Well... that is what most people are getting at in the thread. And these are the types of pages most of us are defining as 'Slash Pages'.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
What is with clients and Splash Pages/Flash Intros?
- Thread starter torndownunit
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Well... that is what most people are getting at in the thread. And these are the types of pages most of us are defining as 'Slash Pages'.
intro pages (Flash or otherwise) are a convenient way to give your visitors the initial choice of full screen display without a klunky security prompt.
Or the option to load high or low band content, HTML or Flash, etc...
I agree that lengthy Flash animations used as site intros are annoying, unless of course it's part of the overall site experience, similar to video game intros that provide a preview of the game prior to loading the menu.
Always provide an escape from intros; repeat visitors have already seen it and probably don't want to sit through it every time they visit the site.
When a client utters the word Flash (or alludes to RIA technology in some way), my invoice at least doubles, regardless of whether it's just an intro or a complete application.
Talking them out if it is akin to negotiating for lower pay.
Personally, I don't take work that does not involve some level of RIA technology; it's a waste of time, since there is plenty of demand for (higher paying) RIA development right now.
Or the option to load high or low band content, HTML or Flash, etc...
I agree that lengthy Flash animations used as site intros are annoying, unless of course it's part of the overall site experience, similar to video game intros that provide a preview of the game prior to loading the menu.
Always provide an escape from intros; repeat visitors have already seen it and probably don't want to sit through it every time they visit the site.
When a client utters the word Flash (or alludes to RIA technology in some way), my invoice at least doubles, regardless of whether it's just an intro or a complete application.
Talking them out if it is akin to negotiating for lower pay.
Personally, I don't take work that does not involve some level of RIA technology; it's a waste of time, since there is plenty of demand for (higher paying) RIA development right now.
The problem I have with these "splash" screens is that I rarely visit a site just to see what's there, in which case a splash-screen might be nice for getting an introduction or something.
Most of the ones I find these on are hardware manufacturer's, in which case I'm going there to find something specific, whether it's a product I already own, or a product I'm interested, I couldn't care less what they're pushing on their front-page with stupid flash graphics. I just want to go straight in to the information that I want.
Most of the ones I find these on are hardware manufacturer's, in which case I'm going there to find something specific, whether it's a product I already own, or a product I'm interested, I couldn't care less what they're pushing on their front-page with stupid flash graphics. I just want to go straight in to the information that I want.
The only thing evident is those companies have defied the odds and break your splash page rules and are the better for it.
The is a difference in a splash page and a useless page, what he is talking about is a useless page and not a splash page.
I don't know about that. Not trying to be hostile by any means. It's just been pointed out that (a) some of those don't really have what would be categorized as the "Splash Pages" we are discussing. And (b) as pointed out those sites don't have to really play by any rules anyway.
But to use the Disney site as an example again, when I enter their address I immediately have access to all of their navigation. I don't consider that a splash page like the ones I am referring to in my OP. I just consider it a media heavy front page to their site. The same actually applies to most of those links.
Even the Seaworld one, while being very media heavy has immediate access at the bottom of it to the navigation. I think it's a horrid looking site, but I can access the content through navigation on the first page I come to at least.
By my definition a Splash Page is the typical page with no content other than a Logo or a Flash display ('skip intro'). A page that is just another step in getting you to the navigation of the site.
I think some of the 'debate' purely comes from the differing definitions in this case I think.
I dislike splash screens but for some websites i think it is a great way to present users with a introduction to the services and content of your site if it is not a mainstream site.
For instance websites of sexual nature or other sites that want to hold some sort of age restriction. Apart from that i see little use in them.
For instance websites of sexual nature or other sites that want to hold some sort of age restriction. Apart from that i see little use in them.
None of those websites ddlefy odds. They are there because the odds are WITH them and not against them. Big companies hardly need any SEO which is why it doesntb matter if they have a splash page or not. The reason why they don't need any on site seo is because they have MILLIONS of peoples linking back to them!! Anytime someone wants to post about a Nike shoe in some blog,forum, or other website, there a big chance that they will link rightto bikes website.
Backlinks are what puts you over the edge when it comes to seo and puts you right at the top. So saying those sites defeated any odds is just aim backwards. A site that defies the odds is one that is a little known company with a splash page or flash website that gets to #1. Show me that and I might consider a splash page as somewhat useful.
The thing with those flash movies to tell you what a product is about is tyT there is NO REASON to put that movie on it's own page!! It would be very easy to work it into The index page so people can view it and know what you are saying or they can navigate away. Simple solution.
Backlinks are what puts you over the edge when it comes to seo and puts you right at the top. So saying those sites defeated any odds is just aim backwards. A site that defies the odds is one that is a little known company with a splash page or flash website that gets to #1. Show me that and I might consider a splash page as somewhat useful.
The thing with those flash movies to tell you what a product is about is tyT there is NO REASON to put that movie on it's own page!! It would be very easy to work it into The index page so people can view it and know what you are saying or they can navigate away. Simple solution.
@neonflux: the sites you reference are primarily media related. This indicates to me that if they work, it is because of the audience. Splash pages in all but a few cases usually introduce the user to a site that doesn't do what they want or tell them what they came to find.
Any ideas or visions that you could possibly want to convey, would be better implemented on the homepage itself or as a link somewhere on the homepage. If you want your site to convey a feelingedginess for example don't introduce a video telling them you want them to feel "edgy;" use graphics and language with that rugged edgy appeal and let the page do the talking.
If users do hit the homepage, and they want to know more about the organization, they'll look for a link. If users want to buy Zombies ate my neighbors: Revenge of the Lawn Chair, your best marketing strategy is going to be to get them to the order form as quickly as possible.
Any ideas or visions that you could possibly want to convey, would be better implemented on the homepage itself or as a link somewhere on the homepage. If you want your site to convey a feelingedginess for example don't introduce a video telling them you want them to feel "edgy;" use graphics and language with that rugged edgy appeal and let the page do the talking.
If users do hit the homepage, and they want to know more about the organization, they'll look for a link. If users want to buy Zombies ate my neighbors: Revenge of the Lawn Chair, your best marketing strategy is going to be to get them to the order form as quickly as possible.
When you get client emails like this:
The end result is some 200MB 10 minute intro without a skip button.
The end result is some 200MB 10 minute intro without a skip button.
For me, the end result would be just not doing that site. It might be hard for some people to turn down work, but its really possible! I mean, if you hate them that much, like myself, just dont do them
Hence why I didn't end up doing the site, what I was suggesting would work and the things they thought were two inanely brilliant were two totally different things...