h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Really. I don't really like to use emoticons. I understand that we are attempting to use writing the same way we use verbal language and that we miss all the body language, tone of voice, and other factors that go into shaping our understanding of how and what someone is saying. I feel that if I haven't got my intentions across well in my writing, adding an emoticon will not really help.

This may be true, but often when making a comment that is meant to be a joke, or somthing that could be taken the wrong way by others, it is important to use an emoticon to ensure the comment is understood in the manner which you intended.

but they're so much fun!!!
etc
^. .^
= ' =