A few of the ads in this magazine express ideas that many find untrue, embarrassing, trashy or low-class—and sometimes all four. Why do we accept them for publication, especially because they are so few among our many fine advertisers? Not for the money, but for the principle. That principle is the same principle that infuses the Free Speech clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. That freedom applies not only to what we agree with and find congenial, but also to the ideas we vigorously disagree with, the ideas that embarrass us. In the marketplace of ideas, truth will prevail, not because falsehood is barred but precisely the opposite—because it is given a hearing. The alternative to accepting the few ads that some readers find objectionable is to reject them. Between these alternatives, we believe it is better to give a hearing to the ideas reflected in these objectionable ads than to censor them.
We do have limits. We will not accept ads that are patently offensive, but except for such extreme cases, the marketplace of ideas is open.
We hope the quality of the goods, services and books in our other ads—plus our editorial content—will more than make up for the few ads some find objectionable. We also enlist your support for the principle that guides our ad policy. Truth is most likely to emerge when all are free to contend in the marketplace of ideas.—Ed.