Trouble w/too many smilies?

I was wondering if anyone else has trouble when a message contains a lot of smilies?

I find it very hard to read a message where smilies are being substituted or complementing many words and appear throughout a sentence. First off, the smilies often don't completely line up with the type, and that throws me off.

Second, all those tiny images jumping up and down, rolling around, flashing on and off, make something in my brain shut down. I'd have to say that more than 9 times out of 10, I simply can't read the message at all. Which is a shame, because there are times when I believe the poster has something worth reading, but like I said, my brain turns off.

Don't get me wrong -- I use smilies, and I like smilies in moderation. Usually at the end of a sentence or the end of a paragraph. I feel like a dunce for not being able to deal with these cute cartoons when they come at me in abundance.

I'm wondering, with wide range of problems that we come to Psych Central with, there is anyone else who is finds it challenging to read a message if it is broken up by a lot of smilies.

This seems like such a minor crotchet, I'm sure I'll feel better if I find out that I'm not alone with this eccentricity.

Thanks for reading.

i usually end up not reading the post because i get confused by all of the smilies. i wear tri-focals and i just can't deal with my glasses and the smilies. i agree that they're cute but if they are put in for words or phrases....i'm can't do them. pat

hear hear, totally agree. smilies are cute, but when they overpower the post, it's hard to concentrate on the words. i find myself skipping past the post. you're not alone!

((((((((((((WantsToFly))))))))))))))))))))))))

Would you happen to be referring to me?

I know you post in many forums; I know you have seen many of my posts; and I have explained once in one of the forums (cannot remember which one)

I am an artist....You should keep in mind that most of the greatest artists & writers were terminally crazy in one way or another, (Opium addicts; alcoholics; too much licking lead paint; cutting of an ear to express a point of philosophy........... )

I know I use the "smilies" way too much in some people's opinions. You haven't been the first........however, I have gotten many replies from people who like my "smilies" They help me express my points. Most people look at the "smilies" panel & all they see is "strange & disturbing animated images" I use them alot b/c some of the images "tell a story" for me. Take a long look at them Don't they "evoke" a feeling for you? They do to me! If you have a problem w/ me using them (I know you post in Depression; ED & Dissociative Disorders) IF they bother you, PLEASE.........PM me! Don't hide your comments in an area I usually never visit! Grow a spine & tell me I'll be waiting to hear from you!

((((((((((((((((((((((DAYZEE9)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

"Grow a spine" -- I feel that this language is needlessly negative.

Wants2Fly... I do find that there are days when a post with a lot of smilies is too much also. I know it is the option of the person placing the post and I do not begrudge them the right to use them. As you said it is our "eccentricity".

I think your spine is fine btw.

Take care.

place

I like the smilies. they make me smile. the more the better

Nothing I wrote in my original post hinted, implied, or intimated in any way that there was anything wrong, negative, or harmful in smilie use to anyone other than myself -- for which I indicated that I took full responsibility. Indeed, I noted that I, too, use smilies.

I think that the being called "spineless" because too many smilies give me a headache, or encountering a defense of smilie use, is uncalled for as responses to my post. I am really tired of being picked on for every least little word.

I have trouble reading most anything that involves flashing, can set off migraines for me, flashing animated images seem to wear me out and confuse me. Makes the entire Web at times problematic for me, but I keep at it.

No need to feel like a dunce, and I don't even think it's an eccentricity, we all are individuals with individual ways of processing information. Just as some of us study best amidst lots of noise, TV on and all, while some of us can only study and retain knowledge while quiet.

(((((((((( Thank you Sarah L))))))))))))))))))))

From the Queen of Smilies!!

I am on lots of meds for severe migraines at the moment, so I can understand why the excessive smilies could trigger one! I am sorry if my posts do that to you......but thanks for making my point for me that maybe it's just that I'm eccentric....actually; I'm a psych LPN & on the side, an artist. I think the smilies are the coolest; and I find that certain images help me to "drive my point home"

Thanks for being supportive,yet neutral.......very refreshing!

(((((((((((((( DAYZEE9))))))))))))))))

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I am really tired of being picked on for every least little word.

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Once upon a time, I used the word "cruel" in reference to something you posted. In turn, you used that word in a post to me, saying I had liken you to....um...I think it was a child molestor and a Nazi.

Emotions here just escalate out of proportion sometimes. IRL it would work differently. We'd be more restrained by things like, decorum, size of biceps.... , etc.

I'm not sure how to fix it since *I'm as guilty as the next poster*. I'm not sure what to do about this recurrent situation.

For now, I just wanted to make a point....we all could use a series of deep breaths....or a long walk...or a hug...or some other healthy ($#%&*) coping mechanism.

emmy

or use PMs.

Maybe the whole dang forum needs need a break!!! Maybe DocJohn should just take it offline for 2 weeks! Then maybe everyone would realize how important this community and the people in it are and lay OFF the attacks and mean language over innocent posts! Maybe then everyone would realize that when someone talks about smilies or WHATEVER that they are not talking about specific people! What is with the attacks lately?? In public or in private!!! Just lay off everyone guys! This is getting rediculous!!!!

(((wants2fly))))....I don't mean to hijack or turn your thread into an argument, I really don't, I am just appalled at the posting lately. I'm sorry you were made to feel bad. This is just getting sad.

Rayna

thanks, Ray....

'nuff said