Can we also have something along the lines of Facebook's 'like' to indicate agreement? A often doesn't fit. I can't think what though. A big tick perhaps?
I've been on boards where people over-use them, to the point where they don't say anything, just send a string of emoticons. Just as irritating are the folks who post a message that contains nothing but a url, usually one that links to some news story -- I would at least like to know if it's a) something I have already read elsewhere, or b) about some pop celeb or footballer, in which I have no interest.
feetlebaum - Just wondering if it's the whole emoticon thing that's irritating you, or this specific one? I think they do help to a certain extent, when facial expressions and verbal intonations are not possible when chatting on forums.
Anyway, no one has to use them - although they can be a very useful form of short-hand.