As the Apology Index takes form — and once I have a measurable number of readers, who may be moved to offer comments or suggestions — I will add a scale for rating apologies. It won't be scientifically accurate and may be somewhat tongue-in-cheek ... and will most certainly not employ the metric system. But that does raise the question of what makes for a good apology.

The Wikipedia article on Remorse offers some thoughts:

The consensus emerging from these and other studies is quite clear — effective apologies that express remorse typically include the following components: a detailed account of the offense; acknowledgment of the hurt or damage done; acceptance of the responsibility for, and ownership of, the mistake; an explanation that recognizes ones role; a statement or expression of regret, humility or remorse; a request for forgiveness; and an expression of a credible commitment to change or a promise that it won't happen again; and some form of restitution, compensation or token gesture in line with the damage that you caused.