Table Disservice

'You're welcome to linger in a café, as long as your reading material isn't battery-powered.' Thus reads the headline from a recent New York Times article by Virginia Hefferman.

Apparently at many New York City cafes there is a move to restrict heavily or ban outright the use of Kindles, Nooks and the like. Is it the extra lingering that is the problem for these business owners? Apparently not. The stated reason is that too many coffee shops in NYC are having their ambience wrecked by folks turning their establishment into a free office.

Sitting around reading an actual book while sipping on a latté is apparently fine, as in so doing you may also then be willing to interact, socialize and the like. But looking to use their space for your office flex time? Nope, because then you are just going too far, and apparently this is anathema to the character and history of cafes.

So I want to know if these proprietors are saying it is better for me just to stay at home? Then, at least I only harm myself by my introversion and focus. Doesn't the fact that I am a paying customer say anything for me? Or is this another instance of people fighting against the digital monotony? I know many of my friends who are dropping their twitter accounts and myspace accounts in favor of actual interpersonal communication. Is this another attempt to stem the tide of the digital avalanche? And where SHOULD these people go? Do we create cyber cafés, just for these people, so they can gather with other like-minded individuals?

Surely there is a way to bridge this gap.