Web 2.0 sites you probably don't already know

Here's a few new Web 2.0 sites I've found - each of them field tested to make sure they work and are worth trying.

Post in comments if you have used them, or have found a few interesting sites of your own.

1. Tokbox.com
Sure, it has a funny name (is it pronounced "tawkbox" or "tukbox"? I'm not sure) but TokBox uses a bubbly Apple-friendly design that makes it easy to you. And, unlike most video chat tools on the Web, you can stream your video feed and see other feeds directly in the browser, there are no clients to download and install - although they do offer that option. You can embed the video chat calling feature in social networking sites like FaceBook to hold a quick video chat. And, it's totally free.

2. Scour.com
It seems like the Scour.com concept has been done before, but the Web 2.0 features are so well integrated that it's worth a look. When you search, you can view user ratings for the link and browse through comments. Search results include links from Google, MSN, and Yahoo. I searched for "Martin Luther King" and saw a few extra listings than just those I found with Google. Comments are a little slim right now, apparently as the site gets rolling, but I like the design and the simplicity.

3. Zendesk.com
Here's a site that does something truly useful, and does it with style. An online help desk portal, Zendesk allows you to create a support forum and provides a free support e-mail. The best part about this site is the slick registration process. At first, there isn't one. You just name it and claim it, and the site goes live. Then, when you first log in, you create the first account and a password.

4. Yoowalk.com
A little gimmicky, sure - but Yoowalk.com grabbed my attention right away. It's essential a community-driven search engine where you walk around a virtual street and view "box box" domains such as eBay and Google that look like buildings. It encourages exploration - you can jump into portals that take you to UK sites, and chat with other users who are walking the streets as well.

5. Lefora.com
There's a lot of clutter on the Internet when it comes to legitimate forum discussions. I'm not a big fan of Usenet anymore, now that it has been almost taken over by trolls. And, forums site like Yahoo Groups work okay but they also attract a few party-crashers. Lefora is so new that you can create a discussion forum and invite your friends, keep it public, and then expect to engage in meaningful dialogue and attract other users who are there for the topic, not the chance to post inane comments.