Question for those in the know(s)...

[Callmecrazy]

What does the permalink thingamagoober do and how/why would one use it?
Sorry I'm so computerly inept, but is that some sort of NSA thingamawhatsit? I'm skeered to use it because I might tip something over or it might take me to the end of the internet and I don't know how to turn my 'puter around?
Some scholarly advice would be 'preciated.

[HappyMe]

1. I think the permalink has something to do

with the permafrost. Or maybe Perma-Press Pants.

[Callmecrazy]

2. are ya sure?

because I think it's some sort of offramp into oblivion

[HappyMe]

3. Nope.

Not at all sure.

[Callmecrazy]

4. Maybe it's a reference to link to my mother...

Per-ma-link?
Or to change my text color? permal-ink? What color does permal look like?

[HappyMe]

5. Permal is a darkish,

light blue redgreen with yellow undertones.

[Callmecrazy]

6. I thought that was called

MERDE.

[HappyMe]

7. Depends on what you had for lunch.

[Arugula Latte]

12. Only those who live on a tundra may use it.

[Chan790]

8. It allows one to link to a specific post in a thread without the rest of the thread.

Doing so allows one to retain a post even if the thread it is in is archived or deleted, as long as the specific post is not removed from the server.

It's the difference between:

Permalink: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1202&pid=339
Non-permanent link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1202331#post1

Edit: It's esoteric and not terribly useful except to the admins and people who wish to export single posts to outside blogs and journals.

[Callmecrazy]

9. Look, if you can't help...

Don't muddy up the thread, okay?

[Chan790]

10. See! This is what I get for having the right answers!

[Callmecrazy]

11. Thread Killer!

[Locut0s]

13. Being technically literate can have its downsides on DU ;)