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I'd speculate that, just as with the Zagat purchase, they were singularly interested in a brand with recognition in those 40 years and older.

(Maybe since they are seeing the Google brand erode in quality and value to those under 40...)

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Do the Frommer's and Zagat brands mean anything to those under 40? My instinct is that they probably don't.

I'm in my late twenties and I know both brands though I had almost zero interaction with Zagat in any purposeful sort of way. I never sought out a list of Zagat rated restaurants. I did use Frommer's for trip planning though often it was browsing in the bookstore or library rather than purchasing.

Interesting, though not entirely surprising. I'd surmise that your usage is representative the maximum utility for most people under 40.

Did you seek them out or did you discover them incidentally while in the respective "Travel" sections?

I'm in my early 20s, and I have heard of (and respect) Zagat. I'd never heard of Frommer's until this story broke.

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