Facebook Using FB.me as a URL Shortener

After Google launched its url shortener goo.gl, which is now available through a toolbar and Feedburner only, Facebook responded in kind by testing FB.me as its own url shortener. FB.me is not yet live. As TechCrunch reported in its headline, the leading url shortner service bit.ly just got fu.kd.

NIC.me just got a free publicity boost as high profile adopters such as Facebook are greatly sought after. Personally, I have rarely run into developed .me sites (not counting Bruce Marler’s Missouri.me).

Del.icio.us has pioneered the usage of a word crossing over into the extension. But not many successful sites have followed. Goo.gl will likely be an exception. Also, noteworthy is that De.licio.us currently operates off of delicious.com — indicating that phrases fragmented over the dot do not make for easy branding.

Besides url shortening, does this mean that short ccTLD domains are now expressing increased signs of life?

LLL.com’s have long held value for their use as memorable abbreviations. And it certainly would be interesting if LL.LL became a trend. Ultimately, short memorable domains will always hold great value, including single letter IDNs. But this minitrend of 2 letter ccTLDs is likely limited to URL shortening for now.

**UPDATE: Classic. TechCrunch outdoes itself with this new headline Bit.ly Goes Pro, Tells Goo.gl To Suck.it (article here)