I’ve written before about the onslaught of digital business card apps, and my overall opinion of the options available.

As an eco-conscious individual I like the thought behind them.

As a marketer, I don’t.

I just came across a great article on the topic from someone who did what I have not. Michelle Mastin of PC World actually tested a whole bunch of digital business card apps – CardFlick, Snapdat, CardCloud, and Bump among them – and despite some general praise for the apps themselves, she makes a good case against them.

Here’s her article: Digital Business Card Apps Tested: The Future is Not Quite Ready

My belief has always been that a paper business card is simply a more effective marketing tool.

It makes a stronger and more lasting impression than a digital card, or bump, or whatever.

Michelle makes another great point…

These apps are supposed to be convenient, but when you’re networking it can be a pain in the you know what to take out your phone, unlock it, open the app, and then perform the necessary function to exchange info.

To that I say: Yup.

Of course, unlike her, I’ve yet to actually try them.

Prefer digital to traditional business cards?

Personally, I’m a fan of traditional business cards.

I like the act of handing them out.

I like that you can get a reaction from people.

And as someone else pointed out, what happens if 2 people don’t have the same digital business card sharing technology? You still need a printed card then, right?

But alas… different strokes for different folks, right?

If you prefer digital business cards to traditional business cards here are:

8 Digital Alternatives to Paper Business Cards