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Kiwi couple tackle free speech online
Fri, 4th Jan 2013
FYI, this story is more than a year old

A New Zealand couple have decided to tackle free speech with the launch of Thinkpinion.com.

Celebrating the freedom of speech for everyone, the recently launched site is branded as the "ultimate online destination for people to give their opinion about anything and everything."

Starting in the U.S., the new site plans to become a global reference for the pulse of the people, no matter what the subject.

Thinkpinion says it aims to go beyond the current social online offerings, by providing an often-lively digital forum where people can share what they are thinking and feeling openly – about absolutely anything, whether the topic is politics, environmental issues, health management, animal welfare, people’s rights, businesses, brands, advertising, the latest celebrity gaffe, reactions to a reality show, or issues closer to home.

“Literally anything that is on someone’s mind can be shared on Thinkpinion,” says Thinkpinion Co-Founder Petrina Walker.

“Some people do this with a blog, but for most people that is too big of a commitment.

"So where do you go to say what you think about something, anything and everything?!”

Site visitors can then read these opinions and add comments if they want to. Search and follow systems allow users to find topics and people of interest quickly, while integration with Facebook, Twitter, and other key social network services encourage even broader sharing.

People can register as themselves and become famous for their opinions. However, those who prefer to say what they want anonymously can create a secret identity.

To encourage further participation, the creators have included a gamification system that rewards members with tXP points (experience points) that over time earn them a collection of tPins (awards) that they can tag to other thinkpinions or articles.

The more points they have, the higher the level they get to and that unlocks more awards.

“We have included a fun, digital reward system on the site, so visitors can easily give feedback and the most popular thinkpinions and authors will rise to the top,” added co-founder, Scott Walker.

“Participating members will get recognition and status from their own activity, but the big rewards come from other members who like what you have to say and award you tPins.

"There are over 120 tPins to collect and it will be prestigious to have them all.”

To voice opinions, people should go to www.thinkpinion.com, register and let everyone know what they’re thinking now, next week and as often as they’d like.

It’s that time of year again, what are your new year’s resolutions? What are your predictions for 2013? Share them or any other opinion you want to get off your chest!

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