Originally Posted by Joanie

As annoying as they are, smilies do help leaven the situation. Dry humor CAN come off as crankiness. Which is probably why it works so well for comedians. (Not that your post came off as cranky, I'm making a general statement here) I usually just give people the benefit of the doubt ... if it can be construed as humor, I take it as such. That way, if they really are being cranky, I'm annoying them even more by laughing.

Were you joking? Hmmm.... maybe we should have a poll.

Joanie