I live on open wireless networks. Networks without passwords. “Hotspots” we call them. Some leave them open out of ignorance. Some leave them open out of love. Some leave them open out of an open-source sensibility…

Etc.

I am noticing many are closing. Requiring passwords. Seems like for a couple months now every week this one or that one I am used to relying is closing.

On the corner of Carl and Cole, in Cole Valley on the N-Judah line[for those of you unfamiliar with San Francisco, this is the quaint, franco-centric neighborhood up the hill, but to the South of the Haight Ashbury, near the geographic center of our little peninsular City] is one called “105 Carl, Bring Beer”. Tonight I went to that corner, did a “send and receive” went to the corner store and bought a 12 pack of German beers. A selection of the “Bavarian’s Best”. I went to 105 Carl and rang the bell. After about 2-3 minutes some typical looking frat boy answered and I handed over the 12 pack and said “thanks dude–keep the network open”. He said “Sweet! Right on!” and I saluted him [as a subordinate would to a superior in the military], said thank you again, and promptly walked off.

What I like most about him was his open request. He is broadcasting a service, requesting [not demanding] what he wants in return. I hope others are thanking him. I hope others get his ease and openness [and are using his open network. Heh.

Given the theme of how capitalism is bad/good for SF recently, one could say, this is the essence of capitalism and it is only through the excesses of capitalism that his completely unnecessary and voluntary exchange of services is possible. Name one socialist or communist country that has citizens that can afford wireless on every corner. Just one. I dare you. I double dare you. I double dog dare you.

April 2nd, 2005 | Economics, Liberty, SF Politics & Culture

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