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1998 Lives On!

This is a “What not to do for websites”, mostly in terms of the User Experience.

Videoranch

I am about to critique a website for a person whom I hold in high esteem.  He is fairly savvy, and is an incredible songwriter.  And he should know better.

I have no problem putting up a direct link to his site because his name is essentially buried among the “Brand” he has established.  (“Videoranch”? Is it possible to pick 2 more vague words that don’t describe what you are trying to sell or be?)

A VERY weird website.

The initial landing page is to “Enter” the site. (1st clue to when it was put up, and how it has not changed since. That's if you enter thru "Videoranch.com" )

Something out of the late 1990’s.  Flashing things.
Obscure text, white on black.


See that flashing motel sign?
You have arrived at Videoranch.
A few light years ahead... and it's no coincidence that you're here.
We've been waiting for you.
Videoranch is the authorized and officially recognized site for all (DELETED NAME) works and projects. Don't be shy, sample and download MP3s, eBooks and videos.
Before you head back down the highway, experienceVideoranch 3D with live musical performances occuring in real time, attended by a virtual audience made up of people from all over the world.
We're happy you're here. We're always open...


The menus seem especially unfriendly.
Top Nav: Products/Videoranch3D/Videos/Contact Us
Left Nav:Downloads/CD/DVDS/Books/Merchandise/Gift Certificates/Holiday Gift Packs
Horizontal Tabs: Store Home/Account/Basket/Search/Checkout

It is setup to suit “customers” but not anyone else.  (And ironically, the “anyone elses” would gladly become customers, if the site wasn’t so creepily-geared to selling you stuff.)

So maybe you are wondering, like me, who is this guy?  What stuff has he actually done?  Where can I find stuff like this out without having to buy something?

Clicking on “Videos”, you will arrive at a page with an All American Diner image and a series of thumbnails of videos (none of which had titles that were at ALL familiar to me, and I’m a fan!).  There are is also some text, possible Japanese, possibly random, presented both horizontally and vertically.  It looks clickable, but is not.  Is this page a shoutout to his Asian fans, or an attempt to incorporate obscure visuals into his website?  (Honestly not sure!)

And in terms of offerings, not having anything recognizable as a “freebie” seems stingy to his own detriment.  I’m a fan, I trust his site and am eager to see some obscure stuff.  Give me a Stepping Stone into the treasure trove of these videos.  A live performance of a favorite song, an interview.  Not only do I not know where to start, he’s managed to make everything else seem off-putting.

There is something called “Videoranch 3D”, which looks like something off of the “SimCity” environment.  Somehow it requires Windows and a 3D card (?) or if you are a poor Mac user, you get it in 2D (????).  Also there’s a signup or a download of some software (uh-really, no thanks).


“Videoranch3D is 3D virtual world on the internet: where LIVE musical performances occur in real time, attended by a virtual audience from all over the world.  Requires Windows and a 3D card”  Classic computerese!  How quaint.  I bet that goes over well with all your Geek-Fans.  (Of which I will admit, I am one.  Did not go over well with me.)

I’m sure the experience is delightful, but I can’t tell what part is real and which is virtual.  The screen seems to be the only thing with an actual person on it, yet there is a band in the “virtual” world.
Um, I’d rather just find something on Youtube, thanks. The “Live” bit is not as important to me as the “actual people” bit.

The “About Us” page has an email and phone number.  Oddly enough, so does the “Contact Us” tab.   Not only is this redundant, but we have no idea who “Us” actually is.  A business, a guy, a store, a producing/performing organization?  It’s great that you can buy/download all the products, but there is no timeline.  Or description of what they are.

Some things are just broken. (“Everything MSG Free” leads to some video, but “No plug-in available to display this content”).  A concession has been made for iPhone for the 3D bit, but nothing happened when I tapped “tap here”.  (Hint: make sure things JUST WORK.)

There are plenty of ways to be intriguing and obscure, but this site reveals only an awkward time warp.  Even though the site has 2010 on it, everything else about it says 1998.   I’d love to see a redesign of this site that incorporates the quirky artistry of this guy & whatever his brand is.  But it’s as inaccessible & uncool as if he decided to keep all of his stuff mostly available on a Betamax videotape. (Sorry, Mike!)

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