If the boom really takes off maybe a future business model is to set up a Wifi cafe with free coffee

I’ve always been amazed by how many folks work out of these cafes doing startups or working as freelancers. We’ve seen whole companies take over corners of the cafe and basically run all day meetings in their “conference room”. There are always dudes doing interviews and hiring too. And it’s almost always the same cast of characters over and over.

I think the article nailed the “wifi guilt” just right. We call it “paying rent”, but even then the rent we pay is kinda weak. I might buy a coffee or a tea for a 3–4 hour stint. Sometimes I’ll buy lunch. Some folks you look over and they’re eating outside food and/or just drinking the water. It’s kind of ridiculous.

I also thought it was funny that they talk about the scarcity of electrical outlets to deter squatters. My solution is to bring an extension cord and a power strip. All the other laptop users always love that cuz then we can all plug in to one outlet

The downside to all of this is that poor Canvas cafe is closing down in a little more than a month. I can’t help but feel like all of us laptop users were partially responsible. It also makes me wonder where all these workers are going to go…b/c those other places already profiled in the Chron are always full too.

I have a coffee machine beside my desk that lets me make lattes and cappuccinos.