To
Flash or Not to Flash
Many web sites today
use flash as an integral part of the sites
design. As is usually the case there are
positives and negatives associated with its
use. A web site must offer the visitor something
of value or the visitor will go somewhere
else to fulfill that need. Flash can offer
that value or it can turn a visitor away.
Certain web sites benefit from the use of
flash due to their target audience. Web sites
tailored to children use flash games as part
of their allure. Many web sites devoted to
games and graphics use flash wisely to promote
their service, product or organization. Other
web based business and even those who have
a web presence use flash in a limited way
to drive a point home in a way a static graphic
never could. Flash is much better than large
graphics due to its file size and download
speed as opposed to traditional graphics.
Just as web sites benefit from the use of
flash many over use the technology and end
up driving visitors away. A splash screen
that a user has to wait for every time they
visit your web site will be a source of irritation
and drive that visitor away. Flash must have
a real benefit and be used with restraint
to enhance a web site’s message. An
entire site built with flash can cause search
engines to ignore the site or at best have
a difficult time ranking the site based on
the content.
As with any other tool and technology finding
the right use is imperative. Ask what benefit
comes with the use of flash and only then implement
it in a way that will keep your visitors attention.
Brian Simmons
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