I don't like splash pages - you know, those annoying pages that appear when you type in a URL before the actual website comes up. Usually, they'll show off some kind of flash feature that slows down your PC and is just annoying. You either have to click some kind of "Enter here" button, or you might have to search around the splash page to try to find the hidden way to enter the site. 
However splash pages are set up, in my opinion, they have one thing in common - they get in the way of what I'm trying to accomplish. Smashing Magazine published a great article about splash pages as well as 12 common reasons why splash pages are used and numerous examples this past week. When I read through that list, the only valid reason to use splash pages seems to be to display warnings or disclaimers on adult, gambling or alcohol sites. In fact, these types of disclaimers are required by law and very appropriate, but splash pages that do nothing but slow me down are a waste of my time.
In fact, I've abandoned a site many times upon reaching a splash page. They're intrusive and don't add value. Of course, designers will disagree with me on this issue, I'm sure, but for marketing purposes with the goal of converting casual visitors to users and for retail sites converting those users to sales, splash pages hinder the usability of a website as well as the buying experience.
There is an ongoing relationship between website design and usability. In a post at Brandcurve, I wrote about the clash between design and usability citing the Disney website as a perfect example of a cite that foregoes usability in favor of design with too much flash animation and clutter making the site difficult to navigate. Users visit websites for information or to complete a transaction. Rarely are they there to admire a site's design and creative use of flash animation. The same theory holds true for splash pages. Users have very little time and even the slightest hindrance or delay could drive them away from your website. Don't give them the chance to leave. Avoid splash pages!
My rant is over. Why not leave a comment and let MarketingBlurb readers know your stance on splash pages?
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