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11 Replies Last post: May 3, 2008 6:23 PM by aistudios

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Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads.

Jan 16, 2008 11:02 AM

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WebDesign 8 posts since
Jan 16, 2008

If you have an opinion of this, please let me know.

I would like to get a sense on this forum of what people think of flash vs a normal html website. If you do not know the difference let me show you.

Here are 3 examples of HTML websites that we have created. The first 2 sites has a small amount of flash for the navigation/header while the second site is 100% html only.

http://www.nationalcomputerliquidators.com

http://www.rewardport.com

http://www.yourfilters.com

VS the full flash websites:

http://www.MindSmack.com

http://www.DoritosParty.com

For banner ad design:

http://www.mindsmack.com/clients/2007/may/dunk/?ad=300x250_dunk

VS

http://www.mindsmack.com/genobaby/lp/banners.htm

Let me know which you like better and why.

Thank you!

Sam Feuer
http://www.MindSmack.com
Award Winning Web & Advertising Design
3D, Video Prduction, Post Production
New York, NY
Sales@MindSmack.com

Tags: web, design, flash, animation, 3d, web, development, programming, php, asp, javascript, actionscript, print, design, logo, design, high, impact, motion, graphics, video, editing, post, production Report as inappropriate

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cwgreen09 18 posts since
Jan 7, 2008

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1. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Jan 16, 2008 4:30 PM

If you are asking which site would be best to market yourself with then my answer is both - mixed media. You do need some HTML on your page so that search engines can send spiders to read the text on your page and give you better chances of being found online. At the same time, most HTML pages, while serving the purpose is still kinda boring to most people.

You need both. You can have motion and movement as well as flash buttons and movies on your site and that is fine - but make sure that all of your readable text is HTML and readable for spiders to crawl your page.

If you didn't know, crawling is the term used when a search engine reads over your page to find searchable content. They call it a spider because it is crawling and reading each and every HTML based word on your page. If you make a 100% pure Flash site, your content is not readable and is only considered as a flash movie --

When the author of a flash movie exports to HTML they are merely creating a HTML code that will embed the Flash movie that you have created into the page to be viewable, leaving any text in the movie unreadable.

Man, am I long winded or what?

Clayton

ps. If you ever need a commercial , that's what I do.
cspvideo@yahoo.com

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Wingman 58 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

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2. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Jan 16, 2008 6:14 PM

Hi Webdesign,

I agree that the ideal site would have both HTML and Flash. But the real driving force for me would be the target audience and the intended use of the site itself.

If the target audience and use is for on-line shopping or basic users looking for information in text format, then HTML is fine.

I think when you get more into the entertainment type of uses, then you'd want to use some combination of HTML and Flash.

Hope this helps.

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Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

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3. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Jan 16, 2008 8:25 PM

I agree with Wingman. If I want information about a product, a firm, or the services it offers then Flash often gets in the way (and can sometimes even annoy me so much that I exit before I find what I wanted). On the other hand, where entertainment or a dynamic demonstration is a big part of the selling formula, then Flash is very beneficial.

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CEO Space 271 posts since
Jan 13, 2008

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4. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Jan 16, 2008 8:42 PM

I don't know the technical side, I just know what I like, and I wouldn't even stay on those full flash sites long enough for them to load. I never wait for pages to load like that.

And on the banners, the first one wouldn't work for me so I can't compare.

Good Luck

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intechspecial 1,457 posts since
Jan 6, 2008

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5. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Jan 17, 2008 10:11 AM

I agree that the best initial approach is to have a website that has flash integrated into the html.

The only problem with flash is that it ensures persons with visual handicaps can not fully view the website correctly.

For more about accessability laws please visit this website:

http://www.section508.gov/

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WebDesign 8 posts since
Jan 16, 2008

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6. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Jan 17, 2008 10:30 AM

in response to: intechspecial

Thanks for all of the replies. Its always excellent to get all the different viewpoints.

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cwgreen09 18 posts since
Jan 7, 2008

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7. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Jan 17, 2008 12:52 PM

in response to: WebDesign

Of course, thought it is a lot of work, some people have both -- maybe the first page can ask the viewer which they would rather view HTML or Flash. then depending on which button they select -- bingo.

Sometimes that is just too much work and too much on the pocketbook.

Of course mixing them together on one site in a very usable and professional way is great too. Since computer get better each year - most people should have systems that can handle it as well as maybe getting rid of those pesky dial up connections.

Who knows, I'm just in the video biz. ...

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aistudios 4 posts since
Apr 23, 2008

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8. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. Apr 23, 2008 1:15 AM

in response to: cwgreen09

They say content is king, how it's delivered best is subjective. Unless, that is, it gets in the way of stickiness or sales.

Not matter what you end up using, a positive user experience is the key to your success. Understand first what needs to be achieved (commerce, branding, catalog, entertainment, etc...) and then grab yourself a really competent IA to do the heavy-lifting, early.

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TopdawgBernie 5 posts since
Apr 11, 2008

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9. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. May 2, 2008 9:13 PM

in response to: aistudios

Pardon my ignorance, what is IA? Looks like I may need one. My web design is not going well at all. The local developer started strong but has lost interest (I reckon other bigger projects; even obliquely hinted as much) and I am left gnashing my teeth.

For my business, and my naivete, this thread is wonderful. I too wish to have a sharp brand image and easy to use commerce as well. Any suggestions?
Bernie

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Mogul

Johnsquest68 42 posts since
Apr 30, 2008

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10. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I would like your opinion on full flash websites and banner ads. May 3, 2008 11:01 AM

It all depends on the image you want to portray. using too much flash, makes a gaudy, "buyer beware" type of site. html sites are fully functional, neat in design and generally portray a clean cut business. It's a matter of taste, image and preferance. Ultimately, it is your decision.

John

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aistudios 4 posts since
Apr 23, 2008

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11. Re: Interactive, functional web and advertising design. I wo May 3, 2008 6:23 PM

in response to: TopdawgBernie

IA stands for Information Architecture, something I will be spending my weekend working on for one of our client's sites. It is the fundamental distinction between a good site and bad site in my humble/professional opinion. Without it, you have something short of competitive in the New Media age. But, buzzwords aside, if you'd like to talk more about this offline, just let me know. My partner and I have a lot to say about Content Strategy, Experience Marketing and transcending brand online. Perhaps we can help refocus your developer (or at least help you locate something that'll protect those teeth)?

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