Local data and a more personalised approach to information can make the internet a far more attractive proposition for most users.

So why all the pressure to create web sites with global appeal?

We are constantly told we live in a "global village", the suggestion being the internet has made it possible to communicate and do business with companies from anywhere in the world.

I have no argument with that proposition, but I simply don't believe a person running a web site from Australia could possibly know what I want as I sit at my desk in Sussex.

The only way to know what a community really wants is to live in that community. A global approach to the internet simply isn't the answer to every problem.

The internet has more than one facet to its character.

Localised content is now recognised as infinitely more appropriate and the number of excellent online local information services is rising daily.

The Argus recognised this at the outset and established www.thisisbrightonandhove.

co.uk as an online source for local news and community information.

This week, I discovered another useful source of local information, which has been created especially for ecofriendly parents living in our region.

Although it has only just been launched, The Green Parent web site at www.the greenparent.co.uk offers a large amount of local information delivered in a way that is attractive, approachable and informative.

Some parts of the web site are excellent, especially its Wellbeing section, which explains a range of ways to boost a child's immune system alongside dietary tips, recipes and a selection of sensible natural remedies, but its real strength lies in its local connections.

Although the site is aimed at people living in the Brighton and Hove area and acts as a point of contact for anyone wanting to reach local parents, it covers Sussex.

The developers have researched child-friendly restaurants and found contact details for farm trips, cinemas and storytellers.

The Green Parent is a very gentle and parent-friendly web site that still manages to present a very strong identity.

I am looking forward to seeing this site completed with all the planned features in place as I feel sure that it will be an invaluable community guide.

The www.brighton.co.uk/ conferen/welcome.htm web site tells all about bringing a conference or any other type of meeting to Brighton and Hove.

This site isn't for everyone but it might be just the place to start looking for a venue for your next corporate bash or a meeting room for an important sales pitch.

More power to Brighton Conference Office for doing the donkey work.

One of my personal favourites is www.brighton kiteflyers.co.uk.

This web site has no pretensions.

It is devoid of unnecessary verbiage, images and graphics and is trimmed to the bone to give brilliant functionality and speed of delivery.

It also allows you to click through to the BBC's weather service. Well worth a visit to see how minimalism can be exploited on the internet.

What all these sites have in common is a real wish to help people find the information they need.

Even tiny web sites, serving niche audiences, can become a vital part of a community if they are well-designed and appropriate for their target audience.