[joeysteele]

As a member for over 10 years I don't find the use of these things offensive myself.

I actually have had more difficulty in serious debates for being too serious and passionate in my statements.
Even getting an infraction for defending myself.
The one and only one I got in near 10 years on here at the time.

So in serious debates, I got punished for being serious and defending myself.
Which I'll always do as I've a right to.

I have no problem whatsoever with the use of smilies.

I think, the thing that's always really annoyed me on here.
Is the handclapping thing.

Even moreso when it's the only thing used with no wording, yet classed as a valid counted post too.

However, it happens, and I wouldn't call for it to be banned.

I guess I've posted most of my posts in serious debates in my time on here.
I am a serious person.
However in debates at Uni, and in my work matters too.
Humour can creep in to serious issues and speeches.

I don't find it offensive, so wouldn't support banning or punishing any members for using smilies.
It seems to me, that would perhaps create more division.

A bit more freedom, not control is the better order of the day for me.
We know those who annoy and irritate us on here.
We know if they respond to us, it will be likely mostly unpleasant.

I've learned to accept that myself now.
I don't care who'd now ridicule my posts.

Whether they use smilies or anything else.

As for the comments on reporting.
I wouldn't waste my time on here reporting or appealing anything because frankly I see no point.
You'd likely get nowhere.
As some faces fit on here and others don't.

This seems a thread designed to open up honesty from the point of the OP and who made it.
It's discussions like this, we need on here.
I've used in part this thread, to put my points across the board.
With no smilies.

In fact I rarely use anything on here other than words.
Usually criticised, at times rightly, for using too many words.

Perhaps, in fact, had I only used smilies, rather than defend myself, I'd still be infraction free after over 10 years.