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.

There are already at least hundreds of videos and other items posted on Free IQ. While most video sites, such as YouTube, have content that is basically random, or entertainment-oriented, Free IQ is information-centered. While a lot of the content so far is related to the field of internet marketing (reflecting its first members, no doubt), the potential is there for people to share their knowledge in any realm.

Everyone who uses Free IQ has a voice in the ranking of material. So when someone does a search, the top listings are those that the most people found helpful. This is a more democratic approach to ranking, as opposed to the usual search engines, which are often controlled by the marketers with the largest budget. This is in line with Free IQ's goal to be content-driven.

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.

There is also a two-tier affiliate program which is free to join. This means affiliates earn commissions on anything purchased by those who sign up under them, and also on the second level; that is, they earn commissions on sales made by affiliates of their affiliates.

While much of the site is commercial or business-oriented, the interesting thing about it is the amount of free content (as the name implies). While most of the free content, not surprisingly, points to something that ultimately costs money, there is quite a bit of valuable information being given away. While the net is full of free stuff, most of that is trivia, as opposed to useful knowledge.

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.