Topic: Url

Common Sense Media's five-step guide for spotting fake news is reviewed, which includes checking for unusual URLs and performing reverse image searches. The hosts mock the advice, noting that many "legitimate" news sites also use paywalls and sensationalist imagery, making the criteria difficult to apply objectively.

Twitter experienced significant technical difficulties, including the failure of its "t.co" URL shortener, which broke links across the platform. The hosts discuss the dangers of centralized web services and the "flaky" nature of modern social media infrastructure. Additionally, they credit "Network Dolly" for the episode's artwork, which may feature the likeness of YouTube personality PewDiePie.

The hosts provide instructions for listeners to submit questions for the upcoming special episode. They also mention Todd Cochran's plan to create a specific category for "Best Podcast in the Universe" at the Podcast Awards, noting they already own the corresponding URL.

Logistics for the upcoming "Hot Pockets Tour 2009" are discussed, specifically the limitations of a Dodge Ram truck in towing a 35-foot trailer through the Rockies. The search for a more manageable 25-foot trailer continues. Listeners are directed to a Facebook page for tour updates, though the use of URL shorteners causes some technical confusion.

The acquisition of Drop.io by Facebook led to the service's abrupt closure with only 45 days' notice, resulting in the destruction of thousands of links used in podcast show notes. This event highlights the instability of "freemium" cloud business models and the risks of relying on third-party hosting for professional assets. In response, a custom URL redirector service, curryscloud.com, was developed to ensure that public links remain under personal control even if the underlying file storage provider changes.