Just a side note; what's the need for using an url shortener in a non character count restricted environment?
I really don't like clicking a link I don't know the real destination for.
If I'm not the only one who feels like this there is, in this case, unfortunately a risk that Ron has already "lost" two or more votes.
They're the only links I have. This is the way TechCrunch gives out the links for voting. Probably they do it to encourage people to use them in tweets.
It is not just a matter of trusting the source, such as pg. A full URL also helps me decide whether to spend the time to visit and load the new page. User experience.
I'd vote to ban shortened URLs from HN posts and comments (edit: when full URLs are available).
YC funded companies winning a crunchie will have a much greater impact than YC winning a crunchie, YC is already on the map. Very nice way to concede the YC vote in order to get HN readership to vote for the YC startups.
Wow, that's an incredibly classy gesture. Thanks to everyone on the YC team and in the YC family - it's a great culture you've built. Lots of great discussion on HN, communication, writing, and great companies. Cheers and happy holidays.
If I'm not the only one who feels like this there is, in this case, unfortunately a risk that Ron has already "lost" two or more votes.