STATEMENT FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

To Our Many Readers and Loyal Fans:

Nothing is more important to a blog organization than its reputation for accuracy, fairness and responsibility.

Building and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic excellence has been critical to the success of Strumpette since its inception just 4 months ago.

As the managing editor of Strumpette, I am responsible for assuring our visitors that we get the story right every time.

With that in mind, Strumpette's coverage yesterday of Office Sex in the PR Industry contains a statement we regret. In the story's "Analysis" of why there is very little "goin' on," going on, we said, "Lastly, of the men who are actually available and sexually capable, there are a lot of Hobson-Holtz podcasters in the business."

Since the story ran, we've heard from several viewers demanding an investigation. We responded directly. We immediately commissioned an independent review of the story led by the highly respected media attorney, Bertram Hinkle.

This morning, Mr. Hinkle made his determination. Indeed, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that "there are a lotta Hobson-Holtz podcasters in the PR business." That is, regrettably we cannot actually confirm the story as reported.

First, we want to underscore that we acknowledge serious faults in the use of sources who provided us with the original story. Strumpette's system of journalistic checks and balances, which has served us exceptionally well in the past, failed in this case.

Second, we are responding with an immediate retraction. We in no way meant to belittle the handful of genuine PR hobbyists that are having innocent fun role playing as media producers and business men.

We regret the misunderstanding. The fault lies with the editors, producers and reporters responsible for the report's contents. We apologize to our viewers for this mistake.

Do know that we have taken vigorous steps to strengthen our internal procedures to ensure that mistakes like this do not happen again.

Sincerely,

Amanda Chapel
Managing Editor
Strumpette

EDITOR'S NOTE

Seen in the photo attached (click here), L-R are Neville Hobson and Shel Holtz. Apparently after a rollicking session of podcasting, the couple enjoys a relaxing early spring evening together on a glorious holiday in Concord, California.