Long Bets

Long Bets is an interesting idea. The site hosts predictions of the future and allows netizens to vote and debate the predictions -- their viability, their implications, and whatever else comes to mind. The predictions have an best-before due date, which is where the betting part comes in. If your prediction is realized before the date, you win -- and there is real money at stake. The person making the prediction antes up $50. The person betting has to drop $200. The winner gets to choose which charity receives their winnings. The real money aspect keeps out the rift-raft, but allows anyone to join the discussions. This concept is similar to market concept, where the merits of ideas and opinions are bought and sold for virtual money. [Thanks for the link Darren.]