flash web-based

[jrod]

i'm thinking of building a flash website. don't know much but is that a good idea? what are advantages and disadvantages of a fully-flash website?

[BLiZZaRD]

Well, if Twey sees this he will have a hey-day about how bad of an idea it is. To an extent I agree.

Twey's argument will be about compatibility and usability (those poor saps that refuse to install flash player, and turn off JS). While I agree with that a little, my argument is more of a why? I know Flash is great, and it makes sites pop out and look professional, if done right. But too much Flash is a bad thing as a design.

You limit yourself to your own abilities when you do a full Flash site. You must know SQL and php and JS and AS like the back of your hand. Otherwise your site will go down and instead of a quick fix to get it back you will spend days redoing code or finding the exact problem.

Use Flash in moderation.

The most important thing to always keep in mind when dealing with Flash is this quote a friend of mine once said:



Flash is a labor of love. No one will ever love your Flash as much as you do.


The meaning is Flash takes a long time. You spend countless hours making everything perfect in the movie, or project, you cuss, you cry, you laugh, you bang your head, and when it is finally ready for the world... bang. (like the "memo" scene in Jerry Maguire) People see the site, click skip on the intro, go through and are done in less than 2 minutes. They usually never comment at how amazing it is, all the while you have a relationship with this project. And the lack of notice and comments and "wow!" from others gets to you, and then all of a sudden it is crap.

There are those out there who do all Flash web sites, and they are good. But your product is only as good as your product is. If your site is selling fake gold earrings, they aren't going to look better in a Flash photo gallery as opposed to a JS photo gallery.

I would build the site withOUT Flash. Using what ever means you need. Then when it is done, go back and pick spots that would gain from having Flash instead of php or html, then little by little add tiny bits of Flash.

But that is my suggestion.

[djr33]

No, it's a terrible idea. You can have flash content if you need it, but have a framework of html, so it will work for those without the plugin, and some sort of non-flash backup.
As for the "main" site being mostly/entirely flash, I personally dislike 95% of these sites. If you happen to be 1 of the 5%, great. If not, as is likely the case, reconsider.

"Flash" describes it well-- flashy. But not really better.

Flash for additional media and graphics that can't otherwise be displayed is fine. A whole site? Why?

Plus, it would be slow for dialup connections.

[jrod]

thanks for the advise. in that case, i will not do it.