FAQs
Click on the questions below to see their corresponding answers. [+]
What is a Shout?
While 4u2c.it is a url shortening service, there's more to it than that. Every shortened url also includes a comment provided by the user that created the short url. It's the combination of shortened url and comment that we call a "Shout".
Why do I need a comment?
Part of what makes 4u2c.it different from other url shorteners is the ability to share your url right from our service. Including a comment that can be used as a Tweet, a Status Update or a brief email message is the only way that makes sense.
What kinds of images can I use for my own overlay?
Custom overlay images must be png or gif. Other image types are not supported.
Images should ideally be 300px by 300px and use a transparent background.
Png images will be resized if necessary. Animated gifs are supported and will be used without being resized.
You must be logged in to use your own images.
Why should I login?
Once logged in you be able to publish your Shouts to Twitter, Facebook or even via email. A second benefit to logging in to our site is that all your Shouts are listed on your own "My Shouts" page. From there you can easily view Click stats or easily publish them to Facebook or Twitter after they've been created.
Can other people see my Shouts?
Yes, your short urls and comments are out there for anyone to see. Shouts created by users who are not logged in are created anonymously.
When I use the bookmarklet or Firefox plugin, I can't publish to Facebook, Twitter or send by email. Why not?
You need to be signed in to use these features. Use the Sign-in buttons at the top of the page to login to your Twitter or Facebook account. You will be brought back to our site where these features will now be available to you.
I don't have an account with Facebook or Twitter. Can I still use this service?
Yes, but you won't have access to the extended features that we can offer to users who do.
Is there a limit of urls that I can create?
No, not at this point anyway. Please, don't make us implement limits.
Where did my link go? It was here a few minutes ago.
If your Shout was somehow considered offensive, it may have been reported by one of our users. We reserve the right to delete Shouts that we find offensive.
How long can my comment be?
You have 255 characters in which to express yourself. (When Shouts are published to Twitter, they will be trimmed to be within Twitters post size limit.
Why do you need my email address?
We don't. If you wish to send Shouts via email you will need to enter your email address on your profile page and indicate that you would like the option to send Shouts via email.
How many unique urls can you create before you need to add another character?
Given that we use both upper and lower case, as well as numbers for a total of (26+26+10) 62 different characters in arrangements of five, we can accomodate 62^5 or 916,132,832 unique urls before we need to add another character. That should keep us busy for a while.