Like Spaw, I try to use as much emoticons :>\ and **BG**, etc. as possible in my postings to give some sort of idea of how I might sound were I speaking to you in person.

I like to play around with the spelling of words. I started using "kewl" because I like the looks of it. I started using "phoaks" because it contains the word "oak" which, to me, symbolises the longevity and steadfastness of "folk" music and thus, folk musicians, i.e. you all.

A long time ago, I would sometimes sign off with something run together to express my feelings, such as "katlaughingforrealthistime." It has always been in fun and nobody's ever really complained about it; some have even emulated it, perhaps too the extreme?

I don't mind no CAPS and I have a friend who refuses to capitalise his name or the word "I" because he does see it as a classist issue. I respect his choice.

I don't mind typos or missed punctuation, either. I admire people's words and the fact that they have made the effort to communicate.

It does bother me to try to read something made up of a lot of letter abbreviations. Sometimes I skip those.

On the whole, I've learned that instant electronic communication such as we have here is a bit more relaxed about conventions. It took me awhile to accept and understand that. Now, I see it as a lot of fun, esp. as I have to be so careful when writing for a real gig.

BTW, 53, no problem, no editors who are here AS editors.:-)

luvyakat laughing and leaving spaces just for those who may get irritated