Have you ever commented on a post or email for reference and wondered how to make a big long obtrusive web link shorter? I use Tiny URL. Tiny URL (www.tinyurl.com) takes your long web addresses (url's) and converts them to smaller ones. It's presto magic! What's really cool is that recently, Tiny URL has added a new feature to where you can decide what your tiny url address will be. (Before, it was their assigned code).
For example, if I wanted to use a link on for this article you can find in the Seattle PI: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/369902_interest08.html I would do this:
- Copy the link to the article from my browser
- Go to www.tinyurl.com
- Paste the long web address into the blank box (it's real easy to figure out on their site).
- Enter what you would like the address to be (remember, the idea is to keep it short).
- Click the "Make TinyURL" button
- Copy and paste your cute, petite URL
Voila: http://tinyurl.com/buynowSeattle
Both links will take you to the same place except, the tiny link is better and you have some control (except for the tinyurl.com portion) of controlling what it is called. This is especially useful for your Twitter comments where you are only allowed 140 characters per post.
10/24/2008 UPDATE: I now prefer www.budurl.com over tinyurl.com... why? At this time, www.budurl.com provides tracking information. You can see how many clicks you received on the long web address you shrank. I'm just trying this out...so if I change my mind, I'll let you know. For now, I think it's pretty sweet!