Editor-in-chief to leave hyperlocal network Patch

The editor-in-chief of hyperlocal network Patch will leave his post at the start of next month, saying that while the site has come in for a lot of criticism he feels he is leaving it in "good shape and in good hands".

In a blog post hosted on Patch Brian Farnham says "I have never worked for a company that has been as scrutinised, criticised and coal-raked as this one [...] we have critics in the media, local critics, national critics, the business press the journalism reviews, bloggers… It’s music to kill yourself by."

Patch was launched in 2007 by Tim Armstrong and was bought by AOL two years later shortly after Armstrong became the company's CEO.

Farnham thanked Armstrong in his blog post, saying “I have never worked for a leader with more energy and bravery to push the ideas he’s passionate about.”

There is no word yet on who will replace him at the top and his job is not currently advertised on Patch's quite extensive job page, but from comments under his blog post it appears he will be sorely missed.

Commenter 'John Ness' said "Brian is the reason the word mensch was invented. Will sorely miss you, buddy." And 'Danna Walker' said "Wow, Brian, the whole reason I came to Patch was your blonde spiky haircut…You were our fearless leader. All I can say is you'll be missed."

Although stepping down from the role of editor-in-chief Farnham said he planned to stay as an "active alum" by continuing to be a member of the advisory board the site is continuing to build.

He says he will be spending his last couple of weeks saying face-to-face goodbyes and signed off that "it has truly been an honour."

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