The other day as I sat in a Me & Ollie's Cafe enjoying a sandwich and trying to get some writing done on the fly, I had an encounter with a Space Hog. You've seen That Guy. Heck, you may have even been That Guy once or twice. Space Hogs make the concept of workshifting a hard sell when trying to get more places to offer WiFi and outlets for us.What does a real Space Hog look like in the wild? He's the one sitting at a nice six top or a booth big enough for a family of seven. He brought a portable printer, his iPod, his laptop, his cell phone and bluetooth headset, reams of paper for the printer, and a stack of folders a mile high. His extension cord and laptop bag or suitcase (no, I am not kidding) often are placed in the center of the aisle, impeding traffic.
What is mister oh-so-important doing? He is nursing a cup of $1.50 coffee while sitting there all day, feeling entitled to take up that much space for that many hours because he "ordered something". Generally he is yelling loudly into his cell phone, annoying the nice grandma seated at the two-top next door. He's also uploading his Power Point masterpiece while downloading the entire Michael Jackson discography from his favorite torrent site, because he is so proud to be a "multi-tasker", and oblivious to the impact on the bandwidth for other workshifters trying to get things done.
Are you aware of your impact on other patrons and on businesses while workshifting? Sure, there is argument to be made that workshifters bring in business to otherwise struggling establishments in times of a down economy, but we can also drive business away if we aren't careful. Obnoxious workshifters are the reason some places still refuse to jump on the workshifting-friendly bandwagon.
Things to watch out for:
- Length Of Stay: Restaurants and coffee houses thrive most with high table turnover. The more rotating butts in the seats, the better the income - the more meals they sell, the more money they make in tips and profits. Be aware of how long you sit. If you know in advance that you may need a 6 hour stay because your home office is being painted - ask. That simple courtesy often gets you the green light from the manager or owner. In general, two hours is a good limit for both getting work done and not imposing.
- Table Choice: This one should go without saying, but I see it often enough I must mention it. If there is just one person workshifting, you need to choose a table for one. Period. End of story. If your gear won't fit at a one or two top when you are solo, you need to rethink your gear. Spreading out over a larger table means a larger party can not sit there, and is quite rude.
- Volume Control: Another one that should go without saying. If you are on the phone in a public place, lower your voice. Even better, take the call outside. I realize you may not want to leave your expensive laptop unattended, so just be aware of how your call is affecting the people around you. There is no need to shout. If you are someone who has a voice that carries even when you whisper, cupping your hand around your mouth a bit, or sitting around a corner for a little buffer also helps lower the volume.
- Don't Be A Bandwidth Hog: Not all cities have public WiFi and WiMax. Some don't even have adequate broadband infrastructure. Not only that, establishments are paying for the bandwidth you use in many cases. Public computer use is not the time to upload several video files to YouTube or download large movie and music files. It makes the bandwidth sluggish for other workshifters and people there to do homework and such as well.
- Buy Something: Seriously. Buying one cup of brew coffee for under $2 and not tipping doesn't justify an extended stay. Support the businesses letting you work where you want by making a purchase and tipping well. You don't like it when certain people come stay at your house for weeks on end, freeloading and not contributing, do you? Then don't freeload at your local businesses.
Photo by: jaydoubleyougee
