Short URL Preview.

[marvinrules]

It would be nice if you could add a feature like TinyURL does to force a Preview for all shortened URL's.

This way if people try to use your URL shortening service to hide a referral link, or a link to a nasty site, or something like that the clicker/user can see and not go through.

[Charles Stover]

Agreed.

[Michael]

Already a suggested idea... One we'll be working on soon ... How would you like the preview to work? Just show the link it's redirecting to?

[Charles Stover]

That's what it does.
Just put a form on wSnip/wImg where you put the wSnip URL, and it tells the real URL.

It's a nice security measure to prevent virus/spam redirects.

EDIT: Also, you should block bad URLs.
Such as if the URL contains .on.nimp.org, display a page, "Are you sure you want to be forwarded to this website? (link) blah-blah-blah about why this site is bad."

[FallenSamurai]

You could also add a back button.

I think what charles suggested should be used for all links, just to inform the person that they are leaving the site they were at and didn't want to go there.

[Michael]

No. that's not going to be introduced. Digg did that, and there was massive uproar.

We'll add a feature to preview a URL

[marvinrules]

I would like the preview to be like how TinyURL does it.
You can either post a Preview URL, OR a person can go and get a special cookie for their browser to always get a preview even if the URL is NOT a preview one.

The page should at least just contain the full URL available for clicking. An added bonus would be a screen cap thumbnail of where the URL goes to.


You also may want to block other URL shorting sites from being used... I have encountered some people who used another URL shortening site on TinyURL to try to trick people who have the Always Preview cookie.

[Michael]

thanks marvin, I'll get those implemented in update week!

[Charles Stover]

@Michael:
Digg did that for EVERY link. I'm talking about malicious links only.

@blocking URL shortening sites
Nooooooooo. I submit wSnip links to TinyURL when TinyURL says the un-redirected link isn't allowed. =P
I mean, from a business perspective, that would be smart for wSnip, but not for consumers doing inappropriate things. >_>
Which kinda negates the first argument for blocking malicious links..

Anywho, if TinyURL offers some sort of URL API (since it has a preview feature), you could convert it to the 'previewed' URL and use that instead. It's prevent multiple URL submissions, and unnecessary middlemen.

[swagerr]

Allows you to preview and expand short URLs comments, which are useful for identifying junk email spam is not a plug or links to malicious sites, before a comment approval.URL shorten the service, web service that provides short aliases to drive a long URL.