This site is the Internet's first credibility platform, and it is most needed in the area of politics where opinions abound but the means to separate the good ones from the bad simply does not exist. Here, the price of admission is demonstrating a basic understanding of politics, government, economics, history, and current events. Individuals who get over that bar become members, which gives them access to the tools to establish real credibility in the political arena.

Not only is it important to have a basic understanding of political affairs. Credibility comes with accountability - our members go on record with everything they contribute online, whether it's their own blog(s) or in the form of comments on someone else's. Who makes good predictions and who doesn't? Who makes ad hominem attacks and who sticks to the issues? It's all there. You decide what credibility means. We just give you the information to make that decision.

Finally, who you respect and who respects you says a lot about how credible you are. So the social network aspects of this site are geared to make those connections possible and visible. When you find someone you like, you become a fan of theirs. They're notified, and if they reciprocate, they're added to your network, and you to theirs. But it's not about quantity; it's about quality. Shoot for a lot of fans and a few good connections.

And once credibility is established, it's time to use it. Our members can paste their badges anywhere they contribute content online - to indicate their status as Informed Opinions members and to provide a way for readers to learn more about them.

We can now stop wading through noise when it comes to politics. The crowd is indeed wise - as long as it's the right crowd.