On: A High Frequency Trader's Apologia, Part 1

[firebones]

It's an apology in the second sense of the word apology:

"2. a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine."

Basically, apology as "explanation and defense of an idea".

[cynicalkane → firebones]

The word "apology" almost always means saying sorry, even to people who know the other meaning.

The author might consider the word "apologia", which does not obviously mean saying sorry and has the additional benefit of sounding Greek, stirring up memories of Socrates' famous defense at his trial. But again, there isn't even a defense in the author's post, just the promise of one forthcoming.

[yummyfajitas → cynicalkane]

I was alluding to Hardy's book, "A Mathematician's Apology", not the ancient greek one. I've updated the title on HN as per your suggestion.

[rauljara → firebones]

It isn't an apology in that sense of the word either. There is no defense here. Just a not so technical explanation.

Though, the article promises a defense in a later post, so perhaps it will turn into an apology then.

[yummyfajitas → rauljara]

That's coming in part 2, but an explanation of the mechanics is necessary before reaching that point. Since a discussion of the mechanics are useful by themselves, I didn't wait to polish part 2 before posting this one.

My apologies (in the sense of definition 1) to those who feel misled. I'll polish up the actual apology (in the sense of Hardy) post-haste.