Truthfully, “stupefied” is more of a permanent condition I have, but my symptoms intensified as a result of your responses.  I won’t be able to respond to everyone.  So thank you.  It was interesting reading your thoughts on the subject.

I’m posting a smattering of responses.  Some comments were hilarious and some were insightful.  All of them are important to me because I care as much about the connection I’m building with you as I do for the quality of what Andy and I do on the show.  It’s kind of all one big thing to me.

Also I tried to stay true to the percentages.  These e-mails fairly represent the larger number of e-mails I received.  I did cut many of them down for the sake of fitting more in.  In some cases I cut whole paragraphs out but I left the point of your message in tact.  If you feel I missed your point, let me know.

For the sake of space, I’m not posting my imagined responses like I normally do.  We’ll have a group hug at the end.  Okay here goes…

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 Mike, I would watch the show no matter what state I was in.  My wife and I get some good ideas about where to go camping to see the places you have discovered.
Terry

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Mike, I love the show and I would watch it even if you were reporting on the Northwest or even Ohio, and yes, I do think the show would work in other markets.  There's only one way to find out... do it.   You know, I could send a tape of the show to all of my family in Ohio and see if they would watch it.  I mean what else is there to do in Ohio?

Yavonda

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The answer to your question is yes. I think the whole world would appreciate your love of journalism and sense of humor regardless of which part of the country they live in.  This spoken from a native New Yorker who makes all of her friends and family watch the show whenever they are in Charlotte.  Go beyond the Carolinas. The possibilities are endless.

Marion

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You asked the question, so here's my answer.  I think a lot of Northerners think Southerners are hicks and may watch for the laughter.  Why do I watch?  I'm interested in people and places in general, no matter what the subject is or where the place is.  Your personality keeps it interesting. I like the fly by the seat of your pants attitude.

Susan

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If corporate wants you (and Andy) to go into their other markets and produce a (fill in the blank) Traveler show to air in those markets, the audience here would certainly watch. Market it here as a video travel/vacation guide show.

Sandy

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I do believe people other parts of the US would watch your show.  I would watch a show like that about other states, particularly if I'd never been there or if the possibility of visiting were very remote. 

Karen

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I think if you and Andy run the show, it will work anywhere. You find the most unique stories and tell them in a light-hearted good-natured manner.

Anna D

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WOW! That’s a really hard question.  I watch your show religiously, but would I watch the “Iowa Traveler” or the “Nebraska Traveler”? I doubt it.  I was born and raised in Rock Hill and I just love how you show me that I don’t know all there is to know about this area.  If I watched a show about locals from another part of the country, it wouldn’t be any different than watching TLC, Discovery, etc. and seeing things that aren’t familiar.  On the other hand, Southern folks are just plain interesting to watch.  The way you and Andy present your stories would be entertaining to lots of people, I’m sure.

Lynda

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I enjoy your show mainly because it is all “Carolinas” — since I am a native South Carolinian.

But I also enjoy watching shows of this nature on places all over the U.S.  What's not to like?

Judi

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I think a show like Carolina Traveler would work in other parts of the country, as long as they focus on their own area. I think that’s what sets your show apart from other “travel” shows. There are plenty of those on the Travel Channel, but rarely do you get to discover your own hometown. Just think about it; all of us who live in the Carolinas would have missed out on so many interesting things without your show. Every time my husband and I ride through Pumpkin Center, I think of the feature you did on it.

Melanie

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I think people would be interested nationwide in your show.  It is a delight to watch. Please you and Andy keep up the good work.   I look forward to seeing you on national TV some day soon.

Sheri

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At first thought I would say no.  Because if you air a segment on some Grits festival in SC would that not perpetuate the typical southern stereotype that we are slow, stupid and eat dirt?  But actually the more I think about it is that not the basis of the Travel Channel, National Geographic, CNN, etc?  To bring our attention to other parts of the country and world that you may not actually get to visit?  Besides aren't the Carolinas some of the most popular tourist destinations?  And while you and Andy might come across a little Gomer Pyle and Barney Fife-ish, everyone loved those guys so that would be an interesting hook.  I actually loved those shows so please take that as a compliment.

Ashley

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On the one hand, I could be very stingy and say that I really don't want to see you sharing all of your beautiful humor with the rest of the nation.  On the other hand, to share you with the nation would be great.  In a way, it would be a way of the rest of us bragging about what we have, which is you and Andy Benton.  Let them be jealous of us because of your Carolina stories and who knows, they may come and visit us instead of the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls.

Becky 

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Mike,

It would work in every state in the union and every country in the world.  You have a way with people.  You love your job and you can tell.  So, if you are saying that you might be going into syndication, this could be the happiest day of my life.  I am moving at the end of May, so I won't get to watch you guys anymore.  But I will still read your journal every week and watch the stories on the web. I will miss you. Back to the syndication thing, WSLS Channel 10 in Roanoke, VA, should be your first stop!

Karen

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Will people in other parts of the country watch Carolina Traveler? Well, I watch the show and I am a hardened northeaster.  The Carolinians you profile are so awesome. People from all over the country are pouring into Charlotte to make it their home and I must believe it has to do with the “idea” of what the Carolinas are; simple, calmer, slower, kinder. And of course the way you and Andy present the stories is the kicker. It’s wonderful, funny, sarcastic, insightful.

Go ahead and let your bosses “shop it” as they say.

L

(I withheld this man’s name because he admitted he’s not supposed to be e-mailing while at work… or from prison, perhaps.)

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My feelings are mixed.  I think it would be a good thing to try out but I don't think it will stick.  I'm afraid it may be seen as a "redneck show" just because of its location.  If they can get past that, they would really enjoy it.  And, if it doesn't go over well in other areas, will that affect the show locally?  I don't want to take any chances of having it cancelled here!  We know we love it, even if "the others" don't.  As long as it continues to air here, I say try it.  What could it hurt?

Robin

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I'd definitely watch a show about other parts of the country if they had interesting people and places.

Christine

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Well, there you have it.  Now you know why my stupeficiousty flared up.  This is good stuff. 

Yankees say go for it and some locals are concerned they’ll be misunderstood.  That is possible.  I’m misunderstood all the time.  Maybe it could be marketed as a new show based on this concept, “A Yankee in The South.”  What happens when a northerner tries to discover the real south?  After all I am from Ohio.  And to me that is the charm of the show.  I’m not from ‘roun’ here… but everywhere I go I meet people who I fall in love with.  I grow more and more proud of my new home ever day.

Andy Griffith had it right from the start.  And maybe that’s why Andy Benton and I come across like characters straight out of his show.

You’ve given me and my 12 bosses something to chew on.  Now we’ll form a committee to select a study group that will be assigned the research to see if this is feasible.  I’ll have those results for you in about two years.  Then the original committee will discuss the merits of those findings for another year.

By 2010 I’ll be back where I started 15 years ago, building homes.   Andy Benton will be teaching journalism at a University on the west coast.  Good times… again.

Alright, I have to go talk with a blind kid about baseball.  I love the Carolinas. LOVE IT!

Mike Redding