I agree boomer, BUT...
Animated gifs don't require a plugin. (On my PC for security reasons, I have IE set up to prompt me when a web page trying to access a ActiveX component)
Animated GIF pros and cons:
Pros:
1) MUCH simpler to implement in a web site.
2) most (that I have tried) freeware banner rotation scripts can't hanlde anything but images.
3) Not nearly as flexible as flash in terms as what can be accomplished.
Cons.
1) only 256 colors max can be used including the transparency.
2) Usually don't render real pictures well, when they do, they are larger in size than Flash animations.
3) more difficult to create.
IMHO - theres a place for both, its up to us to determin which is best for the application..
I have clients that DEMAND FLASH JUST because its the "Lastest thing" when a JPG would have worked better, simpler. - But who am I to turn away extra $$$ for the extra work...
Peace