Panera Breads - a thank you

The Wall Street Journal asked readers where they like to go for Wifi access in response to an article on Coffee Shops having to crack down on laptop users:

No More Perks: Coffee Shops Pull the Plug on Laptop Users

My Full Response
Panera - they don't charge for wifi (like other shops) - they do post signs asking you to use smaller tables and ask that laptop users be sensitive to lunch time crowds. The Panera's I have been to also keeps the music down during work hours - and then increase or change music format at the busy times- lunch for instance. I usually try to clear out at lunch time and I also make sure to patronize the establishment - I am happy to give them what I would otherwise be paying for online access at other coffee shops or via purchasing a slower Cellular modem for my PC. I usually try to stash away in a corner on a small table. Unfortunately there is the 10%-er rule of jerkish behavior. In a Chicago Panera I frequent there is usually someone (not the same person each time) working on their notebook by themselves at the one table designed to seat a large lunch party - effectively taking up a place that could be occupied for up to 8 people. This kind of insensitive behavior is why these benefits often have to be curtailed or taken away by shop owners. Keep up the good work Panera - and I will keep paying you as I work!
A place of escape for the jobless
Times are tough (unless you live in Washington DC it seems having just visited there that times is good! Just keep printin' that money). I hope shop keepers will be sensitive to the job searchers who are unemployed. Hopefully those folks that have used these shops as part of their job search activities will be sure to patronize these shops once they return to the land of the employed. Having a place to get out to after a job loss is therapeutic and valuable and a positive mental attitude is important when trying to land that next paying gig.
Brother can you spare a dime... Why? A coffee costs at least $2.00 now.