Surf and Sip

Cafés or coffee shops started as places for information exchange, and have always been used as places to read the paper, write, play games and engage in stimulating and sometimes controversial conversation. The explosion of the Internet and the growing need for “connectivity” has lead to the natural evolution of Internet Cafes.

Most Internet cafés are private businesses that were established to help bridge the “digital divide” by providing computer access to those without home access. With Internet cafés, the idea is to let people browse the Internet (or even do real work) while basking in the comfort of a familiar café.

Personally, I believe Internet cafes offer a welcome respite from the office, home office or library. There is a local establishment in the Atlanta area that I often visit. In between doing Internet research (and writing this blog), I inconspicuously take a break from working to enjoy a little eavesdropping, or should I say “environmental observation.” In doing so, I have overheard a wide range of humorous commentary from politics to backstabbing gossip. Those who are regular patrons tend to enter with a sense of ownership and are greeted by first name. These customers are very obvious, and if its crowded, they seem to appear a bit perturbed at the sight of someone seated in “their spot.” LOL.....too funny!

The number of Internet cafes across the U.S. is estimated to be well over 10,000. Most are surviving by offering more than just your traditional high-speed or wifi Internet access. Many establishments offer scanning, desktop publishing, printing and of course, tasty sandwiches and pastries to complement the mediocre-at-best java. Over the years; however, the number of pure Internet cafés is decreasing since more and more traditional cafés are now offering the same services.

If you’re living in or near a major metropolitan area there are probably some Internet Cafes near you. To determine where they are, visit these Internet café locator sites: CyberCaptive, Cybercafe and World66. Surf, sip and stay connected!