They are largely public-service sites, helping people find what they want on Internet, and commercially they are very important for participating traders and organisations.
Local portals contribute greatly to overall local economic growth.
Palden cut his teeth in portal management with IsleofAvalon , Glastonbury's oldest and largest portal, started 1995. It is rich in content and links, atmospheric, useful, comprehensive and interesting. It has generated 150,000 individual and loyal visitors per year by giving away lots of interesting material, by addressing what Glastonbury fans seek, and by gradual buildup of momentum. Special projects Palden works with programmer Barry Hoon in joint special projects. Combining programming with presentation and authoring skills, and adding imagination and good general knowledge, they design and implement special online presentations and routines to meet unique needs.