Get a Coffee, Give a Coffee

I learned today about a very interesting product being run by a programmer named Jonathan Stark. Jonathan took the "take a penny, leave a penny" concept to a new level using a Starbuck's gift card.

For anyone with a smartphone, you can join Jonathan for a cup of coffee at Starbucks just by downloading a picture of his barcode. Just like the actual Starbucks app, this barcode will scan at the register. When money is available, Jonathan's card will pay for your drink.

You can follow Jonathan's card on Twitter, @jonathanscard. He has used his programing skills to automatically update the twitter account with the card's balance as purchases are made.

Since beginning his experiment with a $30 card, Jonathan's card has been used for over $3,000 at Starbucks. People that use his card can spend the money but also contribute to the card. By going on Starbuck's website you can refill a card just by entering it's number. He explains on his site how it works:

Wanna be cool?

Post a public mention to @jonathanscard with any of the following:

• A tweet of what you bought
• A pic of your Starbucks location
• A pic of your coffee
• A pic of your receipt

Wanna be super cool?

When you have some extra cash, give a coffee to someone in need and enjoy massive karma points.

Read full details about the program on Get a coffee, give a coffee - Jonathan's Card.

Source: CNN