Most of you who have followed the PhotographersHandbook in the past or have heard me speak online or elsewhere are painfully aware of my stance on All FLASH websites and since it’s been a while since I’ve gone on a tirade about the subject or even posted on the PhotographersHandbook.com for that matter, I felt like this was a good opportunity to do so.

Maybe, just maybe I can keep one photographer from making the dreaded mistake of developing an ALL FLASH website or change your thinking in regards to All Flash websites than I can sleep a little better tonight. Insert dramatic music here.

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I know I know if you’ve ever heard me speak on the topic of web design and development you know that I’m rather vocal in my opinions against the use of Flash for websites.

Typically, Flash based sites if not built with a huge amount of forethought can be clumsy, cumbersome, difficult to manage and virtually impossible to SEO (Search Engine Optimize). Over the years I’ve spent countless hours talking clients down from the ledge and keeping them from committing CyberSuicide.

Have I painted a bleak enough picture for you yet? If Not Click to Read On…

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Nothing can turn away a potential client from your website faster than the Flash Intro. Flash intros are usually short animated graphics or videos that play before the main content of your site is served up.

If done properly Flash Intros, can play like a finely crafted trailer to your favorite blockbuster movie, engaging and entertaining your visitors and wetting their appetite for what they are about to discover on your website. If done poorly they scream amateur and quickly alienate potential surfers sending them away to your competitors site.

While I’m not a huge fan of the Flash Intro, there have been times when i’ve stumbled upon one that has caught my attention. If you feel that you must include your latest art project on your website here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Respect Your Visitors Bandwidth and Screen Real Estate
2. Don’t Over Due It
3. Don’t Use Video Unless It’s Flash Formatted
4. Keep in the Theme of the Rest of Your Website and Marketing.
5. Engage and Entertain but Most Importantly Tell A Story or Make Point!
6. MOST IMPORTANT: Provide a [Skip Intro] Button