Cyber cafes are a neat place to gather and meet new people over the web for those without home computers (and those who are afraid the government will find them if they use their home computers).
Thing is, typing on a computer all day can tend to make one thirsty. Another thing is, there are a lot of adults who frequent cyber cafes. Let's combine these two facts to make a lucrative new business: CyberPubs. These would be like regular cyber cafes, but with spill- proofed computers, an age limit (complete with ID checks), and a Full bar.
Just met a cute girl in a chatroom? If she's in a CyberPub, you can order her a drink, and pay with your credit card. You know it's a safe transaction, because you're not giving her money, and the whole thing goes through a licensed CyberPubtender. Likewise with your buddies who may be on business trips or vacation (or just happen to live) in far-off places. All they need to do is find a local CyberPub, and you can go out drinking together, connected by the web.
I think this could work pretty well. Computers could be protected from overly animated drunks with bolted-down spill-proof keyboards and monitors behind polycarbonate shields. I'm not sure how to handle the mice... maybe metal mousepads with strong magnets to hold the mouse down? Not sure how far from the computer it'd have to be...-- 21 Quest, Oct 22 2009 Yahoo!_20Instant_20...ger_20Virtual_20Pub http://www.halfbake...ger_20Virtual_20Pub [Jinbish, Oct 23 2009] G 1, 21-- afinehowdoyoudo, Oct 23 2009 Thnx, IH. Hippo, that's kinda neat. Not quite what I had in mind, but a neat alternative for those of us who stay home. Maybe an adult beverage delivery service would be a nice compliment to your virtual bar?-- 21 Quest, Oct 23 2009 Yes it would - it would be a nice complement too-- hippo, Oct 23 2009 And so civilisation progresses. [+]-- 8th of 7, Oct 23 2009 Skip the mouse - just use a laptop-style touchpad. Either that or touchscreen, but I don't know if waterproofing technology has advanced that far.-- Joolin, Oct 28 2009 I really like this. The interior design is an integral part of it though. Every effort needs to be made to rid the venue of the library-like internet cafe feel, of rows of computers and office chairs in a flaky- plastered lino-floored dive.
It needs big leather booths with the screens set into a sealed module in the table, perhaps a lazy susan so that it can be spun round to other people at the table. The place should be dimly lit for the most part, like a pub, but of course with lighting for webcams to pick up good quality video.
One of your best 21 [+]-- theleopard, Oct 29 2009 Just gonna dust this one off for this occasion...-- 21 Quest, Mar 16 2020 For indulging in secure insecurities?-- Mindey, Mar 16 2020 Exactly, my friend.-- 21 Quest, Mar 16 2020 random, halfbakery