Not to mention, they're really annoying.................

Too bad.....I don't have a soul.

I dunno. theyrer kind of annoying but theyre ok to use sometimes.

You'd seriously need to give an example man. If you mean emoticon spam, then you're slamming the hammer to the proverbial nail... But in general, on the 'net emoticons are important because nobody can hear voices so it's often ambiguous how a post is intended. If you find them annoying, then I must ask, in real life, do you talk like a robot and never smile or make any facial expression?

And instead of using the *shrugs* emote I would normally use up there to communicate what I mean, I will add this note to make it clear that I am not being sarcastic--or condescending in any way. And... well, I hope you can see the mistake you're making--look how much more text I had to include to make that clear. Brevity is the soul of wit--if that means using emotes for more than just the kind of example you gave, so be it.

GMan doesn't make mistakes, Bones. Never has, never will. Despite the fact that I have used them, I agree. I will no longer use those accursed emoticons. I shall write down my facial expressions!!! Grimace!

I can't help but get the impression that excessive use of emoticons makes one seem un-educated.........But that's just me...........

I agree. Imagine if bonesii was like that right after his post. makes you seem stupid, but often i dont mind sounding stupid.