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Subject:	Re: FLASH: Re: industry standard, was Site Check.
From:	Scott Wilkinson
Date:	Thu, 18 Feb 1999 16:41:09 GMT

Whoa! A few of you jumped a bit at my last post talking about palmtops. I'm
a graphic designer too, and I love Flash! And I, too, can't stand the idea
of designing for small screens.

Jeff said:

"The main reason I use the net and many people do
is for its visually based interactive content."

You're right--but the truth is, most people use the web to retrieve
*information*, not for an audio-visual experience. And as long as the
audio-visual experience contributes to the rapid, easy dissemination of
information, it's great. Audio-visual content for its own sake is fine too,
but I don't think that's the number one reason people surf the web these
days.

All of these people buying new computers like crazy? Most of them want to
get on the web so they can:
- download IRS forms
- look up transcripts
- research treatments for illnesses
- talk with other people on newsgroups and lists like this one
- find out when their favorite campground opens
- learn about their favorite garden show host
- book a plane ticket or room at a B&B
- get software upgrades
etc., etc.

Most of these people could care less about a spectacular audio-visual
experience. "Show me the info" is what they say.

Again, I'm not bashing Flash or Flash-based web interfaces, or any of that.
Just pointing out that the web's *current* best strength is as a source for
information. Flash notwithstanding, it's still a long way from being the
same kind of experience that going to see Star Wars in a theater is. IMO,
it's important to keep this in the back of your mind the whole time you're
designing.

Regards,
Scott

--
Scott Wilkinson
Alias Design, Inc.

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