[WEB4LIB] Re: Flash vs HTML

[Michael McCulley]

I don't often take any issue with your views, Thomas, but in this case, I'm not sure it's clear if you object to Flash:

 *as an application because it requires a plug-in;
 *that a secondary text/HTML version is required (is that in the accessibility requirements of ADA or related document?); or,
 *that it does not provide *any* capabilities for information presentation beyond simple HTML, and isn't "needed"?

Or, all of the above? I'm not sure that Flash vs. HTML as in this subject header is accurate, anyway; I'm not sure they are in any competition for Web pages or design. HTML Web pages may have Flash applications or products called or embedded as part of their code.

I do see some fine, early work being done with Flash in libraries --like the tour noted here earlier; and, I think using a multimedia presentation application --even a proprietary one-- for training, tutorials, tours, demonstrations, etc. does provide some advantages over standard HTML text/image (static) pages. It's more a matter of using the best tools available for the job at hand, and that users can readily use and take advantage of, too.

I wonder if you'd clarify your view, Thomas? Let me add, I do believe in multiple formats for users; offering an HTML and PDF version is becoming quite common, it seems.

I think the question for Library Web sites and usability is what versions of our information we provide, e.g. HTML and Flash; text and HTML; HTML and PDF; Flash and text, and so on. I'm not sure there's a lot of guidance here, beyond what the Web team feels is most effective and useful --other than meeting the accessibility requirements of law.

Best,
Michael

P. Michael McCulley
mailto:drweb at earthlink.net
San Diego, CA
*Speaking Only for Himself*

Quote of the Moment:
-It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys.

>-----Original Message-----
>From: web4lib at webjunction.org
>[mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Jeremy Foster
>Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 08:37 AM
>To: Multiple recipients of list
>Subject: [WEB4LIB] Re: Flash vs HTML
>
>
>On Mon, 8 Apr 2002 Thomas Dowling  wrote:
>> These statements reinforce a misconception that Flash is, in some way, a 
>> step beyond HTML, something better than HTML, something that 
>performs the 
>> same function but at a 5-star rather than a 3-star level.
>> 
>> That is not true, and this sort of argument is what raises the 
>hackles of 
>> web designers who have to field "let's make a Flash version!" 
>
>But it is true in a way.... If HTML could preform all the 
>functions of Flash..we would not need to use Flash.. but currently 
>it does not!
>
>So Flash represents a direction that the mainstream wants the web 
>to work towards. In return you get technologies that appear in web 
>standards such as, Style Sheets, DHTML, SMIL, SVG, etc...
>
>This allows us true web developers that want to only use HTML 
>standards a way of using simmillar functions as flash on our sites 
>with-out depending on a third party plug-in.
>
>But the sad fact is.. there are more people with the flash plugin 
>then people with browsers that support the new HTML standards.
>
>In the end it comes down to your target market and what you want 
>to accomplish. As stated, Flash can work well in it's set 
>boundries, but should never be used as an only option.
>
>The best practice is to use the HTML standard spec.
>
>
>Jeremy Foster
>HRL Webmaster
>-----------------------------------  
>agjf1 at nsh.library.ns.ca
>Tel: (902)490-5670
>http://www.halifax.library.ns.ca
>----------------------------------- 
>Alderney Gate Library
>60 Alderney Drive
>Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4P8          
>-----------------------------------