So, there seems to be a lot of people bashing what I think is a very fine site, and there have been many others. I too, feel the need for originality in Flash design. But, please do define original. Not only that, but taken too far and what we end up with is something that no one has ever seen before, sure.....but also something that no one can navigate, appeals only to a small margin of the population, and likely looks funny for some undefined reason.

That is why we have come to know a little thing called "Principles of Design". These are guidelines and rules of thumb that have been developed and refined over the ages by those studying the impact and effectiveness of graphics and related media on us as individuals and society as a whole. What they came up with is based on what generally looks best most of the time to most people, and if you follow one or more of these principles (depending on the needs of the project), you are likely to come up with a design that is pleasing to the eye.

Based on this, designers are bound to come up with something that looks somewhat similar to what that other guy is doing over there, but does that invalidate the work of either? I say no. What is most important is this....does it convey the message that it was intended to, and does it do with style, elegance, efficiency and in the proper tone? Is the client happy? This can be your single most important factor, unfortunately. Isn't this why we are all here? To make a ton of money using Flash? I find it hard to believe that someone would spend the time it takes to learn Flash just to put up a really cool homepage with pictures of their dog.

What I am saying is basically this.....FlashKit is a forum for Flash designers, a place to help improve our skills, a place where we can share ideas and thoughts about the industry, as well as just a place to hang and chat. Don't you think that the best use of this fantastic resource would be to learn what you can from others, and also to help out where you can in regards to those whose skills are less developed than yours? Would you not rather be remembered for helping someone reach their potential than for putting someone down? Make no mistake, people remember both.

Do yourself a favor, and give constructive critisism when appropriate and praise where it is deserved. Bashing someone else's work doesn't make yours look any better. Consider not only how the other person feels, but also how you will look when all is said and done. Personally, I have a great deal of respect for those who give of their time and expertise to help those who are less accomplished. We are all still learning on one level or another, and you will get where you want to go a lot faster with people cheering you on instead of wondering why you just stepped on them.

Make the most out of the time you spend at FlashKit. Ask yourself....why are you here? If you enjoy putting down other people's work, then maybe you should find another outlet. That kind of behavior is not appreciated or long tolerated. However......if you are interested in furthering your knowledge of Flash and design in general, then by all means take it to the next level. Step up to the plate and give us your constructive comments on how people could improve their site, what would you do that would make it better in your eyes? When I am getting a site check, I want to hear what you didn't like. What I don't want to hear is "Your site sucks!". What does that accomplish? How does that help me? If you can take the time to tell me it sucks, why not take the time to tell me what you would do to improve it. Why not show me how good you are by giving me an intelligent critique of my work?

So my friends, in closing I would just like to say that I love this place. It is a great resource and a great place to connect with people. It shames me to see a post filled with rancor and inarticulate abuse of someone else's hard work. I challenge those of you who thrive on this to instead dazzle us with your stunningly informative and insightful comments on how others could improve their designs in light of your vast knowledge and experience in the field.

Peace