We don't think of it as storage - although you can indeed use it as such. We think of it as messaging. Oh By gives you a way to send messages to unknown people at unknown future dates which don't require any special tooling (apps) to decode.
You can just take a piece of chalk and write your message on the sidewalk.
As for longevity, I think we have a good track record having run rsync.net for 16 years now.
Close. It is an everything shortener.
URLs are indeed something you could shorten, and I would argue that it is the best URL shortener because it has no javascript, tracking, login, etc. and no ads/delay on redirect.
But I don't know how relevant or useful URL shortening is in 2017.
As for logs of accesses, you are right to be cautious and be mindful of your risk profile / threat model. However, it's worth noting that you can create Oh By Codes completely anonymously.
"Twitter for pastebin" - thanks, that's a good line :)
You can use an Oh By Code.[1]
From the "HN FAQ":[2]
"You don't need any software or tools to create them. You don't need a reader or an app to read them. You can write them down anywhere with any pencil, pen, chalk, etc. As of the launch of 0x.co, there is no longer any reason to ever use a QR code again. You're welcome."
[1] https://0x.co
[2] There is a FAQ but also a "HN FAQ" with more technical, implementation-minded Q&A: https://0x.co/hnfaq.html