I am writing this review, where I write most things, on a laptop
sitting in my local Starbucks. Having worked here solidly for about three
hours, it is now 3.30 and time to take a quick break. I know it is 3:30 not
because I looked at my watch, but because the amount of noise in the
room just increased exponentially. School is out and the local kids have
come in to meet and network before heading home.
I usually try to hit the place around late morning. That is when the morning
commute rush is over and, except for the lunch crowd, tables are plentiful.
Right now over thirty kids are standing in line for a beverage. This
happens like clockwork every school day and, as you can well imagine, the
coffee shop becomes extremely loud. Now I’m a high-level Commons
Worker. That means I purposely like to work in areas that are busy, out
and amongst people. Yet even with my extreme ability to concentrate in
heavily active areas, noise being a positive and enabling factor, I am
always interrupted by this sudden change in the audio level.
Once I take a break and settle into that volume, I am able to concentrate
again. I will be disturbed once more when the sound decreases as kids
leave and the space settles down with its evening occupants. Some of what
I call “moderate-activity level Commons Workers” are chased out when
the kids arrive. I suspect that Starbucks, from a business model, is
probably happier to have the increase in sales volume from the school
kids. The ‘office’ customers will return another day, during calmer times, to
buy product and occupy the seats that might otherwise be empty.
For me an infrequent interruption is a small price to pay for the upbeat
environment, friendly people (both customers and staff) and good music
that makes this a great workplace. Coupled with an ample distribution of
perimeter electrical plugs, parking right outside and an unusually large,
bright and airy space (for a Starbucks) allowing for a variety of seating
and table types, this is one of "My Best WorkPlace" selections. The one
real drawback is fee-based T-Mobile Internet access, not free WiFi. Being a
member of a larger, diverse community is also a plus for me. Places like
this are contributing to the revival of many downtowns and town centers.
Bottom line: Friendly people, great environment, lots of space and tables.
If you see me here, stop by and say hello!
Update: January 2010 - WiFi at Starbuck's Hot Spots is now FREE with a
registered Starbucks card (also free). Kudos!!!!
sitting in my local Starbucks. Having worked here solidly for about three
hours, it is now 3.30 and time to take a quick break. I know it is 3:30 not
because I looked at my watch, but because the amount of noise in the
room just increased exponentially. School is out and the local kids have
come in to meet and network before heading home.
I usually try to hit the place around late morning. That is when the morning
commute rush is over and, except for the lunch crowd, tables are plentiful.
Right now over thirty kids are standing in line for a beverage. This
happens like clockwork every school day and, as you can well imagine, the
coffee shop becomes extremely loud. Now I’m a high-level Commons
Worker. That means I purposely like to work in areas that are busy, out
and amongst people. Yet even with my extreme ability to concentrate in
heavily active areas, noise being a positive and enabling factor, I am
always interrupted by this sudden change in the audio level.
Once I take a break and settle into that volume, I am able to concentrate
again. I will be disturbed once more when the sound decreases as kids
leave and the space settles down with its evening occupants. Some of what
I call “moderate-activity level Commons Workers” are chased out when
the kids arrive. I suspect that Starbucks, from a business model, is
probably happier to have the increase in sales volume from the school
kids. The ‘office’ customers will return another day, during calmer times, to
buy product and occupy the seats that might otherwise be empty.
For me an infrequent interruption is a small price to pay for the upbeat
environment, friendly people (both customers and staff) and good music
that makes this a great workplace. Coupled with an ample distribution of
perimeter electrical plugs, parking right outside and an unusually large,
bright and airy space (for a Starbucks) allowing for a variety of seating
and table types, this is one of "My Best WorkPlace" selections. The one
real drawback is fee-based T-Mobile Internet access, not free WiFi. Being a
member of a larger, diverse community is also a plus for me. Places like
this are contributing to the revival of many downtowns and town centers.
Bottom line: Friendly people, great environment, lots of space and tables.
If you see me here, stop by and say hello!
Update: January 2010 - WiFi at Starbuck's Hot Spots is now FREE with a
registered Starbucks card (also free). Kudos!!!!
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This Starbucks is my office away from my
home office. Usually the first place I go
when I find myself climbing the walls there
or just unable to get motivated for the
tasks of the day. I consider myself lucky
that my closest Starbucks is also one of
the best in the area. The space is larger
than most (they took over an old Boston
Market space) airy and sunny with three
sides of floor-to-ceiling glass, and lots of
tables located near electrical outlets.
home office. Usually the first place I go
when I find myself climbing the walls there
or just unable to get motivated for the
tasks of the day. I consider myself lucky
that my closest Starbucks is also one of
the best in the area. The space is larger
than most (they took over an old Boston
Market space) airy and sunny with three
sides of floor-to-ceiling glass, and lots of
tables located near electrical outlets.
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