 |
Alexander EreminHead of the modding.ru project.
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- The Birth of modding.ru
- Defining Modding
- Global and Russian Modding Trends
- Focus on Computer Cases
- Objectives of modding.ru
- Inspiration and Influence
- Lack of Competition
- Design and Marketing
- Visitor Traffic
- Modding News Coverage
- Popular Sections
- Modding Contests
- Content Theft
- Collaborations and Internet Store
- Profitability and Advertising
- Future Plans
The Birth of modding.ru
On October 15, 2007, an interview was conducted with Alexander Eremin, the project manager of modding.ru. The website was registered in 2002, sparked by Eremin's discovery of the term "modding" and the realization that it was a vast and untapped field in the Russian internet.
Defining Modding
Modding involves modifying computer components to enhance their performance or aesthetics. Unlike overclocking, which solely improves hardware capabilities, modding focuses on creating visually pleasing and unique devices.
Global and Russian Modding Trends
Modding is a worldwide phenomenon, with its prevalence increasing alongside a country's economic development. In Russia, as individuals acquire computers, the desire to personalize and enhance them has also grown.
Focus on Computer Cases
Among all computer components, the computer case is the most frequently modded, accounting for approximately 70% of modifications.
Objectives of modding.ru
Modding.ru aims to:- Promote and popularize modding
- Host the largest modding gallery in the world
- Provide a thriving forum for modders to connect and share their creations
Inspiration and Influence
modding.ru emulates the British website bit-tech.net, which exhibits some of the most exceptional modding skills and custom-built cases. While acknowledging the financial advantage of foreign modders, modding.ru recognizes the existence of exceptional Russian modders, such as Zmey.
Lack of Competition
modding.ru has no direct competitors due to its established prominence in the Russian modding community. Collaborations with other websites are not deemed necessary as modding.ru is self-sufficient.
Design and Marketing
modding.ru has undergone several redesigns throughout its existence. The current design was updated in the same year of the interview. The website's success has been largely driven by organic reach through media outlets interested in its unique and visually appealing content.
Visitor Traffic
At the time of the interview, modding.ru received approximately 3,000 daily visitors, increasing to 4,000 during winter months, without any advertising expenditure.
Modding News Coverage
The goal of the "Modding News" section is to inspire and empower visitors with ideas from global modders. The focus is on showcasing visual impact and fostering the desire to replicate or surpass these creations.
Popular Sections
Galleries showcasing modding projects prove to be the most popular sections among readers.
Modding Contests
modding.ru organizes contests, with the "ORDER IN WIRES - ORDER IN THOUGHTS!" contest being a notable success. This contest focused solely on cable management within computer cases and was judged exclusively by modders, ensuring fairness and quality.
Content Theft
modding.ru embraces content theft as a means of popularizing modding. By allowing free access to its articles and materials, the website ultimately attracts individuals who are genuinely interested in the field and will eventually find their way to modding.ru.
Collaborations and Internet Store
modding.ru collaborates with companies that import modding products into Russia. The website also operates a successful online store, pcdesign.ru, which offers a wide range of modding materials, components, and tools.
Profitability and Advertising
modding.ru generates revenue, but it remains primarily a passion project. Advertising is not currently available as all slots are sold out long-term.
Future Plans
modding.ru maintains a secretive approach to future developments, preferring to present results rather than announce intentions prematurely.
