What is QR Code?

Okay I need to say something about QR Code, but before I will give you a very brief explanation of what the actual code is.

What is QR Code?

It is a code made up of squares and symbols within a box, that once scanned by a user, who has software on their mobile phone or scanner, can instantly find information about a product, service or whatever is embed in the code.

The actual name for QR Code is Quick Response Code. Rather ingenious don't you think?

So where are these QR Codes?

They are popping up everywhere, on billboards, in stores, in magazines, on the back of books and maybe have even been incorporated into a dog tag. (If it has not been incorporated into a dog tag yet I have just copyrighted the idea right here!)

They are in cities and towns, on computer screens, and are now appearing as elaborate or rather not so elaborate ways of SMS texting people.

QR has even appeared in music videos, Kylie Minogue for example had the code appear on objects within the official video for 'All The Lovers' which I think stated the word 'Love' on one cup!

They have appeared on Google for pinning maps and information and are being used by companies all over the place to give you the consumer a headache when trying to gather information...

Is QR Code a headache?

Maybe it is, for me I will go into my reasons later!

Did I hear you say mobile telephone?

Yes you did, you are able to download software to your mobile telephone via a Website, which can be found at: http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/

You can also make your own Quick Response Codes to send to your friends, place on your Website or add to you rather large Billboard in the city center. You can find the QR Code Generator at the following Website: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

So you stated that they are a headache, why?

Listen people, let us not be fooled by this marketing gimmick, it is just another useless toy for marketers to convey their brands across to you, and before you know you are all sucked into the amazing world of advertising.

Let's face it TV commercials are easy to turn over from, online ads are not getting the message across alone, and well advertising is a pet peeve for many people. So why not do something industrious and change the way people interact with advertising?

Okay there is the fun aspect to with all this sending SMS coded messages and figuring out just what the heck is being said on a billboard, but I really do not see the point!

Why do you not see the point TJ?

Just send your information by text message, what is the point in going the long way round by converting some black and white image.

And companies, just place your telephone number and website up on your adverts, it is great to have all this technology but really, let's put things into perspective here, QR Code versus Disappointing Media Advertising... They are both as drab as each other, great QR Code, same boring useless advertising information.

In my view QR Code is a great idea, but already being abused by the people who want you to buy their product today... fail!