Service Rant - Just keep the drinks filled

Good help is hard to find. Why is a good waitress or waiter so hard to find? We don't think of ourselves as unreasonable people, we don't make lots of silly requests or demands. Just semi-competent service is all we ask for. This is the first rant in what will be a series on wait staff and service.

Keep the drinks filled! (non-alcoholic). How hard is that? If it is below the half way mark bring another drink. Don't ask me if I want another drink just bring it. The only time to ask would be if we are done with the food, maybe then we don't really need any thing else to drink. The worst is when it is totally empty and they have the nerve to ask. Here is a typical conversation:

Waitress: "Would you like another Coke?"

Me: "No thank you, I have the salvatory glands of a Saint Bernard and will be able to produce all the saliva I need to consume this dried fish on my own. In fact could you bring me some extra napkins I am drooling on myself already"

Now most times this isn't really the fault of the server. This can likely be attributed to poor training by the establishment. But both will pay, or at least won't get paid, in the end. The tip will be lowered for the waitstaff and the establishment won't see us again. You ever notice how some places you ALWAYS get good service? While others can be hit or miss? And then some are just always miss? Well the management of places where you always get good service know that service can make or break a meal. Off the top of my head I almost always get good, if not great service at Red Lobster and Steak and Ale. Why? Because these places have chain wide training systems for their employees. If they don't you are left to fend for yourself and pray that you get a competent waitress. And if you do find that diamond in the rough, tip her well and request her next time you go.