I happened to come across two websites this week, both flash based. One was for a health company and the other for a new game that's been launched.

The health companies included simple sliders and cute animation - most of which could have been very easily achieved with a basic JavaScript framework. For me its an insult to flash and its developers to use it in this way. Its far too much for far too little.

Now the gaming site (bioshock) included video and almost had a 3d effect to it. They have almost built it has if you are moving through the game and have tried to give you a taste of the game itself. Now that's the power of flash based websites!

So whats the problem? why not use flash for simple stuff too you might ask.

Well flash is a tad slower than a normal html and java based site, its also not something that Google and other search engines can index very well and would be difficult to track hits and to analyze. Flash is the child in us all, yes it can be used for serious sites too. For example if the medical site allowed you to run through the veins of someones body and into the heart or animate the breathing of someones lungs. The only way to achieve that is with flash or one of its upcoming competitors.

Flash has its place but its overkill for everyday websites, if you presented with a new project and want to bring in some 2d animation. Look at a good JS framework like jQuery or mootools.

If you need something more and want to bring in a movie type feel. Flash is the way to go.

So what about HTML5? - yip that could kill flash in the future and Ive seen some really amazing stuff been done with it. It will bring the best of both worlds into everyday websites. However HTML5 still has a little way to go and Internet explorer is as usual holding us all back.