Clearly editorial and sales have misalignment. The good news is that pulling the advertorial shows that the editors are still in charge. The Atlantic would do well to ensure that it remains that way. Quality content is the only way to earn respect in the long run.
pulling the advertorial shows that the editors are still in charge
What kind of editing is it that would allow this crap to appear for a few hours? This shows that they didn't expect and couldn't handle the backlash, but nothing more. Well, maybe that the Disqus censorship hamster wheels were overheating, too. But unless they come clean and distance themselves from this in no unclear terms, and ask for forgiveness, they can just go play in traffic (pun wasn't on purpose but I'm keeping it).
