I have Flash installed on my computer, but I find that I mostly click on "skip intro" before it even starts... Of course, it's quite possible that I (and most of the other people on this list) belong to a minority that just can't grasp the advantages of a new technology?! I hope this is not the case. In my opinion, it's up to the webmaster of the site to target a special audience. I can build my website in Flash, or try to make it fully Navigator 4-compatible (not an easy task...). I can have a wap-version (not likely for a photo gallery), target Mac or Windows, or use special image formats that require a plugin only present on 1/1000 computers. All these decisions exclude part of my audience. If that's not a problem, fine. However, then I shouldn't complain about the people who disagree with my decision. The easiest way of finding out would be a website that offers visitors a choice between HTML and Flash. Then, just consult your logfiles. If only a minority opt for traditional HTML - forget about them! If most visitors avoid Flash, - think again. Personally, I'm trying to avoid Java, Javascript, Flash and all proprietary formats. My logfiles show many visitors with old browser versions, - so relying too heavily on the newest CSS specifications wouldn't do either. But then, you do not need much technology for presenting your pictures online. And, by the way, search engines *hate* Flash. Most of my traffic comes from Google... But back to http://www.aaphoto.go.ro/ : in my opinion, there are some really outstanding photos there - especially in the landscape section. By the way: I agree that a "true photograph" needs no "explanation" - but it would be nice to know where it was taken... Laurenz Personal Plug: I created a new website myself a while ago and would be very much interested in your feedback. You find it at http://www.onlinephotogalleries.com/ . I promise you: no Flash. no Java applets! I designed the new site mainly to test a new programme (Fusion 7) and to compare it to what I did with Homesite 4 and Dreamweaver 2. ( http://www.travelphoto.net/ ) The lack of control over the HTML code sometimes drives me crazy, but the Fusion photo galleries are very easy to maintain. So. I'm very much interested in your feedback! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alan Zinn" <azinn@netbox.com> To: "List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students" <photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu> Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2003 6:16 PM Subject: Re: my new photo site > At 02:53 PM 11/2/03 +0900, you wrote: > >Alex Axon <crixon@rnc.ro> wrote/replied to: > > > > >a very simple answer: you can lose A LOT! And I'm not talking about my site! > > >There are so many sites out there made entirely (or not) in flash, many of > > >them very nice. Install now a flash player (what is the cost for you?! is > > >free and very smal!) and you can view a lot of very good websites that use > > >flash. It's all so easy. > > > >I've seen plenty of Flash, and it's not worth installing anything to > >see it. It's crap, plain and simple. > > > > >> You have photos you want people to see: create a site where people can > > >> see them. > > > > > >I think at least 95% (or maybe more) of internet users have flash players. I > > >just can't think of a reason not to have it....It may be stuborness? > > >You answered my question with another question... why don't you give me some > > >arguments? > > > >See above. Plus every time you install components and plug in you > >reduce the stability of your system and open yourself up to spyware > >and viruses. I just got sick of re installing stuff. I got smart. > > > >see here: > >http://grc.com/intro.htm > > > >Then you get smart too. > > I'll have to agree with Jim re fancy players. It's a pain waiting for a > site to load and then finding some idiotic sound, a lot of verbiage, some > silly animation, and artsy intros, before, at long last, a photograph. I > could sample several straight URL's in that time. Hadn't thought about the > firewall problem - thanks for the caution Jim. Of, curse if I had a free > fast connection instead of a free slooooow connection... > > AZ > > > Build a Lookaround! > The Lookaround Book, 2nd ed. > NOW SHIPPING > http://www.panoramacamera.us > >
