On Thu, 08 Sep 2005 10:35:45 -0500, Mike Berger wrote:
The biggest disadvantage is that you don't know what you're clicking
on. I wouldn't click on a random link that a stranger sent via
e-mail. Why would I do it in a newsgroup?

Yup. Given that one of the stated purposes of TinyURLs and the like is
to intentionally obfuscate the actual destination, I won't click on one
from someone I don't know and trust. Not that my systems would be
impressed by viruses or similar, because I don't "do windows", but it's
a case of a good idea, once again, being contaminated by people who
misuse technology. Popups used to be useful, legitimate web objects.
Now, with rare exceptions, they're just for ads or worse. TinyURL might
have been a good idea, but enough people are wrecking it for the honest
users that it's not worth using, in my opinion.

If I can clearly see the link goes to Ebay, no matter how cumbersome,
it gives me enough information to decide whether or not I want to
see it. If it's to an anonymous site, I won't take the chance.

Same here. Just not worth the bother. I mean - copy/paste isn't _that_
tough, and word wrap is one of those things that nearly everyone learns
how to deal with at some point in their online dealings.