General Terms: Newbie: Someone new to a particular online service, BBS, or modeming in general. Newbies are often afraid to post anything publicly or ask for help, even though everyone else is usually happy to assist them. Lurker: Someone who "lurks" on a BBS or online service without posting messages or uploading files. Actually, most users are lurkers-the vast majority of messages are posted by a few vociferous folks. Emoticons: These are ASCII graphic faces used to express emotions in online messages. There are probably hundreds of variations, but some of the most common include :-) Smiley face, used to indicate laughter. :-( Frowny face, used to indicate disappointment or anger. ;-) Winky face, used to indicate a joke. :-/ Wry face, used when something's funny but in a bad way. B'} Cool shades face, an example of one of many possible variations.: 8^)>,8) etc.. Post: Another word for an online message, as in "Did you hear Kim's post?" Nets: Networks, used to describe the commercial online services as well as Usenet and BBS networks like WWIV and FidoNet. Lamer: Someone who only downloads files, never contributing files to the BBS or service. (Older: "Leech") Flaming: An exchange of insults or rude comments between users. Abbreviations: BCNU: Be seeing you. Used when you're about to leave a conference. It's considered rude to enter or exit a conference without saying hello or goodbye. BRB: Be right back. If you're going to be walking away from your computer or temporarily leaving the conference, it's nice to let people know. (Also AFK: away from keyboard.) BTW: By the way. CUL8TR: See you later. (Or just L8R, or C-Ya) : Grin. Synonymous with :-).