wtf, Pandagon, redux.
So, I asked Pandagon (by emailing Amanda) if they knew about the ad in their sidebar, and got this response:
Advertising and editorial are separate at Pandagon, as per industry standard, to protect the integrity of the editorial. Once you start censoring ads, you're implicitly endorsing the others, which means your opinions are for sale. So I don't step on that slippery slope.
Frankly, I disbelieve that they don't have any control over their ads; ever seen a Maxim ad there? A porn ad? An ad for a conservative think tank? No. Because they DO exercise control over what is shown there.
Amanda Marcotte makes me roll my eyes. A lot. I think this time they actually rolled out of my head.
eta: I sent a followup message, and got this back:
I'm sorry it offends you. I don't like it, either. But we do have a policy, and I explained it. I criticize PETA routinely on the site, and it would be a shame to have that compromised.
I...don't get how rejecting ads from PETA means you can't criticize them anymore. Or compromises your criticism of them. Or...what. I mean, damn, just accept ads from Maxim and Playboy, while you're at it.
Advertising and editorial are separate at Pandagon, as per industry standard, to protect the integrity of the editorial. Once you start censoring ads, you're implicitly endorsing the others, which means your opinions are for sale. So I don't step on that slippery slope.
Frankly, I disbelieve that they don't have any control over their ads; ever seen a Maxim ad there? A porn ad? An ad for a conservative think tank? No. Because they DO exercise control over what is shown there.
Amanda Marcotte makes me roll my eyes. A lot. I think this time they actually rolled out of my head.
eta: I sent a followup message, and got this back:
I'm sorry it offends you. I don't like it, either. But we do have a policy, and I explained it. I criticize PETA routinely on the site, and it would be a shame to have that compromised.
I...don't get how rejecting ads from PETA means you can't criticize them anymore. Or compromises your criticism of them. Or...what. I mean, damn, just accept ads from Maxim and Playboy, while you're at it.