Why Public Techology Use Is Starting To Irritate Us All

I saw the laptop issue elsewhere, so I’m certain it is getting good coverage.

My feelings are not as cut and dried as yours.

To wit, if there is table space, I see no reason why someone cannot park, after all, the place is providing the wi-fi. On the other hand, if the restaurant, or anyplace else, is getting anywhere close to full, the polite thing would be to get up and go, or put the laptop away, and concentrate on the eating of one’s food. I would have no problem saying something to that person who does not realize that common courtesy is required of people in public situations (as an employee of the place, or as a customer).

As for cell phones, as I still remember from teaching my children, if people would use their ‘quiet voice’ it would not be a problem in any place. Again, we are counting on the perception of the practice of common courtesy. This is where we should concentrate, instead of letting the bad apples ruin the barrel.

Panera has great sandwiches, dont they!

They should have a policy where you get a set amount of time per item you buy from them, or you can buy access codes for like $10 an hour.

That would probably hurry people along a little.

Heh Marc,
Bacon Turkey Bravo rocks! LOL
I agree about the courtesy but unfortunately some folks have not been raised to respect others.

Ryan,
I like the time limit idea. You get 1/2 hr. free with a purchase, than we charge.

Obviously staying put and using the wifi is rude and disrespectful to the business. But the same is true when one person sits and reads a book, or a couple of people spend hours in conversation. If the table isn’t needed, none of that should be a problem, but the folks involved should be heads up enough (and respectful enough) to recognize when the shop gets busy, and then move along. Absent that basic common courtesy, the staff should be able to offer a polite hint, and if that isn’t noticed, they should just be blunt and explain the issue and reason for concern with sufficient directness to get through the thick skulls.

I’m in a more rural area, and I tend to gobble wifi by parking outside the establishment and using the computer in my car. If it’s meal time I’ll often buy from that place as a thank you gesture, but I have no trouble using free wifi wherever I find it…as long as I’m not causing a problem for somebody else.

Why not go up to the person who is monopolizing the table and ask if the other chair is being used. If they say no, sit there and share the table. You will either find them interesting or they will leave. Europe has more of a “share the table” menality.

Hi Mel,
Great idea. Tables should be shared during the rush hours.

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