JuntoOnline

General Categories => Geekapalooza => Topic started by: Listener on June 07, 2006, 04:10:07 PM

Title: is flash hard?
Post by: Listener on June 07, 2006, 04:10:07 PM
I have a job interview on Friday and one of the things they want is someone who knows Flash, which I don't, but the guy I talked to today (prelim phone interview) said flash programming would be part of the job, and I've never programmed it before.

So... is it hard?
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: SockmonkeyHolocaust on June 07, 2006, 04:11:56 PM
Depends. What do you mean by "Flash Programming"?

Are you going to have to make buttons, work with video, make games, or hook it to a database? I could teach you in an afternoon enough to make a website.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Listener on June 07, 2006, 04:13:02 PM
Quote from: Sockmonkeyholocaust on June 07, 2006, 04:11:56 PM
Depends. What do you mean by "Flash Programming"?

Are you going to have to make buttons, work with video, make games, or hook it to a database? I could teach you in an afternoon enough to make a website.

Probably make buttons, work with video, and possibly hook it to a database.  But if you could teach me in an afternoon how to make a website, I'm pretty sure that means it's not abominably difficult.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: SockmonkeyHolocaust on June 07, 2006, 04:16:49 PM
Quote from: Listener on June 07, 2006, 04:13:02 PM
Quote from: Sockmonkeyholocaust on June 07, 2006, 04:11:56 PM
Depends. What do you mean by "Flash Programming"?

Are you going to have to make buttons, work with video, make games, or hook it to a database? I could teach you in an afternoon enough to make a website.

Probably make buttons, work with video, and possibly hook it to a database.  But if you could teach me in an afternoon how to make a website, I'm pretty sure that means it's not abominably difficult.

Just because I can teach you enough in an afternoon doesn't mean you can learn enough.

Funny story.

I was working with a client who had a ton of video editing experience. My job was to make an online commercial using Flash to his direction. He got so frustrated with me that he announced that he would download the program and do it himself.

Three hours later he called me back and gave me clearer directions about what he wanted and we finished the project.

So have fun with that.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Listener on June 07, 2006, 04:17:51 PM
Quote from: Sockmonkeyholocaust on June 07, 2006, 04:16:49 PM
Quote from: Listener on June 07, 2006, 04:13:02 PM
Quote from: Sockmonkeyholocaust on June 07, 2006, 04:11:56 PM
Depends. What do you mean by "Flash Programming"?

Are you going to have to make buttons, work with video, make games, or hook it to a database? I could teach you in an afternoon enough to make a website.

Probably make buttons, work with video, and possibly hook it to a database.  But if you could teach me in an afternoon how to make a website, I'm pretty sure that means it's not abominably difficult.

Just because I can teach you enough in an afternoon doesn't mean you can learn enough.

Funny story.

I was working with a client who had a ton of video editing experience. My job was to make an online commercial using Flash to his direction. He got so frustrated with me that he announced that he would download the program and do it himself.

Three hours later he called me back and gave me clearer directions about what he wanted and we finished the project.

So have fun with that.

I see your point.

I'm going to pick up a flash book tomorrow and skim it while I'm at the office.  At least it would help to know some terminology.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: SockmonkeyHolocaust on June 07, 2006, 04:20:30 PM
www.flashkit.com
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: swolt on June 07, 2006, 04:35:18 PM
I made a flash video with a worm crawling across the screen. It was very easy. That's all I've ever done with flash.

So if your job requires you to make a video of a worm crawling across the screen, I'm your guy.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: nishi on June 07, 2006, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 04:35:18 PM
I made a flash video with a worm crawling across the screen. It was very easy. That's all I've ever done with flash.

So if your job requires you to make a video of a worm crawling across the screen, I'm your guy.

more jobs should be like that, really.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: swolt on June 07, 2006, 05:16:56 PM
Quote from: nishi on June 07, 2006, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 04:35:18 PM
I made a flash video with a worm crawling across the screen. It was very easy. That's all I've ever done with flash.

So if your job requires you to make a video of a worm crawling across the screen, I'm your guy.

more jobs should be like that, really.

that's what I do at work all day. I love my job
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 05:20:14 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 05:16:56 PM
Quote from: nishi on June 07, 2006, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 04:35:18 PM
I made a flash video with a worm crawling across the screen. It was very easy. That's all I've ever done with flash.

So if your job requires you to make a video of a worm crawling across the screen, I'm your guy.

more jobs should be like that, really.

that's what I do at work all day. I love my job
All day, every day, you make flash videos of worms?  Crawling worms?  I'd think you'd get crawling worm burnout.  Maybe want to try a dancing worm or a hopping worm or even a zombie worm every once in a while.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Beefy on June 07, 2006, 05:50:22 PM
Well, Wonder Woman's outfit is pretty revealing...
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Alice on June 07, 2006, 06:06:40 PM
I don't think you're going to find a job if you keep applying for jobs you aren't qualified for.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: swolt on June 07, 2006, 07:06:23 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 05:20:14 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 05:16:56 PM
Quote from: nishi on June 07, 2006, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 04:35:18 PM
I made a flash video with a worm crawling across the screen. It was very easy. That's all I've ever done with flash.

So if your job requires you to make a video of a worm crawling across the screen, I'm your guy.

more jobs should be like that, really.

that's what I do at work all day. I love my job
All day, every day, you make flash videos of worms?  Crawling worms?  I'd think you'd get crawling worm burnout.  Maybe want to try a dancing worm or a hopping worm or even a zombie worm every once in a while.

no, crawling worms only. In fact it's only ONE worm. He travels alot. Next week he'll be in bangcok
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: dazie on June 07, 2006, 07:07:17 PM
Learning Flash itself isn't hard.  Learning Flash WELL takes time and effort.

I can make "postcards" well enough to get the point across, but I don't consider myself Flash-fluent. 

I don't think you can learn it from a book.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 07:06:23 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 05:20:14 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 05:16:56 PM
Quote from: nishi on June 07, 2006, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 04:35:18 PM
I made a flash video with a worm crawling across the screen. It was very easy. That's all I've ever done with flash.

So if your job requires you to make a video of a worm crawling across the screen, I'm your guy.

more jobs should be like that, really.

that's what I do at work all day. I love my job
All day, every day, you make flash videos of worms?  Crawling worms?  I'd think you'd get crawling worm burnout.  Maybe want to try a dancing worm or a hopping worm or even a zombie worm every once in a while.

no, crawling worms only. In fact it's only ONE worm. He travels alot. Next week he'll be in bangcok
No wonder "they" complained.  Sheesh.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:06:49 PM
Post the crawling worm already.  GJosh.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:08:28 PM
I brought it home from work and installed it.  I got frustrated with it pretty quickly and then I uninstalled it.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:08:56 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:06:49 PM
Post the crawling worm already.  GJosh.

I was in high school when I made that. It's long gone.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:09:44 PM
I thought you made worms all day every day.  Wait, you're not being disingenuous with me, are you?
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:09:44 PM
I thought you made worms all day every day.  Wait, you're not being disingenuous with me, are you?
:angel:
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:17:41 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:09:44 PM
I thought you made worms all day every day.  Wait, you're not being disingenuous with me, are you?
:angel:
Wait a cotton picking second.  You also said "in high school."  You ARE being disingenuous with me.  LIAR!!
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:21:35 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:17:41 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:09:44 PM
I thought you made worms all day every day.  Wait, you're not being disingenuous with me, are you?
:angel:
Wait a cotton picking second.  You also said "in high school."  You ARE being disingenuous with me.  LIAR!!

I was in high school. Home school high school.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:23:42 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:21:35 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:17:41 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:09:44 PM
I thought you made worms all day every day.  Wait, you're not being disingenuous with me, are you?
:angel:
Wait a cotton picking second.  You also said "in high school."  You ARE being disingenuous with me.  LIAR!!

I was in high school. Home school high school.
Some high school.  You spelled Bangkok wrong earlier.

CITIZENS DEMAND WORMS!
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:25:17 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:23:42 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:21:35 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:17:41 PM
Quote from: swolt on June 07, 2006, 10:15:45 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:09:44 PM
I thought you made worms all day every day.  Wait, you're not being disingenuous with me, are you?
:angel:
Wait a cotton picking second.  You also said "in high school."  You ARE being disingenuous with me.  LIAR!!

I was in high school. Home school high school.
Some high school.  You spelled Bangkok wrong earlier.

CITIZENS DEMAND WORMS!
His earlier post managed to kick off that stupid "One Night in Bangkok' song in my head!  Thanks a lot swolt!
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:30:23 PM
Here.  I'll fix that.  http://ualuealuealeuale.ytmnd.com/
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:31:58 PM
Actually, I've decided this might be better than that.  http://users.belgacom.net/treets_reservesite/dubdub.html
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:33:57 PM
Changed my mind again.  http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/choccy/
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:30:23 PM
Here.  I'll fix that.  http://ualuealuealeuale.ytmnd.com/
This is one of the best things ever!
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:35:31 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:31:58 PM
Actually, I've decided this might be better than that.  http://users.belgacom.net/treets_reservesite/dubdub.html
This is also one of the best things ever!
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:35:50 PM
Sorry.  I just can't make up my mind.  http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/eggsong
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:37:06 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:33:57 PM
Changed my mind again.  http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/choccy/
This is one of the strangest things ever.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:38:57 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:35:50 PM
Sorry.  I just can't make up my mind.  http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/eggsong
This makes me worry about the future of humanity.  But at least I'm not thinking to that song any more.

"I really love you so!"
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:42:21 PM
This is not a good one.  Don't click this.  http://www.rathergood.com/moon_song/
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:44:43 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:42:21 PM
This is not a good one.  Don't click this.  http://www.rathergood.com/moon_song/
derigibles!  hah!
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:49:42 PM
Quote from: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:44:43 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:42:21 PM
This is not a good one.  Don't click this.  http://www.rathergood.com/moon_song/
derigibles!  hah!
Um. Hello?  I told you not to click that.

Definitely don't click this.  Really.  Don't do it.  http://www.legit.dk/
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:51:23 PM
Do click this one, though.  Go ahead.  Click me! (http://gprime.net/flash.php/annoying)
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:53:03 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:51:23 PM
Do click this one, though.  Go ahead.  Click me! (http://gprime.net/flash.php/annoying)
That's the one that'll keep me up all night.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:53:31 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:49:42 PM
Quote from: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 10:44:43 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:42:21 PM
This is not a good one.  Don't click this.  http://www.rathergood.com/moon_song/
derigibles!  hah!
Um. Hello?  I told you not to click that.

Definitely don't click this.  Really.  Don't do it.  http://www.legit.dk/
oops.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:53:59 PM
This is actually worth braving newgrounds for.  http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/193426
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Alice on June 07, 2006, 10:57:30 PM
Best. Threadjack. Evar.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: ReBurn on June 07, 2006, 11:00:55 PM
Quote from: Gamplayerx on June 07, 2006, 10:53:59 PM
This is actually worth braving newgrounds for.  http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/193426
That was odd!
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Jessie on June 08, 2006, 11:20:17 AM
Quote from: Beefy on June 07, 2006, 05:50:22 PM
Well, Wonder Woman's outfit is pretty revealing...
Thank you.  It's good to know I'm not the only one.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:21:36 AM
Here's an un-threadjack:

I looked at some Flash books.  I didn't want to shell out $45 or more on a book with tutorial software for a job I might not get.  It doesn't look impossibly-difficult from what I saw.  I think it's something I could learn rather quickly.  (Not as fast as SMH may have suggested, but a week or so should give me a pretty strong grounding in it.)

I may have overstated the importance of Flash -- it's listed as a "plus", not a requirement.

I have meetings with a few managers tomorrow over at the TV station (not the one that harassed me) throughout the morning, so it appears at the very least that I made it through the first round of interviews pretty well.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: SockmonkeyHolocaust on June 08, 2006, 11:28:45 AM
Quote from: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:21:36 AM
Here's an un-threadjack:

I looked at some Flash books.  I didn't want to shell out $45 or more on a book with tutorial software for a job I might not get.  It doesn't look impossibly-difficult from what I saw.  I think it's something I could learn rather quickly.  (Not as fast as SMH may have suggested, but a week or so should give me a pretty strong grounding in it.)

I may have overstated the importance of Flash -- it's listed as a "plus", not a requirement.

I have meetings with a few managers tomorrow over at the TV station (not the one that harassed me) throughout the morning, so it appears at the very least that I made it through the first round of interviews pretty well.

Macromedia packages some decent tutorials with their programs to learn the basics. Check them out in the "help section". I learned how to use Director that way.

Otherwise, hit http://www.actionscript.org/tutorials.shtml for a grounding in basic actionscript.

What you will need to know to sound vaguely like what you are doing is:
tweening/how to
the timeline
how to make a button do what you want
the difference between a movie clip, button and graphic element

Good luck and drop a line if you need any help.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:31:46 AM
Quote from: Sockmonkeyholocaust on June 08, 2006, 11:28:45 AM
Quote from: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:21:36 AM
Here's an un-threadjack:

I looked at some Flash books.  I didn't want to shell out $45 or more on a book with tutorial software for a job I might not get.  It doesn't look impossibly-difficult from what I saw.  I think it's something I could learn rather quickly.  (Not as fast as SMH may have suggested, but a week or so should give me a pretty strong grounding in it.)

I may have overstated the importance of Flash -- it's listed as a "plus", not a requirement.

I have meetings with a few managers tomorrow over at the TV station (not the one that harassed me) throughout the morning, so it appears at the very least that I made it through the first round of interviews pretty well.

Macromedia packages some decent tutorials with their programs to learn the basics. Check them out in the "help section". I learned how to use Director that way.

Otherwise, hit http://www.actionscript.org/tutorials.shtml for a grounding in basic actionscript.

What you will need to know to sound vaguely like what you are doing is:
tweening/how to
the timeline
how to make a button do what you want
the difference between a movie clip, button and graphic element

Good luck and drop a line if you need any help.


Thanks.

At least I'm pretty sure I know that last one.  And if making a button do what you want uses coding anything like HTML/Java buttons, I think I can handle that.

It seems to me Flash is basically a form of nonlinear video/audio/SFX editing, which I already know how to do with conventional broadcast equipment (AVID editing, digital tape, etc), which may help me in the long run.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Beefy on June 08, 2006, 11:33:50 AM
Quote from: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:31:46 AM
It seems to me Flash is basically a form of nonlinear video/audio/SFX editing, which I already know how to do with conventional broadcast equipment (AVID editing, digital tape, etc), which may help me in the long run.

It might help you with Flash in the long run?

The comic geek jokes write themselves.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: DownSouth on June 08, 2006, 11:40:01 AM
Quote from: Beefy on June 08, 2006, 11:33:50 AM
Quote from: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:31:46 AM
It seems to me Flash is basically a form of nonlinear video/audio/SFX editing, which I already know how to do with conventional broadcast equipment (AVID editing, digital tape, etc), which may help me in the long run.

It might help you with Flash in the long run?

The comic geek jokes write themselves.
I actually got that.  I had Flash underoos when I was a kid.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: WileE on June 08, 2006, 11:42:31 AM
Here are a couple of online tutorials I found in my search for flash knowledge:

http://www.kirupa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190941

http://www.actionscripts.org/tutorials.shtml  <--  Best one I think

http://iwa-hwg.eclasses.org/

http://www.learnthat.com/computers/learn-1774-free_flash_mx_2004_training_tutorial.htm

From what I have read, basic webpage kinda things are not that bad.  Movies and fancy effects are more challenging.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: dazie on June 08, 2006, 11:43:57 AM
Quote from: DownSouth on June 08, 2006, 11:40:01 AM
Quote from: Beefy on June 08, 2006, 11:33:50 AM
Quote from: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:31:46 AM
It seems to me Flash is basically a form of nonlinear video/audio/SFX editing, which I already know how to do with conventional broadcast equipment (AVID editing, digital tape, etc), which may help me in the long run.

It might help you with Flash in the long run?

The comic geek jokes write themselves.
I actually got that.  I had Flash underoos when I was a kid.

Oh God I suck.  It took me until THIS post to get the Wonder Woman post.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Listener on June 08, 2006, 12:15:35 PM
Quote from: DownSouth on June 08, 2006, 11:40:01 AM
Quote from: Beefy on June 08, 2006, 11:33:50 AM
Quote from: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:31:46 AM
It seems to me Flash is basically a form of nonlinear video/audio/SFX editing, which I already know how to do with conventional broadcast equipment (AVID editing, digital tape, etc), which may help me in the long run.

It might help you with Flash in the long run?

The comic geek jokes write themselves.
I actually got that.  I had Flash underoos when I was a kid.

I had the Superman ones meself.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Beefy on June 08, 2006, 12:17:46 PM
Quote from: DownSouth on June 08, 2006, 11:40:01 AM
Quote from: Beefy on June 08, 2006, 11:33:50 AM
Quote from: Listener on June 08, 2006, 11:31:46 AM
It seems to me Flash is basically a form of nonlinear video/audio/SFX editing, which I already know how to do with conventional broadcast equipment (AVID editing, digital tape, etc), which may help me in the long run.

It might help you with Flash in the long run?

The comic geek jokes write themselves.
I actually got that.  I had Rainbow Brite underoos when I was a kid.

This surprises me none.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Listener on July 12, 2006, 03:11:07 PM
Threadbump.

Well, I installed Dreamweaver and Flash today on my work compy.  Dreamweaver seems interesting, but more complex than I expected.  Flash, on the other hand... I picked up the really basic stuff in about 15 minutes, and had a poorly-animated six-layer presentation.

Now, about an hour later, I've got it animated pretty much right.

I'm sure the complicated stuff will take a lot more time, but it impressed the hell out of my boss that I figured this much out this fast.
Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: DownSouth on July 12, 2006, 03:17:09 PM
That's great!

Ooh dream weaver
I believe you can get me through the night
Ooh dream weaver
I believe we can reach the morning light

Title: Re: is flash hard?
Post by: Jessie on July 12, 2006, 04:36:07 PM
I like Dreamweaver.  Haven't used it in forever, though.