Why do people like link shorteners?

[rpgdemon]

On anything but twitter, where character limits aren't incredibly low, why do people like link shorteners? As a rule, I don't click anything that goes through goo.gl, or whatever, since it's annoying and pointless to use a link shortener. All that it does is mask where your link is going.

Like, I don't get the people who use them all the time. Is it to be all new age and hip? They're in no way advantageous to use, and actually provide a downside. It seems like using technology for the sake of using technology, which is something that irks me to no end.

[Marc v4.0]

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&safe=off&source=hp&q=maybe+because+some+links+can+get+really+long%3F&pbx=1&oq=maybe+because+some+links+can+get+really+long%3F&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=30191l37699l1l40369l45l37l0l4l4l0l280l5272l 4.23.7l37l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=298cfbc9b6f1239a&biw=1600&bih=792


...hahahaha, oh wow completely shut down by NPF. I got told.

[Professor Smarmiarty]

Because in 10 years we'll hit peak letters and it's all downhill from there.

[Mr.Bookworm]

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&safe=off&source=hp&q=maybe+because+some+links+can+get+really+long%3F&pbx=1&oq=maybe+because+some+links+can+get+really+long%3F&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=30191l37699l1l40369l45l37l0l4l4l0l280l5272l 4.23.7l37l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=298cfbc9b6f1239a&biw=1600&bih=792


...hahahaha, oh wow completely shut down by NPF. I got told.

Like that?

But, yeah, pretty much that.

Google URL Shortener at goo.gl is used by Google products to create short URLs that can be easily shared, tweeted, or emailed to friends.

Or that.

EDIT: Nope, didn't work.

[Ecks]

For trolling purposes, Marc.

I can't tell you how easy it is to Rickroll someone that way.

[Marc v4.0]

Like that?

But, yeah, pretty much that.



Or that.

EDIT: Nope, didn't work.

Yeah, search result URLs are stupid long and not shortening them in some way just makes the post garish. I haven't seen anyone use a URL shortening service anywhere that size wasn't a concern, so I have no frame of refrence for being pissed at people for using them out of proper context

[Aerozord]

yes but the actual URL can visually be simple underlined text. The scroll over simply allows one to check where its taking them. Heck thats basic net safety measure

As for character limits, personally never ran into that issue.

[Fifthfiend]

For trolling purposes, Marc.

I can't tell you how easy it is to Rickroll someone that way.

Easy until Ecks ruins it. >(

[Ecks]

Oh please, I didn't ruin it. Everyone was THINKING it, I was just SAYING it.

[Flarecobra]

IM programs. It can be quite annoying to see a giant-ass link appear in your window.

[Magus]

I too am against their use except when needed (such as Twitter or other messaging services with low character counts). I personally don't use them very often...

[Loyal]

A few of my classes have used named Tinyurls for easier-to-remember access to class materials (i.e. "VMA101Docs", or something to that effect) in place of pasting a long-ass and cumbersome url in the syllabus.

[Aerozord]

A few of my classes have used named Tinyurls for easier-to-remember access to class materials (i.e. "VMA101Docs", or something to that effect) in place of pasting a long-ass and cumbersome url in the syllabus.

but I think the OPs issue was using it just in your daily net life. like using them on a forum or e-mail