It might seem odd at first that new signups can't use the response icons until after making a few postings, but ponder on that thought for a couple minutes. There are a couple of good reasons.
![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
It's not really that big of a deal. Make a few replies or posts and the ability appears.