I submitted a hint a while ago, regarding a way to create short URLs using Perl, AppleScript and Automator, which also required that one download a package of software.
Since that hint was published, the URL service (qgf.in) went down because the owner left it to the wolves. So here's a new Service that completely eliminates the need for Perl and the download. This service uses bit.ly, but you can choose another website (make sure you get the API format [usually http://short.url/api?url=http://website.com/]) as well.
First, create a new Service in Automator. Set the top bar to read 'Service receives selected URLs in any application', and check 'Replaces selected text.'
Then drag in a Run AppleScript action from Utilities. Copy/paste the following script into the script field:
on run {input, parameters}
set dlstring to ((path to temporary items folder as string) & "shortURL.html")
tell application "URL Access Scripting"
download ("http://bit.ly/api?url=" & (item 1 of the input)) to dlstring replacing yes
end tell
set x to open for access dlstring
set aurl to read x
close access x
return aurl
end run
The main difference between this service and the previous shortener is that the new one uses temporary files, and no Perl/UNIX, while the previous used a separate Perl/UNIX script to do its job.
[crarko adds: I tested this, and it works as described.]

