Rant on URL links changed to word links

[K8's Fate]

Here's a pet peeve I have about how links are sometimes posted.

It frustrates me when someone changes the URL of a link that they are posting to be a word instead. I browse SC on an iPad, and I can't "hover" over links to see if the the link path is legit. I get that users want their link paths to look more simplified by changing them to a word, but I will never follow these links because I may be at risk for viruses, spam, etc.

I realize that this may not even be an issue for users on PCs, but it's so frustrating not knowing if I can trust the link that's posted. How do other tablet and mobile users feel about these link changes?

[Natalka]

I only use a PC, and I totally agree. Often, I will reply with my thanks, then post the full URL.

[K8's Fate]

I only use a PC, and I totally agree. Often, I will reply with my thanks, then post the full URL.

This is a great idea! I'm too chicken to click the link on an iPad though, as I can't hover over it to see its path.

Imo, it should be a rule to post only direct URL links

[theweaves_dad]

Just to make sure I am following you.. You do not like people who do this (by the way, the link is for Smart Canucks homepage!). You would rather have someone post http://forum.smartcanucks.ca.

I do see your point in one way, personally I think it might be the fact that some links are 18 miles long and so members try and save space on the forum by doing it the first way. I know I am "guilty" of this, but then again, I do not have an IPad or anything and so when I am on the computer or laptop, the link will show on the bottom of my screen when I hover around it. I do the same thing in emails too, to make sure I know where I am being sent to before clicking!

Never thought of it being an issue on mobile devices but will keep that in mind for future postings! I just hope no one complains when I post a mile long link!!! Like this one: http://www.google.ca/#hl=en&sugexp=c...w=1024&bih=647. All that just to direct you to Smart Canucks on Google!

[nightlite]

Do you not like it when the links are posted like words on the forum or the internet overall?

[Darth Penguin]

Generally if I'm hyperlinking an article I'll write like Titanic memorial cruise sets sail. So people know what I'm posting about and generally a 2 or 3 line quote showing what the article is about. But then I normally use trusted sites like the BBc or CBC. If I post a link where it has risque content I'll it as NSFW/NSFC .

Titanic memorial cruise sets sail

Relatives of some who died on the Titanic are on a voyage to the North Atlantic site where the liner sank, to mark 100 years since the disaster.
MS Balmoral has left Southampton docks, retracing the route of the ill-fated cruise liner's maiden voyage.
The ship, carrying 1,309 passengers - the same number as were on the Titanic - is due to reach the wreck site next weekend for a memorial ceremony.

So my posts look like this.

[FallenPixels]

Me too, even on my phone I can see the link by checking the URL so if it from someone I dont know to trust, I click copy URL on the linked words and then paste it in and check it before clicking GO

I hate when the links take up the whole page, and on SC they are shortened with a ... which people copy to other threads then whine their links dont work

[K8's Fate]

I guess it's just that there's so much spam, referral links and virus being disguised this way that it's difficult and/or time consuming on tablets when you're not sure if you can trust the poster.

[slayer_glade]

I honestly don't care, lol.

I have an iPhone and can check URLs easily. Can't iPads do the same thing? o_O

You just 'click' and hold until the popup comes up asking you to open/open in new page/add/copy. The URL is displayed just above the open button.

[K8's Fate]

I honestly don't care, lol.

I have an iPhone and can check URLs easily. Can't iPads do the same thing? o_O

You just 'click' and hold until the popup comes up asking you to open/open in new page/add/copy. The URL is displayed just above the open button.

Aww.. Thank you!!
It shows some of the URL (referral links would still get through).
It's sort of like "hover!" I wish a tablet/iPhone user told me this months ago!!
Thank again

P.S. How can I expire this thread (on the updated SC) now that my Rant has been solved by slayer_glade?

[slayer_glade]

Hehe, you're welcome. I'm always using that feature since I prefer things in a new window (I'm odd that way ).

I think only certain sections of the site have the expire button. What I did last time was report my own first post and just typed in a message asking it to be expired/deleted and it got done.

[FallenPixels]

Only deals and things that actually expire have an expire link