coffeehouse consideration

[modlin.livejournal.com]

So. I like to work or study in coffeehouses as much as the next person. I also like to walk over to True Grounds on weekend mornings for coffee and a bagel or breakfast burrito. And I like to sit at a table while eating my bagel or breakfast burrito. True Grounds isn't a very big place, and to all of you who bring your laptops and textbooks and sit there for long periods of time: have some consideration, please! It might be that 10:00 on Sunday morning isn't the best time to tie up a table for an hour. As for the woman who walked in the door, bypassed all the people standing in line, grabbed the table that had just opened up, opened up her laptop, and hadn't ordered anything 20 minutes later... am I the only one who considers this bad coffeehouse etiquette, even without the not ordering anything part?

Comments

[xjustquietx.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, laptops take up booths because they are next to the outlets.

Diesel already has signs that say something to the effect of, "during our busiest hours these booths are reserved for large parties." Which makes sense to me. When I go in (during less busy hours) with my laptop, I always order food, and usually two drinks. The behavior described by the OP is awful, but many laptop users aren't so selfish.

I am always happy to share a booth with someone... either another laptop user or someone who wants to sit and enjoy their coffee... if you do see one of the managers, could you suggest perhaps a little sign that says something like, "feel free to share this booth," that us nice laptop users can set out so that people don't feel intimidated about asking them. It could be on the reverse of the signs they already have.

[ratatosk.livejournal.com]

I think this is a great idea. Diesel patrons just aren't uniformly incredibly extroverted and socially confident.

signs inviting people to share a table

[elements.livejournal.com]

I really like this idea.

Theoretically, folks could start doing that on their own without any buy-if from coffee shop owners. Just buy a big index card, fold in half, and write a message on it. Keep it in your laptop bag for use as needed. Bonus: add an LJ name and maybe run into friends along the way :D.