Another big factor for me, in fact the overriding one now I've settled into the platform, is whether I feel I have a genuine relationship with the owner/editors. In other words, if they express enthusiasm for what I submit, in some form. Comments/private notes essentially.

This is also a two-way thing. I like writing for pubs whose owners/editors write stuff I also enjoy reading. This makes it feel more like swapping stories with your mates down the pub. Which ultimately is the vibe that any online interaction should aspire to, however remotely.

Big pubs are never likely to tick that box. But not all smaller pubs do either. It's a very personal feeling, which is how it should be,