I use these smileys so people know I'm joking. The one or two times I've told a 'joke' here without a smiley, people get all offended and start calling me kafir and stuff. Hence:

You're right though, Brother Takumi, it is often difficult to gauge the emotion of a member just by reading the words of their post. In that respect, smileys and exclamation marks help to communicate the spirit in which the message is being given.

That said, there are some really silly smileys. Take the 'Offended' one for example.



I mean, what the heck is that? It looks like a burnt tomato.