High-end jewelry retailers such as Cartier, Harry Winston, and Tiffany often use Adobe’s Flash software to create their Web sites. In about 200 words, present three arguments for and three arguments against the use of Flash animations in sites such as

these. Consider the retailers’ objectives, the characteristics of the products being sold, and the type of customers who visit these sites.

Advantages

• The animation features of Flash allow it to convey messages in a much more efficient and effective way.


• The first impression of a Flash site can be awe inspiring. Usually Flash sites open with Flash intros – short, animated films on the site – which results in a more professional look. If you add relevant background music, you can make a good first impression and convert visitors into browsers.

Disadvantages

• Users have to wait longer than usual to load Flash content; some visitors may lose their patience and click the Back button.


• Most search engines are not able to index Flash content.


• Visitors to the site will have to download the Flash player.