Are you someone who frequents and sincerely enjoys cafes, coffee bars, local eateries, public spaces, and other wi- fi accessible areas to work when not at your desk or on the road? I have learned to appreciate community rules and follow the etiquette of the common grounds; and have been paying attention not only to my own behavior, but that that of others around me as well. Most journeyers respect the parameters of good sense and good manners; it is also enlightening to identify and observe those who don’t. Keep an eye out next time you are having an espresso. What kind of customer are you?
Simple Rules for Taking Advantage – without Taking Advantage – of Public Wi-Fi in Private Places
- Order Something. Sitting for hours at someone’s place of business requires a reasonable purchase in direct proportion to your time there.
- Respect Peak Hours. Limit your time taking up revenue space during lunchtime or other high-volume periods.
- Don’t Occupy the Biggest Table. Even if you like to spread out, you are a party of one.
- Use the Buddy System. Sharing or pairing up with someone else reading, working or studying is friendly, courteous and a good way to meet an interesting stranger.
These are rules not original, and I don’t know if they are exactly posted anywhere, but someone I met recently at Panera’s shared these with me. I’m passing them along.
