How to Flash on the web
Animating your website with Flash can really set it aside from the pack. Unfortunately it can just as easily put it behind the pack as out in front. Keeping your load times down and not taxing the visitor's system is key.
Unless you have a heavily art based website, or have a need to be perceived as being on the bleeding edge of technology, an all Flash website is not a smart move. They make it nearly impossible for search engines to index your website's content, and often prove nearly impossible for anyone other than the original designer to make even the most basic changes. stay away from this obvious pitfall.
The best way to include Flash animations in your website is with a modular approach. Use small discrete Flash movies embedded in a standard HTML site structure to get the effect you are going for. They will load faster, are easier to edit, and allow search engines to do their job.
Something new on the scene is an IE security message: click to activate and use this control. It is a real pain in the butt, and is the result of a recent IE security update. There is some basic JavaScript that can fix this and I have included a link to it at the bottom of this article. This is a big bummer for sites with a lot of Flash and no continuing relationship with their original website designer. Don't let this happen to your website's Flash movies.
Don't use Flash just because you can. If it will actually enhance your sites design and ability to convey information without annoying or distracting your visitor then go for it. Be a minimalist when deciding how much animation to use on your website. Keeping it clean is the key.
Don't use fast motions to attract your visitor's attention. Keep it smooth and well paced. Slower is much better than faster. You don't want to make your visitors wait, but you also don't want to make them wonder what they just missed.
Keep the features in your Flash movies at least two versions behind the latest release. This will ensure that everyone who comes to your website will have a Flash Player able to view your site. Don't make your visitors download and install something if they don't absolutely have to.
Make it good. Place only quality Flash animations and video clips on your website. Working in Flash can take years to master. Play it smart and hire a pro. Stay focused on what you do best, and let an experienced Flash designer do what they do best. To get quality Flash on your website, higher a designer with a proven track record and examples that you like. Remember to always ask for the native FLA files along with the SWF files when working with a Flash designer. .
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