Why It’s Illegal to Use Milk Crates for Anything Besides Milk (2013) | Hacker News Reader

Why It’s Illegal to Use Milk Crates for Anything Besides Milk (2013)

modernfarmer.com

8 pointspje10 comments

I don't understand how professional writers constantly misuse "begs the question".

Because professional writers caught up with the times and use it to mean what everybody understand it to mean.

We need something to mean what "begs the question" used to mean, then, because it's an important concept to be aware of.

Or they could be less confusing with their writing, use "raises the question" like they intended to, and not look stupid in the process.

Or, for variety, "begs us to ask".

Because its English. There is no such thing as "misuse". Words mean what readers and writers think they mean. Its a communication medium, not an exercise in bureaucracy.

I don't get why people defend incorrect language usage but wouldn't defend terrible misspellings, like "definitely" as "defiantly". They're both equally "wrong" but one is acceptable and one isn't.

I agree that language is an evolution and there is no "wrong", but that doesn't stop people from looking stupid by trying write intelligently and falling on their faces.

In Netherland, the folding crates of Albert.nl, the delivery branch of big supermarket chain Albert Heijn, are very popular. They're sturdy, they fold up, everybody uses them for everything, and the delivery men totally support your right to use them for whatever you like.

And albert.nl doesn't lose any money on it, because you pay a 4 euro deposit for the crate. If you keep it, they've already got the money to replace it.

So why don't US dairy companies do that?

I wonder if the arrival of the CD helped? The milk crate is precisely the right size for the storage of 12 inch LP albums (presumably just a hair over 12 inches inside diameter). Using the crate on its side, they are a cube 12"(+ a hair) H & W and a smidgeon under 12" deep, which meant you could actually get to the cover (the albums would be marginally proud in that orientation IIRC. Plus you could then use the crates as the legs of a coffee table or whatnot.

Err, or so I've been told.

Why not just charge for the crates and have it be refunded when returned?

Reply on news.ycombinator.com