Id argue that QR codes are doing pretty well at keeping bespoke URLs alive (although it pains me to see people use qrco.de or other qr code generators that automatically shorten the URL and thus could, at any point, maliciously redirect people to ads or malware instead. I don't see bitly doing this but it's unnecessary risk).

I agree, it's sad to see the QR URL redirects which may go offline and are presumably tracking when a pure option is built into the OS: https://education.apple.com/resource/250011714

I see people using "linktree" to crosslink all their different social media accounts together and it really bums me out in a way I can't describe.

Linktree became the go to because social media networks only give you a single link to display on your bio.

And they also don't like it when that single link points to onlyfans.

Who'd guess why, Onlyfans (and related) spammers are the scourge of the Internet these days.

Google is the scourge.

I don't see OF spammers blasting Google with spam, but I see tons of OF (and other porn) spam on Twitter and Reddit.

Sure, but depending on another single point of failure - as opposed to linking to a url you actually own - is what distresses me

Seeing the proliferation of Linktree makes me feel bad for the folks like about.me who had this idea years and years ago and never caught fire.

Linktree seems like the natural evolution of About.me.

Rember AOL keywords?

Most people never understood URLs.