PARC is exploring a new business idea.
The basic premise is that through a free, downloaded printer driver, you earn credits towards free ink cartridges in exchange for printing small coupons, discounts, and ads in the margin of your printed documents. Each time you print, the printer driver will give you the option to print using free ink (and thus printing ads on the page) or with regular ink (and thus printing clean as normal). The ads will be targeted, local, and relevant and often will include discounts and coupons. The printer driver will also monitor your ink supply, allowing them to automatically ship you your next ink cartridges, right before you need them so you never run out of ink again.
They’re currently collecting a survey in response to this idea to better understand people’s printing habits and preferences.
If you have some time or interest, you can fill out the survey here.
This is an interesting idea, worth trying out if you own a printer and you print a number of documents that don’t need to be presentable. The download isn’t currently available, but they will notify you if you’re interested. Happy printing!
