> "We ran a “native advertising” campaign for a new advertiser..."

We ran ads that look like genuine content...

> "...that, while properly labeled as Sponsor Content, was in my opinion inconsistent with the strategy and philosophy for which this program is intended."

...and we thought you wouldn't notice, or care, but clearly I was wrong and we look like giant douches.

> "In this case, we did not adequately work with the advertiser to create a content program that was in line with our brand."

It's the advertisers fault.

> "In addition, because we had not fully thought through the issues around commenting on Sponsor Content, we made some mistakes trying to moderate the commenting thread."

It's the commenter's fault.

> "The general media climate also played a role here."

It's the media climate's fault.

> "Once these issues came to light and I had the opportunity to assess the campaign, I made the decision to suspend it pending further review."

When the shit hit the fan, I panicked.

> "To be clear, our decision to pull the campaign should not be interpreted as passing judgment on the advertiser as an organization."

Don't fear, we'll still run ads for anyone...

> "Where I believe we erred was in the execution of the campaign."

It's probably our fault.

> "We then issued a statement to the press admitting we were at fault. When we make a mistake, we admit it."

See, I admitted it before. I get kudos for that.

> "Our highest priority is The Atlantic’s reputation and credibility. That’s why so many readers trust us and why advertisers want to work with us."

We're willing to sell out our reputation and credibility, as long as it doesn't backfire.

> "Why did it happen? Quite simply, we did not have clearly established digital advertising guidelines and policies in place..."

It's management's fault.

> "...and when you’re innovating in a new territory without standardized guidelines (we’re not alone in the industry on this issue, by the way), mistakes can happen."

It's "innovation's" fault.

> "One important note for everyone: casting blame on any group or any individual is both unfair and simply not what we do at The Atlantic."

It's not my fault.

> "And we most certainly should not speak to the press or use social media to attack our organization or our colleagues. We are a team that rises and falls together."

Be quiet about it.

> "What is our plan going forward? We are currently finalizing new policies and guidelines to govern advertising overall, with a specific focus on Sponsor Content."

We're figuring out just how far we can push when lying to customers.

> "Very shortly, we’ll publish these new policies, and I’ll be discussing them publicly with the press."

Hopefully this will blow over soon.

> "My hope is that we’ll turn this issue into a moment where, as a leader in digital advertising, we will help move the industry to a better place."

If I can spin this, it'll look great on my CV.

> "If you have ANY questions or potential concerns about something you’re working on, please don’t hesitate to push it up the chain. Push it up to me—and if I think I need to, I will include Justin and David, not to mention Linda, Natalie, Bruce, Aretae (our new deputy general counsel), etc."

We're watching our collective arses closely now.

> "It seems fitting to quote one of our founders, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who once said “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” This isn’t the first, nor the last time that WE will make mistakes..."

WE

> "..., but what is important is how we handle them and what we learn from these moments."

I'm not going anywhere.

> "I am available at any time (including this weekend) should you wish to discuss any aspects of this week in further depth."

I'm so contrite, I'm even working this weekend.