Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

If so it may not operate as you expect it to for your windows visitors after an April 11th patch was released.

For more information read a blog post by one of the developers from my "day job".

"The latest Windows update which rolled out on April 11^th affects every web site that uses any type of Active X control. Microsoft modified Internet Explorer so that now in order for a user to interact with embedded objects (like Flash) she must first click on the object to activate it." 

http://blog.d-p.com/article/IE_Update:_To_Use_Flash,_Click_H ere_to_Click_Here.cfm

If you have further questions feel free to post them here and i`ll see if i can`t get some answers for you.

As an online marketer, I understand the appeal of flash, but I also know that there are potential pitfalls to it as well (in terms of user experience, search accessibility, etc.).  So my general advice on flash would be to avoid using it if it`s in any way possible to accomplish your goal without it.  Given the power and sophistication of other site design methods, there will almost always be another option.

-------------------------

chuck fuller

Chuck,
I`ll agree with everything you have to say but i also want people to not immediately discount flash. Flash can be a very powerful tool if used properly and this is the problem, most people don`t use it properly.

In my day job (web development shop) we do a fair bit of flash. Typically we use flash for accent pieces. (animated headers, sidebars, "woobies" etc). Each of these pieces is always backed up with a static image (just in case) and is never required to really enjoy or use the site. However we have also built some great portfolio applications for clients utilizing flash as well as portfolio applications which use just HTML, Javascript etc to appear flash like. Doing this we`ve found that a flash piece will typically be more consistent across user platforms and browsers and can be cheaper to develop.

so flash is great in moderation but if you entire page  / site is flash don`t expect anything but a fancy show. :)

Amen jonese, forgive me for being an old-schooler, it`s probably just having to deal with so many projects in the past where someone came in and said "wouldn`t it be great if this page was all done in Flash, with stuff zooming left and right on the screen, it`d be like having special effects on the website, it`s the coolest thing since sliced bread!" - you get the idea.  Invariably when you ask this person "how is this going to help accomplish the user`s goals, as well as our own goals for the website?" - the answer is a blank stare and a puzzled expression.

-------------------------

chuck fuller

Exactly I have much the same feeling when it comes to powerpoint! If you ever want to see powerpoint abused go work with the government or military! UGH! 

If we could get MS to remove every single text effect in powerpoint - what a world that would be 

-------------------------

chuck fuller

OK, back to the Flash question though, how would you deal with a client who insists on getting a Flash-reliant website, even after you`ve explained to him the problems associated with a website done almost entirely in Flash?

-------------------------

Get Your Name in ".com" at the International Internet Authority

Aleem,

After explaining the pros and cons of an almost entirely Flash web, the ball is in his court. You`ve done your job and just make sure you have an agreement stating you or your company isn`t responsible for the outcome (it`s that way anyway, but at least you have something in writing when they cry about poor search rankings and etc.)

Have you presented the option of having both HTML and Flash sites off the same domain and give the visitor the choice. People don`t like to be forced into a mostly Flash site. If it`s something Flashy he`s looking for Chuck above was talking a bit about alternatives that can still accomplish the sought after affect. DHTML is such an option.

Good luck with the project.

-------------------------

--------------------
Michael Allen - http://www.ibusinessware.com
Get i for your web site today!
Free domain and free hosting with every package.

Thanks for the response Michael. That was my gut feeling but it`s really useful to have it confirmed from someone else.

-------------------------

Get Your Name in ".com" at the International Internet Authority

Like Michael said, you`ve done your part. document it and make sure the client understands that you don`t recommend this.

One tactic we use is to point to successful compeitors in there industry and then say things like "if X really worked in your industry don`t you think company A, B and C would be doing it by now?" This has helped with some but not all clients.

Some client just won`t "learn" without doing, which is fine especially when they come back and say ok let`s do it you way mr expert :)