BRAVE NEW “E” WORLD
by Jeanne Charters

Back when computers began to overtake communication, I worried that we might become an isolated society. Computer use exploded—for letters, for shopping, for research, even for finding appropriate life partners. I envisioned a world of hackers, alone in our homes, hunched over laptops, oblivious to the human need for companionship. I needn’t have worried.

In a recent visit to Malaprops Bookstore/Café on Haywood Street in Asheville, I saw the concept of the cybercafé up close and personal. There they were: young and old, hippie and yuppie, each one perched on their stools, laptops on tables, working away as they sipped their coffee or tea and nibbled on pastries. Occasionally, one of them would look up, speak to the person next to them, share a laugh or a problem, and then dive back into their keyboard and screen.

Malaprops owner, Emoke B’Racz, tells me that her establishment has welcomed the use of wireless computers for the past three years. She also has two wired cyber stations in her café used by tourists from all over the world, at a nominal fee, to check their e-mail. Emoke mentioned that, to her mild surprise, she sees many mature users working there alongside students from one of our local colleges. [ malaprops.com ]

Bridgett Putt, owner of Biltmore Coffee Traders, the red and white coffee house located at 518 Hendersonville Road, says that she has seen wireless use increase at her business as well—in the coffee house; in the double-deck coffee bus behind it; and, in good weather, on her outdoor coffee patio. Her wireless customers, too, range from young students to mature travelers and business people. Biltmore Coffee Traders welcomes travelers or locals at any time if they need to use her wired computer station to check e-mails, free of charge. This spring, Bridgett is considering building a pen for the dogs that customers bring to her patio while they work on computers, sip their lattes and nibble their quiches. [ biltmorecoffee.com ]

Becky Weeks, manager of Judy Glickman's Well-Bred Bakery & Café on Main Street in Weaverville, tells us that many of their regulars come in with laptops tucked under their arms when they come in for their morning coffee. Quite a few customers conduct business meetings at the café (including WNC WOMAN) using their laptops. Teachers sip and sup while working away on their computers. [ well-bredbakery.com ]

Since USA Today has listed cybercafés as one of the fastest growing trends for 2006, it’s inspiring to see these local, woman-owned businesses way ahead of the trend in adding a desirable service to their already delectable product lines.