It is terribly difficult to convey emotion in print. Great writers can create the nuances necessary so that the reader can discern between serious intent and humor. Doesn't sound that hard, actually, but in the real world of emails, blogs, and Facebook postings, it can be very hard indeed to distinguish a person's emotional disposition - unless you use the ever-famous emoticon. :-) That's a dead giveaway, or should be.
So, long live emoticons and LOLs and the like. Because without the telltale smirk, how do you know if I'm joking?
