On 07/22/2011 05:20 AM, Jim Loudon wrote: > >> [re: QR codes] it looks like a good use would be on a brochure at the >> library or local society. Someone could just scan the QR Code and their >> device would take them to your site. > > One of the groups to which I belong is having that discussion right now. > QR codes can be especially useful in cases where a long or > unusually-spelled URL is involved. > > An obvious negative is that a QR app has to be installed on the user's > smartphone, as it isn't clear that the adoption level at the client end is > high enough to justify consideration of this technology. It's also not > clear whether this is just a passing fad. > > jim If I were designing a brochure, or even a sample newsletter, for a group that would be available for free pickup at a library, or anyplace, I would certainly include one. It's not going to cost you anything to include a QR Code. There are free sites on the internet that allow you to create the tag if all you need is one tag. There is even free software that can be downloaded if you think you may need many different tags. Most of the time one is all that is going to be needed. Why worry about the adoption level. Would you rather come back a year from now and redesign the brochure [ which you will probably do anyway to keep it fresh - but that's not the point ] when you decide there is enough penetration or just jump right in. Many of the newer cell phones/small device operating systems are coming with the reader preinstalled. Others will most likely follow suit. After all, they don't want to be behind in anything another system uses. Also, more and more people are becoming aware of those silly looking box's on thing and know what they are now. If someone is picking up your brochure at the library what gives them the best possible experience. Typing out out even a short URL or point and click to be taken to your website. If it turns out to be a passing fad, it hasn't cost you anything. If it turns out to be a big deal, your ahead of the curve. Go for it. -- "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb." - Benjamin Franklin - _ _... ..._ _ _._ ._ ..... ._.. ... .._