One of the more embarrassing office moments I recall was a colleague who innocently opened an email with a video link. The video was humorous, but not for a business setting especially since the audio could be heard by others. This scenario happens countless times in offices throughout the day, as senders fail to label their content as “not safe for work” or use the acronym “NSFW”. Now, an easy solution combines a short URL link with a warning page for your recipients.

Not too long ago, I added to my possible article list an item about using “NSFW”. The acronym is starting to appear more often in the Subject: lines of emails. It’s an informal way of alerting the reader that the content is “not safe for work”. This is important as some companies have strict policies about content they consider inappropriate. Before I could start that article, I spotted a post on Jeremy Shoemaker’s blog where a friend of his provides an interesting solution using the domain NSFW.US

Creating a NSFW link

Using the service is easy. You don’t need to contend with options or settings to identify why the content might be objectionable. All that is needed is to place the original URL you want to use in the textbox and click the pow! button.

Like most URL shortening services, you’ll get back a confirmation message and the new safe URL to include in your email or post.

Viewing the NSFW Message

One you have your new short URL, you can put it into an email or post it just like any other link. I would still be inclined to provide a good Subject: line and priority. Let’s face it, the email may be safer, but that doesn’t make it a high priority item.

When the reader clicks the NSFW.US link, they see the following screen. The warning page includes the original title (1) and a warning. You also have the option to bypass the warning for a year (2). If you use this option, the service will set a cookie.

The service is a nice and needed tool. Too often we send emails and don’t think about where the reader might be at the time they open an email. Senders often don’t know if a contact’s email addresses is a personal account or business account. If you value your friends, you might consider this added level of protection.

The only drawback I saw was the service didn’t offer a Privacy page. I inquired with the author, Jon Thompson, and he indicated one is forthcoming. I suspect this request is low on the priority list so if it bothers you, use the feedback link and let him know of your interest.

URL: http://www.nsfw.us/
• Cost: Free

Related Articles:

• Shortening Web Page Addresses
• Are You Guilty of these Email Annoyances?