On a more positive note, we are seeing increased competition in your RIA space, specifically because it is a growing market with untapped potential. So isn’t it great that we are solution providers on one of the leading platforms that people want to get on to?

I also agree with Ben, that other than programming fundamentals, there is a gap in knowledge before programmer steeped in experience in a more traditional language can be productive as a multimedia programmer.

This levels the playing field somewhat as long time programmers of Actionscript, and more traditionally trained programmers both have to cover a significant amount of ground to be effective.

I do believe that as the RIA space matures, we will need to diversify our skillsets so that we can provide better and more well rounded solutions to our clients. but that does not mean that we need to chase every buzzword worthy technological advancement. Especially if you are looking to separate yourself from the good, as one of the greats in future.

My rationale on this point is that, everyone is different. Different as in different strengths and different weaknesses. We can’t be good at everything. Im a firm believer In playing to my strengths and doing just enough to cover my weaknesses.

Whether or not you agree with me, I believe that each of the above posters, has in his own way already specialized in their craft, such that they can take advantage of their own unique set of strengths.

This post shows, that you at least are not keeping your head in the sand, and that you are observing the trends that may shape the future of our craft. as long as you keep doing so, and take the correct steps to hone your craft, you will continue to remain competitive, and provide value to your clients.

P.S sorry for not commenting for ages, it was a pretty hectic towards the end of last year.

Even though Java, C# programmers might be able to script for Flash, at the end of the day it’s the beauty of the end result that matters, from a layman client’s point of view if they like what they see, it really doesn’t matter which scripting language was used. If a Flash programmer can build elegant UI / UX better than a Java programmer, he/she still have an edge. The new Eclipse E4 & SWT is just another tool for Java and C# to explore or port their apps into another platform.

Recently Adobe launched the Open Screen Project in which Flash developers can build RIAs for the smartphone, TV and desktop, in all platforms, while pumping $1million into this project encouraging Flash developers to build apps, I’m really excited about this, the more Adobe spreads the player across multiple platforms, the more in demand a Flash developer is. Check it out if you haven’t http://www.openscreenproject.org/

Maybe my statement is to harsh but I really feel the pressure from the fact other programming languages can achieve what Flash can do. I have much less confident if I stand beside a Java programmer who has been developing applications since 1990.

at the end of the day, if you are real programmer languages does not matter and you will praise opportunity to do amazing staff on Flash platform no matter how you code it