Media Marvels

MULTIMEDIA IS WHAT makes the Web sparkle. With sound, animation, music and Flash, you can turn your site into a festival of eye and ear candy.

57. Get animated
Animated GIFs are the simplest way to add 'video' to your site. Simply join together a series of GIFs in the digital equivalent of a flick-book using Paint Shop Pro, and save the result as a GIF89a file also check Free Clipart from Yes Free Clipart :-)

58. Java jive
A java applet can give your site a nifty source of interactivity, whether it's a scrolling headline ticker or a Web-based game. Check out the directory at gamelan.com for plenty of free applets to choose from.

59. Get Flashy
Use Macromedia's Flash to add smooth, impressive multimedia effects to your site, without the bloat of traditional audiovisuals. Also some good tools at eFlash

60. Layer upon layer
When working with Flash, use lots of layers to fine tune your work: it won't add to the overall file size, and makes life easier when it's time to re-edit and animate.

61. Next, please
If you're using Flash to create a multimedia gateway for your site, remember to provide a 'skip intro' link for the benefit of those who might have seen it before and want to get to the main content.

62.Expose yourself to Flash
Want to use Flash, but lack inspiration? Check out flazoom.com, for regularly-updated tips, showcases and general flashiness from the best in the business. Also check out great looking Flash Template at Web Template

63. Multimedia mapping
Plain old imagemaps are so 1997. Bring yours into the 20th Century by using JavaScript or Flash to launch sounds or animations when users mouse over sections of your site.