meta refresh v's location tag

[stuart]

I understand the 'meta refresh' is not favoured by SE's, I am trying to index my homepage but pop-up a temporary flash animation whilst the homepage downloads. Someone suggested the 'location tag' may be the answer - is this feasible ?

[tedster]

In general I use the javascript method -- location.replace() -- and call it from an external .js file. You're right, the meta refresh tag is not smiled on by the Search Engines, but this has not brought me any grief at all.

I'm not 100% clear on what you hope to do. Is this something like the flow you're looking for?

index page hit --> redirect to Flash while the index page elements preload to the cache --> redirect back to index page after preload is complete.

[stuart]

Thanks again Tedster, your exactly right about the flow I'm trying to get - but I'm worried about all the SE issues. Someone suggested the 'http location tag' but I don't know whats best. Your javascript method sounds just the ticket, thanks again.

[Brett_Tabke]

I think a http redirect via the "location" header is the way to go Stuart. More universal with browsers and spiders alike. SE's seem to be ok with it. Are you cloaking?

[stuart]

Thanks, I've only been on this a few weeks and am still trying to fathom cloaking, is there any key advice ?? I have read alot about the subject and it seems very complex.

[Brett_Tabke]

Well, if you are new to cloaking - I'd say wait for awhile until you know just a bit more about optimization. Cloaking can work good, but you have to have something worth cloaking to start with (eg: you need to know the engines fairly well to start with).

[stuart]

It been a while but can anyone help me with info on how to code in the ...http redirect via the "location" header...OR...-- location.replace() -- and call it from an external .js file.....for a static page which is good for all browsers ??