Reading this reminded me of passing a local internet cafe in a village near me. It was the middle of the day and it way *heaving* with grannies drinking cups of tea and surfing the web. Loads of retired people would love to learn computer skills but don't want a formal IT course. Offer them discounts that only apply during office hours and run a series of hour-long basic IT lessons. You could run OpenOffice lessons and avoid the cost of a MS Office license.
This suggestion highlights that the most important single choice is location, location, location. If you're in a suburban setting then the above may work.
If you're in a city centre an alternative would be to offer free web or gaming time when people buy food. Put up BIG signs to let people know this. Many people hate their workplace but have little choice of where to spend their breaks. Fast food 'restaurants' are designed for quick turnaround and other places have stools or no seating at all. Once you've got them in the door then make sure they know its fine to hang around and relax.
Also, think about music/TV choices, adjustable lighting and having as much movable furniture as possible. Your place doesn't have to have one 'mood' all day. It can be bright, inviting and relaxing in the daytime with a focus on revenue from food and places to sit and eat. Use the TV projector for IT lessons and then put on free-to-air music TV like The Box or skate/snowboard/music DVDs when teenagers get out of school.
Slashdot Mirror
It's not natural selection
;)
As David Blunkett proved, you can be blind and still get the ladies to accept your genetic emissions
Good research!
Reading this reminded me of passing a local internet cafe in a village near me. It was the middle of the day and it way *heaving* with grannies drinking cups of tea and surfing the web. Loads of retired people would love to learn computer skills but don't want a formal IT course. Offer them discounts that only apply during office hours and run a series of hour-long basic IT lessons. You could run OpenOffice lessons and avoid the cost of a MS Office license.
This suggestion highlights that the most important single choice is location, location, location. If you're in a suburban setting then the above may work.
If you're in a city centre an alternative would be to offer free web or gaming time when people buy food. Put up BIG signs to let people know this. Many people hate their workplace but have little choice of where to spend their breaks. Fast food 'restaurants' are designed for quick turnaround and other places have stools or no seating at all. Once you've got them in the door then make sure they know its fine to hang around and relax.
Also, think about music/TV choices, adjustable lighting and having as much movable furniture as possible. Your place doesn't have to have one 'mood' all day. It can be bright, inviting and relaxing in the daytime with a focus on revenue from food and places to sit and eat. Use the TV projector for IT lessons and then put on free-to-air music TV like The Box or skate/snowboard/music DVDs when teenagers get out of school.
Good luck.