I think it's because of context and implication.iCraig said:
Why is this little fella seen as such a taboo on this forum?
It's because people read something like
"That's the argument I'd expect from you.
"as meaning something like
"That's the moronic level argument I'd expect from a poophead like you."
If it is used in that sort of context, then people are going to read it an an insult, and I see it used in that sort of context so often that I'm convinced that that is exactly how it was intended to be interpreted .i.e. as a not-too-subtle way of bypassing the rulesabout not insulting other members. Some people say "why get upset over a smiley?" It isn't the smiley that's offensive, it's the insulting intent behind it.
Personally, I think it usually says far more about the user than it does about the person using it.
Oh, and there are times when I think it's perfectly valid to use it, but that (in my view) is generally when it's about a situation, rather than targetted at another member. An example might be the dumb cluck who was recently reported to have been attempting to open a rocket-propelled grenade with a sledgehammer .....with predictable results. Now that merits a rolleyes. Or, indeed .... several.
' emoticon in its place if i need to. Does seem to insult as much, and imo, just shows bordom.
he discredits my ocuk forum popularity with this emoticon... i must retort and make it amusing at the same time in order to reaffirm my position in the hierarchy...