I have to hang my head in shame here as I am one of those exclamation whores!!!  (see - I had three there, I even almost put one on the subject line)

I find it very difficult not to write without exclamation marks, in fact, I probably have a few million in my blog - the temptation to add another one right there is soooo very strong, but I do understand what you are saying and will attempt not wear out my exclamation mark button on my keyboard.

Thank you for pointing this out to me (no, no, that does NOT need an exclamation mark)

Hmm, which is worse: too many exclamation points or no commas? Have these "writers" no shame, do they know not when to pause just as they know not when to exclaim. As a glass half full person, all I can say is "at least they're writing!"

Laura, using far too many commas at www.rebelliousthoughtsofawoman.com.

In this ever-growing digital world, our in-person communication is becoming less and less prevalent, therefore we are forced to rely on electronic mediums to converse with one another. That being said, electronic media can be very trick to write and/or read. How many teenagers (or even adults for that matter) have encountered "misunderstandings" over someone’s misinterpreted remarks during an email correspondence, or an instant-messaging conversation. I believe the exclamation marks have made their way into electronic  culture to help convey their intended message. And, as a footnote to your post, I would like to add that the use of CAPITOL letters is definitely abused and overused as well – in my opinion!