Author-ized L.J.
#Mastodon / #feditip: Please don't use URL shorteners, they don't help with saving on character count because web addresses are counted as 23 characters. Many users won't boost or click on shortened URLs because links whose destinations you can't check are considered security risks, and are hostile to screen readers. Transparent and informative URLs are right there in the address bar for your use, there's no need to go through an opaque and potentially insecure shortening service.
Feb 12 at 4:50pmWeb
Show threadAuthor-ized L.J.Feb 12
I had thought the age of shortened URLs long over, but I guess it's still sometimes a thing?   This post was prompted by seeing a shortened URL in a tag, and it wasn't that long ago that I told a friend that URL shortening would limit the reach of their posts.
Show threadAuthor-ized L.J.Feb 13
I was reminded by a response that URL shortening can have applications for QR codes, which seems to combine the issues of both shorteners and QR codes--security, accessibility and so on. It's really context-dependent, but I would never scan a random QR code from someone who isn't a trusted party and the same goes for shortened URLs.
Show threadJess MahlerFeb 13
@ljwrites
I hate how ubiquitous QR codes have become. Like... I've seen so many flyers and things with QR codes and NO url or phone number, so the only way to follow up was with the QR.
Show threadAuthor-ized L.J.Feb 13
@JessMahler Yeah that's just a bad practice and makes me leery as hell. I use QR codes at bank websites and so on because I have to, but if it's really just another link I'd much prefer to enter legible and reasonably concise links.
Show threadAnalog AIFeb 13
@JessMahler @ljwrites and if I use a QR code, I want to see such a link before I visit the site
Show threadAuthor-ized L.J.Feb 13
@Retreival9096 @JessMahler 💯 As far as I can tell iPhones preview URLs for confirmation and previews are available in settings for QR scanner apps, but using a shortened link for QRs will break such measures.
Show threadAnalog AIFeb 13
@JessMahler @ljwrites same for android, at least in apps I use
Show threadTanguy ⧓ HerrmannFeb 12
@ljwrites I use an URL shortener service I developed myself to generate a very low definition QR Code, so it allows for phone to scan it easier. (I also learned that putting every character as uppercase will reduce the quantity of data used for generating the qrcode)
Show threadAuthor-ized L.J.Feb 12
@dolanor If people trust your QR codes and find value in the service, more power to you.
Show threadTanguy ⧓ HerrmannFeb 13

@ljwrites I do agree with you that URL shortener are not great in general because of this effect of hiding the underlying URL which should be hopefully more explicit.

Some languages made the URL not great in the past, though, like php with: http://example.com/index.php?data=123&category=567. A shortener with custom URL could make them more explicit. But normally, we should mostly away from terrible URL nowadays.

Show threadAuthor-ized L.J.Feb 13
@dolanor That's not generally the way I've seen shorteners used, as they tend to be composed of opaque symbols themselves--and even where used to increase legibility, still require trusting the service and the person who posted the link. Even terrible raw PHP links, furthermore, at least have the advantage of showing what domain the linked page is on. Thankfully link hygiene tends to be better these days with the use of readable and secure addresses, with ?'s and &'s often serving as an indicator of trackers to strip out before sharing.