thegr8flashy
*snip*The random function allows the user to substantially limit the chance of loading a duplicate file from the cache, thus always providing a fresh version of the file, for all intensive purposes.
Surely you could just use , or send Cache-Control:no-cache instead?
This way it actually isn't cached, even if you do get the same random number, as well as it being the 'proper' way of doing things.
And also, flash sites == evil.
1. Accessibility is shot. Good luck finding a screen reader that can handle flash content.
There are ALWAYS ways to correct this problem.
2. Navigation. I like my back buttons, they exist for a reason. Oddly enough, I haven't come across many sites with a well enough planned design that implements the same functionality, right down to shortcut keys, in a flash site.
Most flash sites are designed so that everything loads at once, hence the back button really isn't very useful anymore, as all the information you need is a simple click away. Try broadening your exposure to flash content, Ive seen dozens of sites that have this capability anyway.
3. Size. Generally, a flash site is larger than a 'typical' site. Mainly in part due to issue number 4.
4. Give someone a flash design and the web developer turns into an idiot.
Everyone seems to feel that because flash lets them embed music, flashy lights, and so on, that they should.
This is why you don't depend on people who do not know how to correctly use flash.
5. Almost always unnecessary.
I'm trying to recall the last time I saw a flash site I couldn't have made without flash, but I'm not succeeding.
Again, expand your area of exposure.
6. Requires additional software to use.
Remember all the linux users in the forums who couldn't play the gaian games because flash 9 didn't exist on linux?
Blame this on the developers of the game. There are about 5 different unsupported functions that exist on flash player 9, comparative to flash player 6 (which does exist for the linux OS). An easy way to avoid this, is to develop versions of the swf that are compatible with more OS. Thus, you don't make a very valid point here.
Ive heard excuses like this a thousand times, and every time, you fail to mention the pros that several outwigh the cons, which by the way, arent very convincing to say the least.
Not being a d**k, I just think developers who don't use flash as a design medium more than half of their time should actually take the time to learn more about the software. Saying things like "flash sites are always bigger" or "additional software is needed" are things that have been DONE TO DEATH, virtually cliches on the web design bandwagon. Honestly, if you are going to prey on things you don't have much experience on, your pessimistic critiques arent very helpful.