Flash has been a remarkable proving ground for the current generation of digital talent. Flash both enabled and forced this talent to confront the multitude of challenges when creating rich interactive experiences -- experiences far richer than would have been possible in the absence of Flash.

So, we’ve learned a lot in this period. And, this sudden shift in our industry (along with the ensuing industry-wide uncertainty) gives all of us an unusual opportunity to reflect on precisely what it is that we’ve learned, and where we might want to take that moving forward.

Back in the late 90s, I was a boring ol’ HTML page builder (it seemed like such a cooler career choice than 'tech support'). In 2000, I entered the Flash world through the video side, with the creation of Flix, the first video encoder for Flash (because I was just so damn sick of the limitations of skinning Real with SMIL). So, of course in the past decade I have learned a lot about digital video and media.

More broadly, however, I have learned a tremendous amount about how to produce large-scale software and digital interface projects, profitably and on-schedule, in the stunningly complex intersection of rich experiences, internet, devices, browsers, businesses and customers. And I learned how to build and run a company (from scratch, with no external investment) that specializes in this new arena. And, of course, Flash afforded me many teaching, speaking and writing opportunities -- opportunities that I have exploited to improve and refine my style, and become a powerful communicator on a range of technical, creative and business subjects.

I say all this by way of explaining that, while I may have entered the Flash world as a coder and designer, the ensuing decade afforded me many opportunities to grow my skills on a variety of fronts, far beyond the scope of, and not directly related to, Flash.

And the same will be true for each and every one of you.

As you evaluate the new landscape of technological options, remember: coding languages, like all technologies, are just tools. We use these tools to build projects for clients, yes, but we also use these tools to build careers for ourselves.

There is significant temptation and pressure right now to make reflexive choices (and I suspect that in about 18 months there will be a fair bit of buyer’s remorse among some people who chose to specialize in HTML5, as they come to terms with the limitations of that technology, and the browser runtimes). Remember: don’t follow the tools; instead, let your selection of tools flow from a clear understanding of your own personal goals.

So, please take this rare opportunity of an industry-wide disruption, to really consider what those goals are. Don’t let the industry make these choices for you.

Share and enjoy!

-r