Smiley Xtra is a popular Firefox add-on which allows users to search a large database of smilies and easily insert the preferred one into forum posts, blog entries, etc. The database currently includes over 2000 emotes submitted by the usership, which, needless to say, has not as a rule sought the permission of the author before submitting an emoticon.

Because emoticons are so small and so ubiquitous, people have become accustomed to seeing these art works as public property, unsourced and unattributed, floating out there in the ether for anyone to use wherever and whenever they want.

Smiley Xtra, in conjunction with the emoticonist community of deviantART, is taking a stand against this widespread disregard for the art form.

Coder James Baker is now working on a complete renovation of the extension. The next release will feature a brand new database of smilies authorized for use by and fully attributed to the original artists. The open submission system will be replaced by authorized user only submissions so that artists can upload their own work or that of others who've granted permission.

The response from deviantART emoticonists has been overwhelming. Since I first announced the project on February 26th, over 50 artists have offered their work and services.

Soon, for the first time in internet history, emoticon artists will have their work recognized as their own in a widely used and distributed medium. Users all over the world will know who created that wonderful smiley they're about to insert into a forum post, and be able to search for more of the her work by name, or check out his homepage.

Please note me or comment on this journal if you'd like to participate, and keep your eyes open for more news on this tremendously exciting project as it develops.