Feedback: Very traditional error messages


Feedback is our weekly column of bizarre stories, implausible advertising claims, confusing instructions and more


FEEDBACK was mildly puzzled that online and email error messages failed to feature among the 10 milestone achievements of our species (25 October). This prompted a colleague to report how the grand traditions of the analogue equivalent are being maintained and upheld.


The colleague emailed a document to members of the UK's House of Lords. One member asked for a paper copy. Our colleague thought he'd just drop one off at the Lords' entrance to their House. The white-tied (and likely special-forces-trained) guardian there gravely informed him that if his Lordship were not to collect the envelope by 5pm, it would have to be destroyed. Therefore it could not be accepted. No, Sir, not even if you give us signed permission to destroy it. Error 001: potentially undeliverable mail refused.


Why not, the ...


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