[jerfelix]

I still would like to be able to buy coffee without having to announce my real name out loud to everyone around me.

Cash provides me that privacy. Heck, credit cards even keep the transaction between me and the merchant.

[Karunamon]

Oh for crying out loud...

I understand the privacy concerns, but this isn't a secret agent movie. I'm reminded of that scene from Jurassic Park..

Nedry: Ooh! Dodgson! he sits down Dodgson: You shouldn't use my name. Nedry: (loudly) Dodgson! Dodgson! We have Dodgson here! Nedry: Nobody cares. Nice hat. Trying to look like a secret agent?

[jerfelix]

I can think of several reasons besides being a secret agent that I wouldn't want my name announced.

Say I am meeting someone that I wouldn't want to normally be associated with - whether it's for a job interview or a personal meeting.

Or say I plan to pick up a Playboy magazine at the same counter.

Or say I'm a cute woman, and I prefer not to be stalked.

Or say I don't want that sales guy over there to come up to me and pretend to know me.

Or say I was just overheard saying that my kids are all alone at home.

Or say I just got out of an expensive car.

Or say I was having a bad day and complained loudly.

Or say I farted.

Or ...

I could go on and on.

[jerfelix]

OK so I don't announce my name. Maybe I can just hand the clerk a card with my name on it.

Perhaps a credit card.

[Karunamon]

Then don't "announce" your name. You're telling the cashier your name for payment purposes, not alerting everybody in $store to your presence.

[notatoad]

yes. so if you like that privacy, don't this system. some people don't mind telling the people at their coffee shop what their name is, and they can use this.