11 ms·

QCard.link – The minimalist and private way to share contact information

12 points by URfejk 6y ago

2bitlobster 6y ago
Simple and elegant. This didn’t already exist?
timwis 6y ago
I started working on a really similar app a few months ago and was astounded that it didn't already exist. I tried making a QR vCard manually and tested it at a networking event and it was a real hit. I got distracted with something else and didn't finish it. But this looks fantastic and I can't wait until networking events are a thing again and I can try it out :)
arran-nz 6y ago
Creator here, I was just scrolling past and seen this pop up! I'm really flattered that OP posted this. If you have any questions or feedback, let me know :)
bradknowles 6y ago
So, the only way to get the information from the QR code is to visit the link so that you can download the actual VCARD? Why not just turn the VCARD info directly into a QR code which could then be parsed and used while 100% offline? And if you were going to force people to visit a URL to get the VCARD, then why not use your own local URL shortening service so that you get a much smaller and easier to process QR code? I’m very confused.
- arran-nz 6y ago
  Putting a VCARD inside a QRCode is a perfectly fine way to transfer contact information too! This is just an alternative. After trying this technique of multiple QR scanning apps, I found a lot that didn't include this feature. However, every app I tried can launch the browser given an encoded URL. This solution allows the reader to inspect the data (visiting the url, email etc) before downloading the VCARD and polluting their contacts. There's no reason you can't self host this and add a URL shortener. I reason I choose not to embed such a feature is I wanted this to be 100% client side so I can develop this into a PWA. Hope I was able to clear up some confusion.
backing 6y ago
How is this private if one can get your info by scanning your qrcode ?
- arran-nz 6y ago
  Private in the sense that the QCard data isn't send over the network and it's all client side.

12 points by URfejk 6y ago

Simple and elegant. This didn’t already exist?

I started working on a really similar app a few months ago and was astounded that it didn't already exist. I tried making a QR vCard manually and tested it at a networking event and it was a real hit. I got distracted with something else and didn't finish it. But this looks fantastic and I can't wait until networking events are a thing again and I can try it out :)

arran-nz 6y ago

Creator here, I was just scrolling past and seen this pop up! I'm really flattered that OP posted this. If you have any questions or feedback, let me know :)

bradknowles 6y ago

So, the only way to get the information from the QR code is to visit the link so that you can download the actual VCARD? Why not just turn the VCARD info directly into a QR code which could then be parsed and used while 100% offline? And if you were going to force people to visit a URL to get the VCARD, then why not use your own local URL shortening service so that you get a much smaller and easier to process QR code? I’m very confused.

arran-nz 6y ago
Putting a VCARD inside a QRCode is a perfectly fine way to transfer contact information too! This is just an alternative. After trying this technique of multiple QR scanning apps, I found a lot that didn't include this feature. However, every app I tried can launch the browser given an encoded URL. This solution allows the reader to inspect the data (visiting the url, email etc) before downloading the VCARD and polluting their contacts. There's no reason you can't self host this and add a URL shortener. I reason I choose not to embed such a feature is I wanted this to be 100% client side so I can develop this into a PWA. Hope I was able to clear up some confusion.

backing 6y ago

How is this private if one can get your info by scanning your qrcode ?

arran-nz 6y ago
Private in the sense that the QCard data isn't send over the network and it's all client side.