Broadcast Mobile Currency with Jonathan's Card - Starbucks & More
The Evolution of Mobile Payments and a Novel Approach
The prevalence of platforms such as Square and Google Wallet is quickly establishing digital financial solutions as the dominant method for transactions in everyday commerce.
However, Jonathan Stark, a specialist in mobile application consulting, proposes a fresh perspective on this digitally-driven exchange, pushing the boundaries of the current model.
A New Vision for Mobile Currency
According to a recent entry on his blog, Stark posits that the broadcasting of mobile currency for broad, individual utilization is entirely achievable.
To demonstrate this concept, Stark conducted an experiment by publicly posting an image of a Starbucks gift card online.
The "Village Well of Espresso"
This allows individuals to acquire coffee using the card, with the expectation that they will replenish the funds when able.
Stark describes this system as a communal resource – a “village well of espresso” – accessible to anyone who wishes to partake.
Essentially, it represents a shared and continuously refilled source of funds for a specific purpose.
Jonathan's Card: A Novel Approach to Coffee Purchases
The core idea behind Jonathan's Card is remarkably straightforward. Individuals facing financial constraints, yet desiring a caffeinated beverage, can utilize a digital image of the card to procure a coffee at Starbucks. However, a key question arises: how is this system actually implemented?
Stark has made a digital representation of the card publicly available on his website. Users simply need to download this image to their smartphone. Then, at their local Starbucks, they scan the image via the barcode reader, effectively receiving a complimentary coffee.
Being a skilled app developer, Stark has created automated scripts. These scripts monitor the card's financial balance at fifteen-minute intervals. Following each check, the script disseminates the account status via Twitter.
Account Status Updates
- The messages indicate the current monetary amount available.
- Users are alerted when the balance is dwindling.
- Requests for funds are issued when the account is depleted.
Stark suggests, through his blog, that users should aim for beverages costing approximately $3.00. However, given Starbucks' pricing structure, adhering to this limit may prove challenging. Opting for a "tall" size instead of a "venti" could be a prudent strategy during a Stark-funded visit.
Furthermore, he encourages users to share a photograph of themselves with their drink on Twitter. In return, Stark himself – not the automated bot – will acknowledge their post with a shout-out.
Jonathan's Card: A Community Coffee Fund
The potential for misuse exists with Jonathan's Card, given its accessibility. While anyone possesses the ability to add funds, this doesn't guarantee consistent contributions. The anonymous nature of purchases complicates establishing accountability, presenting a significant challenge.
Reportedly, the card's balance was once depleted entirely without any identifying information left by the user – a regrettable incident.
Maintaining the Card's Functionality
Stark actively contributes to the card by periodically adding his own funds and effectively donating coffee to the user base. However, with a relatively small following of approximately 300 verified users, sustaining a steady influx of money can be difficult.
Continued support from the Jonathan's Card community through donations is crucial for its ongoing operation.
How to Contribute
If you are inclined to donate, simply visit the Starbucks website. Select the "reload a card" option and enter the card number: 6061006913522430. Your contribution, regardless of amount, will benefit others.
Tweeting Jonathan after reloading the card may result in a public acknowledgement. Alternatively, you can choose to remain anonymous and find satisfaction in knowing you’ve helped someone enjoy a beverage.
Opportunities for Developers
For those with app development skills, Stark provides an API on the card's website. Although a dedicated application for the sharing system hasn't been created yet, there is potential for development.
As a community-driven initiative, offering ideas or submitting works-in-progress to Stark could be valuable.
Final ThoughtsJonathan's Card shares notable parallels with Pepsi’s innovative social vending approach. This system allows individuals to buy beverages for others, delivering a unique code directly to their mobile devices. Considering these two examples of currency broadcasting, a new wave of socially-driven sharing methods may soon emerge.
As a writer, I can personally attest to the benefits of having coffee readily available. Jonathan's Card represents a solution I would find quite useful. For those interested in learning more, you can follow @JonathansCard on Twitter.
Have you had the opportunity to experience Jonathan's Card firsthand? Are you aware of any comparable social sharing systems, even those operating on a local scale? Have you experimented with utilizing the card using a photograph or simply the provided code?
Image Credit: @JonathansCard
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