I sat down with Brent, the 2008 New Year smiley earlier this week and asked him his thoughts on life, his future, and those smileys who will follow in his glasses.

2008 was pretty crappy by most accounts. What type of year was it for you?
It started off like a dream. I think I was included in about 125,000 emails and instant messages in a 3-day timetable. It dropped off after that, but for most of the first quarter of 2008, I was on top of the world. Then after a few quiet months, the U.S. presidential election actually caused renewed interest in me, many claiming I had not only ushered in a new year, but an historic change in American politics. Well, me and Barack.

And now?
I haven't seen the inside of an email in 5 weeks.

Any chance of a comeback... say, 10-15 years from now?
You're joking, right? President Bush may make a cameo as a rodeo clown in 15 years, but me? No, man, it's over. I could show up on some CNN b-roll as part of a "worst year ever" retrospective, but that's wishful thinking.

So what happens to a forgotten smiley?
Scurvy.

No, seriously.
Shingles.

Wow, that bad?
Here's the deal. I've got lots of friends in here. Smiley Central is a happy place. Hell, you're talking 12,000 emoticons walking around, living the high life. Most are cool. Except for that random baby doll graphic. Not sure how she got in here, maybe a clip-art mixup. She freaks me out, though. But yeah, it can be a rather sedentary life. Most New Year smileys from past years are no longer around. Do a search in Smiley Central for 2007 or 2006. Nothing.

That's rather depressing.
I've made my peace. I'm one of the lucky ones, really. Most smileys never see the action I've experienced. Like this poor emoticon here... I bet he hasn't been sent in more than 100 instant messages in his entire life, much less in under two minutes like I did in my prime. Good luck, little blue circle of gloom. Maybe 2009 will be your year.

Speaking of 2009... any advice for this year's New Year smiley?
Nah, it's already over for him, the best times anyway. Once you pass January 4th it's good night, Ernie, pass the mashed potatoes and go to bed early. Which is too bad, he's a good emoticon. Smart. Bright. Young. And humble - he knows his legacy has the potential to be worse than mine. But he'll be okay. It's the 2010 New Year smiley I worry about...

Why's that?
His glasses. He's going to have a "1" running through his left eye. No more consecutive double zeroes, I'm afraid. Poor bastard. He hasn't even been designed yet and he's already looking at cataracts.