I'm a little put out. I went to Starbucks yesterday to kill some time while I waited for my daughter and brother to get out of the new Batman movie. I took in my laptop and thought I'd do some work, check e-mail, surf the Net. I sit down at a table, fire up, and attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi. It's not working. That's weird. I ask the Starbucks guy if a code is needed. He tells me that to connect to the Wi-Fi, I need to purchase a Starbucks card for at least $5 and then go to Starbucks.com and register to get Internet access. I asked how long ago did this happen and he said about a week ago. He gives me no further instructions--he can't be bothered.
OK, fine, I'm not discouraged yet. I purchase a card. Then I realize a problem, I can't get on the Internet to register my card! Now I'm not happy. I close down my computer and sit there and watch the other customers, and fume.
Flash forward to tonight at home. I log on to Starbucks.com to see about registering. Here's what it says, basically, about getting access to Wi-Fi: Purchase a Starbucks card. Register online where you will agree to sign up with AT&T Wi-Fi and receive spam e-mails at least five times a month as well as junk mail in your snail mailbox. For this wonderful benefit, you'll be given two hours free Wi-Fi access per day at participating Starbucks. To continue to get access to WiFi, you must use or reload your card at least once a month. Fooey on them! Forget it. It's not worth the trouble! Whatever braintrust at Starbucks came up with this idea should be fired!
FREE Wi-Fi @ the Chick! I was so offended by Starbucks no longer offering free Wi-Fi at their stores. The nerve, charging big bucks for coffee and fluffy blender drinks AND charging for Wi-Fi. After that experience, it's tainted my desire to go back. It's not like I hang out in places with my laptop, it's just the idea that it's no longer free. Imagine my excitement when I saw this sign the other day! And, I'd much rather have a Chick-fil-A iced tea any day--in fact, it's my morning beverage of choice for every day.
