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Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
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ClarkKimble
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Post subject: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 07 Nov 2009 19:37 pm
Being a first-time laptop user, I've just discovered the WiFi hotspot circuit, and spend a lot of time in Borders Books' cafe near my home.

We've all heard the jokes (even in McDonald's commercials) about the "coffeehouse culture", but what I did NOT expect was all the outright SLOBS.

These are folks who go into the bookstore cafe and:
--- Never buy any coffee or anything
--- Never buy any books or magazines, though they bring lots of them off the shelves to read free
--- Leave a mess behind, including dog-eared, wrinkled magazines and books with dust covers mangled
--- Take advantage of the cushy chairs to nap and snore, as if they were homeless
--- Talk aloud and hoot and holler over loud video games they've brought in with their handhelds.

There are a lot of people reading peacefully, sharing quiet tabletop chess or board games, or working on projects on their laptops, enjoying gthe free WiFi...while the other half seems to think they're in a playground.

I thought it was a bookstore with a nice cafe...not a corner bar, barbershop, or slacker rec center.

Is this a common problem where you live, too?
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TheOtherGeorgeW
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 08 Nov 2009 00:31 am
Just there in SD. Wink
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Sport Billy
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 08 Nov 2009 13:20 pm
Did you see any "coffeehouse culture" snobs?

Everyone else did. Rolling Eyes
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sugaree
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 08 Nov 2009 16:14 pm
Yes, I have seen people enjoying the free WiFi at St. Louis Bread Co. on Brentwood during the height of the lunch rush, nursing a coffee they bought three hours ago, eating nothing and taking up 4-tops with all their cr*p while those of us who are trying to "eat in" stand there with our trays in hand, hoping they'll get the hint and leave. They never do. Not sure if they're dense, or selfish, or both. But I stopped patronizing the Bread Co onn Brentwood.
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Wekick
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 08 Nov 2009 18:53 pm

sugaree wrote

Yes, I have seen people enjoying the free WiFi at St. Louis Bread Co. on Brentwood during the height of the lunch rush, nursing a coffee they bought three hours ago, eating nothing and taking up 4-tops with all their cr*p while those of us who are trying to "eat in" stand there with our trays in hand, hoping they'll get the hint and leave. They never do. Not sure if they're dense, or selfish, or both. But I stopped patronizing the Bread Co onn Brentwood.


It is hard to understand how you can expect people wanting to spend money in your facility to put up with that. I guess they take their money elsewhere. It does not make sense from a business perspective. I blame the business for not ensuring that their customers(paying)are taken care of. I have seen signs up in these places asking people to consider other customers so they are aware of the problem.
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Rational_in_MO
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 08 Nov 2009 21:32 pm
I patronize several different Bread Co locations in the area each month; often with my laptop. Part of the login procedure includes reading a statement from management that users are expected to be considerate during peak business hours. I try to respect that.

I often go during off hours, and during those slack times, don't feel guilty at all for taking up a table if there are plenty others to be had. My biggest consideration is always finding a table with a convenient plug nearby....
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Who are you, the Rajah of Rational or something?
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minerva
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 06:40 am
I won't eat at the Brentwood Bread Co. for the same reason Sugaree mentioned. The last time I was there, before ordering I asked why they permitted people to just park all day when actual customers needed a table. I was told the employees weren't allowed to say anything to the people taking up the tables. It seems to me the employees are just as frustrated as the customers and I wonder why something isn't done about this by the management.
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DarthWaiter
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 06:52 am
I would ask the Bread Company camper if they wouldn't mind if I joined them since there were no tables and they were a single at a 4-top. I'm going there for lunch today to try it out. I'll let you know how it works out.
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partyin soulardian
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 08:28 am

DarthWaiter wrote

I would ask the Bread Company camper if they wouldn't mind if I joined them since there were no tables and they were a single at a 4-top. I'm going there for lunch today to try it out. I'll let you know how it works out.


Looking forward to your report, darth. Twisted Evil
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DonPat
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 08:51 am
When at the Bread Co. in Nashville, near Vanderbilt, I have seen people ask to sit with campers during lunch rush. None of the campers has ever made a big deal about it.

I go to the Borders where I live, and thankfully have not seen the slovenliness and rudeness of the people Clark describes. I did see the same behavior when I lived in Miami. Everyone should at least order a coffee or something.
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tusti
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 08:52 am
I think the whole :!: thing is beyond stupid.....don't these people have homes to go to?

I'm putting aside that in my opinion most of these free loaders are of a particular political persuasion, one I sure as hell don't subscribe to.
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Ozarkeagle
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Post subject: Re: Coffeehouse/Bookstore Cafe Culture vs. SLOBS
Posted: 09 Nov 2009 10:31 am
It will just get worse, with everyone losing their jobs they will flock to places like this to get internet access without paying.
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