Does the inclusion of Flash help or hinder my web site?
Let's face it, there are some things that Flash can do that you just can't do using HTML or any other more dynamic web programming languages. A lot of those things are related to how your GUI (general user interface) is displayed, or how the graphics on your page are positioned or how they interact with your end-user. But although you can do a lot of pretty radical visual effects with Flash, you can also overdo it.
How many times have you surfed to a web page to find that you can't figure out just where you're supposed to find relevant information or what you're supposed to be doing, because there are too many animated GIFs bouncing around everywhere, or the complicated GUI is so detailed and involved that you can't figure out where to even click? It's a mistake that many don't even realize they're making until it's already done. Flash is doing nothing for your web page if the effects that you use it for look stunning but make it impossible to navigate or find the information that you're trying to present.
Does it really look as "cool" as I think it does?
You have to be honest with yourself here, even if you don't want to be. Step back and take an objective look at your web page, and ask yourself if it really looks all that great after you've added your interactive Flash components, or if it's just a mess of flashing animations and distracting color or effects. It's a hard thing to do, and an even harder thing to accept if, after you've put all that work in, you have to conclude that your website just isn't up to par. If you don't think you can do it objectively, ask a friend or two to step in for you, and give their honest opinions. Be ready to take criticism constructively.
With all of that, it may look like I'm actively advising you not to use Flash in your web pages, period. That's hardly the case; in fact, I encourage it, and enjoy seeing the growing trend towards Flash-based web design.
What I'm advising is that you use Flash wisely and responsibly. Your website will benefit from it, and so will you.
