Internet marketing, rather than expanding globally, has begun a focus on local community, at the demand of its users. One of the interesting end results of the world's having grown into one that allows for instantaneous global communication; one in which, as the saying goes, the "world has grown smaller" is that even as people have come together across the miles they've also wearied of it at times and longed for local community. Especially in this day of home based entrepreneurs, people are more and more isolated, and looking for human contact.

Internet marketing, as a result, has begun a strategy of local - local search, community journalists, and ever growing engagement and interactivity by the consumers and users that go to the Web. Ever more, users dictate what Internet marketing must be.

Part of this local community focus is the need for firms to demonstrate they are good neighbors, they are a strong and active and giving part of the community. The New York Times recently unveiled its idea of good neighborliness - its local Internet as well as print marketing strategy.

The Times announced September 22nd that its brand new Times Center is opened for community use. Part of the paper's new headquarters, The Center opened one year ahead of the rest of the Renzo

Piano-designed facility. In Manhattan's Times Square area between seventh and eight avenues on West 41st St, The community center houses two large spaces - its Stage and its Hall. Each will be available for public and private rentals, for events such as cultural and celebratory performances and get togethers.

The Times Center is and will be heavily marketed on the Internet but its presence will also serve as a marketing tool for its print and Internet products as well.

Its lobby is full of natural light, rich textures, and a dramatic staircase. The Stage, with its deep red and wood seats transforms in several different ways, with a backdrop of glass, translucent light or blackout material. Its auditorium seats 378 and can accommodate concerts, lectures, movie screenings, award events, seminars, debates, and marketing ventures to kick off Internet and other product launches.

Its Hall is designed for a sit down event for up to 400, or reception for 700. Trade shows, meetings, lectures and exhibits can be accommodated here.
Marketing services and ticket sales will be Internet based, although the Times Center itself can book events by phone. Reservations are being accepted already. The Times Center Internet site's marketing consists of streaming video and photos of the various rooms at the Center, as well as ticketing contact information. There is no Web based reservation process at this time. The photo of the Times Center exterior is majestic, with the familiar The New York Times logo emblazoned on the front of the glass enclosed structure above the entrance way.