Be Careful What You Take Away!

My usual coffee store just changed its policy on WIFI usage.  Until now, usage was both free and unlimited, and had been that way since the shop opened a couple of years ago.  As I placed my order this afternoon, the store owner handed me a coupon good for one hour of WIFI access, saying, "if you need more, come up and ask us."  The idea is that usage would continue to be free and unlimited, except that one must ask anew for permission at hourly intervals.  Presumably, the house will cut users off if they don't purchase enough along the way.

Now, I understand that some individuals--and groups of individuals--essentially camp out, order little coffee or food, and spend the day.  That's life in a free WIFI environment.  But, taking away something that has heretofore been unrestricted is a sure way to alienate customers. Better not to offer it at all.  Best of all is to figure out a way to keep the (few) abusers from spoiling the atmosphere for the (many) others.  Or just live with it.