Long URLs can be a problem because they can be broken up in e-mail messages and quit working.

I wanted to send a MapQuest URL showing how close the Morton’s live to Chastain park. (They get to listen for free!)

Using TinyURL.com, I can e-mail this:

http://tinyurl.com/cres

Instead of this:

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&ct=NA&1y=US&1a=4250+Beverly+Lane&1p=&1c=Atlanta&1s=GA&1z=&1ah=&2y=US&2a=Powers+Ferry+and+Stella+Drive&2p=&2c=Atlanta&2s=GA&2z=&2ah=&lr=2&x=80&y=16

Not sure how long it will really last, but good enough for short-lived URL needs. Thanks to Bill Crane for this tip!