The New Becomes Old (I-nigma and other cool things)

As much as I love history, I love my techie stuff too. I love my iPhone, my iPod, my iPad, my MacBook. I love my gas cooktop, my oven, my microwave, and my electric curling iron too. What? Those last things aren't techie anymore? Well, they were at one time. They were cutting edge, baby!

It's amazing how quickly we grow accustomed to things. What was once "new and amazing" becomes ordinary and even expected. But in the historical era in which most of the stories we Writes of Passage authors write, the latter aforementioned items weren't even a glint in someone's eye.

Speaking of new and amazing, have you seen these barcodes lately?

They're called mobile barcodes and––as described at the I-nigma website––"Mobile barcodes, storing addresses and URLs, are a new and innovative way to access the mobile internet where users can use the camera on their mobile phone to scan barcodes that may appear in magazines, newspapers, billboards, LCD/plasma screens, packaging, business card and even t-shirts. A user having a mobile camera phone equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the 2D barcode causing the phone browser to launch and direct to the programmed URL. Codes can be used to provide fast-track access to mobile websites, special discount offers, send an SMS, and receive a ring-tone, save contact details on mobile address book."

You can download the free I-nigma app from iTunes, then you simply line your phone's camera up with a mobile barcode, your phone reads it, and voila! You're taken to a website that contains more information on that product. If it's a book, for example, then you might be given a free sample chapter or see an interview with the author. I'm noticing more books that have them on the back cover and when I've "clicked them," I gain additional info on the book itself. Love that! So get the free I-nigma software here and then start watching for those cool mobile barcodes.

Also, with the flip of a switch, Writes of Passage has made our mobile access even more accessible. If you have a mobile device, this is what you'll see now when you look up Writes of Passage on your phone. Cool, huh? 

Today is busy! I'm finishing up some final tweaks to A Lasting Impression (more tweaks, I know...), then am packing and getting ready to head to New York City tomorrow for the 31st Annual Romance Writers of America conference. My daughter is going with me and I'm so excited. Not only for the conference but for the mother/daughter time.

I'm honored that Within My Heart is a finalist for a RITA Award this year. The award ceremony is Friday night, but whether I win or not, I'm honored and grateful to be listed with the following finalists:

A Convenient Wife by Anna Schmidt

Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy

Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight

The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight

In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon

Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang

Shades of Morning by Marlo Schleskey

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

I've never seen a Broadway Musical before, and Wednesday night Kelsey and I are seeing WICKED! I've listened to the original soundtrack countless times and can't wait to see the musical in person. And on Broadway, no less! With my daughter. Memorable girl time!

Off to get the day underway.

Blessings and happy mobile barcode hunting! Oh! and did you know that Cherrios turns 70 this year? More here.

Tammy

P.S. Patti Jo and Veronica, this pic is for you. Halfway through a walk the other night, Jack decided he'd had enough and plopped down by the lake. He was done! (But promptly got his little butt up a few minutes later and finished the walk home. No free rides on walks.)