the webthinking blog

So I spot this advertisement today, on the subway. Wait a minute, that’s a strange place to spot a “TinyURL.com“! If you are not familiar with the concept, you can create, short memorable (or not) URLs, using a third party free service. All good, but how much would you trust such a service, in order to count on a URL you have no control over? Of all URL shortening services, TinyURL was ditched by Twitter a while ago.

Funny story: JobConnect is a government funded program offered by St. Stephen Community House. I have met some of the folks over at SSCH on my third day after moving to Canada, many years ago. Lots of good memories. Phillip my friend, where are you now?

Possible advice: pay attention to domain names, it’s not a joke. If you really need such a shortcut URL, it’s not too late to own one. Be creative. Here’s my own example which, of course, I love it: urllr.com/goog

A nice way for me to end 2008 and think forward… Inspired by Dave Winer’s Blogger of the Year, here is my quote of the year:

“A rubber ball will bounce and someone else can pick it up. That’s your work life. The glass ball is family, friends, your health. Drop it, and if you’re lucky it’ll just crack. If you’re not so lucky, it’ll break into a million pieces. No matter what it’ll never be the same.”

Michael Winser – via Dave Winer

I wish you all the best for 2009! Take care.