To Use Bit.ly or Not?

 

Apparently, Gaddafi is the owner of ALL .ly web URL extensions... So if you use URL shorteners like Bit.ly, you are (perhaps unknowingly) indirectly

“The Libyans are well aware of their potential market among English speakers seeking memorable Internet addresses (for the “ly” ending). According to information on Libyan Spider's website, only 38% of .ly domains are registered by Libyans. English-speaking countries have locked up most of the rest, with the U.S., the U.K. and Canada accounting for 43% of the total.”

And if you didn’t know, you’re not alone! Until recently (early April 2011), neither did NATO, FBI, the White House, many members of congress, and even Charlie Sheen (not that he would care).

Here’s the full story here (Wall Street Journal)... And more here (the Atlantic)

 
My advice? Use it SPARING.ly!