From where I can get Flash template?

**jennesmith6** · 07-02-2008, 08:50 AM

Hi all.

I am planning to make my own website on home décor. I am ready with the content. Now I am thinking of using Flash templates. Where can I get them from? Should I download them from internet or should I take the help of professionals? Can somebody help please?

**ChadR** · 07-02-2008, 10:28 AM

Jenne,

There are a lot of places to get templates from you. A great resource for some movies is flashkit.com I'd recommend you do a search on flash templates and see what you can find.

Also are you looking for a dynamic site or just static? You might want to look into Flex if it's dynamic. Good luck and we are here to help you along the way.

**LadynRed** · 07-02-2008, 04:22 PM

With all due respect, you really do NOT want to use an all-flash template. Flash is virtually INVISIBLE to search engine spiders - there's NOTHING for them to 'read' so no indexing.

In addition to search engine invisibility, all-flash sites are a nightmare for accessibility. Anyone using assistive technology - such as screen readers - will see NOTHING on your site and don't kid yourself into thinking visually disabled people wouldn't buy your products.

You would do much better for your business to use an ordinary web template and just use flash for embellishment.

**chrishirst** · 07-02-2008, 04:39 PM

Oops!
http://www.webforumz.com/flash-and-m...est-way-to.htm

What a giveaway!!
http://www.webforumz.com/flash-and-m...m-where-to.htm

**ChadR** · 07-02-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadynRed

With all due respect, you really do NOT want to use an all-flash template. Flash is virtually INVISIBLE to search engine spiders - there's NOTHING for them to 'read' so no indexing.

http://googlewebmastercentral.blogsp...-indexing.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadynRed

In addition to search engine invisibility, all-flash sites are a nightmare for accessibility. Anyone using assistive technology - such as screen readers - will see NOTHING on your site and don't kid yourself into thinking visually disabled people wouldn't buy your products.

http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/index.html

Come on now don't bash Flash

**ChadR** · 07-02-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishirst

Oops!
http://www.webforumz.com/flash-and-m...est-way-to.htm

What a giveaway!!
http://www.webforumz.com/flash-and-m...m-where-to.htm

I'll never understand it but I've seen it a million times

**LadynRed** · 07-03-2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

http://googlewebmastercentral.blogsp...-indexing.html

That article was posted 3 days ago, have not seen it until now. At least Google is going in the right direction.

As for accessibility, I'm afraid it is still largely ignored for a plain HTML site, and most Flash designers aren't going thru 1/10th of the steps required as set out in that Adobe document. They're just going for eye candy.
I still don't think Flash is the way to go for an entire site.

**ChadR** · 07-03-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadynRed

[url="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/06/improved-flash-indexing.html"]
That article was posted 3 days ago, have not seen it until now. At least Google is going in the right direction.

It was officially released but it been something that has been worked on for a very long time

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadynRed

[url="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/06/improved-flash-indexing.html"]
most Flash designers aren't going thru 1/10th of the steps required as set out in that Adobe document.

Just because some one codes PHP poorly doesn't mean PHP isn't a secure programming language. The tools to make it accessible are there even if in your experience they are not largely used.

I think FLEX and other RIAs is the next generation and there is no better time to learn than now.

**nelzro** · 07-04-2008, 05:58 AM

Google it!

**Domthedude001** · 07-04-2008, 05:28 PM

a great template and friendly man from the uk here at http://www.jfreechat.co.uk its a chatroom but well worth a visit to talk to him as he has plenty of ideas

**gaininfo** · 07-05-2008, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadynRed

As for accessibility, I'm afraid it is still largely ignored for a plain HTML site, and most Flash designers aren't going thru 1/10th of the steps required as set out in that Adobe document. They're just going for eye candy.
I still don't think Flash is the way to go for an entire site.

I believe images & streaming videos are more conveying than plain text. Its upto you, how & where you use flash. Whether the flash is adding value in conveying the message or its adding more confusions. In today's eye catching economy, where you only have 3-5 seconds to grab attention of new visitors, the web usability becoming very important.

Its not a matter of flash, audio, video or plain text, Its the matter of how well you understand the website usability. and how cleverly you put the various formats..

**LadynRed** · 07-06-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

I believe images & streaming videos are more conveying than plain text.

Umm.... people with visual disabilities.. especially the BLIND can't SEE images and streaming video !

Quote:

Just because some one codes PHP poorly doesn't mean PHP isn't a secure programming language.

Huh ? That was not what I was referring to! My point was that far, far too many web designers/coders and especially Flash designers, do NOT CARE about accessibility, they could care less about people with disabilities and tend to largely ignore those internet users that use assistive technologies like screen readers.

**gaininfo** · 07-17-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadynRed

[url="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/06/improved-flash-indexing.html"]
That article was posted 3 days ago, have not seen it until now. At least Google is going in the right direction.

As for accessibility, I'm afraid it is still largely ignored for a plain HTML site, and most Flash designers aren't going thru 1/10th of the steps required as set out in that Adobe document. They're just going for eye candy.
I still don't think Flash is the way to go for an entire site.

Quote:

..I still don't think Flash is the way to go for an entire site..

If one follow the guidelines provided by Google then FLASH can be right choice for entire site.

**chrishirst** · 07-17-2008, 10:08 AM

and what exactly has the Google guidelines got to do with it ??????

**gaininfo** · 07-24-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaininfo

If one follow the guidelines provided by Google then FLASH can be right choice for entire site.

Let me correct lines in quote as:
"The flash components must be used in a search engine friendly manner so that major search engines (especially Google) can index the site. "

Let me also add:
The following few important factors might serve as a useful checklist if you are looking to design a Flash web site.

Take care of the time factor:
The more complex the presentation, the longer it will take to build. It is often a better idea to first develop your HTML site, get it on- line, and then work on the Flash additions later.
Create a bypass for the repeat visitor:
The situation of ‘getting bored’ can be avoided through a number of ways either by using a cookie that redirects a repeat user to a page without the opening presentation, or by letting the user choose when they want to see it.
Don’t overuse it:
UsingFlash heavily in websites, whose overriding purpose is for convenient gathering of information, will have a counter-affect.
Check the load time

It will be good to check webmaster guidelines by Google, which can help you in from NOT violating Google TOS.
This apply to normal as well as flash sites.
Here is one useful link on Optimizing Flash for Search Engines:
http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=2161851