Make Sure You Read and Print it All
There are eight sections to the information you should read before proceeding with FlashBlaster. Make sure you read and print out all of them, especially if you are new to Flash. They are FlashBlaster Tips & Hints, Overview, Task 1, Task 2, Task 3, Task 4, Help Desk 1 and Help Desk 2. If that seems like a lot, remember it's a small fraction of the reading you'd be doing if you decided to bake your Flash from scratch.

Caveats

• The file you download cannot be changed, so make all changes before you download.
• FlashBlaster doesn't generate the HTML you need on the fly, but ScreamDesign does provide it in a tip page.
• A very limited amount of text that can be put on page.
• Tips are not available in an easy to print form (getting started tips are multi-screen).
• Site not Netscape friendly yet (they are working on it).
• The splash page you make does not have a "skip intro" button, but the text link on the page in effect accomplishes the same end, so you could name it "skip intro" if you want.

Can you handle that? If so, you're ready to go. Not quite as easy as a Burger King drive-through, but you get a lot more choices and no fat, no calories, no cholesterol.

In the final analysis, you should know something about Flash in order to make the best choices -- but hey, you wouldn't order a hamburger without knowing it's made of ground beef. And, you have to make sure you get all your ducks in a row and every "i" is dotted and every "t" crossed before you make your download -- after all, once you've put in your order for well done, don't expect to change it to rare when it arrives on your plate.

In the end, if you're looking for gourmet Flash fare, this isn't it - nor is it supposed to be. This is the equivalent fast food, priced to match, and a good deal for the money - not to mention a useful service that fills a very needy hole in the market. It may not be Four Seasons fare, but certainly fills the space. Dave Thomas (of Wendy's fame) would be envious...