Techno-A-T-L
I’m sitting now in Octane Coffee working (well, pretending to work) on some journal ideas. I’m still able to do research online. No, I’m not going to talk about how great Wi-Fi is (though it is) or how wonderful the hot chocolate here is (though it is). I’m going to talk about the wonder that is free WiFi. Seriously, I love it. I don’t have to sit in some Starbucks paying $40 a month (or whatever ungodly high number it is) to have the pleasure of drinking their hot coca (which they insist on calling “Tall”). I just get to sit in a nice coffeehouse that features local artist and enjoy the “working-but-not-at-work” experience. I don’t understand why more places don’t have free WiFi. It brings customers in and it’s relatively inexpencsive. And then, get this, because the customers are working on something – they stay. I know, crazy.
This is all organized via 3rd Wave HotSpot for us Atlantans to enjoy. Take a look at their list of free WiFi. You’ll be surprised.
In addition to that, I know that Panera Bread Company now offers free WiFi – so not only do you get those great sandwiches, but you can have internet also. And Aurora Coffee in Va-Hi (at least they did a month ago when I last went).
Anyway, I love it. If anyone knows of other free WiFi spots out there, please let me know.
Oh, Octane is pretty damn charming. I almost never get over there, sadly.
I once emailed the guys at 3rd Wave to suggest the SF Coffee at Amsterdam, and they said they’d actually suggested it to the owner (apparently I wasn’t the only person wanting Wi-Fi there) and he said no, on the grounds that he wanted people to actually talk to each other, not just stare at computers all day long. Which is amusing when you think how many people bring their laptops there.
And how many people at Octane are talking to each other. I mean, I feel like the only person here who doesn’t know everybody. I think that that sort of thing is more facilitated by having the staff talking to people… it encourages the atmosphere.
Bear Rock Cafe in the Peachtree Battle shopping center claims to have free Wi-Fi though I’ve never used it myself. And Fados in Buckhead has it as well. And I admit that I once paid $6 an hour to use the Wi-Fi at Starbucks. Sad, I know.
Eyedrum, the alternative artspace next to the mattress factory on MLK has brand new free wifi.
oops! forgot the URL for directions.
eyedrum.org
you can find more information about the programming of local, national, and international artists and music also.
Hey, thanks for all the love. When we started doing all the free wi-fi in Atlanta, we had no idea how popular it would become. It’s taken on a life of its own. Thanks for your support and comments.
-Rich, 3rd Wave