I often browse using non-standard platforms, and for many of those platforms flash is either unavailable or out of date.

There are providers whose websites I could not see because of the flash.

Especially when it is used for the pictures. Takes too long. Can't always find the 'next' equivalent. Some pics don't size larger for better viewing. Some you can't copy the email or phone number. Flash is 'sizzle', we want the 'steak'.

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.

and

Avoid.

Serious, serious accessibility issues.

Most of my guests are on the go or choose not to access girlie sites from their home or work machines.  They look from their handhelds.

I recently toured NYC and in call after call after call potential clients interested by my advertisements had to ask questions answered by the website because they couldn't access it from their Blackberry, iPhone etc.

I love my website and it is the third version that I've designed in flash- unfortunately its simply not practical.  I think I'll code my next website using Ajax scripts to get the animation that I think is attractive- with the functionality of a dynamic website accessible in all browsers.

I take it that you were thinking about having a flash web site.

Most of what you can do with flash can be done with css and javascript. No need to bog down a machine with flash loading, or keep prospective clients from being able to use your site just for a menu or gallery or the like.

The only thing flash really does is animation...
if you were selling your animation, then by all means go with flash...if you are selling your flash game design, go with flash..for anything else it isn't even needed.

I have a flash intro on my web design site just to show I can do it...but I try and talk most of my clients out of it.

The other downside (for you) to flash, if you are hiring a web designer: html, xhtml, xml, css, javascript.. sites can be designed starting at around $500,
flash sites start at around 4 times that.

I loves 'em.

I have a web site that directs mobile users to a mobile version of my site.

If you want to keep flash, keep it...

...just offer an HTML alternative as well.

Check out this provider's site. You can enter it via flash or HTML. --> http://www.meetnikki.com/

She gets to have fun with flash, but doesn't turn away people from viewing her website content.

Anyone looking for a web designer should check out mine. She doesn't believe in flash, because it is inaccessible to so many.
http://www.vedadesigns.net/

Good luck!

Lots of problems with flash. The biggest pain being that mobile browsers aren't good with flash.  Also, iPhone doesn't support flash so there's millions of users that can't access you site.  Increasingly more and more browsing is done through a Personal Digital Device.

If you like the idea of flash, on your first page give surfers the option to view in Basic HTML or in Flash.

lap-top.  If they don't load, I'm gone.  I sure will never click on one that wants me to install "updates"...  God knows what.  

I don't have or use blackberry / smart phone...  just a dumb old prepaid hobby phone...
skb

I build a lot of sites using SharePoint from Microsoft.  If you have never seen one take a look at the Ferrari or Hawaiian air sites, those were done in SharePoint.  The biggest advantage is one the site is up you don't need a web designer to upload a picture or add a page.  It is about as hard as FaceBook.  How simple is it?  THe Marines use it for their public web site, www.marines.mil  and if a bunch of Jarheads can do it, anyone can

Depends how good developer is and how good the code is. Flash is been around for while and known to crash browsers occasionally or don't show anything but an empty space.

Hate the stuff personally because it makes the site slow.

Flash is the herpes of the internet...

It needs to be avoided at all costs, but will never go away...

It's for lazy ass coders that if they used Microscrape Powerpoint, would use every animation tool in the book to a two slide presentation.