shortcuts in writing

[Duane Campbell]

On Fri, 20 Sep 2002 16:09:29 -0400 Grant Barrett
>
> Below is from a discussion on Metafilter on the topic Frank linked
> above. It made me laugh.

If that made you laugh, you MUST read the treatment in _Dave Barry in
Cyberspace_.  "It was the best of times. :)  It was the worst of times.
:("

Dave Barry also develops a number of emoticoms less frequently
encountered. E.g --

~oE]:-|    Fisherperson heading for market with a basket on his or her
head containing a three-legged octupus that is giving off smell rays.

:-[8     Person who is unhappy with the results of her breast-enhancement
surgery

:-Q    Person who just had cybersex and is now enjoying a postcoital
cybercigarette

:-|   Person who is unsure of which long-distance company to choose.

There are many more. Anyone who (1) uses computers and (2) has a sense of
humor should read this book.

D