I don't want to make any sweeping statements, but a bunch of people I met in Milwaukee late last month were just so darn nice. I had heard the stereotype often that people from the Midwest are super nice, but I remained dubious. New Jersey has nice people too, right? But during my three days in Milwaukee, I encountered living and breathing examples of niceness in restaurants, hotel lobbies, the gym and even on street corners.

One of my business journal counterparts, Steve Jagler who is the editor of BizTimes in Milwaukee, blogged about my observations based on an email I had sent him. I was in Milwaukee for a journalism conference, and Steve and his BizTimes colleagues were serving as hosts.

I don't want to make this an "us vs. them" thing--especially because they are so nice--but I have to ask: Are Midwest folks nicer than the people in New Jersey, or is that just a myth? I would be curious to read what you have to say, in the comments section below or via email at sharonw@njbiz.com. I will report back on this blog if I get enough of a response.