seriously though, perhaps im from a different group - but i do take part in several other forums, and there if youre making a joke, its customary to place a happy face or a 'hehe' or something afterwards so that people dont get all bristly and flamewars dont start. so there, saying 'ironbear, you bastard' is completely different than saying 'ironbear, you bastard :)'. hope this clarifies things :)