D&D class Rogue. Want to pick a prestige class but can't think of a good one

[InverseInsanity]

My basic class is a Rogue. Can anyone give me some prestige classes that I can be that benefits the rogue but can allow a lot more unique possibilities in several aspects of gameplay. Any suggestions and explainations as to why you suggest it?

I'm new to D&D but I've played several games similar to it, but not as complex. I like complexity.

My race is Elf. Focusing on shortswords and long-range attacks. I was thinking about Black Flame Zealot or the Avenger prestige classes but I'm not sure. I want something that is different for a rogue but benefits a rogue while allowing more diversity in how I use my character.

[Jack of Blades!]

Order of the Bow Initiate. Only Elves and Half Elves can do it, and it's really good if you want to shoot things with Bows. The Sword part doesn't really matter, but I think they get a buff or something.

[NeoTyrant224]

Can't forget the assassin, If you are going with a "I stab you die" build, this is the perfect thing. Also it really depends on what edition you are playing.

ADnD: Ninja....nuff said, they even get spells and a neat ranged weapon mod

3rd: Again...Assassin, your backstab dice pool will stack with this classes' and they get spells that are unique to their class.

3.5: This is were it gets tricky, as most of us verteran gamers know, 3.5 is HUGE. Assassin is good, Jack is right though, Bow initiate is prolly one of the best choices. What with the ammo rulings and what not.

Misc: Ok, here's were I will shine. First, lemme ask you something.
Do you wanna cast....but dont want to be dedicated? - Arcane Trickster (must have some wizard or sorc I believe)

Do you wanna.....enchant your arrows? - Arcane Archer (again must have some wizard)

I hope this helps

[One Of Light]

Hmmmm...
You could splash fighter and go with Invisible Blade (Complete Adventurer)
You could go Ninja of the Crescent Moon (Sword and Fist, which I believe is 3.0)
Assassin, as has been said before...
Order of the Bow Initiate would shine if you got a few lvls of Scout, took the Ascetic feat that stacks Scout and Rogue lvls (complete scoundrel I think) for your Skirmish ability, and played like an Amazon on Diablo 2 - run and shoot, run and shoot...
You could multiclass Sorcerer and go Daggerspell Mage (Comp. Adventurer)
or you could go Shadowdancer, which is odd but fun...
I know NOTHING about 4th Ed, so these are all 3rd/3.5 class ideas)
Of course we've gotta know - what's your alignment, anything interesting you want your prestige class to reflect?
If you're a goody-goody rogue then Assassin's not gonna work, unless your DM modded the Death Attack to ONLY use the paralysis effect...
Thief-Acrobat from Complete Adventurer is another decent idea...
oh and if you're in melee often, don't forget Quick Draw and Flick of the Wrist as feats - the ability to ALWAYS catch an opponent flat-footed when you draw your light weapon, therefore getting a sneak attack unless the opponent is immune...
YES.

Oh and never forget the Master Thrower class lol...
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=529135
here's a rogue-building guide for 3.5 D&D on the WoTC forums that you may want to peruse...

Oh and btw - my current toon in a 3.5 campaign is a Drow Fighter4/Ninja3 who uses a spiked chain in conjunction with Monkey Grip (3.0 version without the -2 to hit - DM rule).