All semester, I have tried to bring insightful new Web sites to you, the reader. I have also tried to focus mainly on sites that incorporate some of the niftier new aspects of Web 2.0, especially the large new trend of social sites. This week’s Web site of the week falls along these same lines, thisnext.com.

Thisnext does for shoppers what sites like digg and Newsvine did for news: empowered consumers. The basic premise is this: Suppose you are in the market for a new digital camera. You click around on Froogle and eBay but to no avail. You ask your friends, but they do not really know anything about digital cameras. You hit up the guy at Best Buy, but for some reason, he recommends the most expensive one … Now here’s where Thisnext comes in, you point your browser there and search for “digital camera.” Your search returns several cameras ranked by how many other Thisnext users recommend them. You click on the one with the most recommendations and read some of the reviews written by other people who have purchased or used the camera. After going through some of the different cameras reviews on Thisnext, you settle on one that other users described as fitting your taste. Now with a little (objective) knowledge about what you want, you can head to Best Buy or eBay or wherever.

Thisnext doesn’t have the snazzy design of other Web 2.0 sites, but it’s not really lacking either. Besides, something has to be said for those willing to go minimalist. It has great usability features as well. For example, you can compose “shopcasts.” A shopcast is kind of a combination of a podcast and a shopping list. You could make one called “Back to School,” letting other users know what you think are the best products for college students heading back in the fall or spring. Similarly, you can find others with similar interests and see what they recommend in pretty much any area.

No, Thisnext will not change the world (or the Web), but it provides a great, free service that helps empower you, the consumer. Check it out. Besides, how else will you know what to get me for Christmas?