Re: SEO and Flash

From: David Moon <david.moon_at_mediahog.com>
Date: Mon 10 Nov 2003 09:42:51 -0600

Realizing that this might be an endangered topic, this will be my last
words on this topic ... Perhaps. :)

>>Our rule of thumb when considering any Web site technology is how will
>>it advance the visitor toward the objective of the site. Whether the
>>site objective is entertainment, education or selling the use of flash
>>or any other technology should act as a conduit for the visitor, not a
>>barrier.

Using "technology" is not the only make or break indicator of clear (or
not so clear) communications, or an ability to command a desired user
response, etc. Static elements like copy, images and navigation play
the pivotal role in reaching "site objectives" above and beyond the
flavor icing you choose for a project. When content in Flash is
presented poorly, it usually goes along with poor copy, content and or a
clouded purpose.

>>If the site is for entertainment, a flash intro may be part of the
>>entertainment and a flash site may make sense. Flash can be used to
>>good advantage for short tutorials or product demonstrations. But it is
>>depressing to me how many companies come to us with a site that has a
>>long flash intro that does nothing but aggravate their target visitors
>>and then ask us to spend their money promoting such a site.

I don't know if you've been in the bakery section of your grocery store
lately but, most people prefer iced cakes. Again, if you have a solid
static foundation coupled with the enlightened know-how that you speak
of, adding the right icing can help stimulate positive or planned
response. To limit tools like Flash into only certain applications
might be safe. But, I myself, can't help but to think outside of the
cake box.

Promoting any bad site has to be hard. Flash intros work sometimes,
sometimes they don't, like anything.

>> Misuse of flash and other Web development techniques and technology is a
>> sign that the developer or site owner is not really thinking about the
>> site objective and leading the visitor toward a common goal; the
>> developer is caught up in his/her own skill and joy of creation or the
>> site owner is caught up in trying to impress.

Sometimes objectives are to impress, and that's acceptable in some
cases. And more times than not, clearly defined objectives of Web sites
are mediocre at best. I just don't think Flash is to blame. The
Internet is an easy and cheap medium to publish to, that requires little
skill. Blame people, blame the Internet ... Don't blame the tools.






Received on Mon Nov 10 2003 - 09:42:51 CST