[cryptoz]

From wikipedia:

> Cruel and unusual punishment is a phrase describing punishment which is considered unacceptable due to the suffering, pain, or humiliation it inflicts on the condemned person

You don't really think that an HTML page inflicts any kind of suffering or pain on someone, do you? First, I don't even think this is 'punishment': it appears to be more focused on clarifying the issue to the public and ensuring Apple doesn't try to twist the story. Secondly, there's absolutely no way it's cruel. It may be unusual, though, and I'm curious about that too.

[robgough]

I'm sorry you took such offence at me using "cruel and unusual" as a turn of phrase, rather than to mean it's dictionary definition. I'll admit I'll happily use it in conversation - but perhaps I should have been more careful online where things are taken somewhat more literally.

I do feel that forcing Apple to link to a competitor, and advertise for them, is a form of punishment though.

[286c8cb04bda]

> I'm sorry you took such offence...

You're sorry he took offence? That's a pretty passive-aggressive apology isn't it?

You used the phrase wrong. He corrected you. I don't think you're allowed to claim any high ground here.

> I do feel that forcing Apple to link to a competitor, and advertise for them, is a form of punishment though.

That's supposed to be the whole point, I think.

[capitao]

> You used the phrase wrong. He corrected you.

wow, really? that phrase is used all the time in a lax, colloquial manner, he didn't 'use it wrong' at all.

why is everyone jumping to wikipedia over this? nothing better to do today?

[robgough]

It was quite genuine, I didn't mean to offend or upset. Lesson learnt!

You don't mention this, but I didn't to edit my original post, as i'm not a big fan of editing post content - but rather adding as part of the conversation.

[lmm]

He didn't "use the phrase wrong"; he communicated his meaning effectively. Dictionaries (of English; there is no acadamie anglaise) consist of observations, not rulings; if a dictionary disagrees with usage, it is the dictionary that is wrong.

[natrius]

The phrase "cruel and unusual punishment" is typically used when someone is trying to argue that a punishment should be illegal. A legalistic reply should be expected.

[Samuel_Michon]

“I'm sorry you took such offence”

Fantastic, I'm a huge fan of the non-apology apology. Hearing or reading one always makes me smile.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-apology_apology

[dagar]

corporations are people...