I’ve been hanging out today before PodCamp Philadelphia killing some time and gathering my thoughts about the conference and my job prospects next month and need to take some time to write some emails and check a few sites. I went to the nearest Starbucks to grab some wifi and try one of their non-coffee drinks.

Rob: How do I get on the wifi here?
Barista: You have to put money on a Starbucks card and register it online. Then you can come back and use the wifi here.
Rob: How do I register the card online if I want to get access right now?
Barista: You have to register it at home. Then you can come back and use the wifi.
Rob: Is there any way I can give you money and get on the wifi now?
Barista: You can probably steal wifi from someone nearby. There are lots of networks.
Rob: But I can’t get on the store’s wifi network?
Barista: Not without registering one of our cards.

Thankfully I didn’t go far, because Wireless Philadelphia has the area covered in slow but reliable wifi. I was shocked that I couldn’t somehow pay for wifi access, but relieved that I didn’t have to actually give the store any money.

It’s not fast enough to upload the pre-podcamp video I had wanted to do, but I suppose that this entry will have to do instead.

By the way, I like the lemonade iced tea drink, which is my first Starbucks drink I like! No one tell Amber.