Most CMS systems today are capable of generating clean URL’s. Unless you are dealing with newspapers or magazines where existing legacy systems it’s almost a non issue. However I came across two incredibly horrible URL’s in the same day
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/commercial_aviation/TowersAndTarmacs/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a8427003a-9a63-4261-aa47-5e4b356bb224Post%3adc1b7f60-ab5d-4d6b-85cc-b81b43775a97
and
http://blog.stylehive.com/index.php/weblog/entry/everyones-got-posh-spices-bob-and-youre-next
while these URL’s are bad for search engines they are also bad for social media. Most social media platforms like Digg and Stumbleupon have limits of 255 characters for URL’s, making it impossible to submit them. URL shortening services like tiny URL are looked upon with disdain and suspicion. Tiny URL services are used to mask domains that look spammy or have been banned from the systems. Users are also weary of URL shorteners for fear of being rick rolled. So if you are still on a CMS with old multi parameter URL’s, you should look to get off them sooner rather than later.