Rating: 
Summary: Not your first Flash book
Review: "Flash Web Design" is clearly intended for the intermediate/advanced Flash user. Although I bought this book as a beginner myself, I first read the Flash 4 Visual Quickstart Guide to master the basics and familiarize myself with the Flash interface. The overall design of the book is excellent. If you read it and work through some of the projects you will not only learn how to create certain effects, but also when and why you might want to use them. However, be aware that the author assumes that you have access to software other than flash. Some of the projects require you to have access to some form of video editing software or 3D software. Without these applications you will probably not be able to complete all of the projects. I made it through chapter 5 and had to stop. To make matters worse, their is no project cd included with the book. While it is true that you can view and download projects from the book's web site, not all of the lessons are available for download, specifically chapters 6, 7, and 9. That being said I still highly recommend this book as an addition to your Flash library because of the design insight it offers. However, it should not be the first or the last book on Flash you purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: I don't get it!
Review: Don't waste your time and money... buy the " New Masters of Flash " book.Better work, Better Ideas, More variance. As a designer I think very little of this book. As a Flash developer I think very little of this book. Spend your money elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Some miss the point...
Review: For those who complain that there's not any actionscripting or more technical knowledge covered and that the book is just about design then you're not getting it, THIS BOOK IS ABOUT DESIGN (and it actually looks like a designer's book, something else I love about it). This isn't a technical manual by any means, though there is some insightful info on the Flash techniques used to vectorize video and optimizing movies for the web (among other things). Hillman Curtis talks about the process behind some of his work, how things are conceptualized and put together, and some of his basic theories behind motion design and Flash animation. If you're buying this looking for a bunch of how-to's then you'll probably be dissapointed, but if you're looking for an inspirational look into some of the most effective animation on the web then look no further. I strongly recommend this book, and I'd suggest picking up Flash 4 Magic as well. The two together cover the creative and technical spectrum of Flash design and complement each other perfectly.
Rating:
Summary: Bueno para comprender flash mas alla de flash
Review: Gracias a este libro comprendi como optimizar el uso de distintas herramientas en conjunto con flash y como optimizarlas para su mejor provecho. No lo recomiendo para aquellos que esperen entender mejor el manejo interno de flash, pues para eso no sirve.
Rating:
Summary: Practical, hands-on learning that provides insight
Review: Hillman Curtis does not read like a textbook, but I learned as though it were. He explains the dynamic effect of Flash web design so I can make a statement on the web without ever using a word (if necessary). Each chapter has a step-by-step explanation of not only the "how to" but the "why" as well. There are also downloads (from his site) of the chapter example files; the combination is like having a private tutor. As a beginning Flash user, this is a basic text. I'll be using it as a reference for a long time.
Rating:
Summary: Hillman Curtis Rocks!
Review: Hillman Curtis is pushing Flash in a direction few have dared tread. His work is breath taking and he is generous enough to share his knowledge. His book is completely unpretentious. He takes the reader from the concept to publishing. The downside of the book is no CD. I would not recommend this book for beginners or people that aren't familiar with multiple software programs. This book is for those that have some Flash skills and want to get serious about designing more complex animation. I found one of the best things about this book was it helped me to set up my project in an organized manner. I was able to keep my file size down for a tour I did for a client without sacrificing the final outcome. Thanks Hillman Curtis!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful addition to any Flash library!
Review: I really enjoyed Hillman Curtis's insight and I think it is a great book! A must have for all Flash libraries!
Rating:
Summary: The best book on Flash
Review: I've been doing graphic design for 5 yrs, motion graphic design is new to me. After taking some courses and read a few books, I'm kind of feel like full of knowledege but hard to find a point to start. This book : Flash Web Design by Hillman Curtis has help me a lot. Unlike others, other than focus on Flash special effects only, this book goes back to day one: introduce the background, how the original idea came out, and conditions which limit the design, etc.... This book makes me feel confident on using Flash. The example in the book are all real-world designs, which makes the best example you can't find from other books. What else can I say, this is simply the best book on Flash! (well, from a designer's stand point.)
Rating:
Summary: Good for ideas and some experience
Review: This book is what is the title says "Flash Web Design". It does not always take you step by step through the how tos and what tos of flash. It focuses mainly on the how tos and what tos of web design with flash. I found that the book gave me great inspiration, but little actual know how.
Rating: 
Summary: Terrible layout / typography
Review: This book might have useful information about using flash in web design but the layout and typography is so terrible that I can't really use it as a reference.
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