From: shazam@drycas.club.cc.cmu.edu
Newsgroups: soc.culture.celtic
Subject: The *SMILE* controversy
Date: 12 Oct 92 07:37:48 GMT
Article-I.D.: drycas.1992Oct12.123749.2239
Organization: Carnegie Mellon Computer Club

Wait.....are you seriously saying that it is difficult for you to 
glide your eyes over *smile* because it is uncomfortable for you to
read?  Or is it that you have difficulties with something that is
new to you?  Or is it difficult because it comes from me, someone who
does not mind disagreeing with you occasionally?  Come on!
Talk about not being able to believe your ears!  *smile*

As far as my insisting on using the language of the *'s goes, I have been 
involved in International Communication for almost 6 years.  I have used
the *'s during this 6 years in order to add a more personal touch
to my notes and conversations.  I did not come up with this 
myself.  I picked it up from others around the world who used it
then, and who still use it.  In this time, this is the *first* and
*only* complaint I have had.  Oh, in case that was a bit difficult for
you to understand, since it was enclosed in *'s, let me restate 
that for you.  I said that your complaint was the FIRST and ONLY
complaint I have ever received about using *'s in my mail and conversations.
Was that better?

Dear, if people around the world worried everytime something this 
petty was brought up, we'd ALL be insane!!  *laugh*  If you have a 
*real* problem, that is REAL Problem, then address it.  But for
goodness sakes, leave this petty stuff for the children.

We may not all live in America (USA), but I think most of us would
agree that having the freedom to express ourselves is a wonderful
freedom.  This means being able to express ourselves in any manner
in which we see fit.  Most of us try to use tact and be polite about it.
I have never tried to FORCE my opinions on any of you, nor have I 
attempted to change your or anyone's mind about their beliefs.
I have simply been expressing my views, as most other's here have.

If you choose to continue with this, have at it.  You will not, however,
find me continuing with this childish, rediculous crap.  *smile*
People here, and rightly so, have asked that we stay on the topic
at hand.  I have tried to do that for the last few weeks.  If you
insist on flaming me in public, go ahead.  You may add remarks
indicating I am afraid or whatever you chose.  *smile*  That is fine,
too.  I am telling you here and now that I will no longer be a 
part of your childish antics.  I am a nice person, and if you knew
me I think you would find that I am alwyas willing to try to
help others.  If you have a problem with somethign I am doing, write me 
and tell me.  I do my best in trying not to offend others.
But leave it off the list, and stop filling others boxes with this
drivel?

And for the record, I *smile* because at that moment I AM smiling.
It is me.  I am a happy person.  For goodness sakes, is that a CRIME?
*laugh*

And who in the hell thinks that everyone should follow what everyone
else is doing?  Not me!  If the latest thing was for everyone to 
crawl up a tree and eat everything you could find, would you?
If everyone on the net decided that one should worship satan,
would you do it?  If everyone here decided that resending the 
ENTIRE msg you werre responding to, with your post, was THE thing
to do, would you comply?  I doubt if many would.  *smile* A smile
can also indicate that a person is not angry, when a person is
joking or teasing.  Maybe you are taking it the wrong way.

As far as whether or not it is looked upon as being defined
as "sweetness" or "being sweet", I rather doubt you are able to
speak for the entire net.  *laugh*  And I doubt if you are able to
speak for the entire net, as to whether or not people *think* it's
sweet or not.  You can only speak for yourself.  And since you
are the only one who has complained, I think you may be outnumbered.
There may be a few more who have a problem with it, but I doubt if
it would be a majority.  Especially when so many use it.  Just becase
you do not see it much on news, does not mean it is not in existence.
*smile*  There are other things out in the world other than NEWS and
this group.  *smile*

And as far as my being rude goes, if no one has ever complained before,
and since it is so widely used on Interactive Communication devices
such as RELAY and others, how is one supposed to know this behavior 
is rude?  No, sir, *YOUR* behavior is rude.  You need to learn that
everything in life will NOT come your way.  You have to give a 
little in order to receive.  Good luck.

*S M I L E*  Have a nice week all!!

Suzanne
Newsgroups: soc.culture.celtic