I'm proficient with PhotoShop, HTML, and some basic scripting. But, my sites need a little more uumph.

Is there an easy (and inexpensive) way to get started with Flash?

Any recommendations?

You might also check out www.flashkit.com - they have some tutorials and movies there.

Why do you feel that it needs something extra? Remember people come to your site for a reason, buy something, become a member or to gain a specific part of info.

Flash is a great tool, but remember that it needs to be used in moderation and it should have a reason for being there. We have all seen the eye candy and something just for the wow factor but in the end was it really needed and did it help convey or do any of the above mentioned? In most cases no.

Flash should be used to support what I mentioned above or otherwise assist in conveying a specific msg to the end user. Look at MM site and see how they are using it there. Really look and when you do you'll start to understand.

^^
flashkit.com


Very good website. You will learn a lot from there.
Also, you could go and buy a book on flash. Those are usefull also.

You don't really need flash to make a more visually impressive web experience. If you're inventive and have some time on your hands, you would do well to take a look at Ajax (ajaxpatterns.com is a nice site to start with). You wouldn't really be able to make some super crazy flash site (with a loading bar that takes two hours to finish for dialup users), but you could craft a classy experience. The site interactivity itself should take second priority to the site's purpose. Most of the applications of flash that I see distract from the actual content of the site. Using some less disruptive techniques it is possible to create something that enhances the user experience rather than makes a poor attempt at trying to blow them away with graphical flamboyance.

I'd also recommend flashkit.com or if you're on the road, one of the macromedia flash training from the source books.