WebProNews

Squidoo is now open to the public in an open beta program.

This is the brainchild of Seth Godin. Squidoo is like a blog. It's an online platform that makes it easy for anyone to build and share lenses on topics they are passionate about and establish thought leadership. You can explore lenses here. For example, this is a sample lens that Lynn Sherr of 20/20 built during the private beta. Every lens carries Adsense ads that are shared with the individual publishers and charities.

I really don't see what the big deal is about this product. I tried it during the private beta and found it very confusing. I recommend having your own blog instead - at least for now. If the Squidoo network grows and becomes important then I might change my position.

Steve Rubel is a PR strategist with nearly 16 years of public relations, marketing, journalism and communications experience. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with Edelman, the largest independent global PR firm.He authors the Micro Persuasion weblog, which tracks how blogs and participatory journalism are changing the public relations practice.