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I don't want to come across as grumpy - this is an honest question. What is so valuable in the guests' "socializing" with each other? If I come to a cafe with

by latte 9y ago

I don't want to come across as grumpy - this is an honest question. What is so valuable in the guests' "socializing" with each other? If I come to a cafe with my date or friends, I'll feel more comfortable sitting among people with laptops rather than among noisy teenagers mentioned in the gp comment.

jonnycomputer 9y ago
ah, well, when the laptop users start complaining that the people talking to each other are too loud?
- corobo 9y ago
  Remind them they set up their workspace in a public place
JoeAltmaier 9y ago
Do you feel free to talk out loud when everyone else is silent? It can be stultifying. Like entering a library. Many folks have a coffee shop because they want the community to meet there. A romantic notion, to be sure.
ksk 9y ago
>What is so valuable in the guests' "socializing" with each other? Its the same value as socializing at any other venue. Or taking it back further, whats the value in socializing at all? Maybe there isn't any value for you. I personally prioritize meeting new people and forming local connections, over virtual long-distance connections. A cafe is a good place to do that, if people are open to the idea. AFAICT people glued to their laptops, aren't. > I'll feel more comfortable sitting among people with laptops rather than among noisy teenagers mentioned in the gp comment. Those aren't the only two options.
- hueving 9y ago
  What meaningful local connections have you formed taking to strangers in a coffee shop? I listen to the conversations people have at coffee shops with random people and it's been pointless smalltalk every time so far.
  - ksk 9y ago
    To give one example: I randomly met a person who like me, was also interested in learning Japanese and we ended up taking a few lessons together, and subsequently became good friends. >I listen to the conversations people have at coffee shops with random people and it's been pointless smalltalk every time so far. That's how our conversation started too..

by latte 9y ago

jonnycomputer 9y ago

ah, well, when the laptop users start complaining that the people talking to each other are too loud?

corobo 9y ago
Remind them they set up their workspace in a public place

JoeAltmaier 9y ago

Do you feel free to talk out loud when everyone else is silent? It can be stultifying. Like entering a library. Many folks have a coffee shop because they want the community to meet there. A romantic notion, to be sure.

ksk 9y ago

>What is so valuable in the guests' "socializing" with each other? Its the same value as socializing at any other venue. Or taking it back further, whats the value in socializing at all? Maybe there isn't any value for you. I personally prioritize meeting new people and forming local connections, over virtual long-distance connections. A cafe is a good place to do that, if people are open to the idea. AFAICT people glued to their laptops, aren't. > I'll feel more comfortable sitting among people with laptops rather than among noisy teenagers mentioned in the gp comment. Those aren't the only two options.

hueving 9y ago
What meaningful local connections have you formed taking to strangers in a coffee shop? I listen to the conversations people have at coffee shops with random people and it's been pointless smalltalk every time so far.
- ksk 9y ago
  To give one example: I randomly met a person who like me, was also interested in learning Japanese and we ended up taking a few lessons together, and subsequently became good friends. >I listen to the conversations people have at coffee shops with random people and it's been pointless smalltalk every time so far. That's how our conversation started too..