I agree. I grew up in a small town in Germany with around 10 - 12k residents. There were only three ways to learn about a new business and the quality it provid

I agree. I grew up in a small town in Germany with around 10 - 12k residents. There were only three ways to learn about a new business and the quality it provided: - try it our yourself - read in the paper about the opening and read the review of the local journalist - have others (Neighbors, friends) tell you about it - most often these reports were influenced by the media's/journalist's take on the business. Nonetheless one could work around the local paper if you were able to get WOM started. At least in special sub cultures/groups. But if you catered for the average Jane (or Joe) you needed the goodwill of the paper. And you had to buy it with advertising (and sometimes outright bribes to the journalist). And - if there were one or two influential clubs/societies in town like the local sports club or the "Freiwillige Feuerwehr" (local voluntary fire department) you better had their higher ups on your good side and pampered them.