Aw, man. Remember how we were all so excited that somebody wanted the Village Voice? When Erik Wemple was announced as the new editor in chief, he was the first to take over the paper as it entered the new regime. And now, he's quit — as the story declares — before he could even start.

Apparently the issue was "newsroom direction" and something about straddling too many ponies. After a 90 minute speech to the VV staff, and a bunch of blogging about his arrival, Wemple decided that he and Mike Lacey weren't really going to get along too well. (We have a feeling this Lacey guy is growing to be the next Jann Wenner.)

Plus, the Washington City Paper gave Wemple his old job back, so he can happily return to frat boy town. We're not surprised the Village, with all its poetry cafes and grimy bars was not the ideal Wemple stopping grounds ... but his departure is more or less shocking.

Press Release after the jump.

June 15, 2006

This morning Erik Wemple announced that he'd changed his mind about becoming editor of the Village Voice. A new father, Wemple decided to remain in his old position as the editor at City Paper in Washington, D.C.

We wish him well.

Although Wemple accepted the job of editor-in-chief of the historic Voice--even introducing himself to the staff--subsequent discussions revealed disagreements over newsroom management.

"Erik's concerns are not unreasonable," said Michael Lacey, executive editor of Village Voice Media. "The Voice is an enormous and complex horse race. We asked Erik to mount several ponies mid-stride, and he was alarmed to find us still in several of those saddles."

UPDATE: 'Voice' Editor Quits Before He Starts [Laura Conaway, Village Voice Editor]