How to make QR codes work, really

What happened to the QR codes in the Freeman?

Late last year, I began experimenting with quick response (QR) codes in the print edition of the Daily Freeman.


I created a Likify code and placed it at the bottom of the front page. I stayed there for a month. After gathering eight 'Likes' for our Facebook page, I decided to discontinue its run, at least on the front page, as it was using too much coveted 'real estate,' as we say in the biz (because, apparently, we want to be Realtors or something).

That was strike one for the code. I believe that if it was placed somewhere more permanently - like a flier or at distribution boxes around town, it couldn't hurt to have them (since it doesn't cost anything to maintain them, so there's no loss).

What worked against it was the fact that, most likely, you had to download a QR reader and then scan the thing to be send to a page to click the like button and then have to login to your Facebook account on your phone's browser, which probably looks like crap, because it doesn't work with Facebook apps. So instead of making it easier, it seemed to make it even more complicated for early users. My hat's off to those eight we went through it.

If you want to go through this yourself, here's a quick way of doing this.

Holiday Lights 2.0

Our upcoming map of holiday lights, which you can see but can't read at right (MUAHAHA!), will once again feature an interactive map online of all the entries, not just the ones in the route.

New, this year, however, is the introduction of a Quick Response code which will allow you to map your own course, if you are inclined to do so.

Small recap: QR codes are images you can scan with a smartphone that will take you to a web feature. Below are some free apps that allow you to do this:

iPhone:  Red Laser.;  QR app;   Neoreader; QRCode.
Blackberry: QR Code Scanner Pro; BeeTagg;  ATT Code Scanner.
Android: Barcode Scanner; Goggles.
UPDATE: I'm told I've neglected Palm: QR deCODEr

Anyway, here's a demonstration:



The feature will be published on Sunday.

How to marry print, web with Quick Response codes

Today's print version of the Freeman has a new feature, which is building upon Wednesday's Quick Response code on the front page.

First, a re-cap. The front page's QR code allows you to 'Like' the Freeman on Facebook with your smartphone. So far I've heard a lot of buzz about it, but we haven't gotten many 'Likes' through it - yet. (I'm also pushing social media elsewhere, so our recent increase in 'Likes' has been partially due to that effort).

In today's Life section, left, accompanying a food story about Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, there is a QR box (which in this section is replacing the On The Web box). This code, I believe, enhances print by allowing smartphone users to seamlessly watch a video related to the story right on their phones.

Let me demonstrate.

Idealab idea IN YOUR FACE!

Although the project hasn't started yet, we've been kicking ideas around pretty mercilessly at the Freeman's parent company IdeaLab Facebook page, one of the Journal Register Company's new initiatives.

(As mentioned on July 12, 17 lucky people and myself will be experimenting with the latest technology and tools. We're getting gadgets - an iPad, and smartphone of our choice and a netbook - 10 hours of paid free time per week and $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$500 per month on top. There are no rules. You can even write "$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.")

One suggestion by Viktoria Sundqvist, editor of the Middletown Press in Connecticut, got me going. What if you were to put Quick Response coding on the paper to unlock features on your smartphone? "This will allow readers to snap a picture of the code with their cell phones and immediately get access to our online edition as the phone will translate the QR code," she wrote.

I gave it a shot.



Sweet. Can't wait to get started.

UPDATE: I'm informed by a party-pooping publisher from Torrington, Conn., that it's probably faster to type the web address (I'm assuming it's a shortened version like http://bit.ly/a239b5 and not something like http://dailyfreeman.com/video/media-16549029/).

It is.

But what if the code was used for something like this?



In a more theoretical and utilitarian way (and I'm not even claiming to know how to do this), what if you use your lap top's camera on a Quick Response code over a story about Kingston crime and a 3-D map of Kingston with stats (ala crimereports.com) popped up on your screen?

What do you think?