Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : Flash, General Web Info
Problem: Flash preloader has delayed visibility or flash preloader is not visible until most of the video is loaded already.
Solution: You have too many things loading on frame 1. The only thing that should be in the first frame should be your preloader. All code and other content should start on frame 2. This guarantees that your preloader loads first.
If your preloader doesn’t appear until well into the load time then you likely have media content that’s set in the linkage tab to export in the first frame (auto selected when you set it to link with action script). This is important as content that is unused in the movie is not included in the final .swf file, but by loading the content on the first frame it screws with your preloader. The work around is to include the content on frame 3, and have your movie begin on frame 5.
This way the preloader loads on frame 1. Checks and rewinds on frame 2. If all frames are loaded then it goes to frame 5 and plays. It never actually plays the media in frame 3 or 4, but by being in the timeline they are loaded and can still be referenced with variables in action script without disrupting the preloader.
Something I learned while I was working on the litchfieldathleticclub.com site.
Happy coding.
Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : General Web Info
We are currently accepting applications for interns. Hours are flexible in the Hartford area studio (exact location still to be determined). Interns will work on print and web project as well as provide office assistance.
Applicant portfolios should demonstrate an understanding of typography and typographic standards. Ability to work on both PC and Mac preferred, but not necessary. An understanding of both photoshop and Illustrator are required; Other software (Flash, Dreamweaver) cinema, photography or sound production is a plus.
Applicants should live in the Hartford area, or be able to commute (no telecommuting).
Please send your resume and any portfolio materials to syanicke@gmail.com or call 860-331-8747 for more details.
Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : Technology, Web Launches
http://www.jrenecoffee.com
The site features table-less layout and design, seamless flash integration, and matte painting combined with original music from the Val Ramos Flamenco Ensembleto create an immersive experience in a website. I could not be happier with the results.
Technically its very advanced. The flash makes use of swfaddress to allow you to use the back button and deep linking. Both pretty nifty in a flash movie. SEO has been handled with use of swfobject to swap content packed divs with the flash movie. The divs have content and links and should therefore be read by search engines. Simpler than building a whole new site and less complicated than xml.
NOTE: SWFObject has been upgraded to v 2.0. Get that here – along with instructions to update (oi!).
The coffee is delicious. I prefer the Tan and Black, the flavor is outstanding.
Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : Around The Office, Technology, Web Launches
http://www.litchfieldathleticclub.com
The site features table-less layout and design, seamless flash integration, and a intro blue screen shot movie. The end result, I think, begins to express the devotion to personal service that drives the club. It’s a small town – everybody knows your name – kind of experience. Starting with a humble sign on the street to the amazing personalities inside everything about this club is genuine.
Check it out and if you live in the Litchfield Area, I highly recommend giving it more than a technical overview. Chris and Lester are amazing people to work with.
Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : Around The Office, Technology, Web Launches
Hattersworkshop is proud to announce the release of another website, http://www.suzannemichaelcatering.com/. We worked with Molina Group to provide a new face to an old business. Features table-less CSS design and a basic flash intro.
Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : Around The Office, Technology, Wordpress
Hattersworkshop was subcontracted to code the website of Shoreview Hotel by Molina AdGroup. Shoreview is a wonderful cozy hotel on the beautiful Hollywood Beach in Florida. I’ve never actually been there but my client, Molina Adgroup assures me that they are good people. From the photos it looks like the kind of place I could enjoy disappearing to.
Check out the site and if your going to Florida, make a reservation.
Enjoy.
Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : Around The Office, Technical Mishaps, Technology
That about as much as I know. I’m sitting in my office doing work, minding my own business, and I hear a truck drive by. Pretty normal day except for the sound of what might have been the truck hitting a utility pole. Next thing I know Im going from the rapture of getting deep links to work in flash to looking at a black screen. No errors, no restart, just black – eventually being broken by “Null Video Signal”.
The Beast Mk II. is dead.
Best II: 12.07 – 5.08
Long Live Beast Mk III.
Beast III 05.08 – ?
Posted by hattersworkshop | Comments : (0)
Category : Coding and Database, General Web Info, Technology
I was always in the mindset that you should always comment your code. It makes it easier to go back in later on and figure out what you’re doing to power the site, easier for someone else to reverse engineer it should something happen to you or the business arrangement, and it allows for freeware code like SWF Object to circulate as comments in the code for those who would look.
Recently, I’ve heard from a few different sources, Lesley, our advisor from More Visibility included, that comments, especially ones with urls, hidden code, or actually any code period is a no no for SEO, and increases load time, and so should be removed.
If the comments are relevant I don’t agree with either of these points as that the potential benefit is not equal to the potential loss, namely ownership and accessibility. I guess my point is, if you had to reduce website load times there are plenty of other ways to do it.
