def slug(self):
        """
        Generate a short (7-character) cuid as a bytestring.

        While this is a convenient shorthand, this is much less likely
        to be unique and should not be relied on. Prefer full-size
        cuids where possible.
        """
        identifier = ""
        # use a truncated timestamp
        millis = int(time.time() * 1000)
        millis_string = _to_base36(millis)
        identifier += millis_string[-2:]
        # use a truncated counter
        count = _pad(_to_base36(self.counter), 1)
        identifier += count
        # use a truncated fingerprint
        identifier += self.fingerprint[0]
        identifier += self.fingerprint[-1]
        # use some truncated random data
        random_data = _random_block()
        identifier += random_data[-2:]

        return identifier