Message text written by Doug Couchman > Good writing is not unintentionally ambiguous in tone; emoticons (and "grin," etc.) are just quick ways to avoid having to write clearly.< Doug, Exactly. But who says we are all good writers?<G> (sorry, I couldn't resist..) I'm pretty new here, so I don't know most of the people. I've no idea about their life, or their personalities or their sense of humor. These are(usually, quick) messages, not letters. I don't mind emoticons, they make me smile back. Nothing wrong with a smile... Meanwhile, my husband is sitting back laughing his butt off at all this silliness. And he's right. This is a birding forum, not Language Arts class. That said... Have you seen the Geo field guide? Now see? It's a simple question, but I feel like if I didn't put a <g> behind that, someone who doesn't know me may think I'm being snide to you. Trust me, I'm not. I really just posted the original message to see what others thought and I just think everyone should lighten up. This is supposed to be fun!!!! Barb