A quantum of umbrage: The revised "Pottery Barn rule"

Yes, yes, it's got nothing to do with the actual policy of the actual Pottery Barn stores. But then, Pottery Barn stores aren't barns and don't have very much pottery, either, so there's no reason for any of us to be putting on airs.

Anyway, here's the old "Pottery Barn rule:"

[O]nce you break it, you are going to own it, and we’re going to be responsible for 26 million people standing there looking at us.

Secretary of State Colin Powell

to President Bush, August 2002

And this, apparently, is the new "Pottery Barn rule:"

If you break it, the next guy who walks through the door owns it.

Or, put plainly: