Re: FLASH: Flash - barrier to entry?

[David Gary]

dickson chow wrote:


> Just a little info, Windows 98 comes with the flash/shockwave plugins and

> Netscape 4.5 comes with the flash plugin also.


Another bit of info; Win98, the user has to manually select the Shockwave

option.Unlikely, since

most Win95/98 os are installed by the manufacturer and Shockwave option is NOT

checked default.

NS4.5+, FLash is part of the browser standard.(Flash plug-in is given

unknowingly)wanted!


I would like to ask if there are any reliable links to information that would

have true facts

about the pros of using Flash for website design and how to "sell" it to a

client or agency.

Maybe an outline to pass on with a budget form. In the past I have only seen

false

info and inflated falacy of how easy Flash is to install.


The fact of the matter is, Flash3 is still a plug-in and it still has to be

manually installed. Certain browsers have to be closed and re-opened or

refreshed after the plug-in has been installed and before it will work. With

I.E., the visitor must have the DirectX drivers installed for the "auto"

install to work(Unlikely for older win95 users using IE3.0).With other

browsers the viewer must leave the "Flashed" site and return after visiting

MM's site and going through the form fill. Does anyone have a reliable link to

a true browser chart or schematic that will show step by step process for each

popular browser's way of installing and getting FLash3 to work? This

information is rare to those of us that already know how to "tween a symbol".


The bottom line is: Developer's tend to lose site of what your average "Joe

Blow's" expectations are on what to expect

while surfing. Or overlooking the overloading of information a new comer or

intermediate user of the internet recieves after

installing his ISP's access software. Im not suprised that even the best

animator or web designer using Flash isnt having to lower his/her standards or

having a hard time selling the use of this medium to a client because of over

expectancy and mis information

given to the client or agency. I'm glad its getting better, but its harmful to

this new industry to mislead your clients on what to expect or give hyped

information about the plug-in issue. Instead I advise that the serious Flash

developers that are subscribed to this list, post a reliable link or updated

information to show how a developer can give potential clients straight facts

on the use of Flash content that can meet their needs. Particular browsers

included. For the 2 years Ive been subscribed to this list I have yet to see

any helpful information on how to "sell flash", but instead "how tos" and

tutorials on the "use" of the medium. I have yet to see any real "developer's

insight" on how to inform clients on the advantages of using flash and what to

expect from people viewing the content. I still sometimes have trouble

installing the plug-in and Ive been using Flash since 2.0. Vector animation is

NOT a web standard no matter how bad we want it to be or how used to it we

are. Netscape 4.5+ is our only hope right now for mainstream traffic. We must

honestly inform potential clients on what to expect and give hard facts on how

it works. I cant tell you how many times Ive overheard some salesman at Best

Buy tell a customer that a computer was no harder to use than their toaster

oven. Too much hype and this vector business will burn as quickly as it was

started.


Want an example? Director.(for web use)


Please, comments.


-DG-



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