Several readers have written to us about the ads by BP that have appeared on Facing South's website. This is as good a chance as any to talk about Facing South's advertising policy, which is essentially the same policy we have used since we began publishing Southern Exposure, our print journal, in 1973 (with some tweaking for the digital age).

First: The ads appearing on Facing South come through Common Sense Media, an online advertising network. Advertisers purchase ads at CSMedia, which are then automatically placed on our site; we typically only find out who's purchased CSMedia ads after they appear on Facing South.

We haven't been able to figure it out yet, but theoretically there is a way for us to block ads from CSMedia we believe are clearly false, libelous, abusive and/or egregious in undermining the mission of the Institute, and we reserve the right to reject any such ads.

However, like other small, public-interest publications (see here and here), our presumption is against rejecting ads unless they clearly meet those criteria, for three reasons.

First, we hope it is clear -- and I think the BP example clearly shows -- that advertisers in no way influence the views and mission of the Institute for Southern Studies, Facing South and Southern Exposure. We resolutely stand by the independence of our reporting, research and opinions, and our advertisers -- and readers -- know that.

Second, we trust in the ability of our readers to judge the merits of the claims made by advertisers. All ads in Facing South and Southern Exposure are clearly marked, and the views expressed in advertising do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute.

Lastly, advertising is a small but important part of the revenue stream that makes our one-of-a-kind investigative reporting -- including our series of investigations into BP -- and public interest work for a better South possible.

The Institute largely relies on donations from readers like you and support from foundations. But ads are likely to grow as an important part our revenue mix if Facing South, Southern Exposure and the Institute are to survive and thrive.

So if you'd like to help ensure a bright future for our public interest journalism, consider placing an ad or making a donation today!