My site is HTML, i don't know where to start with flash. Although i made a game which is on the site just now!
Basic HTML is better for a variety of reasons.
-Sometimes flash can look tacky and unprofessional
-HTML loads much quicker than flash
-Some people don't have the flash plug-in, and just don't bother to download it
Flash is better for certain types of websites tho. It is really all dependent on the content.
complete flash site, sucks. loading time, lack of relevant information, and lack of updates, plus that they can be extremely poorly done.
html sites are generally good if the web designer knows what s/he is doing. Html sites could be better then flash sites if they are creative. But then HTMl sites can suck if they are not updated or maintain properly.
A combination of both is always good, i sometimes do that because it gives movement to the site.
Flash that is used for short loops or animations don't take up too much memory or loading time, unless your internet is wicked slow (like 12 KPS? lol.)
Most flash navigations have a file size of like. what, 50 KB or so? It loads way faster than download speed so i'd say that the whole file size ordeal wouldn't matter.
When you have a site completely made of flash- unless you're an expert at ActionScript and you can take information in and out from SQL Db's and use code to fully maximize the effectiveness of your flash, it won't prove very useful.
I personally think Flash as it looks cooler. On the other hand Basic HTML is alot easier to work with and in many cases is faster.
I prefer html websites, i mean you can do wonders with a bit of css. The hing with flash is, its too in your face. In my opinion flash is only good for making games and stick figure movies
My biggest gripe about Flash sites is the accessibility issues. If you wish to reach the widest audience available, Flash will not be the answer unless you make a Flash site and a markup only version. Thus, work gets very difficult to keep up if you are on your own, but if you have the resources, I say go for it.
Personally, I do not like Flash sites. I want to get the information I want and leave. I do not have the patience to wait for a site to load and see fancy animations. As another poster said, if it is for a game or something specifically designed for Flash, then it is worth it.
Last note about Flash, they keep updating it too often, i think in the last 2 years they have update from 5 to 8 and to 9 (Adobe, taking over)
I think flash is only good for things such as games and small buttons, a whole flash site is bad!
Also pure flash sites are horrible with SEO, and for non-broadband users a burden as others mentioned.
If you really want some flash, then make the header flash rather than using a image format like gif, png, etc. and the rest html.