Googles just made flash sites easier to be indexed with the use of the SWFObject.

[Jazajay]

Hi Guys and Gals.
For those of you who don't know what a SWFObject is. It is a javascript file that lets you show diffient content if flash is not on in the users browser.

However this is considered cloaking. Due to the fact the Search Engines get the differnet content as well.

However this bit is really interesting, and taken straight from Google on it's use -

......
Why should you use alternative content?

The object element allows you to nest alternative content inside of it, which will be displayed if Flash is not installed or supported. This content will also be picked up by search engines, making it a great tool for creating search-engine-friendly content. Summarizing, you should use alternative content when you like to create content that is accessible for people who browse the Web without plugins
.....
For you flash developers out their this is great news.

Check out the official documentation offered by Google on it's use and for more details.

http://code.google.com/p/swfobject/wiki/SWFObject_2_0_documentation

Jaz

[beu]

However this bit is really interesting, and taken straight from Google on it's use -
For you flash developers out their this is great news.

Check out the official documentation offered by Google on it's use and for more details.

http://code.google.com/p/swfobject/wiki/SWFObject_2_0_documentation

Jaz

Sorry for the bad news Jazajay but Google Code pages aren't all "Official" Google information and this is one such case. "Google Code" is simply a place where Google hosts open source projects such as this. The page in your post is not "Official" Google documentation.

SWFObject is not considered a best practice by Google.
http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2007/07/best-uses-of-flash.html

& has even been called "dangerous" by Dan Crow who is head of Google Crawl Systems.
http://www.searchmatters.net/2007/07/25/google-explains-site-penalties/

At the same time, Google doesn't say not to use SWFObject but you better know it inside and out.

By the way, "alternative" content in most cases is the product of the ALT attribute and not hidden divs.

In terms of AdWords page load time and Quality Score, SWFObject increases load time and therefore cost.
;)

[Jazajay]

Well thats just stupid mr Beu.
code.google is a sub domain of google.
It has their favicon on the page.
It has their logo at the top of the page.
It says in the page content.

This content will also be picked up by search engines, making it a great tool for creating search-engine-friendly content
I agree that in most cases alternative content means things like the alt text etc.. But not in this case due to it's wording - making it a great tool for creating search engine friendly content.

That not alt text because the alt attribute is not a great tool for creating search engine friendly content. It's a crap tool for creating search engine friendly content.

"Google Code" is simply a place where Google hosts open source projects such as this
Fair enough but saying it's a sub domain of google there should be more censorship as this is under their official logo, their sub domain and is going against what they say. Granted you need to know it inside out that I wont despute but again that wording to me implies a lot more.

Again

....making it a great tool for creating search engine friendly content.
Which is on the page.

If I'm wrong I appologize as I followed the link straight from swfobejct website I've been using - therefore coming across this sub domain of google and reading that line implies a lot more than mere alt text.

Jaz

[beu]

Well thats just stupid mr Beu.
code.google is a sub domain of google.


Momma always said stupid is is stupid does!:)
http://code.google.com/p/jazajay/

I agree that in most cases alternative content means things like the alt text etc.. But not in this case due to it's wording - making it a great tool for creating search engine friendly content.

That not alt text because the alt attribute is not a great tool for creating search engine friendly content. It's a crap tool for creating search engine friendly content.

Last I checked, it was W3C who defines what is and what isn't "alternative content":
http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10-HTML-TECHS/#text-equivs-multimedia

:) :)

[Jazajay]

He He He - point taken but that is just stupid.

I cant believe I get lectured at coding from an SEM, that's twice in the last 7 days. Whats the world coming to.....

Jaz

[beu]

I cant believe I get lectured at coding from an SEM, that's twice in the last 7 days.

All good clean fun Jazajay, no lecture intended.:)

[Jazajay]

I know thats what makes it worse :D

Jaz

[AussieWebmaster]

lol... hey just because we are SEMs does not mean we don't know code... we just prefer the fun, out of the dark cave stuff... AND we have hot women on our side - real not virtual!!!

[jimbeetle]

Well thats just stupid mr Beu.
Wow, the training collar must be working. Jaz is at least treating one person here with a modicum of respect ;-)

Now let's see, if we increase the voltage a bit...

[AussieWebmaster]

Wow, the training collar must be working. Jaz is at least treating one person here with a modicum of respect ;-)

Now let's see, if we increase the voltage a bit...

I agree it is working but if we increase the voltage too much there could be brain damage - which means he would only be good for coding!!!

[Jazajay]

.....AND we have hot women on our side - real not virtual!!!

Now thats just below the belt Aussie. Theres nothing wrong with virtual women.

Wow, the training collar must be working. Jaz is at least treating one person here with a modicum of respect ;-)

Now let's see, if we increase the voltage a bit...

Man I'll like that - check my title ;)
But thank you for your concern, dont worry I'll be back to my normal arrogant self on the next thread, I'll take you for granted soon Jim Bob, don't worry. :)

Jaz