How to direct an existing QR code to my website?

Hey Steve,

I know how this might confuse you. See, the way a QR code works, is that it will display the code depending on what information you give it. There is no superior entity or department in charge of distributing QR codes (thus, they can not be sold).

If that doesn't make sense, here is a comparison: For instance, domain names are unique, and only one person (at a time) can own one. What happens to a domain name (as long as you pay for it) is the owner's direct control. So if a domain is supposed to link to the owner's blog, or forum or anything else is dependent on how the owner sets up his domain.

QR codes on the other hand DO NOT work that way. While they are unique, anyone can create QR codes for anything they please. If you just take a look at some of the QR code services, you'll see what kind of QR codes you can create. QR codes can be links to websites, text files, bitcoins… you name it. They are not restricted by ownership (or whoever created them).

Example:

Let's say I created a QR code a few weeks ago. It is a link to http://www.google.com. I can save it, print it... literally distribute it any way I like. And other people scanning the QR code would be redirected from their app (or other scanning device) to Google.

And here is where it gets interesting: I could decide to delete the image from my computer, burn all the printed out versions I had. So technically, the QR code is lost. Except it isn't. If I were to go to a QR code generator and create another QR code that is supposed to link to http://www.google.com it would look exactly the same.

Additionally: If other people created a QR code linking to http://www.google.com it would look exactly like yours!

Therefore, if done correctly, the "newly" created code should look identical to the ones on your business materials. I could bore you with the technical details. But you'll just have to believe me.

(The only reason for this not working would be for the original QR code to not have been done correctly. If that is the case, you can throw all of your business material out of the window and re-print everything. Or, as I said, scan the original QR code as an image and then upload it to WordPress.)

Update:

Just to be very clear, in case it isn't:

• Domains must be altered to point to a new server, website etc.
• QR codes must be created to have a new function (e.g.: contain text, forward to link, transmit bitcoins, etc.)

I hope that clears everything up.

So, I did a little bit of research. Here is what I know:

1. This is not a typical QR code. It is a data matrix code.
2. I don't know what app you originally used to decode that particular data matrix code, but when you decode it with a standard algorithm is just gives you the digits 5415400002019613.

Maybe those digits in combination with an app or web service would forward you to your website. All I can say with the information provided: Your code is worthless as it is. Yes, you could even create a new data matrix code online if you wanted.

But I advise against it for various reasons:

1. It is much lesser known format than standard QR codes.
2. If you want to believe recent marketing reports, in terms of augmented reality, QR codes are already on their way out. 1, 2, 3

Sorry I don't have better news.

Just wrote an answer regarding the code you posted.

But to answer your new question.

1. Go here.
2. Select Website URL.
3. Enter your website URL.
4. Click Download QR Code.
5. Go to your WordPress installation.
6. Go your media library.
7. Upload the image you have just downloaded (from the QR code generator website) to your computer just like any other image.

I know I've done quite a bit of explaining. Go over my wall of text if you have the time and are interested in learning more.

But to make it short:

1. No, your current code by itself is (for reasons I have mentioned) useless.
2. Yes, you can create a new datamatrix or QR code. But I don't advise you to do it. And no–it would not look the same for reasons that can be found in the wall of text. :)

I know this is not the answer you wanted to hear, but that's the thing with technologies we don't understand: They come and go (I posted links to some articles on the use of QR codes).

Regardless of how 'futuristic-fancy' they look: Just stay away from QR codes. Their time has passed. Just get a sweet and short domain instead. :)

The code you provided might work with the AT&T scanner. But it certainly doesn't work for any code scanners I have installed, and not for any of the datamatrix decode algorithms I could find.

So no, your code is done.

QR codes are a neat idea, but there are various studies that 1.) indicate people don't actually use them as much and 2.) the only way to truly easily access a website is a smartphone, and I really hate browsing websites from my smartphone (yes, even with the rise of "responsive web design").

I see where your thinking is coming from. I've used QR codes myself for various projects. They really– aren't – worth it. Nobody in the marketing industry that I know thinks they work. And even fewer people actually use them correctly. So yeah... QR codes are over. :)

And sure, I am glad I could clear some things up.

Dustin, Thanks for your reply. I am not eager to try any reliance on this kind of technology after my experience with the QR code that went dead.

For now, I plan to stay with just printing my website URL and people will just have to type it into a browser.

Sorry I ever printed the QR code on my business printed materials and signs.

No problem, Steve. I don't think, though, image / advanced augmented reality recognition is going away. Google uses it a lot with their image search service, and it seems to work quite well. I also think it helps to point out about what Sidney was trying to explain, and how QR codes are a little more complex than they seem. They're not exactly the most intuitive or visually appealing thing for users either. The alternatives mentioned above seem to give businesses priority and brand recognition as well. I'm thinking some of the methods would be available to have copyrighted material implemented in the design / function. I liked the simplicity of the NFC tag myself. Anyhow, I can understand how you might be frustrated about all of this. One thing is for sure in regards to technology, web design, etc., if you don't like how things are—it's sure to change! Hopefully for the better.

Dustin, Here's an example of something that changed, and not for the better.

The violin.

I am a violinist, since the age of 7, and I am 62 now. So, I have played the violin for 55 years. And yes, I keep getting better at playing it. However, the technology of making the violin was much better over 300 years ago.

The changes in making violins since then have not improved the violin. In fact, people are trying to copy how violins were made in the time of the late 1600s, early 1700s by Stradivarius, Guarneri, and others[1].

I would hope that people recognize at some point that continued change will not necessarily improve this technology. In fact, the best answer is most often the elegant, very simple answer, not the more complicated one.

In my opinion, the best answer in the case of computer technology is the one that serves to be utilitarian, and upholds the enjoyment of life, not getting in the way of life.

An example of this is the terrible cost to people's health by using computers. I am speaking of the debilitating change to their posture, and the time spent indoors, away from sunshine and fresh air.

Also, there is a tragic loss in the inability to communicate in person, because of the isolation brought about by the internet and computer age.

I can say with some authority from having lived prior, during, and after the advent of the computer age that this is certainly not what people expected would happen.

I also recognize the benefits of the computer age, and in fact, I have often been an early adopter of new technology and ideas.

I am very sure that people will find that the old ways may not be abandoned entirely, and in fact, there are many hidden gems in the 'old', which in some cases, may be thought of as evergreen.

What I mean by this, is to be in the present moment, know the lessons in the present and past, and be looking forward to the future. How do you know the lessons in the present? Yes, this is a topic worth exploring. I will leave it for now.

I looked at the NFC tag briefly. I will give it more attention.

Thanks for your time and your help.

Best regards!

[1] Wikipedia. Violin. To this day, instruments from the so-called Golden Age of violin making, especially those made by Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù and Montagnana are the most sought-after instruments by both collectors and performers. The current record amount paid for a Stradivari violin is £9.8 million (US$15.9 million), when the instrument known as the Lady Blunt was sold by Tarisio Auctions in an online auction on June 20, 2011.[14]

Steven, I am afraid it is literally "impossible". There is no code, no hack. A QR code is pure information. Changing what a QR code would do is changing the information (and thus its appearance).

There is literally nothing to do other than calling up AT&T and asking them for help. I know this is hard to believe, but it is the reality.

No worries. We're all here to help. :)

I am already thankful for appreciation. Enjoy your weekend despite this little disappointment!