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Bad Examples of QR Code Usage

December 5th, 2011 · Technology

img.php?s=8&d=http%3A%2F%2Fthecampdirector Bad Examples of QR Code Usage How NOT to Use QR Codes

I spoke at a conference this weekend and everyone was QR Code Happy. They were everywhere, like a bible at a Southern Baptist Convention.  The passion with which people were proselytizing their uses missed all the ways that they are implemented poorly. Used well, QR codes add value, delight, and surprise your customer. Used QR Codes poorly and your customers will wonder why they are even there. Here are just a few ways I have seen QR codes used this weekend that did not make sense.

1) In your email address to link to your web site
I am on my computer and don’t want to get out my phone only to find out that QR code goes to your non-mobile friendly web site. Wouldn’t it have been easier for me to click on a link to your web site in your email signature?

2) Not telling people what they get when they scan your QR code
I saw this on a banner in an Exhibit Hall.  The QR code when to their web site that was not mobile friendly. What was I supposed to do with that on my phone and why would I want to get my phone out, launch my scanner just to get a web site?

3) Pointing to a Facebook Page
You want to make sure you are going to give me something worth my time of scanning a code, something that would be hard to get otherwise. If I can type in a web address quicker, I don’t want a code.  You can already shorten Facebook addresses so if you give me: http://www.facebook.com/Megaphone I can just type http://fb.com/Megaphone  do I really want a QR code if I can type it in faster?

4) Where I Don’t Have Cell Service
I have seen QR codes on planes and train stations where there is no cell service. This only desensitizes people to the codes and they will become less interested in them. Sure, I can take a photo of the code and scan it later but is that really going to happen?  It will if you tell me what the content is and that content is of value. For example, in a magazine that offers me a coupon. If it is just information what wouldn’t I just take a picture of the ad?

5) On a Brochure
I have seen them on brochures where they link to a non-mobile web site for the organization. How is that useful? Why not link to a mobile sign-up page to either sign-up for the class or sign-up to get a newsletter or email about the class.

Marketers need to think about where the user will be when they see that QR code, how to add value and wow them, and make it easier for the customer to do business with them. Putting QR codes on everything without thought will only desensitize your customer and teach them to ignore them.

What bad examples have you seen? Start collecting bad examples on your own and we can all combat this horrible trend. Have you seen creative uses of QR codes?

 

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Should Camp Counselors Be Allowed to Apply Sun Screen?

July 3rd, 2011 · Health & Wellness, Risk Management

boysunscreen 200x300 Should Camp Counselors Be Allowed to Apply Sun Screen?I was contacted by the Washington Post to comment on the new law in Maryland that would require parental permission before kids can use sunscreen. It was the first I heard of the law.

The guidelines said, “Camp staff should limit touching the camper as much as possible. Under no circumstances should campers assist each other in the application of sunscreen.” The policy also prohibited camps from supplying sunscreen to campers.

A day later the Maryland state health department dropped all of the restrictions it had imposed. According to the articles, under the latest policy, parents will still have to sign permission forms allowing their children to use sunscreen, a policy that exists in a few other states. But the state now says that it “encourages the appropriate use of sunscreen during summer activities.”

As I told the Washington Post reporter, avoiding sun damage is the most obvious reason camp counselors help younger children with sun screen.  Most seasoned camp directors also know that sun screen in the eyes is the next leading reason why young campers need help.  Getting that waterproof/sweat proof concoction out of a screaming child’s eye is nearly impossible. Furthermore, all camps have policies and train staff on appropriate and inappropriate ways to touch children.  This applies to any camper contact such as sun screen application, teaching a child how to swim, or even administering first aid.

Do you have specific sun screen policies at camp? Will you as a result of these articles?

Washington Post Articles:
Maryland scrambles to revise camp sunscreen rules
Maryland officials scrap new sunscreen restrictions

Photo Credit [arib]

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