I'm planning to launch an ecommerce site to sell media-rich downloadable content. I'm considering whether using a Flash-driven web site or not. My target is, broadly speaking, Internet users used to make payments on-line and familiar to media content, that is, capable of uploading a digital photograph from their cameras or mobile handset and viewing .avi and .mov videos in their computers.
Are macromedia's penetration statistics credible: plugins installed 97% Flash Player, 87% Java, 84%Windows Media Player, 64% QuickTime Player and 59% Real Player in June 2005?
Do you really see those figures in your web stats?
What is your opinion about how many of my potential customers using dial-up through copper may be driven away by slow loading times?
Also, what search engine friendly tips should I consider when putting content in Flash or in html?
Thanks.
Imma

Moved to Web Design and Content :) Perhaps you should have created a poll. Generally the majority don't want to see flashy website. I am not sure what macromedia is basing those stats on :eek:

Maybe the stats are right, some of the "famos" websites sometimes have a flash logo of some sort or another small thing, so you are bound to download their plugin.

My idea of how flash should be used is only for small things, like
a logo! not for the hole site to be powered by flash, then i quikly find the x on my window.

And if your target is mobile phone users and so on, flash is not the way to go, if you allso want them to visit your site on their phone.

Regards e-zone

As on me good example is http://www.macromedia.com/.
Open it with browser which has flash player (IE for example) and
without FireFox (on default doesn't have flash plugin)

If you use Flash create non-flash version of a elements for browsers
without flash and then your site will work for both type of users

Yes, Flash has a huge installed base. The debate on Flash vs FlashLESS goes ever on and on, but the real question is: Will Flash provide a better user experience? Will it actually add value to your site?
If the answer is 'yes', then by all means use Flash. A Flash site or a site with Flash elements doesn't need to be a useless show of motion and sound. Flash can add a lot to the user experience in terms of subtle interaction, if you use it right. And it doesn't need to be a heavyweight download, if you're concerned about download times for modem users.
Yevhen is right, but I add this: it's good to have another version of your site not only stripped of Flash, but also stripped of any JavaScript. A plain, strict HTML version will cover all other users.
On the other hand, the site and users you describe leads me to believe a richer, multimedia experience (using Flash) will be a better fit.

Cheers,

Use Flash. But avoid looong downlads and too funny animations...