What's this?
What in the world is that thing to the right?
In the last week I've gotten two links to something that prior to that I'd never even heard of. I'm still trying to figure out all the uses of this but it does look interesting. Thanks to Michael Grooms and Rusty Pettus who put me onto this.
It's called a QR Code. Now, don't get lost in the next sentence, I'll interpret it into useful, simple language in just a moment. Google says: "A QR Code is a matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code) created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. The "QR" is derived from "Quick Response", as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed."
So, what's a QR code :) Well, basically it is a barcode that can be scanned by people who have smart phones (i.e. iPhones, Android phones, Blackberry phones) that will lead them to a link. You know those barcode readers at grocery stores (and most anywhere else) that keep them from having to type in prices and "hopefully" assure more accurate pricing and a more accurate bill?
Well, they've made themselves to "commoners" like us now. If a person has a barcode reader app on their phone these "generators" will make you a barcode that will take the person to a link, or dial a phone number, or give them your electronic business card, or send them a text, or an email, or give your email address, or take them to a paypal link, or add an event to their calendar....or, or, or. Seems like a lot of possibilities.
I thought it was neat that I just scanned Michael's barcode and it added him to my phone directory including his cell, office, home numbers, address, email, etc.
But you could use these to direct people to your church webpage, or to an event poster, or to send them to an article that might teach on something you want them to know. The novelty of it all might really generate some traffic. What might you do with them? I'd be interested in seeing your possibilities.
By the way they are free right now! Here are a couple of links: