Language and English

I am just observing this thread, and have refrained from commenting until now; several posters have echoed my sentiments and thus I will reserve further comments save that, in my lifelong study of the structure and beauty of the English language, I find the use of "sms/icq/chat" formatting, **when used outside of those fora**, to be excruciatingly juvenile and 'cutesy'... the modern equivalent of dotting all one's 'i's with circles or (shudder) smiley faces. And don't get me started on so-called "emoticons", either. ;} As well. I have nothing to add concerning the 'contributions' of AOLamers to the Internet (since Mr. Case first opened the sluiceways)... alt.aol.sucks is there for all to peruse and react to as they see fit. THAT BEING SAID: Since no one seems to remember why we're here - What I want to know from the Gentleperson, 'from the arts' as you say [what form of art? I have studied piano and music for more than 40 years, I am a paid (occasionally) writer, some published poetry, scored a few crummy movies, FYI...] is this: what comprises your collection, or interests, in Classic Computing? Do you have a specialty area? Mine is PDP-era DEC machines. I also collect and restore vintage electronic musical instruments and outboard gear. Do you work on / restore / re-sell classic computers? Do you use classic computers in your Art? I sure do... Do you have a particular name you'd rather be addressed as (other than your 'screen name')? I'm sorry the topic drifted to your choice of communication style. I can share with you that, because a good deal of my professional writing is for three or four consumer audio magazines, and since I provide an e-mail box for readers to use, I am sometimes quite overwhelmed with high-school and college-age correspondants who either 'sms' themselves into incomprehensibility or bludgeon me WiTh HaX0R pRiNtIng D00DZ!!!!! I AM 3LIT3!!!!! It does not, I assure you, impress. My two cents. Please have a happy New Year, and I am very interested in hearing about your involvement in classiccmping. Cheers John