ThnLnk is a semantic URL redirecting service that puts meaning into URLs. It uses "titles"--words you use to describe content to someone else--to tag URLs in a readable format so you know where you're going before you click.

There are similar services out there (see TinyURL), but they are URL shortening services. They merely cut down the lengthy messiness of URLs.

ThnLnk takes a link like this:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=62.70117,
113.203125&hl=en&q=williams+college,+williamstown,+ma&latlng=42708883,
-73203640,5956366373435744849

And a title that you provide like this:

"Map to Williams College

And combines them into this:

http://thnlnk.com/google/Map.to.Williams.College/TJz

For example, when someone e-mails you a link in URL form, it's nearly impossible to tell by looking at the URL what it actually is leading you to. That's a waste of information. Instead, let's put human-readable information into that URL--let's make it semantic--let's use ThnLnk.

ThnLnk puts the domain name there, too, so you know if a friend is sending you to an offensive web site but hiding it behind "Donations for Puppies."

Furthermore, the ThnLnk will last forever. Use it as a permanent link even, if you'd like. I don't mind. In fact, I think that'd be cool.