Annoying it may be for some people but it's a way of expression and they wouldn't be there if they weren't meant for use. Mayhaps a picture isn't worth a thousand words but it's makes a person's point, and I don't think people should make such a fuss about it. They are quite easy to move past when you're reading. When people start posting 5 foot smileys then you can complain, otherwise just let people do what they want to do, it's a free country, or board, whatever.