I found this site while rummaging around and it looks pretty good. It is the next step up from the Squidoo model but still free.
As far as I can tell, there aren't any restrictions on placing banners or links to your affiliate programs or other external websites and, since you can allow others to post in our forum or to blog in your site or group, it would be simple to get testimonials in first person, instead of asking customers and clients for testimonials through a standard html site, which saves time and effort for you.
Has anyone else tried using
Wetpaint?
BTW, that isn't an affiliate link, it is a link to Wetpaint's home page!