tsuwm - your point is well taken... if I assume I understand it.
Emoticons may hurt the process of understanding (especially the way I use them
) but as long as one is aware of the potential for misunderstanding, and can take the time to correct it... they exist for a reason (although ®actually why may be in question).
...if what you say can't stand alone, maybe you should consider not saying it at all. To this, I say, they stand with words as part of what I say. There are times when I don't use them, and I would be happy to explain to anyone what they mean when I do use them, if my point in using them hasn't been taken.
These aren't the only form of communication that needs clarifying... that is why this board exists.
I would expect more "questions" regarding my use of elipses than emoticons, but, then again, I expect nothing...really.
