I suppose not, and you've definitely got a good point there. I think it's these quirks and variations in the English language that make it so great. On the brightside, though, I've gone from believing that all "ize" spelling were Americanisms to learning that they were, least in the past, preferred by the Oxford English Dictionary. So I'm happy that I've learned something D. And as for the consistency, I think I was being a little pedantic, few other people would have been bothered. Wikipedia does say to be bold, though, doesn't it? (Strangely, popularise was included as a variation in the Oxford English Dictionary, too. ;) ) Respectfully,    -Even if you did try to imply that I was an impoverished speller.