Free IQ is a recent but formidable addition to internet social networking scene, combining features of a search engine, free video site and social network. Members are encouraged to view, as well as upload, anything that adds to the knowledge base of the site. Sites are then ranked according to popularity.

Free IQ already has quite a bit of content; the favored medium seems to be video. It is not a direct competitor of something like YouTube, where most of the videos are for purely entertainment purposes. Free IQ is meant to be a virtual knowledge center. So far, there are quite a few articles and videos pertaining to internet marketing. This is, no doubt, because internet marketers were among the first to see the site's potential. The format, however, is meant to accommodate expertise in just about any field.

When members post content to Free IQ, it is ranked by other members. This way, the content that people find most valuable rises to the top of the search engine. Whereas normal search engines are usually controlled by shrewd marketing tactics, the rankings at Free IQ are meant to reflect the value to users.

The Free IQ home page actually looks like many search engine home pages. The results, however, tend to be more focused than what you would bring up on Google or Yahoo. Free IQ is also a social network, with member bio pages and mailing lists.

Free IQ also has an affiliate program, which any member can join for free. When someone becomes an affiliate, they can profit on two levels from any purchases made by people under them.

Free IQ is a commercial endeavor, so most of the content is designed to ultimately produce sales or customers. However, this does not mean that the postings are mere ads; on the contrary, there is quite a bit of substantial content posted there, giving users a real taste of the product and not a mere morsel.

Free IQ may grow and prosper; or it may fade away. It all depends on how the market reacts to this experimental format. I am rooting for it because I see a chance for people to have a new tool allowing them to contribute and access vast amounts of information for free.