Launched in 2010, Pinterest worked its ways up the ranks of social networks to become the fastest-growing site in history, passing 10 million users in nine short months. The image-based network, as I'm sure you have seen, allows you to create boards based on categories and upload and share images, creating a scrapbook-like album or collection of images.

The website now hosts 20 million users, and that number is about to sky rocket. Announced this week, Pinterest will be ditching its invite-only policy and opening the doors of creativity up to everyone.

"We're really excited to have the capacity to offer Pinterest to more people, and if you're a Pinner with friends who've been waiting on the sidelines, we hope you'll let them know."

What used to be the exclusive "club" of pinners is now an open forum, for everyone to gather, organizing, and share their favorite photos. So it makes sense that political organizations, politicians, and candidates will likely jump on the Pinterest band-wagon.

But how can they compete in a world dominated by recipe books and bridal fever? Mashable came out with "5 Tips For Politicians on Pinterest" to guide lawmakers and candidate through the social network. Some things to keep in mind:

1. It's All About Images
2. Make It Shareable
3. Interact, Don't just Broadcast
4. It's Not Just for Women
5. Don't Pin and Ditch

You be the judge: How are politicians using the social network in creative ways to reach constituents and bolster their campaigns?

Oh, and in case you were wondering, of course we're on Pinterest: