Using Flash

9.1
There was supposed to be a link to Macromedia's web site on the online version of the textbook, but I couldn't find it. Instead, I'll use Newsweek's web site as a great example of using flash to keep readers involved. To begin with, at the upper right corner of the homepage is a flash box dedicated to news leaders. The box has movement, pictures, information about each story and most importantly, the ability to move backwards and forwards through the series of stories and images.

9.2
Interacting with information ensures that the user gets the information. I'm skeptical about the draw of games, especially ones like the Enron Blame Game, to the average user. But it seems clear to me that anyone who does play such games would gain a better understanding of the topic immediately, forcing the user to interact with the information, not just read and move on.

9.3
I wrote a story last year about a Greek-style amphitheater being built on the UConn campus. Using flash I could have added a guided tour of the construction plans. This would have complimented the story very well, especially when I discussed the physics behind how amphitheaters worked. It would have been much easier to keep the reader interested.