urlKiss!

What is the point of this site?

This site allows you to shorten URLs (web site addresses). The shortened URL automatically redirects to the original, longer address.

For example, you could shorten this address:

http://www.amazon.com/s/105-1083835-2572414?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link%5Fcode=qs&field-keywords=fear%20and%20loathing%20&sourceid=Mozilla-search

..into this address

http://urlkiss.com/03

Why would I want to shorten a URL?

There are a lot of good reasons to shorten URLs, for example:

• When sending emails - small URLs won't break like long ones
• When giving out URLs over the phone - save time and avoid errors
• With cell phones & mobile devices - avoid cumbersome typing on a small device
• On websites - Some sites (like twitter) have character limits.

..and there are many more reasons...

How do I use this service?

The easiest way is to install the bookmarklet. To install, drag this link to your toolbar:

(Note: Internet Explorer users need to right-click the link, and click "Add to Favorites." You'll get a warning about adding an unsafe link. Click "Yes." Click on "Create In". Select the "Links" folder. Click "OK". You're done. Phew... Maybe it's time to get ?)

Can I add notes to URLs to give them some context?

Sure. There are two ways to give URLs some indication of where they are going.

The first (and easiest) way is to and a question mark to the end of your URL and follow it with whatever you want. For example:

http://urlkiss.com/04?RickAstleyMusicVideo

There's also the preview feature, discussed here.

What about tinyurl, notlong, snipurl, urltea, etc?

Those are all fine sites that do a great job at shortening URLs. But they lack certain features that, well, leaves them out of touch with the blogger-type needs. (Except for maybe URLtea, those guys seem pretty hip.)

Have you looked at tinyurl lately? It looks sooo 20th century. And gawd it's slow. But I digress.

Bottom line is that I think urlKiss.com works well, and I'm using it so... so should you. I also plan to add a bunch of features over time, so that's pretty cool I guess.

Honestly, I don't care if you use it or stick with tinyURL. You should only use it if you like it, and think it's better. I'm not getting paid either way.

I am a webmaster, developer, hacker, painter, lonely information technology professional, etc... How can I use this site?

Geeky types should check out the API.

Who is responsible?

Jarrod Trainque built it out of bubblegum and sunshine one weekend. Send feedback/suggestions to firstname@lastname.com (figure it out).