That is an excellent point about the SEO boost. I do not consider myself a techie however my expereience with using the short URL would be to use it when I have limited characters or space, like on Twitter or I want to track the exposure and posting I do on other media sources. The short URL allows me to see how many click-throughs from those sites.

I was going to say pretty much what Debbie Reynolds  said. I use the long URL when linking on my AR posts, but the short one on Facebook and other sites. I like that the short code can be tracked. But I suppose it depends also on the title you are using - some fun post titles may simply not be SEO-able (is that a word?)

Where's that kid I forgot to have?  I'm clueless about this stuff.

I do not know if there would be a reason to use a short code on my website ... I don't. I use the full link. 

Because you can track the short URL here on AR. I find this very handy. 

The Short Code can be used on different promotions so you'll be able to track whether the lead came from this particular post.

Only if it is well known, I receive the analytics and it has value to me.

TinyURL and Bitly for Twitter.

I would use the short code for social media, esp for twitter where you have limited characters.  (On FB I share the full link for SEO...and then delete it for space after the picture appears and it's registered.

On my website and AR, I use links back to my site in full (to optimize SEO).  I hope that made sense.

It takes shorter to find the page through a short cut name.

See explanations below:  url-shorteners

If you have a character limitation, like twitter.

Looks like it does not make any difference who someone will find you. 

We don't use short codes - even for twitter. We make sure our links are of reasonable length and make sense

Excellent question and preceptive of you as well Debe Maxwell 

I like the idea of tracking the short URL.

We don't use short codes

As others have said, the short code is trackable to test various on line marketing. It's also useful if you're using it in print media because it's easier to type and harder to make mistakes.

I don't know but I do appreciate the answers.  The AR membership is quite helpful.  

I am in agreement with Debbie on her answer.  Also, some short codes will allow you to track hits and where they are coming from.

Debbie Reynolds nailed this one!

I do not share any links.

I've used it like Debbie Reynolds. 

I use i to syndicate to Twitter, Pinterest and the likes and it is interesting to see the statistics how it improves after each blast, Endre

Debe Maxwell - I use SHORT code only when I share the post on Social Media.

Shortcut I guess for contests

The only reason to use a short URL via Active Rain is for tracking.

Great question and comment Debe, I am parked and reading.

Sometimes you are short on space like in Twitter, other times and more importantly to test your response rate on a specific location by looking at your stats page and noting the hits from the shortcut

Dear Deeb, 

I do not know. I was waiting for some tech head to answer as I've been hovering around.  I also just wondered that recently as I use Hootsuite & Friends&Me to post for me. They shorten my links for me automatically.

I know on AR if you use their short link it will keep track so I have posted the short to G+ so I can see the results.

You are correct for SEO as I've been taught that also. Maybe no longer? 

I don't use Twitter. I pride myself on being Twit free.

I use a short description then hyperlink it.

I use the short URL when posting ActiveRain blogs on Facebook.