On Thu, 18 Dec 2003 22:04:30 -0800, Bill Turner
wrote:

Huh-uh! Apostrophes are allowed to pluralize non-standard words,
including acronyms. Thus QSL's is ok as a plural and so is 73's.

Perhaps in Swahili but not in English.

The arbitrary usage of pointless extra apostrophes
is mostly seen on advertising signs in rural southern states.

Educated people know the difference, although the "allowance"
you speak of, is popping up in more and more places as the acceptance
of this error becomes more and more widespread, both in Britain and
the U.S.

Very odd to me. I was taught the difference!