Economic Logic or Bad Publicity?

As I was cruising through the news channels this morning, I had noticed a headline off of MSNBC that brought be to the Wall Street Journal's website. Images posted, as one shown here, display signs coffee shop/cafe owners are posted to deter laptop users from squatting over seats. The issue owners have with these individuals is the built up frustration concerning the use of their space with little economic return. Laptop users essentially are paying little, staying long, and not putting up the money owners are looking for to cover expenses associated with offering free wireless access. Many laptop toting patrons are being asked to use their electronic extremities during specified no-peak hours, or, not to use them altogether. This issue drives criticism from many unemployed or freelancers who rely on coffee shops as external offices, for personal getaways, and meeting places.

It's quite understandable why owners are frustrated with individuals who throw down $2 for a cup of coffee and nurse it throughout the day. Though personally i'm not a fan of the sugary $5 concoctions, i'll lay down for the less expensive and more natural coffee drinks and spend an hour or two on my laptop. Is this time paid for properly? Probably not. But, does the hospitality and level friendliness of the staff keep me a recurring customer? Most definitely.

Customers are right in that their once frequented stops are now alienating up to half of the customer base. But at the same, the logic flows that no one should usurp limited space without compensating for it. I hate to take even a minimal position against laptop users such as myself, but I do find it annoying (and would for others) when space is taken and you're there without a laptop, possibly with friends looking for a place to sit down and chat.

Many of these initiatives are being taken in busy metropolitan areas, however, I wouldn't be surprised if these kind of actions took off in smaller communities when space may pose a problem. Though it's surely inconvenient for those who lack offices or need a solid spot to speak with potential clients, I believe the compromise owners have taken with non-peak use is fair until issues with space and money recede - that saying if they ever do.