A method of credentialing network-based sources of information, commentary, and opinion is provided. The method includes receiving a request for recognition, the request received by a credential clearinghouse (CCH) from at least one credential-granting organization (CGO), and, in response to the request for recognition, granting recognition to the CGO if the CGO is determined by the CCH to satisfy a predetermined standard of credibility. The method further includes, after the CGO is granted recognition, receiving from a user entity a request for a credential granted by the CGO, and granting the credential if the user entity is determined to satisfy a predetermined set of credentialing benchmarks. Additionally, the method includes posting on a publicly-accessible data communications network site an object comprising at least one among information content, commentary, and opinion, the object being associated with the user entity and including an indicator indicating the grant of the credential.