Internet slang in general is just awful. Any time I see someone type "otay
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.], leet, omgz, teh, OVER 9000, rox ur sox" etc. it just makes me think of some 14 year old with a Myspace page covered in sparkly images and terrible rap music playing in the background. How this subculture of the internet became "cool" I'll never understand.
I think smilies are bad too, but can sometimes have their place. I know I've been guilty of using them. Usually its to convey the message of 'I'm kidding' to someone who can't see your facial expression when you call them a terrible name.
For example: Hasbinbad you're a complete asshole and I hope you die in a fire
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] .
See the smilie on the end makes it ok, because I don't really wish death on anyone. I actually like Hasbinbad and wish him health and happiness.