I promise that I will send a letter of introduction soon...(I've been lurking
for about a month now.)  I found this list of abbreviations on AOL:

>On greeting people online -  Wave (::waving::) and grin (:D).  You can
perform just >about any action
>online with words with online choreography (e.g. "walking over to Drowwie,
>giving him a big hug {{ }}").

>Typing in all caps is considered shouting, so please spare everyone's ears
>and your vocal chords.

>Members use shorthands in this "faceless" medium to express feelings and
show
>actions or "body language." You'll find shorthands used in chat, on message
>boards, in electronic mail -- everywhere! Tilting your head to the left or
>turning your screen on its side will help you to see most of the shorthands.
>:) <--- See?  Two eyes and a mouth!
>
>Here is a listing of some of the most popular symbols and abbreviations:
>
> :)  = smile
> :D  = smile/laughing/big grin
> :*  = kiss
> ;)  = wink
> :X  = my lips are sealed
> :P  = sticking out tongue
> {}  = a hug
> :(  = frown
> :'( = crying
> O:) = angel
> }:> = devil

> LOL = Laughing Out Loud
> ROTF = Rolling On The Floor (laughing)
> AFK = Away From Keyboard
> BAK = Back At Keyboard
> BRB = Be Right Back
> TTFN = Ta-Ta For Now!
> WB = Welcome Back
> GMTA = Great Minds Think Alike
> BTW = By The Way
> IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
> WTG = Way To Go!

>These are just the most common shorthands.  New faces and abbreviations are
>constantly being created.  If you see one you don't understand, just ask!
>
>Look for these symbols while online and try creating new ones yourself.

Fun!

Carmen