I hate to do this, but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to back out of front-paging. I was so honored and excited to take on the project when it was offered to me (not to mention proud) that I agreed to do it with far too little thought. Having time to reflect, I concluded that I am regretfully unable to do the job at the level we need--the level that our past FPers have done and that my would-be colleagues will do.
So, I realize that I'm pulling the ultimate dick move in accepting, soaking up the accolades of the community, and then slinking off without doing the work. Unfortunately, it simply is too much of a time commitment for me right now. In addition to my day job, which has allowed me time to post thoughtful pieces only sparingly thus far, I just moved into a new house which is kind of a fixer-upper. I also recently found out that I'm going to be working on a case which will require a great deal of travel (some of it international).
Again, apologies for bailing, but I figure that it's better now than three, four months from now. I would have been honored to be part of such a talented group, and I know the group will do the site proud this year. Thanks to everyone for nominating me and for being so supportive. I really apologize for letting everyone down.
This isn't a GBCW post; I'm still going to be around posting and commenting on election stuff as always. Believe me when I stress that this is very difficult. I just believe that now is not the time for me to take on added responsibilities. I have spoken with Markos about this and he agrees. Again, I'm sorry to be a flip-flopping shrinking violet, but it's gotta be this way.