Posted on 08/08/2010 11:06:46 AM PDT by thecodont
Better bring your laptop if you do this. All the library computers are taken by kids from the hood checking out Facebook.
We installed APs in our Cafe’ and two bars but not in our resturant for this same reason.
Clearly, and I understand your point. I was just trying to say that for a private business to charge for internet access and limit the amount of time someone ‘hangs out’ without purchasing anything is legitimate to me. Whether you agree or disagree with the concept of a publicly funded library, the fact is that they exist, and they are not private businesses.
Actually, I wonder what is going to happen to libraries as the printed word becomes more and more digital. For a library to have one or two copies of a particular book, and lend it out free of charge, is not a threat to booksellers. On the other hand, there's no way libraries can obtain digital copies of a book etc. and make them available online for free. No one would buy books (or online access to them) anymore.
“Better bring your laptop if you do this...”
You’re right, and I do when I go there. I don’t do this often, but I would do it more frequently if I were allowed to bring coffee with me.
Yeah you see these slackers sitting around all day. They buy one cup of coffee. The place I go to for good sandwiches allows self serve of coffee, soda and tea. They have wi fi but very few slackers. They would go broke.
The idiots also want an electrical plug to charge their phones, laptops, iPads and you name it.
Besides FR, I just can’t understand what people do on the web that takes so much time?
Re: “And thats why Barns and Noble and Borders are about to go belly up come and camp out all day and read our books”
*****************
Is that true? Both chains in trouble? If so, good! I have not frequented one in several years as their unwashed lib ‘help’ just got too annoying for words, and all that other human garbage hanging around, not buying anything, just using their laptops and/or ruining books that no one will buy now that they have pawed thru them.
I know one lib who is so cheap that he goes to his local Barnes & Noble every day and reads books. He can finish off a huge book in a few days that way — never buys one thing. How is that good for business?
Soon public libraries will be offering coffee for people to come and use them.
“Besides FR, I just can’t understand what people do on the web that takes so much time?”
Look for funny pics to post on FR.
Oh. That’s still FR.
I don’t know then.
I’ve noticed this too. You stop in to a coffee shop during the day and you see a few ladies group baby sitting all their kids, and a couple people online that look like they are going to make a day of it. Fun, fun! ;-)
I notice they've gotta keep the myth of a recovering economy going.
Not sure what the answer is to squatters. IIRC, J. K. Rowling said she wrote almost the entire Harry Potter series at coffee shops (or tea shops, as she was in Britain.)
This business model was developed by the Tattered Cover in Denver 25 years ago and works when it is local and has the loyalty of the customers. Their business model also includes many other subtle differences that the chain bookstores forgot to implement.
Liberals looking for freebies are the worst customers that any busisness should cater to as it will eventually lead to their demise. They may get a short term boost to their business from the PR but will realize that they have attracted the “somethng for nothing” customers.
The B&N in a nearby university town ended up being a library for students and a magnet for homeless people, so it closed. The B&N in a suburb miles away is still doing business.
There’s a Borders in another nearby city and I hope it doesn’t close. They’ve managed to keep the homeless problem to a minimum.
What matters is that enough people are actually buying things there.
I’d never want an online bookstore to replace a real one. I love the experience of thumbing through a printed book before I decide to buy it, and to see related material on nearby shelves.
Pretty funny! I loved the painted-on wall outlet.
I think if it were my shop I’d wire a timer up to the wi-fi router, so it reboots ever 15 minutes or so. You get free wi-fi, but it’s crappy wi-fi...
But just like the internet and Obamacare....it’s freeeeeeeee!
THAT’S ONE!
You’re a true FReeper.
Panera Breads in Los Angeles is a haven for screenwriters with their accompanying laptops, but Panera turns off Wi-Fi during the lunch rush, I think from about 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I don't believe they post this warning, though.
Googling brought this up:
“So basically, I spent $11.20 for nearly 8 hours of Wi-Fi. That’s akin to some of the fees that hotels and hotspots charge. No shame there; I paid my way.
I wasn’t quite as generous at Alexandria’s Buzz Bakery. Despite the delicious-looking red velvet cupcakes in the case, I stuck to two cups of coffee (about $2.05 each) during a 6-hour camp out. Honestly, I’m a little surprised no one told me to leave, though I did keep my mug where it could be seen by the staff. Definitely a chinzy move. I slunk out a little ashamed.”
http://caroundtheworld.com/2010/03/11/coffee-house-wifi-how-much-should-you-spend/comment-page-1/
Took a table all day, spent (not profit) $11 and calls it even!
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