General Queries
What is a Flashbook?
A Flashbook is an Adobe Flash component that acts like a book 'online'. Visitors to your site will be able to flick through the pages on their computer similar to how you flick through a book or magazine.
Why should I use a Flashbook?
Navigating through a website can often be tedious and confusing. Many websites are also less than impressive and lose visitors even before they have had the chance to get their message across.
Flashbooks solve both of these problems by presenting a 'page by page' design just like a book complete with all the animation that can be found on the web today. The user can 'click' through each page, reading your information in the order YOU want and at the same time be engaged by the dynamic content available through Flash.
How can I get a Flashbook?
Simply follow the three step process outlined in our "
Get me one" section to see how you can get your own Flashbook or jump straight in and fill out our online Design Brief so we can get a better idea of what you would like your book to look like.
How long does a Flashbook take to make?
Once we have finalised your design brief, received the content and images you wish to use and chosen the relevant features you would like included, we can complete your Flashbook within 5-10 working days depending on the size of the book.
Can you change the size of the Flashbook?
Yes we can. We can accommodate for any size in the design however our standard size is designed to present on the smallest screen (like a laptop) with room for the navigation bar below. This way the Flashbook can be viewed instantly on any computer screen without having to navigate around.
How many Flash features can I add to one Flashbook?
Depending on the size of the book, we usually recommend no more than six video files, such as virtual presenters, due to their large file size. We also recommend using no more than one animated Flash feature per page as it can distract the reader from the content being presented. For larger books, we will always provide a recommendation if we think there may be some issues.
How do I "send" a Flashbook?
A Flashbook has a domain name just like a regular website. In the same way, you can advertise the link or tell people about it; for example, "go to www.juliesinvite.com.au to see my invitation online", or you can email the link out to people. If you email it we can provide you with a customized email template free of charge that introduces the Flashbook and presents a picture of it to capture the readers attention.
Can you add the Flashbook to my current website?
Yes we can. We can add a Flashbook icon to your current web page that links through to your Flashbook, we can add an additional button to your site navigation if your web page layout allows, or we can incorporate a Flashbook into your page design. These options will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis so please contact use directly if you would like us to undertake this for you.
Can I use the Flashbook as a website?
Yes you can. We can even set up the domain name and an email address for you.
Will Flashbooks work on mobile devices like iPhones, PDA's and Blackberry's?
Flashbook is compatible with all devices that are able to run the Flash 9+ applications. Currently iPhone and Blackberry are working to get Flash onto their products.
Do you offer any support if something goes wrong with my Flashbook?
Yes we do. We offer full technical support for one year including the initial hosting integration to set up the Flashbook.
Designing your Flashbook
Is every book custom designed?
Yes. Your Flashbook purchase includes creative design that is customised specifically to your requirements or branding.
Do you have templates that I can choose from?
At the moment we are working on developing the tools to let you build your own book and upload it straight on to the web. This will also include a number of templates for you to choose from. In the meantime, we would be happy to build a template for you if you wanted to take advantage of our multiple purchase offers available
here and didn't want to create a new design each time.
What if I don't like the design of my Flashbook? Can I change it?
During the creative development we allow two creative changes to be made to the design. We find this is adequate once we have a clear brief to work from. If any changes need to be made once the design has been approved then a standard hourly fee will be incurred.
I'm not sure about my images or content. Can you help me create these?
Yes we can. We have a copywriter on hand to provide their services should you need assistance with your content. We can also source images for you for a more professional presentation or arrange for a photographer for specific requests.
What if I want to design my own book?
At the moment we are working on developing the tools to let you build your own book and upload it straight on to the web. In the meantime though, we are happy to accept work in professionally designed formats. Please refer to our design specifications
here for more information.
I'm not sure what Flash features to use. Can you recommend something for me?
Yes we can. Our designers can assess your page content and recommend specific features that will enhance your presentation.
Can I use my current print material for my Flashbook?
Absolutely. You can send us the material and we can resize it for you to match the Flashbook's specifications or you can have your designer create the Flashbook pages to match your print material.
I have a designer already. Can they design a Flashbook for me?
Absolutely. You can save on the price of a Flashbook if you have a designer to do the creative work for you. To see Flashbook pricing without creative work included please refer to our pricing section
here. For design specifications, please refer to our
design specifications sheet for more information.
I’m a designer. Can I design a Flashbook?
Absolutely. We have a standard page spread created in Photoshop that we can provide you with. From here it's just a matter of placing the artwork, indicating any Flash features you would like included and sending us the layered file. For more detailed information please refer to our
design specifications sheet.
Purchasing your Flashbook
How much does it cost?
Please visit our
pricing page and use our online calculator to get a price for your new Flashbook.
What is included in the price?
Within the cost of the Flashbook we include:
- Complete creative design of the content and images provided to match the design brief including two creative changes
- Assistance with choosing suitable Flash features for your Flashbook
- Full technical integration of all the animated Flash features chosen
- The transfer of your Flashbook to your nominated hosting provider
- One-year FREE hosting if hosted within the flashbook.com.au site
- One-year FREE technical support for your Flashbook
- Email template to introduce others to your Flashbook (upon request)
How do I pay?
Once our Sales consultants have taken all the necessary details for the creation of your Flashbook we will be able to provide you with a price immediately. If you are happy to move forward you will be emailed a request for 50% of the payment via direct debit or Paypal, an online payment system. Paypal accepts payments via Paypal account or any major credit card and does not require you to be a member.
One you have approved the working Flashbook design you will be issued with a final 50% payment request via Paypal. When we have received these funds we will transfer your Flashbook to the nominated domain of your choice.
Are all the available features included in the price?
Our prices include the integration of all the features shown within the Flashbook site as well as all the animation tools like Image and Text effects. We can also provide other services such as video and virtual presenters however the supply of these forms of media will be an additional cost.
Is it true that I can have an unlimited amount of Flash features included within my book?
Yes you can, although an overabundance of animation can often detract from the content and often significantly effects the performance. We recommend no more than one feature per page to avoid these issues and if there are any problems during production we will notify you.
Are there any ongoing license fees?
No there are no ongoing fees. Once we have created the Flashbook for you the product is yours for its lifetime. However, if you choose to host the Flashbook with us then you will be charged $15.95 for hosting after the first complimentary year.
Do I get a discount if I buy more than one Flashbook?
Yes you can. We can offer discounts for multiple Flashbooks with a single design as well as multiple Flashbooks with multiple designs. For more information about these savings please contact us with details of how many you wish to purchase and whether the same design will be used between each book.
Can I save money if I don't want to include any animated Flash features within my Flashbook?
Yes you can. This is known as a static Flashbook. Because we don't have to integrate as much technology we can lower the price and save you money. Please contact our Sales staff for a more detailed price list for static books.
Do I need to sign a contract?
No, there is no contract. However by purchasing a Flashbook you agree to comply with our Terms & Conditions which can be downloaded
here. This ensures that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities within the transaction and we can be held accountable for the quality of the product and services that we offer.
Do you offer additional services?
Yes we do. In addition to copywriting services and image sourcing we also offer ongoing analytical analysis of your Flashbook if hosted within the Flashbook.com.au site. We can provide you with valuable information such as how many people visited your Flashbook, how long they viewed it for, whether they clicked any links or downloaded information and many other valuable tools to help fine tune your marketing efforts.