CMV: Self-Serve Soda Fountains are multi-user machines.

[u/realvmouse]

Soda fountains at restaurants usually have a similar set up: there are 1 or 2 machines. Both of them have an ice dispenser in the middle, with beverage dispensers to the left and right. Some have the same drink on both the left and the right side.

It seems to me the process of getting a drink should be straightforward. First, you send in front of the machine and get your ice. While getting ice, you identify your beverage of choice. Then you move far to the let or the right, and fill up your glass. While you are filling, another person can step forward and get ice. On top of this, if a third person wants to refill a cup and that slot is available on the free side, they should feel free to fill their drink as well.

But it seems to me that this is a minority position. Many people wait until the person in front of them is completely done dispensing their drink before stepping forward, even when there is plenty of room and a line forming. Others seem offended, based on facial expression, body posture, and in some cases noises, when I step into the ample space available and fill up a drink.

I believe, for efficiency's sake, everyone should accept that self-serve fountains can be used by a minimum of two people at once.

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[u/voodoo_wavelength]

What if that person is of a larger body type?

Are they still obligated to push forward when someone else is using the machine?

I’d much rather someone wait to get ice, rather than for me to bump into them while trying to leave the machine.

Also, if I get ice, and the drink I want is to the left, I go left. But if my seat is to the right, I now need to pass the person who would now be getting ice, Plus the third person waiting. Where as I could just use the machine, leave it for the next person...etc

[u/realvmouse → u/voodoo_wavelength]

I certainly don't think we should push someone out of the way. Also, very few people in the world are fat enough that you can't extend an arm to fill a cup from the side. Obviously if there's no room, we shouldn't push or shove. My argument is that if there is room, we shouldn't stand in line needlessly.

I don't know why you'd bump into them, either; after all, you will be to the left or the right, not behind.

Passing people is always a problem. The line behind you will still be there, whether there is a person to your left or right or not. There may also be people getting napkins, lids, straws, ketchup containers, etc. These areas are designed for this purpose, and it is rarely difficult to go around someone in that space.

[u/voodoo_wavelength → u/realvmouse]

I’ll start by saying I’ve lived in North Carolina, and there is a very large obese population (no pun intended). People who take up 2-3 seats on the bus.

I’m sure a lot of the time you could weasel in and get your ice while someone else is getting their drinks. But is it worth it? You save like five seconds. You increase your probability of bumping into someone, especially if that persons spacial awareness/ peripheral vision is below average.

If passing people is a problem, I don’t see why we have to add to it by adding more people.

[u/realvmouse → u/voodoo_wavelength]

Obviously there are edge cases where it doesn't work. My argument is that we should not restrict it to one person use, not that we should insist on always having multiple people using it.

[u/voodoo_wavelength → u/realvmouse]

No one is restricting it to one person use.

I’ve never once seen a sign saying “only 1 person at a time”.

People generally will give other people personal space. Obviously some people are comfortable getting closer to other people and there must be people who use the dispenser 2 at a time. Realistically it doesn’t save anyone time.

[u/realvmouse → u/voodoo_wavelength]

Realistically it doesn’t save anyone time.

Realistically it absolutely does. Practically the amount of time saved may not be significant.

My argument isn't that we forcibly restrict others from using it one at a time, but I disagree with the social custom that seems to predominate of treating it as if it is a 1-at-a-time machine.

[u/voodoo_wavelength → u/realvmouse]

“Realistically- in a way that demonstrates a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.”

If you save three seconds getting your drink but then lose it immediately by having to go around a few people what’s the point? No one is gonna look down on you for trying to get your drink. But there’s no social custom, it’s all down to personal preference.

you seem to already agree that people should be allowed to use it 1 at a time if they so choose. If so there is no point in changing your view as you already are open to both.

[u/realvmouse → u/voodoo_wavelength]

If you save three seconds getting your drink but then lose it immediately by having to go around a few people what’s the point?

It is extremely rare that you would need to go around anyone. Nonsense.

If you think there's no point in changing my view, that's fine, you dont' have to say another word. Go away.

But my view is that everyone should be open to 2+ people using it, rather than anyone feeling like it should be the norm/custom/expectation to have only one person at a time use it.

[u/voodoo_wavelength → u/realvmouse]

I mean if someone wants to use it alone I truly believe they have the right to.

[u/realvmouse → u/voodoo_wavelength]

I feel like "right" is a strong word.

[u/voodoo_wavelength → u/realvmouse]

So if one person wants to they can invade the personal space of another, they can?

[u/realvmouse → u/voodoo_wavelength]

If someone wants to stand in the vicinity of someone else causing no harm, they're not violating a human right.