| I don't have any strong feelings for or against coffee shop campers, but this article came across as quite self-centered. Perhaps a different approach would be more effective in changing people's opinions. The argument against campers: "Starbucks and other coffee-shop campers just buy one cheap coffee and then take up a table for hours. We drive up the cost of coffee and inconvenience everybody else. We play loud videos and run our power cords across the floor, creating a safety hazard." His argument for campers (in my own words): I'm an intellectual/creative person; I need to work in a coffee shop because research has shown it to increase creativity and output; I need to resist the brainwashed masses and their preconceived notions of acceptable coffee shop behavior. Notice a theme? It's all about him, whereas the argument against campers is about everyone else. He even complains about being expected to clean up after himself (bus his own table). Shouldn't people be expected to act responsibly and clean up after themselves in a public place? He does attempt to give an economic argument (i.e. coffee shops make more money from campers versus if they were to be banned). However, this is pure speculation on his part, and I suspect he is simply stating what he wants to believe is the truth. For example: "I'm quite certain that if camping were banned at that store, the place would be deserted and it would make far less money. In fact, there would be no reason at all to even stay open until midnight. A huge percentage of its revenue comes from student squatters." He has no way of knowing this, offers no supporting evidence beyond speculation, and simply states it as fact because it supports his view. |
I would add that I work very often from coffee shops (and restaurants). In my mind being a good camper is: - Get to know your server/waitron's name's and interests - Become a good "regular". To me that includes not being rude or impatient. Let the non-regulars go first. If things are getting too busy I'll move to a smaller table or even leave. Yes you're a customer, but you're also supporting the staff. - Buy a meal if you're there for long enough that you would need to eat. If I'm spending the day I'll get breakfast at home, coffees at the coffee shop, order lunch, more drinks and head home before the dinner rush. - Tip well. This covers a multitude of sins.
Ultimately, let respect for others guide your choices.