A DDR website analysis

The website used in this analysis was http://www.ddrfreak.com/


This website is a good example of the kinds of DDR sites that can be found. Overall it is one of the better ones that has been used during the research of this assignment. The site has a forum, information on machine locations as well as a large database with songs that can be downloaded for use on computer or just for listening purposes.

The community based part of the website is large, with a very high number of posts and topics showing a wide range of people. The posters range from hardcore players who have been playing for a long time and discuss things like best scores and technique, to beginners asking about machine locations, events and prices for buying DDR equipment. From the forums the most interesting section was the general discussions thread. Here there were discussions on not only the playing side of the game but also more worldly subjects, such as the death of a distributor who was part of the early distribution of DDR machines in the US. This part of the website was helpful in showing the kinds of issue that online DDR community was concerned with.

The media section of the site had some interesting features such as a collection of video footage of DDR tournaments and demonstrations. There is also a radio feature which plays songs specific to the DDR game. This media section is useful as an example of how people can have very tangible identity in the community through videos, pics etc. These kinds of features allow exceptional players to make a name for themselves amongst other players.

The most interesting section of the website was the help and info section. Here people can find information such as song authors, changes made to songs and reviews of songs. This is good for the authors of the songs as it allows the songs to retain their identity and thus encourages players to look up songs by the same author and so shows how fan bases for certain song style can be formed.