I Just Don’t Get It: Table-Hogging Edition 0
According to this BBC video – NY cafes crack down on free wi-fi*, independent coffee shops in New York are struggling to cope with the number of laptop users practically moving in and using their free wi-fi. Unfortunately, the video leaves a lot to be desired in the way of actual questioning of the subjects, so I’m going to fill in some gaps in the questions I would have liked to see answered.
Is the problem really table-hogging, or something else?
The video seems to be saying that it is customers staying a long time (and using the internet) that is causing independent coffee shops to lose money. How about the cost of bandwidth and electricity? Is that a factor? And if not…
What about people who are reading books, writing novels without a laptop or talking endlessly to their friends?
Table-hogging causes lost business. I know this from experience working in a coffee shop – people see the place is full, turn around and leave. They want a sit-down more than they want your particular style of coffee. But…