Wi-fi moochers are getting in trouble with the law in several scattered stories lying around the blogosphere lately. To our readers, do you think that mooching wi-fi is evil or simply fair game. If there was a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, I think their views would be somewhat different. The devil would say "hey, they didn't secure their own wi-fi, so mooch away, what's the big deal?" The angel would say "is it right to mooch off someone's wi-fi if you aren't a customer?" No matter which viewpoint you agree with, I think business owners should look at these "freeloaders" as a potentially untapped market to reach with their products. This issue reminds me of the whole skateboarder's dilemma I see everywhere I go. Every shop and storefront has warnings posted: "No skateboarding allowed" or something to that effect. If someone would build a half-pipe nearby their place of business and simply post a "skate at your own risk" sign, inviting skateboarders to stop by for a quick smoothie, they will garner the business and respect of the local skater population. Wi-fi moochers are the same way, invite them, give them coupons or other codes to get discounts, since they are already there using your wi-fi. Today's business tip for you shop-owners: Turn potential problems (freeloaders) into unsolicited sales. Make the moochers like you! Seriously, don't you want the ninja-bookmarking-socially-contagious generation of wi-fi moochers advertising for you with their invaluable word of mouth? Yes, you do.Mooching Wi-fi: evil, fair game, or new way to generate business?
Wi-fi moochers are getting in trouble with the law in several scattered stories lying around the blogosphere lately. To our readers, do you think that mooching wi-fi is evil or simply fair game. If there was a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, I think their views would be somewhat different. The devil would say "hey, they didn't secure their own wi-fi, so mooch away, what's the big deal?" The angel would say "is it right to mooch off someone's wi-fi if you aren't a customer?" No matter which viewpoint you agree with, I think business owners should look at these "freeloaders" as a potentially untapped market to reach with their products. This issue reminds me of the whole skateboarder's dilemma I see everywhere I go. Every shop and storefront has warnings posted: "No skateboarding allowed" or something to that effect. If someone would build a half-pipe nearby their place of business and simply post a "skate at your own risk" sign, inviting skateboarders to stop by for a quick smoothie, they will garner the business and respect of the local skater population. Wi-fi moochers are the same way, invite them, give them coupons or other codes to get discounts, since they are already there using your wi-fi. Today's business tip for you shop-owners: Turn potential problems (freeloaders) into unsolicited sales. Make the moochers like you! Seriously, don't you want the ninja-bookmarking-socially-contagious generation of wi-fi moochers advertising for you with their invaluable word of mouth? Yes, you do.Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. This is a tough argument to handle. I put it on the same level as a teller not scanning an item when you check-out. Is that theft? Depends on your take, I think it is, so I think "using" someone's Wi-Fi is "theoretically" wrong. However, if you don't take the five minutes to set-up your system properly, then it is your own damn fault.










1. I used to be a Wal*Mart drone. On the wall where we punched the clock, there was a nice sign that said that each customer is worth $25,000 to the Wal*Mart Borg in lifetime purchases.
Posted at 3:33PM on Dec 29th 2006 by Martha