If I may make the suggestion of a 'ning'? It's the best of all social networking all rolled into one site: it seamlessly integrates a social forum around a central focus or interest with individual member profiles and blogs- private messaging is also a part of the design. I'd say the only element it really lacks is a wiki. This is how it works- see how this might work for the Think Tank:

Teacher-Librarian Ning

I belong to that professional ning and can say that I love it!

I think this would serve all functions that you may need and may even anticipate some future needs, Rick. It works as a forum much like NeuroTalk with threaded discussions where each user has his or her own private profile page with blogging and pm capabilities. Images, videos, and files can be uploaded and shared. Live events can be scheduled and Subgroups can be formed. Rick, you would be the administrator, but I believe you can share that duty with others as needed.

BTW, It all runs on Java- a commom PHP (Bulletin Board or Forum platform) and is available free of charge or as a pay service.

Finally, what criteria are you setting for members to share their knowledge of various research areas or pet theories? Just wondering...I have a bit of theory backed by research but am not sure it's up to your standard at this point. However, one of the exciting aspects of a ning is that other PWP members may start reading what I'm sharing and think 'hey, that clicks with me too' and start adding to the thought pool backing it up with better research- I think in this way, we could definitely mirror the PDOR site but with a layperson patient level of expertise and bounce ideas off each other.

Anyway, if you need any more Ning info, please let me know, and I will get some further info from my librarian colleagues.

Best,

Laura