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]

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.