fathom - 1:05 am on Feb 28, 2003 (gmt 0)

you have a broadband connection (most ordinary folks don't) flash is too slow-loading. I always hit the "skip intro" button, because I want to get on with my life.

If you group "all" Internet users together - this is correct, but "all" Internet users are not your target markets. Your most profitable customers tend to be those with larger disposable income, thus more likely broadband. Regardless research into your specific markets - is manditory for success.

"Flash navigation", and "Flash coolness" (or the moving crosshairs that zero in on an appearing piece of text or image -- does not signify "success".

To a web designer promoting Flash - this may indeed significantly increase "your sales" since you are appealing to the potential clients preceived needs. But the clients realistic needs are that of their markets - therefore Flash is not a given to designing for this specific person.

If you design - and you don't research the clients markets - you are designing for yourself -- not for the client.

The client: I need to sell widgets!

Designer: look what we can do with Flash!

The client: That'soooo cool! I want it!

Designer: that will be $....

The client: Great -- I'm going to make some big $$$$'s now!

And the client's markets:

I want to buy a widget.

I want to see, some features,

I want to know the benefits of buying this particular one,

I need some questions answered before I buy,

I want to know that if I have trouble the merchant is there for me,

I what to know the merchant will not share my personal information with anyone without my premission, etc., etc., etc.

If the client's client isn't looking for "Flash design" and the main features, and the primary benefit of the client's site is Flash...

You may indeed make a killing (and therefore successful)... but the client gets a lemon... and the client's markets go elsewhere.

Flash in this sense... doesn't make sense except to the designer.