[amber]

me. I'm constantly laughing from my gut, and after I am done, I respond and use the purple laughie. When I giggle, which I do often as well, that gets the yellow laughie. when i snicker a bit, I write *snicker*. I think it's incredibly rude not to show someone who has just gone out of their way to say something funny, for my pleasure, how I looked when I was laughing at what they said. Simply the height of gauche.
Admittedly, I could snap a webcam shot of myself every time I laugh, then post it, but that seems not only excessive, but time consuming. And, the sponteneity of the laughter really doesn't lend itself to that type of thing.

[macfanken]

No one likes a whore who doesn't smile. Oh, and your waving Golden Gate Bridge avatar is freaking me out.


Actually, it's the Tacoma Narrows Bridge... just before it collapsed in the 1940s. I thought it look cool, I'll probably bring the jumping critters back after a while. :)

[amber]

Actually, it's the Tacoma Narrows Bridge... just before it collapsed in the 1940s. I thought it look cool, I'll probably bring the jumping critters back after a while. :)
It does look cool. It freaks me out, too, but it's still cool. Now, smile, whore!!! :laugh:

[irishgrl]

Actually, it's the Tacoma Narrows Bridge... just before it collapsed in the 1940s. I thought it look cool, I'll probably bring the jumping critters back after a while. :)

I seem to recall some film footage showing an old sedan creeping across it while it was doing the mambo......it was part of a film I saw in grade school about natural disasters, and included that HUGE earthquake in Anchorage Alaska...
Nature is SCARY man....

[amber]

I think it would be best.
I'm going to need some better equipment. An auto cam that's constantly snapping away. Something like that. Otherwise it's going to be the laughies.

[GODDESS6]

i personally LUV the smilies, i think they add a little something to show how you are feeling, sometimes in a comical way, sometimes more serious~ but either way i enjoy them, especially when you guys find different ones & post them such as the puking smileies & such :nod: :lol: :nod: ~

[sodascouts]

Ah - ok - sorry Nancy - I'd thought you'd said that....anyway - as you're one of the few Ledgies I've met in person - and I found you quite nice - I don't like the idea of constantly annoying you...that said, I also love smilies :)


Aw, thanks! You were one of the first Ledgies I ever met, and I'll always remember you as an interesting and fun girl! :) <--- Look, a smiley! ;) <---- Look, another one! OK, I've reached my limit. lol

[sodascouts]

The most shameful smilie of them all is the laughing smilie. There are actually several. The "lol"s got pretty out of hand very fast when it was first so brilliantly invented, and now people are just lying about their reaction by using visual aids. Most often, the visual aids are accompanied by the relatively useless, but apparently necessary "lol". If you are actually laughing out loud, it's ok, but who among us only writes "lol" or uses a laughie smilie when we are laughing from our gut?

Internet language has evolved. That abbreviation is no longer to be taken literally. Its true meaning at this point is simply any type of amusement, regardless of verbalization. So your displeasure is a bit old-fashioned. lol (That amuses me).

[LiquidBlue5000]

Have the smilies evolved to not mean what they indicate, too?


ohh, stop being such a negative nancy when it comes to smilies (sorry nancy :sorry: )

[sodascouts]

Have the smilies evolved to not mean what they indicate, too?

Yes. How many people are really weeping when they put the crying smiley, or winking when they put winky smiley? How many people are nodding/shrugging/jumping - you get the drift. Smileys are emotional cues, not literal representations.

[macfanken]

I seem to recall some film footage showing an old sedan creeping across it while it was doing the mambo......it was part of a film I saw in grade school about natural disasters, and included that HUGE earthquake in Anchorage Alaska...
Nature is SCARY man....


Yeah, it's a pretty famous film clip. When I was a kid we would sometimes have to drive across the replacement bridge... my brother and I would always end up freaked out on the floor of our parents' car! :lol: Driving across it still freaks me out.

[amber]

Wal-Mart? I'll drive.
No need. Just send a big cheque to.....

[wondergirl9847]

Well, tone is very difficult to dicipher on message boards, hence....the smilie. Sometimes, when we are all joking around and stuff, the :mad: smilie and the ;) smilie go hand in hand. It helps with the tone of the message. :shrug:

Oh no, three smilies in my post...CALL THE POLICE!!!

[LiquidBlue5000]

Maybe one day there will be a contraption that we stick our faces into that reads our expression and sends the information on to others. So we will finally have a foolproof way of letting people know our true feelings.


i think we should just stick to smilies!!! and i think you should start using them :nod: :woohoo:

[Dreammms]

i think we should just stick to smilies!!! and i think you should start using them :nod: :woohoo:

why that would be to easy to do :blob1: :blob2: :blob1: :blob2: :]

[LiquidBlue5000]

why that would be to easy to do :blob1: :blob2: :blob1: :blob2: :]


you're right... let's work on that contraption that reads our expressions.. :wavey:

[Dreammms]

you're right... let's work on that contraption that reads our expressions.. :wavey:

:eek: why?????

[AliceLover]

:nod: :rolleyes: :cool: :distress: :lol: I dont know what id do without them.

Really if someone asks me my true emotion on a subject just ask, so until someone does they are gunna get the :lol: :lol: :(

[WelshWitchPMD]

You know what? NO SMILIE FOR YOU!!!! :laugh: :p ;)

[StevieNicksEO17]

[FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif]Well, tone is very difficult to dicipher on message boards, hence....the smilie. Sometimes, when we are all joking around and stuff, the :mad: smilie and the ;) smilie go hand in hand. It helps with the tone of the message. :shrug:
FONT]

That's how I always understood they were for, too.

I can't believe we're all arguing about smilies...

[Dreammms]

You know what? NO SMILIE FOR YOU!!!! :laugh: :p ;)


How about a kiss?

:xoxo:

[AliceLover]

That's how I always understood they were for, too.

I can't believe we're all arguing about smilies...

I agree its pretty sad lol

[KarmaContestant]

I think the smilies are great, however, I think I undestand what Nancy was trying to say. The smilies used on this board don't convey much emotion visually....some of them are sort of cartoony... I think a good example of this is the winky-eye smily....it works, but it doesn't convey that 'just between you and me' that a winking smily should be able to convey... There's really no smily here that says 'hmmmm?' or 'WTF?!?!?!?!' I'm not at all meaning to be critical, just merely making an observation. :shrug: I really like the shrugging smily, and the nodding one is gushing with the 'uh huh, I totally think so!' :nod:

Some new, additional ones would be nice, though...I'm sure we'd find a way to use them. :)

[amber]

I think the smilies are great, however, I think I undestand what Nancy was trying to say. The smilies used on this board don't convey much emotion visually....some of them are sort of cartoony... I think a good example of this is the winky-eye smily....it works, but it doesn't convey that 'just between you and me' that a winking smily should be able to convey... There's really no smily here that says 'hmmmm?' or 'WTF?!?!?!?!' I'm not at all meaning to be critical, just merely making an observation. :shrug: I really like the shrugging smily, and the nodding one is gushing with the 'uh huh, I totally think so!' :nod:

Some new, additional ones would be nice, though...I'm sure we'd find a way to use them. :)
I want one that conveys looking side to side, sneaky like, then laughing. Like "I swear, really! then laugh" Also I think there should be one of someone getting sick to their stomach, but not barfing. Maybe sticking their tongue out? And then there should just be a funny "sticking your tongue out" one, the good ol' rasberry. You know, something between the mad one and the rolls your eyes one? Also I think there should be one that's giggling, with their hand over their mouth, like "teehee, naughty" with the eyes all squinchy, like "I shouldn't be laughing, but I am!"
I like the cartoony aspect, they mostly remind me of how I would look if I made that expression. The big green grin guy I especially identify with. There should be an alternate form of the Angel, too, a snarky one, with the guy switching his eyes from side to side. Like "who, me? hehehehe".
Okay, I'm a little overboard, but I love the emoticons. Wish I could design them.

[David]

I think the smilies are great, however, I think I undestand what Nancy was trying to say. The smilies used on this board don't convey much emotion visually....some of them are sort of cartoony... I think a good example of this is the winky-eye smily....it works, but it doesn't convey that 'just between you and me' that a winking smily should be able to convey.Whenever I see the "cool" smilie ( :cool: ), it looks as if that person were actually thinking, "No ****, you brainless moron." It makes me very defensive & argumentative. It doesn't register "cool" to me -- it registers extreme disdain & superiority.

So even the damn smilies aren't foolproof ways of conveying emotions. I still say LOCK & LOAD when I see those damn things.

[catinthedark]

I personally love the smilies; I've often written in "where's the "so-and-so" smiley when you need it most?" when there hasn't been one to reflect my tone. And that is exactly what I use them for - tone. As we ALL know, undoubtably, email and posting can be dangerous. It is SO easy to misread the tone of a post. I find the little smilies help a lot. I'm not necessarily having a good old guffaw when I use the yellow laughing smiley, but it reflects the tone of my post. I've seen a few smilies on here that aren't part of the Ledge selection that I love. Someone added one one time that I laughed out loud at: it was a little smiley going "blah blah blah blah blah" It was hilarious. I also love the one on the BN.net board of the smiley banging his head into the brick wall. I wish we had that one over here. I think it would be a very popular smiley...

:nod: :nod: :nod:

By the way, this one :] is my favourite. I use it sparingly; only when the mood is perfect.

[Mari]

Have to say this: I don't think it's the smiley that makes a post hypocritical or shades something mean said. You do that with the words you use. A smiley may only emphasise it a little, but if it's the poster's intent to hurt someone without saying it in the open, you don't need a smiley for it at all.

I've nothing against them. Actually, with some posts without them I'm in doubt whether it's meant seriously or not, and I just wish there'd be that winky or grinning smiley with it. Because on the internet you miss all non-verbal communication that usually shows the intent of what you're saying.

[dudden22]

I love the smileys :lol: :laugh: :sorry: :wavey: :shocked: :distress: :blob1: http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/011.gif
http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/fingers/fing17.gifhttp://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/obscene/eck02.gif

[trackaghost]

Have to say this: I don't think it's the smiley that makes a post hypocritical or shades something mean said. You do that with the words you use. A smiley may only emphasise it a little, but if it's the poster's intent to hurt someone without saying it in the open, you don't need a smiley for it at all.

I've nothing against them. Actually, with some posts without them I'm in doubt whether it's meant seriously or not, and I just wish there'd be that winky or grinning smiley with it. Because on the internet you miss all non-verbal communication that usually shows the intent of what you're saying.

I agree totally Mari.
I do think some people overuse them, but really what's the harm?
As Christy said sometimes its so hard to gauge the tone of what people are saying on a messageboard and they can help in that respect.
I also can't understand the superior attitude some people have just because they don't use them.

[Mari]

yeah, that superiority complex, I don't get that either.

:laugh: :laugh: I just noticed the last couple of smilies in dudden's post!

[SuzeQuze]

Yeah, it's a pretty famous film clip. When I was a kid we would sometimes have to drive across the replacement bridge... my brother and I would always end up freaked out on the floor of our parents' car! :lol: Driving across it still freaks me out.

I thought that was a special effect! :eek: <-- This means I am scared thinking about that.

The smilie that annoys me is the shrug and the way strand uses it. He'll write something that will make someone angry and then try to diffuse that anger with the shrug. At least that is how I interpret it, and I hate it. However, I love strand.

Otherwise, I am a smilie lover which won't surprise anyone I suspect. :cool:

[Carolina Girl]

I love the smileys :lol: :laugh: :sorry: :wavey: :shocked: :distress: :blob1: http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/011.gif
http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/fingers/fing17.gifhttp://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/obscene/eck02.gif

LOVE the boobie shaking girl!

[SuzeQuze]

yeah, that superiority complex, I don't get that either.

:laugh: :laugh: I just noticed the last couple of smilies in dudden's post!

I concur. I think that people who hate smilies are generally angry people who hate most things. JMO

[Mari]

Ah yes. And when you're angry, what could be worse than looking at a

http://blogs.salon.com/0001033/images/2002/08/14/smiley.gif

[SomeKindaMother]

I agree totally Mari.
I do think some people overuse them, but really what's the harm?
As Christy said sometimes its so hard to gauge the tone of what people are saying on a messageboard and they can help in that respect.
I also can't understand the superior attitude some people have just because they don't use them.

I absolutely agree. I think the smilies help me to express myself. When I first started using messageboards, I was shocked to go back and read how **serious** my posts sounded! I certainly hadn't intended them to sound that way. But for some reason, I do that. Maybe some people *like* to sound serious, and think it shows a higher degree of class and intelligence by not using them. In actuality, I think some people are just more visually sensative and the smilies just annoy the crap out of them...or distract them. I hadn't really realized that until this thread. I have seen them used somewhat sarcasticly, but it's better than some of the alternatives we've all seen on messageboards. I think the blob things are adorable, but I can't really think of an appropriate time to use them. I really doubt I ever will now knowing how much they bother some people.

Kelly :)
(maybe I should take off my smilie??)

[hayley]

I don't think anyone is saying that smileys are the bane of the Internet, and that they should never be used. I hate most emoticons because personally- I prefer to convey my emotions through my writing. I think that emoticons and acronyms have dumbed down the Internet as a form of meaningful, intelligent communication. Do I use them occasionally? Yes. Do I use multiple ones in every single post? No way.

But, that's my writing style and my preference in what I read. Everyone should use as many smileys as they want. I tend to associate lots of emoticons with posts or statements that don't have a whole lot behind them in their argument, or with people who are posting just to post. They're blinding, too. Oww, my eyes. I just wonder if people realize how utterly stupid they look with a post that looks like this:

Yeah, what you said! :nod: :blob2: :] :blob1:

[Miss Vicky]

http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/fingers/fing17.gif

That one is just too great! :]

[Mari]

I just wonder if people realize how utterly stupid they look with a post that looks like this:

Yeah, what you said! :nod: :blob2: :] :blob1:

It looks stupid to you, Hayley. I've no problem with that at all.
It's a personal preference!

[hayley]

It looks stupid to you, Hayley. I've no problem with that at all.
It's a personal preference!
It's definitely a personal preference and opinion, just like David and Nancy both had personal opinions that smileys are disingenuous. The passive-aggressive reaction to their posts about it in the Ledgie survivor thread just goes to further reiterate their point about them. I think it's hilarious.

[chiliD]

Actually, it's the Tacoma Narrows Bridge... just before it collapsed in the 1940s. I thought it look cool, I'll probably bring the jumping critters back after a while. :)

I seem to recall some film footage showing an old sedan creeping across it while it was doing the mambo......it was part of a film I saw in grade school about natural disasters, and included that HUGE earthquake in Anchorage Alaska...
Nature is SCARY man....



You've most likely seen the film clip of the guy who left his car on the bridge and ran to safety just minutes before the bridge collapsed? :shrug:

Well, the truth is, the M-F'ER LEFT HIS DOG IN THE CAR and his dog perished in the collapse. :( :distress:

[skcin]

I like them. I agree with what some of you have said about them sometimes clarifying what I'm trying to post. For example:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :blob1:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :rolleyes:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :cool:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :nod:

BTW, the correct answer for me is #2, mainly because at this rate, I'll be waiting 10 years.

[SomeKindaMother]

I don't think anyone is saying that smileys are the bane of the Internet, and that they should never be used. I hate most emoticons because personally- I prefer to convey my emotions through my writing. I think that emoticons and acronyms have dumbed down the Internet as a form of meaningful, intelligent communication. Do I use them occasionally? Yes. Do I use multiple ones in every single post? No way.

But, that's my writing style and my preference in what I read. Everyone should use as many smileys as they want. I tend to associate lots of emoticons with posts or statements that don't have a whole lot behind them in their argument, or with people who are posting just to post. They're blinding, too. Oww, my eyes. I just wonder if people realize how utterly stupid they look with a post that looks like this:

Yeah, what you said! :nod: :blob2: :] :blob1:

You must have a very clear writing style that people obviously understand. Not all of us are talented writers so we use smilies to help us. I don't think that type of smile laden statement makes someone look stupid at all. I think it makes the post look...fun. I have seen many and I just think they are, at their worst, a bit of overkill in funland. But they don't hurt my eyes, so of course I wouldn't find them as annoying as some others.

Kelly :)

[SomeKindaMother]

I like them. I agree with what some of you have said about them sometimes clarifying what I'm trying to post. For example:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :blob1:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :rolleyes:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :cool:

I can't wait for Lindsey's solo album! :nod:

BTW, the correct answer for me is #2, mainly because at this rate, I'll be waiting 10 years.

What a nice demonstration!! Plus I agree with you, sadly. But *if* a release date is **EVER** set, I will bring out the blobs! Be warned! (This is where I would have added the nodding smilie!)

Kelly :)

[sodascouts]

I don't think anyone is saying that smileys are the bane of the Internet, and that they should never be used.

Yeah, seriously. Some people are very defensive of even qualified smiley criticism that allows for genuine usage, it seems! lol

[DrummerDeanna]

I was just trying to get why some people dislike smilies so -as I've no problem with them and have always thought them a cute and fun addition to the board.

And someone can have a clear and great writing style - but like it or, this is the internet and a lot of times, even in the clearest written form, it's not always easy to tell one's tone or meaning - sarcasm for instance - not easily conveyed through just writing - especially if it's from someone who isn't familiar to eveyone - or someone who others may not realize is a smart-ass.

Anyway - thanks for the clarification on why some like/dislike smilies - I for one love them and intend to keep using them :nod:

[amber]

I don't think anyone is saying that smileys are the bane of the Internet, and that they should never be used.:
Although, strangely, I think a few months ago, someone, in fact, you, actually said in the midst of a discussion, and you said it to me, something like "It is widely known that emoticons are the bane of the internet". Or maybe you said scourge? something like that. Hahahahaha, I love that. I remember, because that's the first time I ever knew that a lot of people considered emoticons less than ideal, is when you told me. At the time I had no idea that lots of poeple didn't like them. Until you said that.
I'm glad that's no longer as true as it was.

[skcin]

I find it more annoying when people write everything in internet speak.

I would love to see you

vs.

I would luv 2 C U

[David]

I concur. I think that people who hate smilies are generally angry people who hate most things. JMOC.P. Snow was both right & wrong: There are two cultures, but one culture is the Pro-Smilie & the other is the Anti-Smilie.

[David]

I was just trying to get why some people dislike smilies so -as I've no problem with them and have always thought them a cute and fun addition to the board.It all comes down to whimsy, Deanna. Some people love whimsical things & unicorns & magic faerie boots. Others really can't stand that stuff, & transfer their hatred of such paraphernalia (which they consider juvenile at best & retarded at worst) to the people who spread it around.

But it's important not to prematurely judge people based solely on whether they love unicorns & smilies or not. In other words, the Smilie Whimsy group shouldn't consider the Anti-Smilie Anti-Whimsy group mean & heartless & frustrated; & the Anti-Smilie Anti-Whimsy group shouldn't consider the Smilie Whimsy group taffy-headed fluffies.

I myself prefer sea horses to unicorns. I LOVE sea horses, in fact. Is any animal in any phylum more noble, more regal?

[amber]

Overdoing it on the smilies does make the person seem a tad less intelligent (no offense to all smilie lovers) just because it's like a tell that shows the world they aren't as good at writing. Not that all smilie users are dumb and all non-smilie users are genious, but if a random person were to come across a sentence full of bouncing, freaky heads, they might not take the person quite as seriously. Of course, most people around here take people way too seriously when they don't use smilies.
But they probably only seem less intelligent to people who don't use smilies. For me, I'm waaaay smart (:lol: :lol: ) but I never have expressed myself in writing, my whole life, it's just not something I do, except for writing funny notes, and analytical papers for Englishy type classes. (which I am good at, suprisingly). I've always expressed myself other ways, especially physical ways - sports, acting, singing, TALKING. And when I talk, I tend to be expressive, so the emoticons are a natural extension of that. So, since writing has never been a primary way for me to express myself, but talking has, and we're all "talking" here, it's just natural that I express myself in a more "conversational" manner, using the emoticons. Oh, and blahblahblahblah. It's nice when people are writers, and naturally express themselves better that way, but I'm more of an "emoter" so...

[amber]

It all comes down to whimsy, Deanna. Some people love whimsical things & unicorns & magic faerie boots. Others really can't stand that stuff, & transfer their hatred of such paraphernalia (which they consider juvenile at best & retarded at worst) to the people who spread it around.

But it's important not to prematurely judge people based solely on whether they love unicorns & smilies or not. In other words, the Smilie Whimsy group shouldn't consider the Anti-Smilie Anti-Whimsy group mean & heartless & frustrated; & the Anti-Smilie Anti-Whimsy group shouldn't consider the Smilie Whimsy group taffy-headed fluffies.

I myself prefer sea horses to unicorns. I LOVE sea horses, in fact. Is any animal in any phylum more noble, more regal?
But, I don't love all the whimsical things, but I do like the smilies. I don't think the line is that clear. I like some whimsical things, just as I don't adore some smilies. (the blobs). Really, david, such a simplistic analysis. tsk tsk. Not everyone falls into a simple set of labels.

[David]

I've always expressed myself other ways, especially physical ways - sports, acting, singing, TALKING. And when I talk, I tend to be expressive, so the emoticons are a natural extension of that. So, since writing has never been a primary way for me to express myself, but talking has, and we're all "talking" here, it's just natural that I express myself in a more "conversational" manner, using the emoticons.Exactly. It's personal choice. There's room for everyone's choice on the Internet.

I myself don't use smilies because I prefer to let my words speak for me. I don't want or need pictograms or hieroglyphics. But we're all God's chillun' (except for like serial killers & politicians & such).

[amber]

Exactly. It's personal choice. There's room for everyone's choice on the Internet.

I myself don't use smilies because I prefer to let my words speak for me. I don't want or need pictograms or hieroglyphics. But we're all God's chillun' (except for like serial killers & politicians & such).
:laugh:
yerp.
Oh, by the way, I don't draw, either.

[Mari]

ah yes, and in reverse, those who don't use smilies at all but type everything out in full sentences as if they're writing a novel come across like they're taking themselves too seriously :p

;)

(did I just demonstrate.. the winkey after a 'mean' comment?!?! woops :D)

[DrummerDeanna]

Just to let you know: I like smilies. I do not like fluffy unicorns or fairy boots and whatnot :shrug:

Eh - whatev. Again - just wanted some input - and now I think I'm getting a more clear picture of the anti-smiley vs. pro-smiley groups :)

[trackaghost]

Yeah, seriously. Some people are very defensive of even qualified smiley criticism that allows for genuine usage, it seems! lol

I'm not particularly defensive of it most of the time, like I said, they are overused, but I just hate the implication by some that using lots of smilies makes you unintelligent. These people often make fun of it in fact.
Even if that is the case, should we make fun of people who are simply not as articulate as others? As I said before, it's the superior attitude that gets to me (and I'm not talking about anyone specifically here, it's just something I've seen from time to time).
I also don't see the difference between using a laughing emoticon and writing LOL personally. It's all the same to me...
We discuss a wide range of subjects here, most are lighthearted, whether it's the themes in Fleetwood Mac's music or the latest TV show.
I just don't see the harm in it.

[diamondsnake]

I'm an exclamation point whore. I've been trying to tone it down but I just can't!!!

[amber]

Even if that is the case, should we make fun of people who are simply not as articulate as others? .
I found this bit particularly insightful.

[David]

Just to let you know: I like smilies. I do not like fluffy unicorns or fairy boots and whatnot :shrug: That's okay. The paradigm still stands. The people who are driven nuts by smilies are in general also driven nuts by whimsy faerie-fluffs, too.
Eh - whatev. Again - just wanted some input - and now I think I'm getting a more clear picture of the anti-smiley vs. pro-smiley groups :)If there's anything else we can help you with, just holler! :nod: :woohoo: :woohoo: :] :nod: :) :)

[Serrart]

I love smilies, even if after a discussion with David I realized that those little things could be an insidious cop-out so I'm trying to use them more wisely.

Romy

[David]

I'm an exclamation point whore. I've been trying to tone it down but I just can't!!!You whoreson! :] :blob2: :blob2: :blob1: :lol:

Whassup, Christopher? Thanks for scanning the Stevie tourbook.

[David]

I love smilies, even if after a discussion with David I realized that those little things could be an insidious cop-out so I'm trying to use them more wisely.

RomyBut come to think of it, Romy, aren't they all -- smilies, words, gestures, concepts -- just self-referential signs in a semiotic universe gone mad?

Romy, I ate too many pepper crackers for lunch. But I also had two raw spinach sandwiches on whole wheat bread. I take two slices of whole wheat bread, put plenty of Smart Balance spread (an American product that contains the right balance of omega-3 & omega-6 oils & no hydrogenated fats) on both slices of bread, & then add plenty of raw spinach epaulets & . . . there's my sandwich!

Wash it down with a large glass of cold vanilla-flavored soy milk & there I go!

[amber]

I love smilies, even if after a discussion with David I realized that those little things could be an insidious cop-out so I'm trying to use them more wisely.

Romy
Meh, who cares what David says? :laugh: What I love about them, is that can express so much, so succinctly, that it might take a whole bunch of boring ol' words forever to say. :D
That's more true in real life, though. I love saving time and having fun by using facial expressions to convey things, instead of bunches of words. I hate when people talk on and on, with no jokes and no expressions, telling long stories.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz................
:lol:

[heyjupiter678]

Smilies don't bother me a lot. I feel like I'm not a very articulate person, so I usually use a couple of them when I think I need help getting my point across. To me, though, more than a few (especially in a row) is excessive, and a waste of bandwidth. But it's not that big of a deal. :shrug:

[amber]

But come to think of it, Romy, aren't they all -- smilies, words, gestures, concepts -- just self-referential signs in a semiotic universe gone mad?

Romy, I ate too many pepper crackers for lunch. But I also had two raw spinach sandwiches on whole wheat bread. I take two slices of whole wheat bread, put plenty of Smart Balance spread (an American product that contains the right balance of omega-3 & omega-6 oils & no hydrogenated fats) on both slices of bread, & then add plenty of raw spinach epaulets & . . . there's my sandwich!

Wash it down with a large glass of cold vanilla-flavored soy milk & there I go!
That's a good plan. However, I only like plain soymilk. My soymilk doesn't need all those bells and whistles to express itself. I like it because of the content of it's soymilkness alone. Why use those flavorings, it only detracts from the soymilk's true point.

[ontheEdgeof17]

Smilies don't bother me a lot. I feel like I'm not a very articulate person, so I usually use a couple of them when I think I need help getting my point across. To me, though, more than a few (especially in a row) is excessive, and a waste of bandwidth. But it's not that big of a deal. :shrug:

Agreed.

I just don't like posts like this: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I always try to write something, too.

[Mari]

Meh, who cares what David says? :laugh: What I love about them, is that can express so much, so succinctly, that it might take a whole bunch of boring ol' words forever to say. :D
That's more true in real life, though. I love saving time and having fun by using facial expressions to convey things, instead of bunches of words. I hate when people talk on and on, with no jokes and no expressions, telling long stories.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz................
:lol:

lol, I'm like that.. I've a rubber face that anyone can read before I even think of what I want to say.. Often people will even tell me, "Oh, I knew what you were thinking!" when I didn't even realise it.
And I've near-invented my own sign language:D

[amber]

lol, I'm like that.. I've a rubber face that anyone can read before I even think of what I want to say.. Often people will even tell me, "Oh, I knew what you were thinking!" when I didn't even realise it.
And I've near-invented my own sign language:D
Twins! hehehehe.

Oh, and ReFleetwoodMac.
I disagree with you about that. I always will.
And I think the random person reading a post littered with smilies will get the sense that someone is happy right then, and likes to laugh, or is making a joke. All of which are good things. "It's only you and me, and we just disagree" :)

[Serrart]

But come to think of it, Romy, aren't they all -- smilies, words, gestures, concepts -- just self-referential signs in a semiotic universe gone mad?

Sure, and there are always parts of us that we miss and sometimes hold a lot.

Romy, I ate too many pepper crackers for lunch. But I also had two raw spinach sandwiches on whole wheat bread. I take two slices of whole wheat bread, put plenty of Smart Balance spread (an American product that contains the right balance of omega-3 & omega-6 oils & no hydrogenated fats) on both slices of bread, & then add plenty of raw spinach epaulets & . . . there's my sandwich!

Wash it down with a large glass of cold vanilla-flavored soy milk & there I go!

Ever tried Tango lessons instead? :)

Romy

[Serrart]

Meh, who cares what David says? :laugh:

It wasn't what he said, but his perspective that made me think.

What I love about them, is that can express so much, so succinctly, that it might take a whole bunch of boring ol' words forever to say. :D
That's more true in real life, though. I love saving time and having fun by using facial expressions to convey things, instead of bunches of words. I hate when people talk on and on, with no jokes and no expressions, telling long stories.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz................
:lol:

I love both smilies and long stories. It all depends by the storyteller. :cool:

Romy

[amber]

Depends on the person... Shall we go back to David's theory?
no, that's just the type of thing I try to avoid doing.

[David]

no, that's just the type of thing I try to avoid doing.Uh, you forgot your smilie there ^^

[amber]

Uh, you forgot your smilie there ^^
I didn't want to use one, mr. vanilla soymilk.

[SomeKindaMother]

Overdoing it on the smilies does make the person seem a tad less intelligent (no offense to all smilie lovers) just because it's like a tell that shows the world they aren't as good at writing. Not that all smilie users are dumb and all non-smilie users are genious, but if a random person were to come across a sentence full of bouncing, freaky heads, they might not take the person quite as seriously. Of course, most people around here take people way too seriously when they don't use smilies.

Okay, let's say for the sake of argument that *I*, smilie lover and user (NOT over-user) am in actuality 'a tad less intelligent' than say, oh...YOU for instance, smilie loather and non-user. Then what?

Kelly :)

[SomeKindaMother]

But they probably only seem less intelligent to people who don't use smilies. For me, I'm waaaay smart (:lol: :lol: ) but I never have expressed myself in writing, my whole life, it's just not something I do, except for writing funny notes, and analytical papers for Englishy type classes. (which I am good at, suprisingly). I've always expressed myself other ways, especially physical ways - sports, acting, singing, TALKING. And when I talk, I tend to be expressive, so the emoticons are a natural extension of that. So, since writing has never been a primary way for me to express myself, but talking has, and we're all "talking" here, it's just natural that I express myself in a more "conversational" manner, using the emoticons. Oh, and blahblahblahblah. It's nice when people are writers, and naturally express themselves better that way, but I'm more of an "emoter" so...

That's exactly how I see it. Just another way to express yourself. Some of the most intelligent people give the least entertaining speeches imaginable. There are fun ways to liven up messages, and in my opinion it takes more creativity to be entertaining that to just be....literal.

And Amber, practically all of your posts show your intelligence. You are QUICK! And fearless. And tons of fun! I don't think anyone doubts your intelligence no matter how many smilies you use. I was unaware of the Mensa branch that looked down upon it. I'm still blown away by that.

I will make an effort to tone down smilies for the sake of those with sensitive systems, because I can understand that. As for the elitists ... :confused:

Kelly :)

[lagringader&r]

As for the emoticons being the only way to express true emotions, we've already had discussions about them masking our true feelings and sticking one after an angry comment, which is supposed to make it ok, things like that.

Or, the opposite. Not sticking one after an innocent comment and it not being ok. Someone even said if I had used smilies, it would have been f*cking hilarious (her words). People have different types of humor. Some are deadpan, some are pretty mainstream and safe (jokes that everybody and their 2 year old kids would get), and some are totally out there. I like the first and third of those choices, but everyone's different.

[SomeKindaMother]

I'm no smilie loather. Maybe you're a smilie loather loather. Ever think of that?? Anyhoo, for the sake of argument, if you, the smilie lover and user, were less intelligent than I, you would have to of course be fed to leopards.

I already articulated that I am no smilie loather loather. Perhaps you would have understood it better with the use of some entertaining illustrations. (winkie so that you know I am attempting humor; not attempting to piss you off)

I had expected you to say lions, so I must admit that I am suprised.

Kelly :)

[SomeKindaMother]

Perhaps. Touche, non-smilie-loather-loather.

Oh seriously come ON now!! Is it really NEVER proper to simply reply with the laughing smilies???

Kelly :)

[SomeKindaMother]

That's it. You must never disrespect Grandmaster BoBo like that. Bring out the leopards!

:laugh: :lol: :laugh:

:xoxo:

Kelly :)
(who am I kidding....I'm no college grad.)

[catinthedark]

Overdoing it on the smilies does make the person seem a tad less intelligent (no offense to all smilie lovers) just because it's like a tell that shows the world they aren't as good at writing. Not that all smilie users are dumb and all non-smilie users are genious, but if a random person were to come across a sentence full of bouncing, freaky heads, they might not take the person quite as seriously.

Yeah, so don't agree with you there.

I use smilies to punctuate what I'm writing. Sometimes I just use them because I think they're funny. And I think your assertion that "Overdoing it on the smilies does make the person seem a tad less intelligent (no offense to all smilie lovers) just because it's like a tell that shows the world they aren't as good at writing" is insulting and, in most cases, just plain wrong (by the way, you had a grammatical error in that sentence). This is a message board - people are writing train of thought. No one is writing a Pultizer Prize winning novel. I know I'm not reading people's posts and judging their literacy. I'm sure no one is doing that to me either.

By the way, I'm a professional writer. I get paid money to write for some pretty important and smart people. And I STILL use smilies. :wavey:

[lagringader&r]

Yeah, so don't agree with you there.

I use smilies to punctuate what I'm writing. Sometimes I just use them because I think they're funny. And I think your assertion that "Overdoing it on the smilies does make the person seem a tad less intelligent (no offense to all smilie lovers) just because it's like a tell that shows the world they aren't as good at writing" is insulting and, in most cases, just plain wrong (by the way, you had a grammatical error in that sentence). This is a message board - people are writing train of thought. No one is writing a Pultizer Prize winning novel. I know I'm not reading people's posts and judging their literacy. I'm sure no one is doing that to me either.

By the way, I'm a professional writer. I get paid money to write for some pretty important and smart people. And I STILL use smilies. :wavey:

I agree with everything you said. Why are we pointing out grammatical errors in someone's post though?

Isn't it Pulitzer? Ok, I'm using a smilie this time. ;)

[Janet]

But they probably only seem less intelligent to people who don't use smilies. For me, I'm waaaay smart (:lol: :lol: ) but I never have expressed myself in writing, my whole life, it's just not something I do, except for writing funny notes, and analytical papers for Englishy type classes. (which I am good at, suprisingly). I've always expressed myself other ways, especially physical ways - sports, acting, singing, TALKING. And when I talk, I tend to be expressive, so the emoticons are a natural extension of that. So, since writing has never been a primary way for me to express myself, but talking has, and we're all "talking" here, it's just natural that I express myself in a more "conversational" manner, using the emoticons. Oh, and blahblahblahblah. It's nice when people are writers, and naturally express themselves better that way, but I'm more of an "emoter" so...

I totally feel what you are saying here Amber.
I don't even feel that its necessary to defend my use of smilies. I see a smilie on someone's post and it usually will spark a warm feeling inside of me. It's really not a big deal.

Then, so be it if that makes me unintellegent. I work at DOMINOS PIZZA afterall, so you can't expect much from me! :thumbsup:

[lagringader&r]

Yeah, so don't agree with you there.

I use smilies to punctuate what I'm writing. Sometimes I just use them because I think they're funny. And I think your assertion that "Overdoing it on the smilies does make the person seem a tad less intelligent (no offense to all smilie lovers) just because it's like a tell that shows the world they aren't as good at writing" is insulting and, in most cases, just plain wrong (by the way, you had a grammatical error in that sentence). This is a message board - people are writing train of thought. No one is writing a Pultizer Prize winning novel. I know I'm not reading people's posts and judging their literacy. I'm sure no one is doing that to me either.

By the way, I'm a professional writer. I get paid money to write for some pretty important and smart people. And I STILL use smilies. :wavey:

I'd like to say something else here. I figure that most dislike me around here now so why not just go for the gold. It is just something I picked up on when I read the person's post you quoted and then your post. I got the feeling he was trying not to offend and even saying "no offense to the smilie lovers". I didn't get the feeling he was trying to insult. When you posted back to him, you pointed out an error in grammar in his post which actually did sound a little insulting. Still, I've read your posts before this one and you sound like a nice person who doesn't try to insult or attack. But, it was sort of insulting. I wanted to reply to you and if I just posted "Isn't it spelled Pulitzer?" and nothing else, that would sound insulting even though you corrected his grammar, wouldn't it? If I didn't say beforehand that I agreed with your post and ended mine with a wink, it would have far more of a sting. So, I think I'm trying to say that smilies are cool either way but they don't exactly show how the person posting is really feeling. I think you just get to know the person, give him or her a chance, keep an open mind and go from there. Just my opinion.

[Janet]

I think they were making an observation, not a judgement.

Either way, I don't think it needed to be that harsh. I don't think seeing a smilie in someone's post ever left me to believe that person didn't have anything to say or didn't have the writing/mental tools to say it.

The smilies are not adding words to a sentence, it's just an addition of emotion, that is all.

[amber]

I'd like to say something else here. I figure that most dislike me around here now so why not just go for the gold.
That's quite the monster assumption. :confused:

[Janet]

Just my opinion.

And you are allowed to have them! Even if every single person disagrees and says so, it's doesn't even mean they don't like YOU, just what you said. There is a big difference between those two.

[lagringader&r]

That's quite the monster assumption. :confused:

Just for you: :D :xoxo:

And that was from the heart. :nod:

[amber]

Just for you: :D :xoxo:

And that was from the heart. :nod:
I knew you'd crack.

















:xoxo:

[lagringader&r]

And you are allowed to have them! Even if every single person disagrees and says so, it's doesn't even mean they don't like YOU, just what you said. There is a big difference between those two.

And for you: :xoxo:

I can't even believe I've let this get to me at all, but it's been a rough week and a half on much more important fronts in my life. I'm not sure I agree with you, though. In real life, if someone makes a joke and that person makes it clear that no harm was meant, would you still follow that person and tell him or her that his or her joke wasn't funny, even if you thought it wasn't? Half the jokes I hear aren't funny, but I don't tell the person. I don't think most people do. Not in real life. Just my opinion, again.

[lagringader&r]

I knew you'd crack.

















:xoxo:

And a big: :laugh: You're just the sweetest :angel:

Again, those are from the heart. It's safe here in the smilie thread. :thumbsup:

[amber]

And a big: :laugh: You're just the sweetest :angel:

Again, those are from the heart. It's safe here in the smilie thread. :thumbsup:
Thank you.
Thank goodness for smiley thread immunity.
I hope your rough week looks up real soon. I hope you get to laugh. :)

[Janet]

And for you: :xoxo:

I can't even believe I've let this get to me at all, but it's been a rough week and a half on much more important fronts in my life. I'm not sure I agree with you, though. In real life, if someone makes a joke and that person makes it clear that no harm was meant, would you still follow that person and tell him or her that his or her joke wasn't funny, even if you thought it wasn't? Half the jokes I hear aren't funny, but I don't tell the person. I don't think most people do. Not in real life. Just my opinion, again.

You are right in that. I just thought it was harsh to say smilie users could be unintellegent. I didn't see any kind of connection whatsoever:)
I hope the rest of the week gets better for you!

[trackaghost]

I'd like to say something else here. I figure that most dislike me around here now so why not just go for the gold.

I don't dislike you at all. I know we argued over your post in the Ledgie Survivor thread but arguments happen here all the time, very rarely do I feel insulted enough to carry a grudge against that person.
Probably tomorrow you'll post something and I'll wholeheartedly agree. That's messageboards for ya!
:)

[trackaghost]

I found this bit particularly insightful.

Thanks Amber :)
The fact is some people are simply less intelligent or less articulate than others, but it doesn't give those who are more intelligent the right to look down their noses at them. It's snobbery, plain and simple.
Some people like to use smilies, some don't. Cool. Everyone is different and that's what makes the board an interesting place to visit.

[catinthedark]

I'd like to say something else here. I figure that most dislike me around here now so why not just go for the gold. It is just something I picked up on when I read the person's post you quoted and then your post. I got the feeling he was trying not to offend and even saying "no offense to the smilie lovers". I didn't get the feeling he was trying to insult. When you posted back to him, you pointed out an error in grammar in his post which actually did sound a little insulting. Still, I've read your posts before this one and you sound like a nice person who doesn't try to insult or attack. But, it was sort of insulting. I wanted to reply to you and if I just posted "Isn't it spelled Pulitzer?" and nothing else, that would sound insulting even though you corrected his grammar, wouldn't it? If I didn't say beforehand that I agreed with your post and ended mine with a wink, it would have far more of a sting. So, I think I'm trying to say that smilies are cool either way but they don't exactly show how the person posting is really feeling. I think you just get to know the person, give him or her a chance, keep an open mind and go from there. Just my opinion.


Yes, I made a typo in my post. :o I wrote Pultizer not Pulitzer. I'm not even going back to correct it. :) But I do know it's Pulitzer.

And the only reason I pointed out the grammatical error in the post was because the poster made an observation, a generalization, that people who use smilies are perceived as lesser writers. There was some irony to it. Guess I missed the mark. It wasn't meant as insulting, so I owe an apology if it was perceived as such. But even though he wrote, "no offense to people who use smilies," the observation was insulting to people who use them. And I just don't agree that the use of smilies makes a person any less of a writer - or any worse at expressing him or herself.

[catinthedark]

I figure that most dislike me around here now so why not just go for the gold.

By the way, I don't agree with you here either! :wavey: