My Sunday at Bart's Books
The last couple months I have been using the "free WiFi" at Bart's Books here and there. Recently, every time I accessed the internet thru Bart's, the WiFi would turn off after a couple minutes. Finally, today, I decided to inquire why. I was told that "I only take up space." And: "I have never bought anything." As far as the space issue goes, guilty, but aren't we all? As far as buying books goes, I bought 3 books sometime in the last month. When I suggested that we look at their written records, they refused. I even offered to show my I.D. but their expressionless faces were answer enough. I have given Bart's Books hundreds of books for a fraction of their cost - especially since the time of the new ownership. I have never taken cash from the new ownership and kept it on credit. Last year, I made an extra effort to mail 50 books from the E coast - specifically for Bart's as a way to thank them for their contribution to the Ojai community. What is the real reason for my being 'censored' then?
I recall a conversation I had with a certain pony-tailed manager just prior to my being 'banned'. The conversation concerned Subway's entrance into the Ojai core. Our opinions differed. He vehemently wants the Subway in town. I am opposed to franchises in our town. He said he'd 'gladly welcome Barnes and Nobel to set up shop accross the street". I did not argue. He asked where I stood and when I said 'opposed' he walked away. Soon after our conversation, my access started being denied, my contribution to their vast supply of books is now irrelevant. The many books I have purchased: irrelevant. The short haired manager who spoke to me today lied to my face. Maybe my mini docs struck a nerve. Not one person there had the backbone to be up front with me.
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Comments (11)
Go use the free wifi in the parking lot of HELP of Ojai. The id is oth.
Comment #1 Posted by: Monk Ignazious | June 10, 2007 01:56 PM
I've been meaning to post a thread about Wifi in Ojai... Where else is it supplied? I have not tested either of these but... Coffee Connection in Meiners Oaks and Feast Bistro downtown both come to mind. I have been thinking about working in town more, just as a change of pace.
Comment #2 Posted by: Tyler | June 10, 2007 02:15 PM
I do feel it is important to support the businesses that are providing free wifi to the public. I go to Coffee Connection and always buy something even if it's a $2.00 cup of yerba matte. This helps offset their costs of providing it. I also heard that Antonios has wifi.
So Tyler, what would it take for the city to go wifi like some of our big sister cities?
Comment #3 Posted by: Raymond | June 10, 2007 03:42 PM
Raymond - I have looked into a municipal Wifi cloud, which by one estimate from http://www.aiirmesh.com/ would be about $100K to set up. There are many different business models that can operate concurrently, including residential access, day pass, ad-supported free access and more. It's not really my technical forte, and that is why I haven't pursued it further, but I am very supportive of the idea.
Meanwhile the cost of operating Wifi for a business can be very inexpensive, if not free. If the business already has high-speed broadband, and has a wireless router ($80 or so), they can offer password-protected access at no additional cost to their monthly access charges. It's unlikely that any bandwidth ceilings would be hit.
My guess is that its cheaper to offer Wifi than to maintain a clean bathroom in a place of business, not that those things should be mutually exclusive.
Comment #4 Posted by: Tyler | June 10, 2007 04:02 PM
Raymond, I agree. But that is not the point of my post. I have patronized Bart's for the last 9 years. They've made more than enough money off me to pay for the internet for years. Wifi is a one time cost of $40 or less anyway. What happened today was discrimination.
Comment #5 Posted by: mike didj | June 10, 2007 05:06 PM
The service is offered as a courtesy. It is at the sole discretion of the business owner, to suspend the service. The business has the right to "discriminate". Sounds to me like you have entitlement issues, and that you could benefit form viewing this as a lesson in humility. Check your own vibe, and then ask why?
Comment #6 Posted by: Breathe | June 10, 2007 07:52 PM
Breathe: Thank you.
Comment #7 Posted by: mike didj | June 10, 2007 08:55 PM
Your welcome brother.
Comment #8 Posted by: Breathe | June 10, 2007 09:16 PM
More free wifi locations:
* The Farmer and the Cook
* Ojai Public Library
Comment #9 Posted by: Kenley | June 11, 2007 09:17 AM
Thanks, I was unaware that Ojai's library offered WiFi now.
Comment #10 Posted by: mike didj | June 11, 2007 10:21 AM
I am posting from the Ojai library's new WiFi (installed 2 weeks ago) with my G4 PowerBook. If you have problems connecting with Safari (I did), then try OPERA. Enjoy.
Comment #11 Posted by: DiDj | June 11, 2007 11:02 AM