website flash only

[Paul Mailath]

I have a flash website and I'm wondering if there are people out there who 'can't' see it - should I have a matching HTML one as well???

[Chris Davis]

The last numbers I saw show that Flash has a 98% penetration, so 2% of web users can't see your site.

However, just because 98% can see it doesn't mean that they're going to hang around long enough for your site to load. Unless the visitor has more than just a passing interest in what you have to say, the odds are good they'll move on as soon as they see that "loading..." screen. I'm on a typical home connection right now (1.5 meg) and it took way too long to load.

Very few sites have a good reason for being Flash-only, and most of those are game sites for kids. I know you spent good money on a Flash template but if I were you, I'd totally ditch it and use the HTML version. Perhaps if you're adept at Flash development, you could still use some small flash elements with your HTML.

BTW, this is all Google sees of your website: site:relive-the-day.com - Google Search

[Nigel Barker]

I would endorse all negatives that Chris cites & add a few of my own. Irritating tinkly little bells & a sound like ringing up a sale on a cash register are off-putting to me. The novelty of the sounds & the simple animation will wear off very quickly. The biggest downsides are that people can't see your site (100% of iPhone users for example) & Google won't lead any visitors to you.

[Shaun Roemich]

A little bit different experience here in Canada - from what I understand, REAL high speed Internet doesn't have quite the penetration in the US as it does here in Canada. I'm on typical High Speed (Cable) here and load time for the main page was under 3 seconds and fly outs were available in under 1 second, which to me is perfectly acceptable.

I will concur with the sound effects though. If you're going to use SFX, perhaps just a subtle WHOOSH instead of the submarine Sonar... got old quick.

The other caveat I would put forward in terms of GENERAL discussion is that Flash may have 98% penetration BUT most of the 2% will likely be corporate LAN computers. IF your website is designed to be viewed from work and not from home, having an HTML fall back may make a lot of sense.

[Jeff Emery]

It all loaded fast for me. I'm on cable connection.

The sounds I can take or leave. There is an obvious on/off switch for the sound and that's good.

But I will tell you something that I absolutely hate about your site and so many other sites that follow the same trend nowadays and that's the freaking small font pastel text on white background. Now I don't want you to misunderstand me because I have nothing against you personally.

For me though, the eyes are not as sharp as they were once. The low contast between text and background coupled with a small font makes it extremely difficult for me to read at length. I didn't bother reading it. I just wonder how many of your potential paying customers will have difficulty reading it and just move along.

I'm not going to turn this thread into a discussion about text size and color. I just thought you may be interested in hearing an opinion reagrding how some folks have a very hard time reading with such a low text to background contrast.

Jeff

[Shaun Roemich]

Originally Posted by Jeff Emery

There is an obvious on/off switch for the sound and that's good.

You with your text, me with switches... I missed the "obvious" on/off switch but hey, I openly admit I look for content and not controls... I LIVE by Facebook and can't remember where half the menus are anymore...

[Paul Mailath]

Originally Posted by Jeff Emery

But I will tell you something that I absolutely hate about your site and so many other sites that follow the same trend nowadays and that's the freaking small font pastel text on white background.
Jeff

I have to agree with you - I find it hard to read - I was going to change it but I figured the only people interested in the site are young women about to get married, not an old bloke like me.

I guess I'l have to put in the effort to complete a HTML copy and see what happens