Michigan
Visiting mods are less likely to meet any of the local ladies which makes it easier to maintain a level playing field. Either a local or visiting mod can stir the pot to make the board more active but it's up to the local hobbyists and providers to make the board a community.
TER focuses first and foremost on the hobby. However, none of us lives the hobby 24/7. This isn't just a hobby discussion board. It is a MICHIGAN discussion board! Make this a little slice of Michigan. If you look at some of the more active and entertaining boards on TER, you will see that they have a community feel.
We will try to stir the pot a bit her but it won't work if the locals don't get involved. This board is yours. It's a valuable resource for locals and for visitors to your region.
thirsty
P.S. MI, Don't let Ben Dover anywhere near your daughters! 
...and I'm thinkin' no one stepped up to the plate. Perhaps as time goes on, there will be a suitable candidate. I'm guessing the Atlata boys are just pinch hitting in the meantime...
Ben-I know there are a few alternative, more *local* boards that seem to draw more conversation...for me, there tends to be too much drama though (somehow the two go hand in hand, don't they?). I'd certainly like to see some discussions amongst the ad posts, but I think it will take some time to coax intelligent conversation out from the shadows.
Certainly I know there are some here that will do there part...myself and MHP included. 
xoMegan
Visiting mods are less likely to meet any of the local ladies which makes it easier to maintain a level playing field. Either a local or visiting mod can stir the pot to make the board more active but it's up to the local hobbyists and providers to make the board a community.
TER focuses first and foremost on the hobby. However, none of us lives the hobby 24/7. This isn't just a hobby discussion board. It is a MICHIGAN discussion board! Make this a little slice of Michigan. If you look at some of the more active and entertaining boards on TER, you will see that they have a community feel.
We will try to stir the pot a bit her but it won't work if the locals don't get involved. This board is yours. It's a valuable resource for locals and for visitors to your region.
thirsty
P.S. MI, Don't let Ben Dover anywhere near your daughters!
Hmmm... no drama... but lots of assumptions and opinions bounding about in here...
"...wiser to choose moderators who are familiar with the MIchigan hobby scene..."
"...Perhaps as time goes on, there will be a suitable candidate..."
"...I think it should be moderated by a person right here in Michigan..."
"...I'm guessing the Atlata boys are just pinch hitting in the meantime..."
Soooooooo, let me dispel a few of these rumors and false assumptions.
I am not pinch hitting; I will likely moderate the Michigan board until such time as I manage to get fired or quit. I also moderate four other TER discussion boards.
Although I am not a Michigan native, I was there for 10+ years prior to relocating to Atlanta, and lived, worked, played, and traveled extensively throughout the entire state. I have a pretty good understanding of the people, language, and terrain -- from Downriver to Port Huron to Holland to Cadillac to Petosky to Sault Saint Marie, and including nearby Toledo and Windsor. I even lived in Jackson for a period of time (and no, it wasn't at the state prison!).
I attended or taught classes at three different state universities, have relatives in the Metro Detroit area, visit and hobby there regularly, and am currently wearing a Michigan State sweatshirt (a present from my daughter, an alumni). Michigan is a great state - the only thing I don't miss is the cold and snow. 
So, if anybody wants to challenge me to a little "Michigan Trivia" contest, let's bring it on! Sounds like fun...
atl_mgr
As somebody else stated, there are no stupid questions.
Active discussion and questioning is one way how folks get to know each other, and how online communities get established.
From the surface, it probably did appear that a couple of southern hicks were infiltrating the northern homeland.
I look forward to your contributions on the board as activity picks up. Let's get this place rockin'!
- atl_mgr