Generally speaking, Japan is very good at not giving things away for free. They pull it off, AFAIK, by figuring out...
-
-
Replying to @380kmh
...exactly what it is people are PAYING for when they buy something. For instance: *distance* on transit (and highways!)
1 reply 2 retweets 3 likes -
Replying to @380kmh
I'm reminded of this principle because there's another type of business Japan has that America badly needs: Internet Cafes
3 replies 0 retweets 2 likes -
Replying to @380kmh
I am typing this thread from an actual cafe, my beloved Haymarket, but I didn't come here for coffee...I came for internet access!
1 reply 0 retweets 2 likes -
Replying to @380kmh
To make it worth their time, I make sure to always have a cup of tea or coffee here, and maybe a sandwich during my stay. But...
1 reply 0 retweets 2 likes -
Replying to @380kmh
...what I really came here for is *time online.* Internet cafes cater to *that* market specifically, charging per hour for internet access!
1 reply 0 retweets 3 likes -
Replying to @380kmh
By creating two types of business, new niches are opened up--for instance, it turns out internet cafes make useful overnight accommodations
1 reply 0 retweets 0 likes -
Replying to @380kmh
It would make no sense for a cafe to be open 24 hours, but a place that charges by the hour? Why not?
1 reply 0 retweets 1 like
And then in catering to the new needs of overnight customers, internet cafes diversify their own work, providing laundry, showers, breakfast
-
-
Replying to @380kmh
It's wonderful to follow how one kind of work leads to another like this--watching an economy grow and diversify in real time
0 replies 0 retweets 2 likesThanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.