Frequently Asked Questions

This is a single FAQ from the MetaFilter FAQ.

Should I use an URL shortener or link shortener, like I would on Twitter?

Please don't. There's no length limit here, and it's better if people can see what they're clicking on. Mods will expand short URLs when they see them. There is a difference, however, between site-specific URL shorteners like youtu.be and nytim.es and link shortening sites such as is.gs and j.mp, where the former is okay if not preferred while the latter is something we'd prefer people avoid. People who use link shorteners as a way of sketchily hiding affiliate codes may risk having their account banned.
(tags: ) July 25, 2011 - back to questions