Red Bay operates out of a container cafe beside Impact Hub Oakland. I get a drink called Red Eye there; it isn’t on their menu, and I forget what it is. I should find out!
Anyhow, I sat down on the bench next to the members entrance. Such a nice morning. I was writing in my notebook, and casually observed a worrying behavior: everyone entering the building were bending their necks to look down!
We have a credential system on the door. It is operated by Kisi, a company. I have a keycard, a piece of plastic I keep in my wallet next to my Clipper card, another piece of plastic that allows me to enter “members only” spaces.
There is an option to use a phone app. It connects via bluetooth to the door and unlocks it. I can’t use the app, as I don’t provide the surveillance tech required to install such an app. But furthermore, I wouldn’t turn on the bluetooth on a mobile device, for plenty of reasons, but an important one is to protect my neck.
All those folks craning down, while awkwardly shifting their bags on shoulders or cups in hands: unlocking the door with their mobile.
Not a great a key. When I pull my keys from my pocket they are distinct shapes and textures, so I don’t have to look. A keycard, even less thought! I pull my wallet out, door opens. I don’t look.
The wizard walking up to their tower doesn’t pull our their crystal ball, cast the unlock cantrip, and then disenchant the front door. Mages automate the inessential. And have healthy necks.