Does Google read within aFlash file ?? --> The answer

[httpman]

Does Google read within SWf files, really ?

I've found the answer from a wellknown but not so much used trick : just type in "site:http://www.yourdomain.ext" within the Google toolbar, on their website's searchbox. This will show you which pages have been spidered on your own website, and what google has read on each of them. It includes any .pdf, .doc, txt and.. .swf files !

[I've found files that I did not intend to index, so I have to update my robot.txt file]

Surprise !
I have found a .SWF file with a lot of [key]words coming from the text boxes inside that flash file... You can check it by typing "site:http://www.net-createurs.com" within Google toolbar / searchbox, then go to page 2 of 3, URL nb 6 (starting with a small "flash")... Yes, this is the URl of a pure .SWF file, and Google perfectly read it.

I didn't kown it did it.
Please share comments.

JP

[flood6]

Garrett wrote an article about this and posted it in the forums. Hre's the link:

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic...475&highlight=

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Most flash content is not about information (I realize there are exceptions) but more about entertainment and "wow, that's cool" type of stuff. So when I search for something, I'm concerned that I'm going to be hit with unrelated flash content.

On the other hand, I have no doubt that there is quite a bit of usefull information in many flash movies and sites.

I guess I can see the good and the bad...