Need help - net jargon

[Mike Percy]

Note: I originally posted this to sci.lang and sources.wanted but
      need a broader response base.

I am a senior majoring in computer science at Clemson University. I also
volunteered to be a student in the first linguistics course tought here.
As a part of the class, I am required to prepare a paper. I am
interested in the language of the net -- it being something I am
familiar with. In particular I would appreciate any examples of jargon
which is centered in usenet, also any special symbols used to help get a
point across (e.g. :-) ). Please understand that I am more interested in
_general_ net jargon such as the term "flame" as opposed to jargon found
in a particular newsgroup (however, terms which originated in a
particular group which have spread throughout the net are more than
welcome). 

So if you have any examples of postings which had some element in them
which would require some familiarity to the net, please Email me a copy.

If I get a good grade, I will post the resulting paper...

P.S. I already have plenty of smiley face lists....

Thanks in advance everyone.


Mike Percy
Clemson University

grimlok at hubcap.clemson.edu