Flash Navigation and Menus

[autumn_whispers2me]

Okay, one hurdle cleared and time for the next. Navigation and menus: I don't think it would be practical for my entire site to be done in Flash because of what it is. The Corridors is like several web sites in one, hence the name "The Corridors." I had a lot of different ideas that required different approaches. Anyway, I want to do the initial splash page in Flash (done, unless there are any other suggestions!), and the main page, which I'm having trouble with.

I've done the main page movie (generally), but am not sure how to approach navigation. I'm not sure how to implement links to other pages, whether to open in a new window or not, and how do set these links so they don't ruin the overall design of the Flash page.

What I have movie wise so far is:

Splash page:
http://www.thecorridors.com/phase2.html (Flash)

Main Page: (where links, etc. should be, but aren't yet)
http://www.thecorridors.com/phase_2_main.html (Flash)

Here's the original splash page:
http://www.thecorridors.com

Original main page with navigation etc:
http://www.thecorridors.com/corridormain.html

The links are to sections (some that need SERIOUS overhauling) that are like sites within a site, and done that way intentionally, such as the Frightmares section, Lost Souls Midway, etc. The links at the bottom of the web page are many, and I want to avoid having this huge block of links under my Flash movie, which would look like dookie, IMHO.

Any suggestions on this navigation problem?? Mouseovers, image or just text, where to put the links, dropdown menu or not??? I'm completely stumped.

Also, The rest of the site with the glowing door (The Corridors hallmark, if you will) will mostly remain the same, but maybe with a few changes to tie it in with the Flash movies better. But should I make a small rectangular Flash movie to replace the top of the pages, or leave them as is?

Totally stumped. Thanks in advance for your help, guys!

[Webforumz Staff]

Ok, here goes...

Firstly, would avoid opening new windows, as it upsets pop-up blockers.

You could do the entire site in Flash, but like you said, you don't think it would be a good idea and, in some respects, it wouldn't. I think that the old layer, with the large glowing door is much better than the 'corridor' you have now. Also, you currently have the same image on your intro and on the main site. It would definelt work better as an updated version of what you have... until your Flash skills improve.

Then again, it's only my opinion... What do other people think? Your visitors, family, friends?

[autumn_whispers2me]

I think my brain is still asleep, sirkent... lol I'm lost. Are you saying that the new Flash version splash page isn't as good as the current static one, the pic in other words on the index page of the site (the glowing door by itself)?

Same image: I thought we were supposed to do that to make it all tie together? No? And when you say "It would definelt work better as an updated version of what you have... until your Flash skills improve." What do you mean exactly?

So let me see if I have this right: Stick with the static glowing door for the splash page, then use the page with the movie that has the people/ghoulies peeking from behind???

As for family, friends, etc... they seem to like the Flash version better, but I'm wondering if the splash movie I created http://www.thecorridors.com/phase2.html is overkill? Is that maybe what you're saying, that it's a bit redundant? They also like how the little glowing door appears, opens, then closes and disappears. I kind of like that little bit too. So, if I keep the splash as it is right now on my index page (the glowing door by itself that says "enter"), then use the movie with the people on it http://www.thecorridors.com/phase_2_main.html then that would be better? I'll need to work on the navigation part if I do that, though. I really don't want a big block of text links under the movie. lol

Yeah. I have a long way to go before I'll ever be any good at Flash. I've only been doing it for a couple of weeks now. So i know the movies stink a bit. lol [xx(]

Sorry for my chronic befuddlement this morning.